Category: Learn

Choosing the Right Wires For Your Project

"It seems to run on some form of electricity." Marvel's The Avengers (2012) One of the most confusing parts of electronic work is choosing the right wires. If they're too thin, they may not be providing enough power. If they're too thick, they may be taking up precious real estate if you have a densely-packed project. Figuring out the right wires to use also involves a fair amount of math. Let's hope you were paying attention in algebra. The Basics Before we even get into wires, you'll probably want to know the basics of electric power. The three common elements of power you'll need to…

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What’s The Best Battery For My Project?

"The Matrix is a computer-generated dream world built to keep us under control in order to change a human being into this." The Matrix (1999) While we are still a long way from rogue artificial intelligence enslaving the human race (at least I hope we are), the necessity for batteries remains largely the same. Batteries power most things in our lives. Phones, watches, cars, tools- all of these things are powered in some part by batteries. Naturally, with so many different devices and applications, there must be many different types of batteries as well. So how do we go about deciding which kind is right…

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Choosing the Right Soldering Tip

"Hey, you're talking to my guy all wrong. It's the wrong tone. Do it again, I'll stab you in the face with a soldering iron." Joe Dirt (2001) While we don't recommend using your soldering iron for homicide, we DO recommend following this guide to determine which tips you'll need for your project. Soldering is probably a lot older than you'd think. It dates back to at least 3,000 B.C. where the Sumer people of Mesopotamia used soldering to assemble their swords. Historically, soldering was used mainly for jewelry, cookware, and stained glass. Today it is widely used in electrical work and electronics. If you're…

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How to Find the Studs in Your Wall Without a Stud Finder

"The wall is solid."300 (2006) So, you want to hang that new family photo in the living room, or set up that fancy mirror you got for a steal at your neighbor's garage sale. If the picture frame is light enough, you can probably get away with hanging it wherever it looks good, but most of the time you're going to need to find a stud. And no, I don't mean a tall, dark, handsome man who can solve all of your household problems with a Colgate smile. I'm talking about the vertical wood framing that holds up your entire house. Those things are pretty…

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Should You Screw It or Nail It?

"Screws fall out all the time. The world is an imperfect place." The Breakfast Club (1985) Should you use a nail or should you use a screw? It's a question as old as time itself. Or, at least as old as woodworking. Or, at least as old as nails and screws. In order to answer this elusive question, we need to understand each ones' strengths. Grip Strength Vs. Shear Strength Screws apply what is called grip strength to the two pieces you are screwing together. Grip strength is how well the fastener can draw the wood together. The threaded design of a screw causes compression…

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How to Dispose of Automotive Fluids the Right Way

Although many people do it, it's never been okay to dispose of hazardous waste by dumping it in the gutter or on the ground. Get caught doing it by the wrong people (as in police officers or health officials) and you're in for a very nasty and costly surprise. The penalty can range in places from a simple fine of a few hundred dollars, up to fines of several thousand dollars and jail time. From what I've seen, the closer you get to either a drinking water supply, like a well or reservoir, or to the ocean, the stiffer the penalties become. Oil & Oil…

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Easy Ways to Prevent Tools from Rusting

The last thing on your mind after a long and exhausting install or repair is tool care. In an effort to salvage whatever time is left of the day, you quickly gather your dirty tools and toss them into the toolbox or hang them back up on your wall rack. Tools can last a lifetime if you take care of them but unfortunately basements and garages are places that are more likely to contain moisture than the rest of your house, magnifying your tools' susceptibility to rust - and once rust forms on a tool, it will keep corroding faster and faster. Although moisture and…

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Choosing the Right Diameter Exhaust Pipe

Who needs a size chart? The bigger the pipe the more the powaaahhh, right? Well, up to a certain point. So if you're getting ready to install a new system that's as wide as a Brontosaurus' tail, you may want to hold up a sec. The best size for your application depends on both engine output and displacement. As a general rule the higher each of these components, the larger the pipes should be. Larger diameter pipes reduce backpressure by allowing more exhaust gas to exit so your engine can breathe more efficiently, giving you more output and better fuel economy. But there comes a…

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Recommended Gauges for One-Wire Alternators

Like most car enthusiasts, you'll want to add some modern comforts to your classic or muscle car - and that means an alternator upgrade to power them all. In the early days, there wasn't much need for high-amp alternators because the only accessory they really had to deal with was an additional pair of speakers in the back. But after the 1980s, accessories became more popular as fog lights, sound systems, electrical fans, air suspensions, sophisticated alarms, cameras and more slammed the market. With many older alternators, the 14-16 gauge wiring alone can't handle more than the 45-60 amps factory alternators were putting out -…

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Epoxy vs. Self-Etching Primer for Painting Bare Metal

Visit any automotive forum and you can't help but stumble upon a long running debate on which direct to metal product is better, etch primer or epoxy primer. You will hear all kinds of technical facts, personal experiences as well as flat out unsubstantiated opinion. Then throw in the thousands of products available for the job, each with their own recommendations, and you'll find yourself overwhelmed. But after the smoke finally clears the fact remains that both types of primers will give you successful results - if used correctly. The route you choose depends on the condition of the metal you're starting with, the time…

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