Tools Archives - Make Meaning Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:13:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.6 https://www.makemeaning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-cropped-Make-Meaning2-1-32x32.jpg Tools Archives - Make Meaning 32 32 Window Washing Tips and Techniques https://www.makemeaning.com/window-washing-tips-and-techniques/ https://www.makemeaning.com/window-washing-tips-and-techniques/#respond Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:13:29 +0000 https://www.makemeaning.com/?p=2351 Basic Window Washing Equipment When Cleaning windows Remember that professional window washers can be purchased online, in home centers and at full-service...

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Basic Window Washing Equipment

When Cleaning windows Remember that professional window washers can be purchased online, in home centers and at full-service hardware shops. Here are the essentials:

  • 10- or 12-in. squeegee
  • A sponge or a scrubber
  • A bucket (a 5-gallon bucket of plastic will work)
  • Dish soap
  • Small towels or rags that are lint-free
  • If necessary, a ladder and a ladder stabiliser

Make sure your squeegee is fitted with a new, sharp rubber blade. Keep a few extra rubber blades on hand. Blades that have not been nicked or sliced can be used for a lot longer by simply being reversed to reveal a new edge. Make sure the blade is not touched when you store your squeegee.

DIY Window Cleaning Solution

The best window cleaning brush solutions are made at home. You can just combine two gallons water with about a teaspoon dishwashing solution in a bucket. You can also use vinegar and water to clean your windows. In warmer weather, cool water will give you a bit more time. If you have been procrastinating so much that you are washing windows in cold temperatures, you can add windshield washer solution to ensure the water doesn’t freeze on the glass.

Scrub the glass

The first step towards the Exterior window The glass should be cleaned by scrubbing it at all angles. You should cover every inch of glass. This will allow you to achieve amazing results quickly. The squeegee is being moved horizontally across the glass. However, vertical strokes are also possible. To direct excess water towards the area that isn’t cleaned, angle your squeegee vertically.

Clean a Start Strip

Turn the squeegee to ensure that the corner touches the glass. Next, start at the top corner and clean one side of the glass. This will make it easier to begin the horizontal stokes.

Use a squeegee to smoothen the top

The squeegee blade should be pressed against the glass at the upper corner. Continue to pull the squeegee across the window. Keep the top of your squeegee in direct contact with the window. Edge of the window .

Clean the Squeegee

To remove excess water and dirt, wipe the blade with a clean towel.

Get rid of the window

Start over, with the top edge of the squeegee covering the stroke approximately 2-in. To direct water down, angle the squeegee so that it is positioned across the window. Repeat the process.   

Get rid of excess water

Next, use the rag from your pocket to clean the windows’ bottom edges. To remove any suds, you can poke your finger into the dry spot on a separate, lint-free cloth and then run it around the perimeter. Use a clean lint-free cloth to remove any streaks. If you are unable to find fresh, clean areas, change rags.

A Squeegee can be used inside the house, too!

Professional cleaners use squeegees in every room, even inside houses. Stain and varnish woodwork . To avoid excessive dripping or running when cleaning windows indoors with a squeegee, squeeze as much soapy water from the scrubber as possible. Place the scrubber on the bucket’s edge, rather than dipping it into the water after each window. You may be able wash 5-10 windows depending on the condition of your windows. To wipe the edges of the glass, use a separate clean cloth. For window cleaning, microfiber rags are also great.

How to change a Squeegee blade

  • Take out the worn blade.
  • Grab the blade’s end and pull it out until you see the metal clip.
  • Slide the clip off and then slide the blade out of the other end.
  • Tip: Blades that aren’t clipped are often held together with a few screws and the clamp attached to the handle.
  • Install the new blade.
  • Place it in the metal channel.
  • It can be stretched and then reattached to the metal clip.
  • Tip: Leave 1/8 to 3/16 inches at the blade’s end. The channel should protrude from it.

Tips for cleaning windows that are difficult to clean

Use a razor blade that is mounted in a holder to remove paint specks or labels. To avoid scratching the glass, always use a new blade. First, wet the glass and then push the blade along the glass. To avoid catching debris underneath the blade, which could scratch the glass, rinse the blade. Tempered glass is not suitable for use with a razor blade.

  • Use a nylon scrub pad made of fine (white) nylon to remove tree pitch and bug droppings. To avoid scratching the glass, first wet it.
  • Remove tough glass stains or mineral deposits from shower doors with mild household abrasives. You can also use an ordinary power drill to clean other glass surfaces.
  • This glass cleaner is for stubborn spots: To remove greasy dirt, add 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water.
  • Remove sticky residue from tape labels and tape by soaking them in a special product such as Goof Off. Goof Off is available at hardware stores and home centres in the paint section. Use a razor blade to scrape the residue.

 

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Machinery Maintenance: 6 Tips to Keep Your Farm Equipment in Top Condition https://www.makemeaning.com/keep-your-farm-equipment-in-top-condition/ https://www.makemeaning.com/keep-your-farm-equipment-in-top-condition/#respond Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:37:49 +0000 https://www.makemeaning.com/?p=2233 Farm equipment can be a significant investment, with farmers spending tens of thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money to...

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Farm equipment can be a significant investment, with farmers spending tens of thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money to ensure their agricultural businesses continue operating successfully. 

When you’re spending a considerable amount of money, it makes sense that you’ll want to keep your equipment in excellent condition for as long as possible. To achieve this goal, add the following steps to your machinery maintenance strategy:

Be Proactive

Many agriculture business owners wait until their equipment experiences a problem before they perform repairs and maintenance. However, if you stock up on everything you need for upkeep, whether that be oil, lubricants, or Pellenc parts, you’ll be ready to take a more proactive approach. 

Rather than waiting for catastrophic failures to occur, leading to costly downtime, focus on regular maintenance. If you can pick up potential issues, such as worn bearings, cracked bolts, and weak welds, you can fix them before they become a catastrophe. 

Store Equipment Properly

Leaving your harvester between two rows of grape vines can be tempting when you know you’ll be back to finish the job tomorrow. However, improper storage can take its toll. As time-consuming as it can be to transport equipment to and from worksites each day, doing so might prevent costly problems down the line. 

Whether it’s plastic perishing from UV exposure, rust developing from too much exposure to water, or electrical issues related to bird nests and rodents, these issues are all easily avoidable if you store your machinery well. Focus on keeping equipment out of direct sunlight in a dry and well-ventilated area. Open and multi-bay farm sheds are often a preferred option. 

Lubricate Often

Most farm equipment needs lubricants and grease to work at its best. These products keep all parts moving freely and prevent rust and general wear that might otherwise lead to costly part failures. If any equipment you own has hoses, O-rings, seals, grommets, gaskets, and bushings, there’s a high chance it’ll need a continuous lubricant supply. 

Inspect Electrical Wiring

Most farm equipment manufactured today is highly advanced as far as electronics go. This technology makes the average equipment operator’s job much more manageable and is often necessary for performing tasks like harvesting. 

Because electrical wiring can be crucial for daily tasks, it makes sense to inspect it frequently. Look for signs of wear and damage, and keep a supply of wiring to carry out repairs. By being proactive, you can minimize the risk of downtime. 

Upgrade Regularly

Knowing when it’s the right time to upgrade farm equipment is never easy. It can depreciate in the early years of ownership, and maintenance and repair requirements are often much lower. 

However, research has revealed many benefits associated with regular farm machinery upgrades. For example, you can usually look forward to increased reliability, new technology, improved capacity, and pride of ownership. It’s also satisfying to know that your maintenance and repair tasks will generally be far less intensive, allowing you to keep your equipment in top condition with minimal effort. 

Train Your Workers

If you run a large agricultural operation, it might not only be you using your farm equipment. You may share it with workers. Consider creating use guidelines for all equipment to ensure your workers treat it with respect. The more policies you have in place for maintenance and repairs, the longer your machinery should remain in excellent condition. 

Keeping your farm equipment in top condition can save you money, boost productivity, and improve its resale value. If you don’t typically prioritize repairs and maintenance above other farm tasks, now is the time to start.

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How to Choose the Perfect Survival Knife https://www.makemeaning.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-survival-knife/ https://www.makemeaning.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-survival-knife/#respond Mon, 16 May 2022 06:33:41 +0000 https://www.makemeaning.com/?p=1560 I can’t even remember who my first kiss was or with whom it was. I have no recollection of getting...

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I can’t even remember who my first kiss was or with whom it was. I have no recollection of getting my driver’s license. My high school graduation is all I can remember and the entire time at college is blurred. But I do remember where I was and what I was wearing. I also remember how I felt when my first survival knife arrived over twenty years ago. It brings back fond childhood memories. The knife had a hollow handle and contained a fishing kit, as well as other miscellaneous accessories. Since then, my love affair with knives has been a lifelong passion. The coolest survival knives are always in movies, but does that mean the survival knife has a place in “real life”?

It was a rhetorical question. It most definitely does.

Millions of people around the world are still in danger each year, despite all our advances in medicine, technology and travel. Thousands of people are forced into unpredicted and unpredictable situations that could lead to death or life-threatening injuries. Survival depends on knowledge and experience. What is my point? Keep important survival tools close at hand in case of an emergency. A quality knife is one of the most essential survival tools.

The cutting knife has held a special place in survival history. Since thousands of years ago, mankind has relied on some type of cutting tool to meet his basic survival needs, such as food, water and shelter. In modern times, this knife is often called the “survival blade”. Not all survival knives are the same.

Willow Haven gives me the opportunity to carry a survival knife on my hip almost every day. However, I understand that it isn’t practical for everyone. A survival knife should always be available. It might surprise you how often you use it, even in survival situations. My survival knife is always with me when I travel. It is always in my checked baggage. It is kept on my nightstand in my hotel room. When I travel, it is always in my truck’s console. It is also on my hotel nightstand. My knife is my trusted companion, whether I’m fishing, backpacking or hunting, boating and skiing, hiking, camping, or just going out for a day. It’s never more than a stone’s distance from me at any given time.

A survival knife is a tool that helps you survive. This tool has literally hundreds of survival-related functions. Here’s a brief list:

  • Cutting/slicing
  • Digging
  • Splitting
  • Self-defense
  • First aid tool
  • Preparing food
  • Shelter building
  • Fire making
  • Hunting weapon
  • Prying instrument
  • Signaling
  • Hammering
  • Use a screwdriver as a temporary tool

Your survival knife should be smaller than what you see on TV. The cool movie prop knife can be hung on a wall. Enjoy the simplicity and utility of a well-designed survival knife. Styling is secondary to function — always. Performance is your first priority. This will be dependent on many time-tested key features.

6 Important Survival Knife Features

Survival Knife #1: Size

Is size important? But size does not always mean better when it comes to survival knives. You risk losing the ability to use your knife effectively for small tasks like dressing small game or carving precise snare sets.

A small knife will not work well for more difficult tasks like chopping and batoning. To drive your knife through dense or difficult wood, you will batonize the knife’s back by striking it with a heavy object. This allows the blade for cutting large limbs or trees and splitting wood.

I have used many survival knives and found that the perfect size is between 9 and 11 inches in length. My Blackbird SK-5 survival knives, pictured below, measure 10 inches in length overall with a 5″ knife.

Survival Knife #2: Fixed Blade

A fixed-blade knife is more reliable and durable than a folded knife. A good folder is great for Every Day Carry (EDC), but a fixed knife is more reliable and can handle the demands of a survival situation.

Any joint is weakness. You can minimize the chance of losing or damaging your survival tool by choosing a knife that’s better suited to pounding, cutting, thrusting, prying, as well as rigorous cutting.

Survival Knife #3: Full Tang

Your survival knife should not only be a fixed-blade, but also FULL TANG. Full tang means that both the handle and blade are made from one piece of metal. For a more comfortable grip, scales or grips can be attached to the handle. Full tang knives are more durable than partial tang styles like the half-tang, push tang or rattail tang. The profile of a full-tang blade is more robust than its rattail counterpart, as you can see from the photo.

Partial tang knife blades can become loose and have “play” in their handles over time. This is especially true when performing demanding tasks like prying, batoning and chopping. It can be dangerous to use a partial-tang blade if it comes off the handle. A full tang knife blade, on the other hand, is very functional even though it has lost its scales. You can wrap it with cordage to increase comfort and grip.

A survival knife with a full-tang blade is better than one with a partial tang. It is difficult to cut a piece of solid metal. A full tang knife can be identified by the metal tang that is sandwiched between its scales. Here are some examples.

Please note: Not all full-tang knife blades have an open tang, as in these examples.

Sharp Pointed Tip #4 Survival Knife

Although it may seem obvious, I have seen survival knives with flat, straight-cut tips. Contrary to popular belief, survival knives should have sharp pointed tips. First, self-defense against man and beast. Any other tip than a sharp spearpoint tip will compromise your ability to effectively thrust your knife or stab it as a weapon, especially through thick fur/hide and layered clothing.

A spear point knife can also be used to hunt. It can be used by itself or attached to a pole to make a longer-range spear. The allen wrench, which came with my knife, is always in my knife sheath. I can remove the scales, lash the full-tang blade onto a staff almost effortlessly and use it as a spear-point.

Practically, the sharp knife point is useful for many tasks. I use it while training field survival instructors and teaching classes. Here are some examples of situations where a sharp pointed knife tip is superior to other styles.

  • Picking and prying in detail
  • Small game like fish can be cleaned/dressed
  • Drilling/notching
  • Repairs to clothing/gear
  • Splinters!
  • Some wild edibles like pine nuts, acorns and walnuts are processed
  • Live bait is available in difficult to reach areas

Survival Knife #5: Single-Edged Blade With Flat Ground Spine

A double-edged blade for a survival knife should be avoided. A double-edged knife is not required for most survival purposes, if not all. It can actually be a disadvantage.

A single-edged knife is not only recommended, but the back (spine), of my survival knife should have a 90 degree grind. Flat ground spines are ideal for starting a fire with a ferro-rod. This is almost impossible with beveled or rounded spines.

My survival knife is used to cut through large chunks of wood. A sharpened edge makes it nearly impossible to do any of these tasks, whether you are splitting wood or building shelters.

For added control and leverage during tedious carving projects like making feather sticks, traps, and snare sets, I use my knife’s back edge as a thumbrest. This type of project would be dangerous and difficult with a double-edged knife.

Survival Knife #6: Solid Pomel

The knife’s “pommel”, also known as the butt, is the bottom of its handle. The pommel is a part of my survival knife that I use for light duty pounding or hammering. It is perfect for driving shelter stakes. My knife point has also been used to cut ice fishing holes. I used a heavy stick to pound the pommel to drive the blade into ice. Some knives have a hooked or rounded pommel, which isn’t ideal for hammering. I believe you should get the most use out of your knife. A solid, well-designed pommel will only increase your capabilities.

Bottom line

These 6 criteria can be used as a guideline for selecting a survival knife. Only you will be able to decide which features you want and what you won’t. Everything else is a matter of personal taste.

Many survival knives are available on the market with these survival features but look different from each other. Many styling options are available that can be customized to suit your personal taste and do not affect survival functionality. These features include:

  • Blade steel (carbon and stainless) – There are many options available with different results.
  • Handle material (rubbers, micartas, bones, antlers, etc
  • Finish or color
  • Lanyard holes
  • Decorative milling
  • Jimping
  • Non-serrated or serrated blade
  • Style and design of the sheath
  • Knife designer/manufacturer/brand
  • Blade style
  • With or without fingerguards
  • Blood groove

Conclusion

Survival knives are not magic wands or have magical saving powers. It is the skills of the person who uses it that make it valuable. Only practice and repetition can make you a skilled knife-wielder. A survival knife is not something you buy to decorate your man cave. It’s a tool that should be used. The cutting blade has been a key part of human history since the dawn of time. It helped shape the way our ancestors hunted and fought and built their homes. There will never be another relationship like the one between a man’s blade and his knife, from cavemen using sharp rocks to soldiers in modern warfare. Make sure you choose wisely.

 

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Things you can do when your Laptop Breaks Down https://www.makemeaning.com/things-you-can-do-when-your-laptop-breaks-down/ https://www.makemeaning.com/things-you-can-do-when-your-laptop-breaks-down/#respond Thu, 10 Mar 2022 11:00:48 +0000 https://www.makemeaning.com/?p=1489 Imagine you are in the middle a project and your boss asks you to submit an EOD report. By the...

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Imagine you are in the middle a project and your boss asks you to submit an EOD report. By the end of the day your laptop has broken. A laptop or computer failure is one of the most difficult and severe emergencies you can face. Your boss is responsible for your actions. You cannot say, “I can’t send it by deadline because my laptop has crashed.”

Here are some things you can do if your laptop crashes.

1. If possible, find a DIY solution:

Sometimes the solution is right in front of you. You may need to delete temporary files or restart the computer again to allow it to reboot. Ask your laptop-expert friend for help or go on YouTube to find repair videos. If you don’t find the solution you seek, or your device isn’t working, it’s possible to contact a professional.

2. Have a backup device.

You could use your sibling’s, or your partner’s, computer as your backup. Your current problem of getting the project submitted by deadline can be solved if you have a backup. A backup of all important files and folders should be kept on multiple devices. Uploading it to the cloud platform is the best option. You can also save your files on a pen drive, or another computer if you forget to do this. It is vital to have a backup in order to be able complete your tasks on time and efficiently.

3. Approach a professional laptop repair agency.

Many laptop owners choose to go to the closest agency located at their street corner. Although they may seem accessible, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are great at what they do. We understand that you’re in an urgent situation and cannot afford to waste your time looking for the right laptop repair company. Even though it may seem time-consuming, you must do it. You can search online for agencies, ask friends, or call your colleagues to find the right person for Macbook Repairs Melbourne.

You might believe some of the positive reviews they have received, but that doesn’t mean you should. It is your responsibility to ask questions and not rely solely on online information. You cannot afford to give your laptop to an inexperienced or random person. You should be careful about your privacy and security and make sure you give it to someone who follows strict guidelines.

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Best Wire Cutting Tools And Techniques https://www.makemeaning.com/best-wire-cutting-tools-and-techniques/ https://www.makemeaning.com/best-wire-cutting-tools-and-techniques/#respond Wed, 07 Aug 2019 04:56:22 +0000 http://www.makemeaning.com/?p=81 In this technological world, wires of all different gauges power your electronics or strengthen a mechanical assembly, such as a...

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In this technological world, wires of all different gauges power your electronics or strengthen a mechanical assembly, such as a pulley system.Cutting wire efficiently, especially for intricate projects, requires proper tooling and technique. Using improper tools often leads to injury.

Safety First

Before cutting into any wire gauge, wear protective eyewear.Snapped wiring often flies outward at fast speeds, making your eyes vulnerable to damage. Wipe the eyewear down with a clean cloth to keep your line of vision clear for accurate cutting. Visit OSHA for more safety tips.

Pocket Or Utility Knives

If you are on a camping trip and need to cut a small to medium gauge wire, for example, a basic pocket or utility knife can suffice. Secure the wire to a tree stump or ask a friend to hold the wire firmly at both ends. With a sharpened blade, carefully cut perpendicular to the wire’s surface until the tool cuts completely through. Keep your fingers away from the blade and maintain a 90-degree angle to the wire. You do not want to accidentally slip and injure someone.

Wire Cutters

One of the most common professional wire cutting tools is wire cutters or snips. Held in one hand, you squeeze two handles together to create the cutting action. Similar to cutting with a blade, wire cutters should cut perpendicular to the wire’s surface for safety. The only major drawback to snips is the resulting cut. These cutters use a pinching action rather than a cutting motion to break the wire apart. Wire ends appear warped and sharp after cutting.

Diagonal Cutters

Similar to wire cutters, diagonal snips have longer handles and a stronger cutting mechanism to cut through thicker wires. With varying sizes, you choose the cutter’s length based on your wire gauge thickness. Long handles offer more leverage during cutting. A larger cutting head creates more surface area to cut through thicker items. As long as the blade remains perpendicular to the wire’s surface, diagonal cutters are strong tools for big projects.

Rotary Tools

Handheld rotary tools use a rotating blade to finely cut through wire. The rotating blade is often interchangeable to cut through various wire gauges. Plug the tool into an electrical outlet. With the wiring secured in place, lower the powered rotary tool onto the wire. The rapid, spinning blade creates a flush cut surface as it separates the wire. One drawback to the rotary tool is losing some wire material as the blade cuts through the metal.

Flush Cutters

For specialized wire cutting during finished projects, such as jewelry creation, flush cutters are often helpful. With a precisely flushed face on one side of the blade, you can cut wire to produce a smooth finish for necklaces and bracelets. Both sides of the blade are not flush, however, making the other wire half pinched at the cutting site. These blades are only for fine wire, including brass, gold, copper and silver. Flush cutters do not slice through metal or other hard wiring materials. Wire cutters come in handheld sizes to models larger than 12 inches long. Each tool has a specific use and technique. Familiarize yourself with the tool before using it to remain safe and effective during your project.

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