Lights not working, or appliances not working? Maybe it's the electrical system. This video home improvement tutorial shows how to test the electrical wiring in your home. Just make sure to turn the power off first!
If you're doing any sort of electrical work at home, a multimeter is an invaluable tool to have. But as invaluable as it is to have a volt/ohm meter, it is obviously even more invaluable still to know how to use one. And, with this electrician's how-to, you'll learn how to do ...more
Make sure your next apartment rental goes smoothly by properly checking the property before signing a contract. This way you will avoid unexpected disappointments or problems that you were not aware off. Moving is hard enough, give yourself all the advantage you can by going i ...more
The world of spices can be bewildering. They promise to make your food more flavorful if you know how to make the most of them. Unless you know a couple of essential tricks, however, it just seems like you're adding bits of colored powder to your food. Most cooks buy a few bo ...more
If you're installing an outlet in a kitchen or bathroom, you're going to want to install a GFCI outlet. This is a safety outlet that will insture no one gets a shock from using an electrical appliance near water. Cool!
Learn how to eliminate cord clutter with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE. Nothing is more annoying than a pile of messy cords. Those dozens of wires around your home?in your kitchen, by your computer, behind your TV?can be a tangled nuisance. Control cord clutter w ...more
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to clean a toaster. The secret to good toast is keeping your toaster clean, and it only takes a few minutes of your time. You Will Need * A soft, clean brush * A sponge * Mild soap or dishwashing solution * A soft, clean cloth * Vinegar ...more
About a quarter of a million homes sustain damage from broken pipes every winter. Here's how to avoid a similar fate. Watch this video to learn how to prevent pipes from freezing. You Will Need * A pipe insulator * Caulk Step 1. Attend to outdoor hoses Unhook, drain, and s ...more
Over time, the dryer belt can become hard and brittle when the drum is turning loud noises such as squeaking, squealing or thumping noises can occur. Replacing the belt is an easy task for the do-it-yourselfer. All that’s required is a few simple tools. Here’s a step-by-step g ...more
Last time, I showed how to start putting together an AC arc welder from scavenged microwave parts, focusing on the transformer modifications. Now, I'll show you how to finish up your DIY stick welding machine by fixing up the electrical system and performing the finishing touc ...more
If you're going to build yourself a water gun to cool down this summer, or maybe just a useful water pump, you'll need some check valves. However, the most expensive parts of a water pump or DIY super soaker are usually the check valves. So, let's make some from scratch for as ...more
This how to video shows you how to test electrical receptacles. The video covers 5 simple test rules. The first test is to simply attach an electrical device to the socket. The video also suggests the use of market product testers and even voltage testers. This video is perfec ...more
There's more than one way to test a fuse, and it doesn't have to be expensive. In this video tutorial, see how to test an electrical fuse with a screwdriver tester or multi-meter. A test screwdriver is relatively cheap and simple to use. A multimeter is a little more expensive ...more
Your car's electrical system is massive and complicated. Trying to find a short in the system might sound like a job for a professional, but in this video you will learn how you can use an $8 test light to locate a shorts in your car's electrical system. It will also teach you ...more
Wall studs are both critical for maintaining the structure of your home and supporting items of weight and function on the interior walls (e.g. cabinets, shelves, plasma TVs, etc.). With wall studs playing such a critical role, consistently being able to find them is important ...more
The continuity test is one of the least well-known but useful functions on a multi-meter. It allow you to determine whether a fuse works by touching the contacts to it, which allows you to diagnose all sorts of electrical problems. This video will show you how continuity tests ...more
If you are planning to add any new outlets, lights or appliances, it is helpful to have a map (or schematic drawing) of your electrical circuits. This will help you determine if you can tap into an existing circuit or if you need to run a new circuit from the breaker panel. In ...more
Putting up a one of these new modern floating shelves is seen as an important test of your do-it-yourself prowess. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to put up a floating shelf. You'll need: * A spirit level * Pencil * Screwdriver * Drill * Appropriate screws and fixings ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to bypass the kickstand safety switch on a motorcycle. If you have broke your kickstand switch, you can easily bypass it while you are on the road so you can set your bike. All you need to do this is a piece of electric tape. If you don't have th ...more
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to put in a ceiling fan. Steps: 1 Turn off the electricity to the ceiling light at the main panel. 2 Remove existing ceiling light fixture and fixture strap from the ceiling. 3 Unscrew the old electrical box and pull it down f ...more
Believe it or not, you don't need to hire an electrician to add a few electrical outlets in your home. The only thing you really need to worry about is being safe. This Old House walks you through the entire process of adding receptacles, from cutting the hole in the drywall t ...more
This video gives a step by step tutorial how to service a Porsche 944. The service is demonstrated on an S2, but most steps are very similar for other versions. The video has a German soundtrack but English subtitles are available at YouTube. Working under the car Remove engi ...more
There's no need to pay for a pricey electrician for a light switch problem— you can try to fix it yourself. This video from This Old House explains how three-way switches work and shows tips for finding and replacing faulty three-way switches in your home. First, you need to u ...more
Home accidents. It's up to you to protect your family… your children… from accidents in the home. And there's one place that seems to get the most attention when dealing with safety concerns… The kitchen is one of the busiest, most accident-prone rooms in the house. Design a k ...more
This Home and Garden video tutorial shows how to repair a wash machine lid switch. This video is on a GE Prodigy machine. Looking inside the machine under the switch, she finds that two wires are broken. Take a screwdriver and press down the clip of the switch from underneath. ...more
Rockets are lots of fun when you are launching them. However, finding them can be an arduous if not maddening task. Fancy space rockets have lots of tracking equipment to make touchdowns as simple as pie. Today, we look at embedding LEDs into your hobby rocket for easy night f ...more
There are ways you can measure how much electricicity specific or groups of appliances are using. With the help of these devices you could can find out what is costing you more money and then use it to determine if you can cut usage to save money!
As a show of support for the global effort in saving the earth RI Chemical Corporation encourages it's employees to join the upcoming event this saturday March 26. This shouldn't be just a turn off your lights. I suggest we all turn off all electrical appliances (Television, R ...more
Measuring the amperage, or number of amps, in an electrical circuit requires a tool called a multi-meter. They are somewhat difficult to use, but fortunately for you this video explains in great detail how multi-meters work and what you need to do to ensure that they work. The ...more
The Stun-Gun In this article, I'll show you how to make a small, weaponized highlighter. Before I get into how to built this device, let me warn you. This device is harmful! When used, it can cause burns and/or serious muscle spasms. The voltage is potentially deadly! DO NOT ...more
Testing products for a living is a bit more complicated than it sounds. You Will Need * A field of interest * A college degree Step 1: Pick a field Pick a field. Do you want to test toys? Evaluate appliances? Judge new ice cream flavors? The area that interests you will deter ...more
Three hundred people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't risk being a part of that statistic. You Will Need * A carbon monoxide detector * Pencil * Screwdriver * Wall punch * Hammer * Batteries Step 1. Research detectors Research which kind of carbon monox ...more
Computer viruses are terrifying. They are undetectable, dangerous, and operate constantly right under your nose. For the average computer user, there are only a few repair options. You could buy expensive antivirus software that causes more problems than it fixes, you can wipe ...more
You can get an expensive ticket for driving with a busted tail light. But that's not all. Driving with a faulty brake light can be dangerous. Replacing the bulb is a simple task that takes only a few minutes. You Will Need *A screwdriver *A replacement bulb *A friend’s help ...more
A few handy tricks can turn your school cell into a cozy suite. You Will Need * A dorm room * An agreeable dorm mate * And some money Step 1. Investigate dorm room Investigate dorm specifics before you spend any money. What furniture is provided? What items are prohibited, ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to repair the Vivitar 285's Flash Foot. First, remove the flash foot using a soldering iron. Melt the solder just enough, don't ruin the wires or the backing. Now, set the iron down and then short the wires out, you will see the flash go off when ...more
In this tutorial by Lowe's, we learn how to install exterior motion-sensor lights with Lowe's. First, you will need to pick out what kind of motion sensor light you want. Most of the kits you purchase will come equipped with all the things you need, you will just need to suppl ...more
In this video, we learn how to install chase tail lights on a Mustang. First, you need to remove the rear trunk panel and trim piece. Next, prepare your tail light kit by following the directions that are given to you with the package. Next, cut the tail light wire. Now, put o ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a car alarm on a Viper 5900. First, read your manual and figure out which wires go where, then label them so you don't confuse them. Next, grab all the tools you will need and have them prepared and ready. After this, find the electric ...more
Ron Hazelton shows how to install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). First turn off the power to the electrical outlet at the circuit breaker or fuse box (check to make sure there's no power in the outlet!). Then remove the electric cover plate. Then gently remove the ...more
Worried about your dog figuring out how to jump over your fence? In this video tutorial from Ron Hazleton, learn about the "invisible" dog fence some are installing which keep a pooch away with electrical signals. It's underground, out of sight, and actually works! Within this ...more
Looking for a great idea for a science project? In this video series you'll learn how to build a battery-run light board which can test the electrical conductivity of various objects. You can find these supplies easily at your local hardware store. Part 1 of 6 - How to Make a ...more
Welcome to Microwave Energy—the next part of my Making Electromagnetic Weapons series. For the Electromagnetic Pulse Generator, check out the last three articles (One, Two and Three). I'm sure almost all of you have used a microwave at some point in your lives. As a child, I ...more
Haven't you ever wanted to live in a futuristic home? I think that homes are headed towards an era where they will be controlled by our computers and smartphones. No longer will you have to find your keys to unlock your door, or wait until you get home to monitor your security ...more
Prepare all the materials and tools needed for the process. Prepare a circuit tester, an electrical tape, a flathead screwdriver, a pair of scissors, and an electric sealers kit. Then, make sure that you turn off the power at the main circuit box. Place a piece of electrical t ...more
Expert electrician Danny Herb demonstrates in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions how to replace a light switch and how to replace a wall socket. He begins by showing you how to turn off the circuit breaker, an essential first step to any electrical repair, and offers sa ...more
I first heard the term molecular gastronomy while watching an episode of Bravo's Top Chef a few seasons back. Intrigued by the concept, I sought to find out more about this modern, deconstructed type of cookery. If you happen to be around foodies and the topic of molecular gas ...more
If your old outlet has become so loose that a cord barely stays in place, it's time to change it. It's not just an annoyance—it's a hazard. Learn how to replace an electrical outlet with this instructional video from Howcast. You Will Need: * A flathead screwdriver * A digita ...more
Solar panels are an amazing invention. Catching energy from the Sun before it even enters Earth's food chain, photovoltaics are like an all-natural nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, the constituted parts of a solar panel are rare, valuable, and subject to the coercive forces ...more
Whenever we make a homemade circuit, we use what are called through-hole components. Any components with long metal leads is a through-hole component. They are great for soldering to, but it's tough to fit enough through-hole resistors and capacitors into a smartphone. To get ...more
Building a DIY Alarm System: The Concept So, you want to protect your property, or maybe a room, car, or even your backyard. The concept of an alarm system is to notify the "alarm administrator" that there is an intruder entering the previously designated boundaries. The trig ...more
Microsoft has had a pretty bad wrap with their Xbox 360 gaming console. Right from the start, the console has suffered a multitude of different hardware failures and design flaws. These problems cause the parts to get too hot and become faulty. I'm sure everyone who's had an X ...more
WonderHowTo is made up of niche communities called Worlds. If you've yet to join one (or create your own), get a taste below of what's going on in the community. Check in every Wednesday for a roundup of new activities and projects. Thanks to all of our active moderators and ...more
Making your own circuit boards can be a daunting challenge. You have to design a schematic, test it on a breadboard, design the board layout, and then after all of that, you still have to print and etch a board! Luckily, we have Fritzing. Fritzing is a free open-source PCB d ...more
Watch to learn how to replace the hose on a Dyson DC07 vacuum cleaner. This Dyson spare parts video we show how to remove and replace the Dyson DC07 Hose Assembly. A broken vacuum hose will cause poor suction. eSpares videos show you how to fit common spare parts and accessor ...more
Watch to learn how to replace knobs and buttons on a Neff oven. You'll remove and replace the knobs and buttons on a Neff oven. Lost oven knobs or worn oven buttons detract from the ovens appearance. eSpares videos show you how to fit common spare parts and accessories into y ...more
Watch to learn how to change an AEG Electrolux fridge freezer lightbulb and how to fit a replacement door bottle shelf. Changing a blown fridge light bulb is a simple fridge repair. This fridge maintenance video explains the process. eSpares videos show you how to fit common ...more
This video will help you diagnose and troubleshoot a non-working horn in a 1991 Ford Ranger pickup truck. First off, the electrical diagram is a great place to start. Make sure the horn switch is getting power from the source. To test this, all you need is power and a ground t ...more
Watch to learn how to replace the HEPA filter on a Dyson DC07 vacuum. This Dyson spare parts video we show how to remove and replace the Dyson DC07 Pre Motor Filter and Dyson DC07 HEPA Post Motor Filter. This vacuum maintenance video also outlines the Dyson airflow path as wel ...more
Watch to learn how to replace the blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330 mower. You'll remove and replace the 33cm Flymo blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330. If your mower is not cutting properly remember you need a sharp blade for the perfect lawn. We use spacers to adjust the Fly ...more