A Comprehensive Guide to Get Started With Garden Care

[ad_1] Many people have not yet discovered the joys of garden care. They may not realize the value of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping elements that give a home its beauty and charm. However, these elements will pay off in time and money. It may sound strange, but the quality of water that a homeowner uses can have a profound effect on the health of his or her plants. The water temperature, too, can be a contributing factor. Hot water can burn plants, which can lead to death. On the other hand, cold water is great for watering plants. The temperature is less than it is in a refrigerator, so plants do not freeze. Agarden pond needs to be maintained in order to provide a habitat for fish and other wildlife. Likewise, the layout of a garden may depend on how it will be used. If it is a wind-swept area, for example, then some designing may be necessary. Another important element in the maintenance of a garden is the use of mulch. This keeps a gardener's plants from getting soggy and prevents them from being affected by frost. It also prevents weeds from growing and can reduce or eliminate a garden's need for fertilizers. Garden mulch is available in a variety of types and textures. It comes in strips, stones, gravel, pebbles, and even seeds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of mulch, a gardener chooses depends on the type of soil he or she has, as well as on the kinds of plants that will grow there. For instance, if the soil is sandy or rocky, a smooth rock would be more appropriate than gravel. If it is not, a smoother type of mulch would be preferable. Like all garden care, garden mulch maintenance is simple and inexpensive. Not only does the material itself need little upkeep, but mulch is also reusable. People who collect the mulch often put it in their flower beds and in their front yard. Because plants and flowers require such a good deal of water, gardeners must be mindful of their water use when deciding what kind of mulch to use. Leaf mulch, for example, is suitable for use with perennials and other plants that do not require constant water. It can help to save space in flowerbeds and other areas where plants are grown. Solid mulch is especially useful for people who have lawns and gardens with large areas of water that need more than sprinkler head time to dry out. This type of mulch works well for homeowners who have lawns and a variety of plants in the garden. The continuous spray of water keeps the area drier for longer periods. [ad_2] Source by Dan Licamara https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-get-started-with-garden-care/?feed_id=38165&_unique_id=64ceb22e65913

Lawn Mower Service

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Reasons you should complete your lawn mower service

The maintenance on lawn mowers, especially push mowers is very simple. The average home DIY type person can easily handle their own lawn mower service. With a few simple tools, and a little bit of elbow grease, you to can handle the upkeep on your mower. The first place to look would be your owner's manual. If you don't have one, you should contact the manufacturer of your mower. This will list all the service intervals of various items on your mower.

There are many reasons to maintain your mower.

Longevity - You wouldn't drive your car without changing the oil would you? Then why would you neglect your lawn mower? When you keep up on the maintenance on your lawn mower, you lower the overall cost of ownership. Your mower will last you many years if properly taken care of.

Quality - When your mower is completely serviced, it will perform at its peak. This means engine running in top shape, and also your blade(s) are sharp and balanced. The end result is a mower that will start reliably, cut clean, and always be ready when you are.

Common Tasks during a lawn mower service

Basic maintenance goes a long way, and is simple. Most jobs can be completed at the end of the cutting season before winter storage, or can be completed right before season begins. These common items include the following.

Air Filter

Oil

Spark Plug

Sharpen and/or replace blades

Cleaning under the deck

Air Filter

Typical lawn mower air filter.

As cheap as they are, air filters should just be done once a year. Most lawn mowers have easy access to the air filter housing. Either unlock a couple tabs, or loosen a couple screws. Air filters for lawn mowers are usually the soft foam type, or paper type. If you allow your mowers air filter to become clogged, it will lose power and not burn the fuel completely. See you owners manual for the correct filter.

Oil

Oil catch pan

At least once per year you should change your engine oil on your lawn mower. This will usually require you to tip your lawn mower up on its side, and drain through the fill port as most don't have drain plugs. Many lawn mowers will run SAE 30, but there should be a chart comparing your climate temperature to recommended oil use. Simply unscrew the fill plug, tip the mower on its side and drain all the oil into an approved container. When your container is full you can bring it to a local garage or recycling center for disposal.

Oil Chart

Oil chart for recommended oil weight for climate. Consult owners manual for your specific engine.

The type of oil you use will change some, depending on your local climate. Most all manufacturers have a chart in the owner's manual showing temperature ranges.

Spark Plug

All small push lawn mowers have a single spark plug. The job of the spark plug is to ignite the gasoline to supply power to turn the blade. Overtime this spark plug may become dirty, or fouled. When this occurs your mower will either not start, or will run rough and not perform well. To change a spark plug you will need a spark plug socket. Spark plug sockets have a special rubber insert inside them to protect the ceramic of the spark plug, and also grip and hold it in place.

Once your spark plug is removed you will see what model number it is, by looking on the side of the ceramic. You should be able to see a number, usually in blue colored writing. This will tell which spark plug to replace. Install the new plug, and snug down.

Lawn Mower Blade

When the lawn mower blade is sharp, it will make for a cleaner cut obviously. But this also helps the grass grow better by actually cutting it and not ripping it. When you look at a blade of grass on the tip you should see a nice, clean cut. If its ragged and torn, it means you need to sharpen your blade.

Having a sharp blade also requires less work on the engine. This over the long term will result in longer engine life, as it is not loaded all the time.

Sharpening your blades at home is something a DIY person can do. At the minimum it requires a file, and would make it much easier with a vise to hold it securely while you will work.

Another option is also a grinder, which is much faster, but not everyone has a grinder at their home.

Newer styles of sharpening are using a blade sharpener. These work much like a knife sharpener found in your kitchen, but scaled larger for lawn mower blades.

Sharpening is pretty straight forward. But first we must remove the blade.

Removing a lawn mower blade

Securely raise the mower, so you can access the underside where the blade is located. If you do tip it on the side, drain as much of the gas as possible, and also put the muffler of the engine pointing up. This will keep the oil from running into the muffler, and causing quite the smoke show on startup.

Remove spark plug wire just as a precaution to accidental startup.

Using your blade holder, secure the blade from rotating. This tool is a life saver compared to using a block of wood.

Using a breaker bar and correct size socket, loosen center retaining bolt.

Remove blade.

This is also a good time to remove any grass buildup from under your deck.

Sharpening and Balancing

Now that you have your blade removed, its time to sharpen. Now considering you haven't hit any rocks or other solid objects you shouldn't have any major chips in the blade. If you do, just buy a new set of blades and install.

Hold your blade either securely in a vise, or you could hold by hand. It's important to wear gloves! This will keep your fingers intact. Using a blade sharpener, run from center to tip until a nice sharp edge is formed. Repeat on the other side.

Now we must make sure your blade is balanced. Using a blade balancer, set your blade on it and make sure it is setting level. If one side seems to dip more than the other, take more material off.

The purpose of balancing is to reduce vibration. It's the same concept as balancing your car tires.

When complete install blade back on your lawn mower. Installation is reverse of removal.

Final thoughts on lawn mower service

Doing your own lawn mower service is something just about anyone can do. This is a job that you should complete once a year, and is fairly low cost. Once you purchase all the tools you need, maintenance on your mower will cost next to nothing.

Completing your own lawn mower service is rewarding as you know the job will be done right. It will also save you money over and over again.

Enjoy your lawn mower service, and Happy Cutting!

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Source by Zachary Marlow

Lawn Mowers

Weed Eaters

Lawn Blowers

Fans

Repair Tools

Indoor Grills

Binoculars

Kitchen Gadgets

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5 Big Benefits of Portable Tool Boxes

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Portable tool boxes function wherever you require them the most. You can slide in your portable tool box inside your vehicle when there's plenty of work, or just set it aside when there is nothing to be done. These tool boxes often come in a whole range of colors, shapes and sizes where they are mostly crafted in wooden boxes, stainless steel and durable plastic. These portable tool boxes are frequently found in garages and sheds but these are also beneficial for more than just your tools and equipments.

Handy in kitchens

Portable tool boxes are also convenient in most kitchens. If you love to collect kitchen gadgets, a tool box are perfect storage systems for them where they can be organized neatly in its shallow compartments. There is no more hassle of digging for gadgets when you are in need of them. A stainless tool box would also go well in kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

Beneficial in craft rooms

Tool boxes are also convenient add-ons to your craft room. You can sort your brushes and place it in one compartment. Your paint in another one and your embroider threads could go well in another compartment.

Convenient in kids' bedrooms

A portable tool box in your children's room would certainly look great particularly if his decor is in a car theme. He can utilize this tool box to reorganize all his toys or he can simply shove his entire collections therein.

Make excellent gifts for newly-weds

A portable tool box might be a rare and bizarre wedding gift that you can give to a newly wedded couple where both can use it for several more years. Whenever they are going to dig for tools they will certainly think of you. They might seem unsuitable but no need to fret since tool boxes are convenient in every home.

Essential for do-it-your-own-projects at home

Each household must have a tool box with essential tools and equipments. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you never know when you may require some tools and equipment for important projects at home. There are several essential tools offered for in the market that will tender everything that you might require for simple household repairs and maintenance.

There are lots of tool boxes that might be suitable for your needs. Searching for an excellent portable tool box might not be too hard for you since these are accessible everywhere. You can even go online to find the best tool box that will cater to your needs as well as your family.

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Source by Ryan Tyler

Tool Boxes

Flashlights

Wood Floor Repair

Roofing Tools

Keyless Locks

Tire Pumps

Ladders

Safety goggles

Worx Tools

Coolers

Gardening Tools

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The Tools You Need to Tune-Up Your Bicycle

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The cost of repairing a bicycle on the road can be incredibly expensive if you are not properly prepared. Regular maintenance and a home shop will go a long way in ensuring things are well done and work out properly. The first step in this is to have the proper home shop tools in place. Just a few of the basic tune up tools that every bike owner should have and a bottle of chain lubricant will make sure you are fully prepared every time you go out on the trail or road. As you continue, add tools and gear to your collection as needed to make sure that whenever a repair comes up, you have what you need to accomplish it.

The first thing you should remember is that most regular tools are not made for bicycles. Even the most expensive wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers are built for much more durable and tougher machines than a bicycle, plus they can cost much more than standard cycling tools, so try not to spend extra money on these tools when you could easily save a few dollars and buy bike specific tools.

Tune Up Tools

The following tools will help you complete a standard tune-up on a bicycle every time before you go for a ride:

Allen Keys - Make sure you have all of the necessary sizes: 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and a long handle for those deeply seeded 9mm bolts.

Screwdrivers - Have three sizes of standard screw drivers and a small and medium Phillips.

Wrenches - Have at least one complete set of open ended metric wrenches - 8mm-19mm should be efficient.

Floor Pump - Make sure this has a built in pressure gauge.

Steel Ruler - For checking chain wear

Pliers - Have needle-nose, standard, and reversible pliers

Cutters - Diagonal cutters for cutting cables

Spoke Wrench - Make sure this is a three-way to fit all sizes of nipples.

Pedal Wrench - Make sure you pick up one that matches a headset wrench to save yourself some money.

Crank Bolt Wrench - A good option for those without allen bolts.

Third Hand Tool - This helps when you work on your brakes.

Chainring Nut Wrench - The easiest tool you will find - comes in one-size-fits-all.

Other Possible Tools You Might Use

While the above list is good for any standard tune-ups, it will be insufficient if something breaks and you need to start making major repairs to your bicycle. The following tools might need to be purchased at a later day to provide additional repair assistance when working on your bike.

Chain Rivet Tool

Cassette Lockring Tool

Crank Extractor

Deraileur Hanger Tool

Cone Wrenches

Chain Whip

Tire Levers

Sealed Bottom Bracket Tool

Flat Line

Mallet

Adjustable Wrenches

Bottom Bracket Lockring Tool

These tools will all go a long ways toward making sure your bicycle keeps operating on a regular basis without any issues every day you take it out for a ride.

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Source by Kevin Kenne

Bicycle Tools

Tire Pumps

Walkie Talkies

Indoor-Outdoor Grills

Fishing Rods and Reels

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Handyman Do's and Don'ts

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If you own a home, you are well acquainted with the maintenance required to keep everything running smoothly. Patch and repair work will always be necessary for as long as you own a dwelling. Some homeowners are staunch do-it-yourselfers while others can't even stock a proper tool box. If you fall into the category that could use a bit of help around the house, hiring a handy person can be a wise idea. Here are some dos and don'ts for hiring a repairperson.

Do:

- Check his or her references. Ask for references and call them all. A word-of-mouth referral from a trusted source is even better. You want to employ someone who has done similar work for a friend, relative or neighbor. Ask about his or her reliability, skill and timeliness in job completion. If possible, take a look at the handiwork that the repair person did for your source.

- Talk about money up front. Get specifics in terms of fees and payment. Does the repair/crafts person charge by the job or by the hour? It is easier to gauge the price tag with a per completion cost agreement. It may sound like you're getting a great deal if they charge a low hourly fee, but if it takes them three times as long as the next person, the charges will add up. If they aren't sure how long something will take and only will accept the hourly wage, think long and hard about running an open ended tab. Who knows how high the final tally might end up?

- Do get more than one estimate. Price shouldn't be the only consideration, but it is one of them. Also notice whether the bid is given in a timely and professional manner. This will tell you a lot about his or her work ethics.

- Don't think every handyman is male. This occupation should actually be called "handy person" because there are many competent repair and craft persons who are female.

Don't:

- Don't pay them everything up front. It's customary to pay a down payment on the day that they start the job, something in the middle and the bulk at the end of the job. If you don't hold out the carrot for the end of the job, satisfactory completion may never occur.

- Don't accept a verbal estimate. Be sure that everything is done in writing. A written estimate is your contract and you won't have a leg to stand on without an agreement on paper.

- Don't hire a handyman without a license for crucial building components such as plumbing, electrical and roofing. It is important to select a highly skilled and experienced professional who is licensed with the Board of Contractors whenever dealing with the installation of plumbing, roofing and electrical.

- Don't forget to thank your handy person for a job well done. A verbal thank you, gifts of food while he or she is working and prompt payment will all show your appreciation.

A house should be well maintained in order to retain its property value by employing a handyman or handy woman.

[ad_2] Source by Alfred Ardis

Worx Tools

Framing Tools

Sump Pumps

Drywall Repair

Fishing Rods and Reels

Camping Equipment

Water Leak Detection

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