How To Remove A Broken Light Bulb From A Fixture.

I’m assuming everyone knows this one………….but why not add it? If you have to change a light bulb where the glass is broken, whether at home or for your car, you can press a potato into the metal base to unscrew the remains of the bulb from the fixture. Simple, but obviously a reminder to… Continue reading How To Remove A Broken Light Bulb From A Fixture.

Taking an Apprentice Under Your Wing

In order to foster a positive and cooperative workplace environment, a journeyperson who uses effective mentoring/coaching skills help make the apprentice become more proficient and self-reliant. These include: Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Thus, get started by setting reasonable training goals and performance expectations! Respect different points of view, be… Continue reading Taking an Apprentice Under Your Wing

Get Your License

There are a lot of very skilled technicians out there that have been pulling wrenches for 20+ years. When they got into the trade the mechanics license was not required and as they have always been working they have not bothered to obtain a license. This is now starting to hurt them when they are… Continue reading Get Your License

Hands On Tips For Hands On Work….

To find bad spark plug or wire, disconnect plugs one at a time at the coil, drive the vehicle a couple hundred feet, note how badly that disconnected plug affects the running. Stop, reconnect plug wire, disconnect another one, drive another couple hundred feet, etc for all plugs. The plug/wire that, when disconnected, LEAST affects… Continue reading Hands On Tips For Hands On Work….

Stay Warm While Wrenching In Winter

Useful tips to stay warm when working outdoors. 1. Get a warm hat. A good portion of total body heat escapes through your head. The first thing you should do is find a snug, thick hat. 2. Cover your ears and neck. Thick earmuffs aren’t a good idea, because they make it difficult to listen.… Continue reading Stay Warm While Wrenching In Winter

Guys, can’t hold your nut??? TRY GREASE!!!!

If you have to hold a nut where your fingers can’t reach and the tape trick with a socket or box wrench won’t fit either, a dab of grease on the end of a standard screwdriver will hold the nut in place and is slim enough to get the nut where it’s needed. and; boys… Continue reading Guys, can’t hold your nut??? TRY GREASE!!!!

Radiator Repair Tips And/Or Tricks

For a quick radiator leak fix, you can crack a raw egg into the radiator. The egg seals any holes and you can continue on. This was on an episode of “Myth Busters” and it seems to actually work. Hot breakfast cereal, Malt O Meal and oatmeal also work fine. The trick is to use… Continue reading Radiator Repair Tips And/Or Tricks

13 Things To Look Out For With an Auto Mechanic

1. “If a mechanic offers to change your timing belt and water pump, question how long the job will take. Some will charge you double labor even though the second task is essentially done once the belt is removed.” 2. “Always ask for your old parts back. This way you’ll know they’ve been changed, and… Continue reading 13 Things To Look Out For With an Auto Mechanic

General Repair Tips & Tricks

Heres a few more tips I came across that should be useful for the average Joe: Put magnets on the side of your drill press to hold chuck and drill bits. When disassembling something you aren’t completely familiar with, take digital pictures. You can always look back to ensure proper re-assembly. When repairing a small… Continue reading General Repair Tips & Tricks

Passed Down Tips…

Heres a couple tips I read up on: Never push on a wrench, always pull so you don’t mash up your knuckles. If you have to push, use your open palm. If you have a Phillips screw that has the slots rounded out, try some valve grinding compound grease, the carbide grit will help grip.… Continue reading Passed Down Tips…