Month: October 2019


Oct
2019

Power Tools for Cars

categories: Power Tools

Home maintenance is one of the must-dos for homeowners. It will be helpful for your budget and also great to have your home intact. It will also add great value to it. Because of that, it will be handy to invest in some needed tools and also learn some skills for it.

Maintenance is not only helpful and needed for homes but also for your other parts of your property too. Having a well-cared-for garage with a high-quality garage door opener is a must, but why stop there? It is important to take care of your car and make sure that it is checked up often. This way, it will not only cost you much because of repairs, but it will also be great for your safety.

Taking them in a car shop will be costly though. So in order for you to save some, why not do some of them by yourself? You will just need some basic skills and tools on hand, and you can go from there.

If you are thinking about what kind of power tools that will be needed, here are some of them:

1. Power Drill

A drill is handy to have not only for cars but also for your home. It is used for drilling holes and also driving screws. For a vehicle, it is used for driving screws in and out of the tires which is handy in case of emergency or when tires needed to be changed.

2. Electric Grinder

This is a tool, as the name suggests, used for grinding. It is also used for polishing and cutting. It is needed when you need to remove rust on your car and also for polishing. 

3. Impact Wrench

The work of the impact wrench is almost the same as the power drill which is removing screws. The difference is that the impact wrench is more powerful and requires you to have less effort. It is also a tool that is not only used for tires but also for other parts because it also removes nuts and bolts. This is one of the tools every mechanic must have on hand.

4. Pressure Washer

Maintenance is not only fixing and checking what the car needs but also about cleaning it. It is very important to clean the car often because it will look good and also prevent rust and decay which will protect the finishing of the car. Bringing it in a car wash is good but doing it yourself will cost less. You can do it in an old-fashioned way, but you can also do some pressure washing to be faster.

5. Rotary Tool

Another tool that is versatile. It is used for sanding, polishing, and grinding much like a grinder. But it can also be used for engraving and carving. For your car, it is useful when you need a quick polishing for small damages. It is also good for cleaning up difficult areas. And if you need to cut something for your vehicle, this will be handy.

6. Welder

This is the tool used for attaching metals together, and it is usually done in a car to repair some damages such as cracks and even rusts. The basics are easy to do but if the damage is big, it might require to take it to a professional.


Oct
2019

Games To Play Outside At Night

categories: Hobbies

Going out with friends or family can be a nice treat, but it can also be done differently. An office, for example, can have some outings. It could be a celebration, a team building, or just a simple getaway to know about each other. It will be nice to have time away from the office and work and just relax.

No matter what the reason will be, activities are a must for this, so that everyone can have fun and can get to know more about each other. Because these getaways are often done with staying in and overnights, night activities are done. It will be hard to do some action sports if the lighting is not that good, but there are still a variety of activities that can be done.

1. Hide and Seek

This is a game that is well-known and can be done by all ages. You also have different options on how to play it. You can easily add a twist to this classic game to make it more interesting especially if it is done in a dark place. One version that is usually done by older people is one with tapping sticks. The players will need to have a pair of sticks and tap it every minute they are not found. But the twist to this though is that they can move around, so seeker will be more challenged because of it. You can also think of other twists and versions that will be more challenging and fun for adults.

2. Murder in the Dark

Another classic and popular game for all ages. This involves having a whole room dark. Then each player will have their own role. They could be the detective or police officer, the murderer, or the victim. It could be decided either by a deck of cards or writing it in a piece of paper. The detective will come out of the room and the murderer will start “killing” the victims. After that, the detective will come in with the lights on and everyone else will freeze. They will need to guess who the murderer is with some questions. Once they guess it, the detective will win but if not, the murderer will win.

3. Capture the Flag

This will be an activity perfect to play outside. It can be done during day or night. Because of that, you can do it in alternative ways. The aim is to have the team get the flag of the opposing team. But of course, that will not be easy for there will be a defense or obstructions before they can get it. 

4. Mafia

It does not have to be all physical, You can also play a game that is more quiet and chilled. Mafia is one of those examples. It could be described as a relaxed version of Murder in the Dark. But this one involves everyone in a circle, and there will be a leader who will choose which will be the mafia, the townspeople, the doctor, and the detective. Then all of the players will shut their eyes, and the leader will ask the mafia to open their eyes to point out who would they like to kill. They can be saved by the doctor if they will guess right. Then the detective will point out who are the guilty ones. After that, if it is not resolved, the players will have to guess who they think are the guilty ones and needs to be eliminated. Of course, the mafia will have to play along with this. This goes on until the game is finished.


Oct
2019

Contemporary Living Room Decorating Ideas

categories: Aesthetic

The living is certainly the place in your home that many people would see. It is the place where you would entertain your guests and even do some activities and get-togethers. It is because of this reason that you should have it designed. It will be both aesthetically good and really pleasing to the eye.

If you do not want your living room to look really busy but to keep it simple, the contemporary design is the best for you. It is the design that focuses on being minimal yet would look sophisticated. Because of that, it is not that hard to achieve it. If you are planning to have that, here are some tips you can do:

1. Right Furniture

The furniture has to be simple. It is mostly in black, white, or other neutral color and should not have any print. It is also in a simple geometric shape. The textures of the seats are usually made of fibers that are natural like cotton, linen, wool, silk, etc. And because it is all about simplicity, it is going back to the basics. There should not be any extras like ruffles, tassels, or fringes. 

2. Right Color

Like the furniture, the whole room should be in neutral colors. From the furniture to the walls even the ceilings, they are in neutral colors. If you have it in full neutral though, the room would look dull and boring. You can add some color through the accessories that will be used and added throughout the room. Examples are having cushions, linens, and curtains in a bolder color. You can even have some prints with them though it should not be over the top and too colorful but should be still neutral and basic. A good example of this is those with two-tone prints like zebra or cheetah prints.

3. Right Lighting

The lighting is one of the most important aspects of any room. Their role is to illuminate and feature the key points of the room. If your room has a lot of natural light coming in, it is advisable to have the most of it. The reason for this is because having natural light is a nice way to highlight the whole room. In addition to that, it is also good for your health because sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. It also helps you to be productive and also improves your mood. You should also know about the fixtures that need to be put. There are various types that fit with the contemporary style, and this includes chandeliers and cove lights. But it is also important that these lightings will highlight some of the focal points, so you should add some table and floor lamps or even some dimmers.

4. Right Decor

The living room decor for contemporary is where you can add some other elements. As said earlier, you can add in bolder colors and prints by accessories and also with the decor. Glass, metal, or stone are some of the elements you can add. You can also add in some contemporary artworks and sculptures. Photography is also a nice way to make your living room look more modern. And if you want your living room to be more lively, add some large plants around.


Oct
2019

How To Make A Recording Studio In Your Room

categories: Audio

Nowadays, because of technology, you can easily share your opinions and creations with the help of the internet. If you would share your day and feelings, you can via social media. It is also used to advertise and spread advocates. Artists also tend to do that with their creations, and sometimes even get paid by it because of advertisements. It also can be used for buying and selling, and there are sites that focus on that.

There are also people who were able to share and showcase their talent with the help of streaming sites such as Youtube. There are also who had recorded songs, whether original or cover, in their own home music studio. You can easily do that even in your own room with these simple tips:

Have the Right Equipment

For you to start, you should have the right equipment. You will just need some of the basics, and you can go from there. The first thing you would need is a computer. With today’s age, a computer is more of a necessity to anything no matter what you do and in-home recording, it is one of the most important. You do not need to have the latest, but you should own something that is in good quality and fast enough. It also does not matter if it is a desktop or a laptop. Then the next one will be the digital audio workstation or the DAW. It is the software used for recording, mixing, and editing. Then you would also need an audio interface where you would connect your gear like the instruments. You would also need the right microphone to have a good-quality record. Then you would also need headphones for both the recording and editing. This way, you will easily hear every detail of your recording. Another helpful equipment for that is the speakers or monitors.

Have the Right Acoustics

After having the equipment, you have to set them up in your room. The most common problem with bad recording is because of bad acoustics. There are certain things you will need to see and consider before having it in your room. The room’s size is one of those, and it is not only to fit all of your equipment but also to have the best acoustics. It is advisable to have a bigger room because small ones tend to have bad acoustics, and it is also good to provide space for all of the equipment and instruments. Also, your room should be noise-free, and it will be challenging if your place tends to have a lot of traffic noise or dogs barking or any other disturbances. A great way to limit it more is by using things or materials such as your curtains, blanket, etc. that can block sounds. One thing you should also learn is properly set up your equipment. It may differ with any room, so you have to find the arrangement you are most comfortable with. When it comes to monitors though, there is the right way to arrange them, and it should be forming an equilateral triangle with your head.


Oct
2019

Power Tool Safety

categories: Power Tools

In maintaining a home, it is always nice to have tools on hand. The reason for that is because it will make things easier and efficient. It will be also saving you a lot of money rather than renting or hiring. So if you plan on pressure cleaning your home or start landscaping, start investing for some tools.

Of course, power tools are not just for using. You should also know the precautions of it because things might go wrong if not handled properly. There are tips for using them safely, and here are some of them:

1. Know the Correct Tools

Each tool has its own purpose and function. Make sure to know and use it how it is meant to. Because if not, it might cause damage to the tool and also might hurt you. It will also have your work in better quality. It is also notified that having the right tool and technique will not require a lot of your strength.

2. Read Instructions First

Like any other thing, you should know how it will be operated and used. That way, it will be easier for you and will also avoid accidents and incidents, because you know how to handle them properly.

3. Focus on Your Work

When working, be sure to be focused on it and avoid any distractions. You can have something like music to maintain your focus. You can also keep everything distracting out of reach or sight and also have anyone not to disturb you.

4. Always Wear Safety Gear

One of the ways to keep you intact is having the right gear for working. Make sure to have coveralls, gloves, helmet, and eye goggles with you and use it. It is all for your protection. Also, do not wear any accessories when working, or it might be caught up with the tools.

5. Tool Maintenance

To have it work properly, the tool must be maintained and be checked regularly. This will make them perform well. Also, if they are dull or rusted, it would likely cause accidents because of difficulty to use and might also affect your health.

6. Safe Distance from Other People

Having other people at work will not only cause some disturbance to you but also dangerous for them. They might get curious or accidentally touch something. Keep in mind that some would have no idea or unaware of the rules and regulations about the tool, so it will be better to just keep them out of it. Advise them and also do your work away from others. Have a sign if it is necessary.

7. Secure Tools in Safe Place

When not in use or after using those tools, make sure to put them away and store them in a safe place where no curious hands will get to it. Be sure to de-assemble them properly. Also, if the tools are damaged, make sure to have them in a different place so that using them will be avoided. Use a sign for it when needed and have a reminder to fix or change them.


Oct
2019

Best Lawn Games For Adults

categories: Hobbies

With all the work and stress that has happened, taking a break is a must. This way, the mind, and body will be relaxed, and it is also a great opportunity to spend time with friends, family, and other loved ones. The good thing about this is that one does need to go far. In fact, they do not need to get out of their own homes for there are activities that can be done there. 

If you have a backyard, there are many possibilities you can do with it. You can host a barbecue or have a garden party. You can even just invite some friends or simply spend time with your family. Here are some fun and fast-paced games you can play with them for bonding:

1. Frisbee

It is one of the popular games you can play outside and can be played almost everywhere. It could be at the beach or park, but it can be especially at your own back yard. The game involves throwing a plastic dish called frisbee and having team members catch it until they get it to their base. This can be played with your kids and even with dogs if you have. This is also a great activity for family gatherings. If you have relatives over with a lot of kids, this will be good enough, and you will not need anything except for a frisbee. But the game is also fun with just the adults.

2. Dodgeball

Another one of the easiest popular games. The gameplay is kind of the same as frisbee but the ball is used at this one, and it is all about dodging it unless someone caught it at the opposite team then the game is over. Because of this matter, this is also a game that can be played with your family but can also be done with your friends.

3. Scavenger Hunt

If you want something that is more challenging and engaging, this will be the one. You would need a lot of time for preparation though with all the messages and items that need to be collected or things to be done. This involves the players looking for a particular item or sometimes doing something in order to finish the game. This is usually done in a large vicinity so that more items can be hunted. But you can also make it simple by doing it in your own backyard. Just be ready for the minor consequences like making a mess or something getting broken.

4. Oversized Board Games

If you love playing board games, you can also do it in your own backyard. What makes it more fun is that it will be more physical because it is in a large size. You can do some word games such a Scrabble or Boggle using giant letter tiles. You can also do a Giant Jenga though make sure of the safety when it comes tumbling down. Another one is the Yahtzee with some blocks of wood converting into a giant die. For you to make these games possible, you will just have to be creative and know some simple DIY, so that you can have the materials.


Oct
2019

Modern Contemporary Interior Design

categories: Aesthetic

Having your own home is great enough for you to feel relaxed and be content. It is enough for you to go home to ease your mind and also get rid of stress. But it would be better if you would have some design in your home. It is pleasing to look at and because of that, it will feel cozier and comfortable. If you think that home design is complicated, it is not really. 

One of the most popular is the contemporary design, and it just means keeping it simple yet good to look at. It is more about using designs that are classic and minimal. It tends to not use a lot of patterns but instead stick to geometrical shapes. To make it more interesting, it does not stick to one material but instead uses a great mix of it like metal, glass, or stone. It is because of that there is added texture around the room.

If you are planning to have your home contemporary, here are some of the ways you could do it:

1. The Color

A contemporary design’s color is more on the neutrals like brown and beige with some white, black, and gray. That does not mean you cannot add other colors. In fact, you can add interest and make your room pop more by adding some hints of bold colors. You can do this by the decors like artworks or sculptures. You can also do this with your furniture’s accessories such as linens and throw pillows. This way, the room will look clean but at the same time, not too dull with the lack of color and interest.

2. The Furniture

The furniture should be simple yet bold. This means having those that are clean and in simple geometric shapes. It is one of the elements in the room that is neutral in color, but you can accent it with the materials and texture which are usually the natural ones such as cotton, silk, linen, etc. The accessories can add color and interest too. You can have them in bolder colors to contrast the overall neutral outlook of the room. But as said before, it is all about keeping it simple which means no busy designs such as florals and also no carvings. 

3. The Decor

So if the contemporary design is all about being simple, how could you decorate it? The fact of this matter is that you can get more creative when it comes to decorating. One of the ways is adding a pop of color through the accessories used such as the pillows, curtains, rugs, and other smaller elements. You can also add more texture to the fabrics. You can also add in some large plants to bring more life. Other decors that are well-known for contemporary style are contemporary artworks and sculptures, and you can easily add them to open spaces though keep in mind to avoid having too much or else it will look like it is cluttered and busy. 


Oct
2019

The Many Ways an Air Compressor Can Make Your Life Easier

categories: Technology

With a lot of things that continuously break and need to be fixed in your home, having your own tools is really handy. Instead of always calling for a handyman, it is much better if you can do it yourself. It saves both time and money and with the right tools and a little bit of knowledge and skill, you will be good enough to tackle most problems around the home. 

Of course, there will be different kinds of tools that you will need to have available. There are basic hand tools and power tools. The name suggests, power tools are tools that require some sort of power to operate, but they can accomplish a lot more than you could with your hands alone. You may think that it sounds too advance to have power tools for simple repairs, but once you’ve gotten used to having them you’ll see that it’s not. There are some really great and handy power tools to own that will make your job much easier and also save time.

One of the more prominent power tools that many people own is an air compressor. What is an air compressor? It is a device that is powered either with gas or electricity, and its purpose is to take air from around us and pressurize it to be used for other purposes. In many cases it then transfers the high-pressure air to a receiver tank to be used on-demand when needed. 

There are a few basic operating mechanisms that you’ll come across in air compressor designs. The ones you’re most likely to see are as follows:

  1. Reciprocating compressor – These have cylinders in them that house sealed pistons. When the piston drives into the cylinder, it subsequently compresses the air.
  2. Screw compressor – As the names suggest, these function primarily with a screw. The screw is housed in a tapered casing, and as the screw rotates the air is compressed.
  3. Centrifugal compressor – This style has an impeller that spins at high speed, creating a pressure differential around the circumference. This pressure differential is then exploited to compress the air.

Having an air compressor is not only efficient, but it will be also a great help to you. An air compressor helps in powering up your power tools such as drills, nail guns, spray guns, and other power tools that are available in a hardware store. With these types of tools, it will be much easier for you to install your wall mounted TV brackets or cabinets. It also great for removing bolts in tight spaces or from components that are old and rusty. In addition to home repairs, if you love doing crafts or DIY projects that use power tools, the air compressor will come in handy there too.

Air compressors are not only useful for powering up tools though. An air compressor can also be used with a number of home uses such as inflating the tires of your car or bicycle. It also used for blowing up balls and pool floats. It is also helpful for powering your blowers for leaves or dirt around your house. If you are also planning to clean your house, it is also useful for stones or brick.

Having an air compressor will truly make working a lot easier. But it is not only good for you. Even in small ways, you are also helping the environment by doing things yourself. 


Oct
2019

How To Record Vocals At Home

categories: Audio

With technology today, there are so many things that can be done in your own home that cannot be before. And usually, those are accompanied or done with the help of a computer.

One of those things is recording. Maybe you would want to give music production a try, or you would want to record some of your own songs or covers? You could also start your own podcast? That can be easily done now in your own home and became easier because of technology. You would just need to learn about the following:

1. Find the Right Equipment

The first thing to do is to have the right equipment. There is a variety available in different modes of prices. The most important will be the microphone for it is used to transfer your voice. You can actually use any kind, but the quality is not the same. So if you are choosing, a microphone, be sure you will choose the quality that will satisfy you. You would also need a recorder. But like the microphone, some of them would turn out not in good quality, so be aware of that. Another was mentioned before, and that is the computer. You can also directly record in it as long as you have the software and other helpful equipment such as an audio interface.

2. Find the Right Room

When recording in your home, you should have a room that has a good acoustic. But the problem is that it is hard to accomplish that, so you would do something as best as you can. You can have a room for recording purposes only, but you can also have it in your own bedroom which is good enough for beginners. You could manage it by having things around your room like curtains, blankets, etc. that can absorb sound. You should also try your best to have your room get rid of echoes which what ruins the recording most.

3. Know the Right Technique

In a voice recording, to have its outcome to be in good quality, there are proper techniques that should be done. It mostly has to do with the microphone. First would be controlling its volume and level. Then you should also know how to avoid popping. A pop filter will be a great help, and it is cheap to buy one. Then you should also know how to control your breath in the microphone for it is sensitive enough to absorb them. You should also know about the techniques in distancing as if you want something softer, it should be in the closer distance to make it sound more intimate and then further when it is louder. Another thing to learn is the effects which will help in improving the vocals.

4. Know the Proper Editing

Then after recording, you will be editing it. This is also to know if something should be changed or redone. Having software will be a great help, but it would be great for you to develop your own and also have skills in it.


Oct
2019

Professional Landscaping Tools

categories: Power Tools

One of the things you would want to do in your backyard is to make it look good and pleasing. A way to do that is to have it landscaped. It may sound intimidating and hard, but yard work is actually quite simple if you learn about it.

It would not be bad if you asked for help with a professional. There is a lot that offers that. That way, you could have a head start and not trying to guess what to do. In landscaping, there are tools needed. Why not start investing in them first? While you are learning with a professional, at least you already have some tools on hand.

Lawn Mower

It has to be the most well-known tool. It is used for cutting grass. It does not matter what height you prefer, because you can have it set with the mower and can also have them even. There are also many types of it, but the most popular would be the push lawn mower and is best for smaller yards. The type that is often used at larger landscapes is the riding mower or lawn tractor.

String Trimmer

The string trimmer has said to be a must-have in landscaping. Also known as the weed eater, it is used for cutting weeds and also for trimming around edges and obstacles, mostly in irregular terrains and hard to reach. It can also be used for cutting the grass but not as clean as a lawn mower.

Pressure Washer

The pressure washer is the best tool for cleaning the concrete especially if it is full of dirt and mud. It is also effective if it is full of mildew and mold. It is not advisable to use them for watering though, because the chemicals used in the washer might kill the plants. That is why they should be covered every time the washer is being used.

Shovel

The tool that is used for digging and moving soil, gravel, and sand. It is also handy during winter when snow piles and has to be removed. It is also used for mixing in fertilizer when planting or even when making one.

Hoe

This is a tool that is versatile that can be used for both planting and harvesting. It is used for shaping and clearing soil before planting anything and also handy for removing weeds. It is a great tool to have when harvesting root crops like carrots. potatoes, and radishes.

Rake

A great tool to have when cleaning up especially during fall. It can easily gather leaves, grass, or any other debris. There is another kind that is usually made for metal and is used for gardening. It is for breaking up the soil and also for spreading it.

Garden Knife

It is another versatile tool used in landscaping, and it is mostly used for pruning, weeding, and even harvesting. There are a variety of knives that are used for gardening, but the garden is the most convenient, so having this one on hand will be enough for a start instead of getting all the other variety.