How to repair a Deck Stair

Deck stairs carry a lot more traffic than any other part of the deck and are therefore the first to need repaired or replaced. Deck stairs are also not very difficult to replace because you have the old, broken part to use as a template.

Check the broken part

Before making the replacement you need to check the broken part in case the break was caused by the design of the stair such as the tread being too thin.

Create the new part

Measuring the gap and using the broken part as a guide you will need to make a replacement part the exact same size.

Fit the new part

Fit the new part and make sure the deck stairs are fully serviceable by just going up and down the stairs a few times making sure the stair structure and deck are working perfectly.

The stringers

The stringers may also be the part that breaks first but replacing these can be just as simple.

Check Damage

Look at the damage to see what you can do about it. Because it supports the stairs its not so easy to remove while you make the new one. However the stringer can be measured accurately enough while still in the stairs.

Replace it

Make sure the new stringer is addas the old one is removed to continuously support the stairs.

How to Drain a Chainsaw Gas Tank

Before putting your chainsaw away for the winter/too cold to garden months draining the fuel tank is vitally important. Oil can freeze and cause damage to the chainsaw not to mention if a leak where to develop in the coming weeks there could be potential for a serious accident to occur. With this is mind here are some easy step by steps to drain that fuel tank:

1. Wipe any dirt/dust away from the gas tank lid and the top of the gas tank with a clean rag. This will prevent any debris from falling into the gas and possibly forming a blockage in the fuel lines or carburetor.
2. Move to a well-ventilated area and unscrew the lid of the gas tank on the chainsaw. Situate your plastic gas can within reach and remove its lid as well.
3. Place the straight portion of your hand siphon into the chainsaw’s gas tank. Insert the drainage hose of the siphon into the gas can.
4. Compress the bulb on the siphon to begin suctioning the gas from the tank into the can. Continue until you have removed all the gas from the chainsaw’s gas tank. If your siphon has a hand pump instead of a bulb, simply work the pump to begin siphoning the gas from the tank.
5. Unhook the fuel line that connects to the gas tank. The exact location of the line will depend on your specific chainsaw. You may need to remove a plastic guard and small clamp to access and disconnect the line. You’ll also likely need a wrench and screwdriver. A small amount of gas may remain in the fuel line. After you unhook the line, try to hold the line and pour any remaining gas into your gas can.
6. Pour a small pack of BBs into the gas tank and add a small amount of commercial gas tank cleaner/solvent. This cleaner is at most hardware or auto supply stores. Make certain the cleaner you purchase is acceptable for use in 2-stroke engines.
7. Replace the lid of the gas tank and shake the chainsaw vigorously. The BBs will act as a mild abrasive and knock any debris loose from inside of the gas tank. Pour the BBs out and flush the gas tank with cleaner. You must ensure all the BBs are out of the tank.
8. Reconnect the fuel line. Pour the gas back into the tank if you plan on using the chainsaw immediately.

How to Maintain a Water Pump

Lots of people rely on their water pump and are possibly not near anybody who can repair it for them so here are some quick tips on how to maintain your water pump.

Maintenance

Make sure you turn of the power to your pump and locate the pressure switch. It will probably have some kind of plastic or metal cover on it that you will need to remove. Make sure you put the switch cover somewhere it won't get damaged. If your pump isn't operating as it should be pry back the switch relays and inspect it for damage such as pitting or burning. Clean the contacts and perform any pressure adjustments you feel is necessary.

Cleaning the Contacts

To clean the pressure switch contacts, slide a length of cloth between them and pull the cloth along them several times. Repeat this on the other side until shiny. You can also unscrew the aerator in order to clean the smaller parts or replace it if damaged.

Adjusting the switch

If you need to adjust the switch then you should know that pressure switches are in conjunction with pressure gauges and these are set to turn on at low pressure and off at high pressure. Adjustment instructions are normally on the inside of the switch cover and you will probably need a wrench to turn the adjustment screws but make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion

Performing these steps every so often can help extend the life of your water pump and save you money in costly repairs.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw

There are a lot of people who do not know how to sharpen and regularly maintain a chainsaw and the lack of this knowledge can cost a lot of money to get done for you. So here I am going to show you a few tips on how to sharpen and simple maintenance for your chainsaw.

 

Learn the size of the saws chain

 

You will need either a rotary grindstone or chainsaw file that matches your chain tooth. Since there are several sizes of chainsaw teeth the grindstone or file must be the correct diameter for the saw.

 

Clean the chain thoroughly

 

You may use spirits or a degreasing detergent to remove oil and dirt from the chain. Do not flood or get excessive cleaner on the engine or other components, since some of these products can damage the plastic housing or other parts.

 

Inspect the Chain

 

Individual teeth may be broken or bent and if they get worn down too much they could break while in motion.

 

Clamp the saw

 

The saw will need to be stable and the blade must be firmly supported. You will get better results if the chain is allowed to rotate freely.

 

Locate the leading cutter

 

This is the shortest cutter on the chain and would be the best starting point. If all the cutters are nearly the same length then the starting point you choose will not matter. 

 

Use a twisting motion

 

File each cutter using a twisting motion to discharge metal chips. There is varying opinions as to the best direction to use the file but it really doesnt matter.

 

Reverse the saw

 

Reverse the sides of the saw to do the un filed teeth angled in the other direction using the exact same method.

 

Oil the chain

 

After oiling the chain, check the tension and you will be ready to cut again.

Different Kinds of Axes

There are a few different kinds of axes each with important differences that not everyone is aware of or what makes these axes suitable for their particular jobs.

Felling Axes

This is normally axe number one used to cut down trees and have an extremely sharp thin blade and slowly tapered head so it can cut across the wood grain as deep as possible. To suit this felling axes have 2.5 to 3.5 pound head and a 2 to 3 feet handle. This gives them a good swing length and the force to go through trees. There are a lot of variations to the basic design depending on where it comes from but most will share these characteristics.

Splitting Mauls

Rather than a deep across the grain cut a splitting maul uses a heavy wedge shaped head normally 6 to 8 pounds which deliver a more forceful strike without sticking in the wood and a nearly straight handle used to lever the maul deeper after the initial strike. Mauls also come with a broad butt that can be used to hammer a second splitter through the log.

Broad Axes

Named for the large bits and long beards they are traditionally used for hewing logs into beams. These axes allow the user to cut away the rounded edges of a log while creating a relatively flat face. The issue is these axes are dedicated left or right handed tools as dictated by the side of the bevel.