Articles | Page 126 of 264

28 Apr 2016

What is the Difference Between a Flare Nut and Combination Wrench

Today we are going to discuss the Difference Between Flare Nut and Combination Wrenches. Most of us, the mechanics especially, are familiar with a combination wrench.

Combination wrenches contain a simple box end and an open end. This allows the user to easily tighten and loosen nuts and bolts.

Flare nut wrenches are designed for the flare nut fitting on fluid or gas lines. In the Marines I was taught that a flare nut wrench was called a line wrench. These wrenches cover more of the nut to reduce wounding the nut off (like a box end). Additionally, the open cut allows the wrench to slip over metal lines.

Obviously, open ended wrenches can be used in the same manner as a flare nut wrench.

However, they just don’t offer as much surface grip on the fittings which increases the likelihood of damage.

In conclusion, I own both sets, and find that when you need a flare nut wrench you REALLY need one. Most of the time I do all my work with a trusty set of combination wrenches.

However, as a DIY advocate, I think it is important that you understand the difference between flare nut and combination wrenches.

What I really need is a new impact wrench to go with my flare nut wrenches, unfortunately some thief just stole most of my tools.

24 Apr 2016

How to Tie a Square Knot (AKA Reef Knot)

Knots: Reef Knot (AKA Square Knot) — Buy at Amazon

The Square Knot is one of the most well known knots. It is easy to tie and is useful for low strain ties.

While most people call this knot a square knot, in actuality the knot is names the reef knot.

The knot is popular among sailors, climbers, and gift wrappers for its convenience and ease of tying.

It is one of the simplest knots available, yet the square knot proves strong enough for most applications.

Easy to Tie and Untie

What I like best about it is, that if you grab one rope ends that are not under strain, and pull it back toward the knot, a properly tied square knot will untie itself.

Unfortunately, this makes it unreliable for climbing.

Tying the Reef Knot:

Take two ropes and lay the right-hand rope over the other.
Wrap the right-hand rope under the left-hand rope.
Bring the right-hand rope back over the left-hand rope.
Next, pull the original right-hand rope over the other rope.
Pull the original right-hand rope under the other rope.
Finally, pull on both ends firmly to tighten.

21 Apr 2016

How to Cook Everything

Great Food Made Simple

Here’s the breakthrough one-stop cooking reference for today’s generation of cooks!

Nationally known cooking authority Mark Bittman shows you how to prepare great food for all occasions using simple techniques, fresh ingredients, and basic kitchen equipment. Just as important, How to Cook Everything takes a relaxed, straightforward approach to cooking, so you can enjoy yourself in the kitchen and still achieve outstanding results.

Praise for How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman:

“In his introduction to How to Cook Everything, Mark Bittman says, ‘Anyone can cook, and most everyone should.’ Now, hopefully everyone will — this work is a rare achievement. Mark is in that pantheon of a few gifted cook/writers who make very, very good food simple and accessible. I read his recipes and my mouth waters. I read his directions and head for the kitchen. Bravo, Mark, for taking us away from take-out and back to the fun of food.”

— Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of the international public radio show “The Splendid Table with Lynne Rossetto Kasper”

“Mark Bittman is the best home cook I know, and How to Cook Everything is the best basic cookbook I’ve seen.”
— Jean-Georges Vongerichten, award-winning chef/owner of Jean-Georges

“Useful to the novice cook or the professional chef, How to Cook Everything is a tour de force cookbook by Mark Bittman. Mark lends his considerable knowledge and clear, concise writing style to explanations of techniques and quick, classic recipes. This is a complete, reliable cookbook.”
— Jacques Pepin, chef, cookbook author, and host of his own PBS television series

“Sometimes all the things that a particular person does best come together in a burst of synergy, and the result is truly marvelous. This book is just such an instance. Mark Bittman is not only the best home cook we know, he is also a born teacher, a gifted writer, and a canny kitchen tactician who combines great taste with eminent practicality. Put it all together and you have How to Cook Everything, a cookbook that will inspire American home cooks not only today but for years to come.”
— John Willoughby and Chris Schlesinger, coauthors of License to Grill.

21 Apr 2016

Canned Bologna Review

Gear Review: Canned Bologna — Buy at Amazon

Canned Bologna is something that I saw on a Facebook video and thought “no, it can’t be” and then forgot about it until I was coming back from the land and had an impulse to run into the dollar tree and see if such a thing really existed.

Once I got it home I stuck it in the food storage pantry until I had a urge to try it out.

Yes Canned Bologna does exist, and yes, it is not as good as regular bologna, but it is edible, it is cheap, and it does store well so think it has a place in a food storage plan.

It is not sliced, is pretty salty, and is made of mechanically separated chicken, which means the left over chicken carcass was ground into a paste and shot through a fine metal sieve to catch all the solid bone bits – which is not appetizing but it is how bologna is made…

At least the ingredient list for Canned Bologna is short and rather simple.

It is better cooked, but not easily sliced equally. I think sliding it out upside down and using the can as a spacer to slide the knife may get you equal slices – or not – I didn’t want to waste time trying.

14 Apr 2016

Kiln Construction

Kiln Construction can be a daunting prospect, with the potential for numerous missteps along the way.

This book aims to give confidence to those who seek to build their own kilns. Kiln Construction is a user-friendly guide that offers a thorough grounding in the basics of construction and also in-depth examinations of three kiln types—gas, oil, and woodfired—with diagrams and photos showing every step in the process.

These designs have been thoroughly tried and tested and are in regular use by well-known potters. Comprehensive information on methods, materials, fuels, and kiln furniture is provided as well.

Emphasizing practicality at every step in the process, this book will aid potters who are ready to build their own kilns and wish to gain both a greater understanding of kilns and more control and flexibility in their work. This approach will help readers navigate the difficult but rewarding process of kiln building.

I have some clay in a bank on my land, I found it while working on developing a spring, and at some point I plan on using this book in my own personal kiln construction, of course I need a round tuit, and a cabin out their first.