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Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Staple gun (and staples) : Safety with stapling:Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Staple gun (and staples) : Staple size:
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : WD-40 literally stands for "Water Displacement". It also contains lubricants and grime-dissolvers. It is used to dry out electrical systems, such as inside distributor caps, and to loosen-up rusted […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Use to free-up ceased bolts or locks, when you can't insert your key into the lock, or when the lock is not turning freely.
Tip: Main > Hobbies > Arts and crafts > Graphics > Photography > Digital photography : Camera stabilization:
Tip: Main > Hobbies > Arts and crafts > Graphics > Photography > Digital photography : Reduce wind noise on a compact camera:
Tip: Main > Scams : Timeshare or "Fractional ownership": These are nearly always scams. The problems include:
Tip: Main > Scams : Bank scams: Never, ever, log in to your bank account while someone else is connected to your computer ... unless you want to lose your money.
Tip: Main > Scams : Payments: Scammers will often ask to be paid via gift cards, or direct wire transfer, or by physically sending money through the mail. In all cases it is a scam. Disengage.
Tip: Main > Scams : Phone Scams: If someone calls you, saying they are from Microsoft, or Logitech, or Apple, telling you that you have a problem with your computer, or that they want to return money to you, it is a scam […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Carpentry : Find wall studs: 1. Using neodymium magnets. These will locate drywall screws that are screwed into studs. 2. By knocking on the wall. At the stud the knocking will produce a higher-pitched s […]
Tip: Main > Household > Curtains : Washing curtains: Vacuum the dust off the curtain first. Then soak with a mild detergent, or with dilute vinegar. Wash in a machine using delicate setting. If washing net curtains, make sure that o […]
Tip: Main > Household > Curtains : Removing wrinkles from curtains: 1. Use a steam cleaner if you have one, or 2. Iron with a warm iron. If your iron is too hot, then place some material over the curtain to act as a buffer, and iron […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Picture Resolution. The higher the resolution the better, but be aware that the higher the resolution, and the higher the frame rate you use, the larger the files will be, the slower the transfer tim […]
Tip: Main > Technology > Computers : Hard Drive Vibration Noise can be fixed by fitting a rubber band around the drive, where it contacts the rest of the case.
Tip: Main > Hobbies > Arts and crafts > Graphics > Photography : Fixing sticky rubber grips on cameras. With age, rubber around a camera can break down and become sticky. Rub with degreaser (the type you use on your car engine) or acetone to remove the sticky sur […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Fake or Dummy cameras. If you have an old security camera that doesn't work any more, or is technologically obsolete, you can put it up somewhere you don't have a working camera, to act as a deterren […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Images from cameras appears too dark during the daytime. This can be caused by having too much of the sky in the picture. The camera adjusts its exposure based on the sky, and darkens the picture. […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Seeing through Windows can be a problem for IP cameras because the IR lights will reflect back off the glass and make it impossible to see anything through the glass at night time. If your camera sof […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Convert wired IP cameras to Wireless (Wifi). This is possible through the use of a dedicated wireless bridge unit, or through a wireless access point. The access point should have enough network ports […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Power over ethernet: If it is difficult to supply power to a camera or access point, you can transmit power over the ethernet cable. Be aware that there may be some speed loss in data transfer, since […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Night-time light sensitivity is most important, especially if you don't want to use powerful infra-red illuminators. Look in the specifications of the camera for a light sensitivity sensitivity of ar […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Where to position security cameras? Most burglars enter through either the front or the back door, or through an off-street window where they won't be seen from the street. So these should be covered […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : IR Illuminators (Infra-red illuminators are a must-have for outdoor cameras. These illuminators should be positioned a least a couple of feet away from the camera, so that the camera doesn't become f […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Lens type and focal length will determine how wide the angle of the view will be. Wide angle lenses, like 2.8mm or 3.6mm, will show a large scene, but may not be able to capture details like faces or […]
Tip: Main > Household > Security > Security cameras, IP cameras : Wifi or Wired? Wifi is okay for indoor cameras, but for outdoor cameras you will have a much more reliable experience by using ethernet wiring, especially with "Power over ethernet", where power is s […]
Tip: Main > Household > Hot glue gun : Join electrical wires by first stripping the insulation off the ends of two wires, and twisting the wires together. Then seal them together with hot glue. This will also insulate the wires. Warning: […]
Tip: Main > Household > Hot glue gun : Buying a hot glue gun: The higher the wattage, the faster the glue gun will heat up. If you have a lot of uses for a hot glue gun, then you should use a heavy-duty, industrial-type hot glue gun, whic […]
Tip: Main > Sport > Swimming : Breathing is the most important thing to get right if you want to enjoy swimming. If you don't get it right then you will quickly become short of breath. The trick is to be very relaxed, and to exha […]
Tip: Main > Sport > Swimming : Position. You need to stay as horizontal to the water surface as possible, so as not to create drag, and to avoid sinking. This is aided by stretching your arms out in front of you, and by taking yo […]
Tip: Main > Sport > Swimming : Swimming can be made more enjoyable with the following tips:
Tip: Main > Technology > Watches : Fix watch band retainer loop with electrical tape: Remove the watch from your hand, then fasten the watch band. Using a length of electrical tape, wrap the tape around the watch band at the location […]
Tip: Main > Living > Clothing > Zippers : Zips are not being joined together can be fixed by repairing any teeth which are out of alignment with a pair of pliers, and/or tightening the zipper clasp with a pair of pliers so that it can better […]
Tip: Main > Living > Clothing > Zippers : Try clip on zippers which you can purchase cheaply online. Use the correct size or it won't work properly. May work better if you clip the replacement zipper on a section of the zip that has already […]
Tip: Main > Living > Clothing > Zippers : Fly zip keeps coming down. Loop a keyring onto the zip puller, and hook the keyring over the top button when the zip is fully done up to hold it closed.
Tip: Main > Living > Clothing > Zippers : Broken zipper pull can be replaced with a paper clip or a key ring.
Tip: Main > Living > Clothing > Zippers : Stuck zip: Try lubricating the region where the zip is stuck with graphite from a pencil, or some other lubricant.
Tip: Main > Test : <script>alert("test")</script>
Tip: Main > Health > Optics/glasses/spectacles : Don't buy your glasses at a "boutique" store, or you will pay many times more than what you need to. Get your prescription only, and make sure the optometrist records your "pupillary distance" (PD) o […]
Tip: Main > Health > Optics/glasses/spectacles > Sunglasses : Different color lenses are for different purposes: - Black, gray, smoke, or mirror lenses are best for bright conditions. The color that you see through the lens remain similar to what you normally s […]
Tip: Main > Health > Optics/glasses/spectacles > Sunglasses : Sunglasses should be 100% UV resistant, as well as polarized (unless you are flying aircraft), and should wrap around your face so that light cannot get around the side of the frame. Test if they are […]
Tip: Main > Health > Optics/glasses/spectacles : Polycarbonate lenses can produce slightly less sharp images than plastic or glass lenses, but are thinner, lighter, stronger, and more scratch resistant. They are also UV resistant. Glass is the best […]
Tip: Main > Health > Optics/glasses/spectacles : Cleaning your glasses: NEVER clean your lenses when they are dry. If the lenses are dry then you will grind dust into the lenses, causing them to scratch. It is best to first rinse the glasses off […]
Tip: Main > Health > Optics/glasses/spectacles : If you don't have your glasses and you are near-sighted (can't focus on the distance) then you can use the camera on your phone to focus on what is distant, and view the image on your phone.
Tip: Main > Technology > Audio > Headphones : Open back headphones may have a better soundstage, but may offer less noise isolation.
Tip: Main > Technology > Audio > Headphones > Earbuds : Tip size: Use the largest size tip on your earbuds that is comfortable. The better the seal, the better the sound will be. Each ear may require a different size tip.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Driving in fog: - Use low beam. Using high beam will only light up the fog in front of the car, making it more difficult to see. - Drive more slowly. - Open the windows slightly, and listen for tr […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Acetone : Acetone is often the active ingredient in nail-polish remover, but it is also very commonly used in chemistry labs to clean laboratory glassware. It can be diluted with water.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : Super glue is best purchased in multiple single-use tubes, since once a tube or bottle is opened the glue can easily dry up and become unusable.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Acetone : Acetone can be used in 3D printing to smooth out printing artifacts on items printed with ABS plastic.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Acetone : Remove permanent markers or super glue with acetone.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Acetone : General tips: - Clean stains on china - Remove scuff marks from watch faces - Remove scuff marks from floors - Remove molten plastic bag from oven - Remove paint from windows - Sanitize razor […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Acetone : Don’t put acetone in a styrofoam cup, because it will dissolve the cup. Similarly with some kinds of plastic cup.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : For surfaces that are difficult to bond, a very light spray with misted water on the surface to be joined can help the glue to set.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : As a safety precaution, wear safety glasses so you don't accidentally glue your eyelid. If you do get the glue in your eye, or if you accidentally bond other body parts together, don't panic, becau […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : Acceleration of the drying (polymerisation) process can be achieved by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda over the seam of the join. Alcohol has similar effect.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : Less is more. Use the least amount of glue you can get away with, to coat both surfaces, then clamp together and let it dry. Super glue doesn't work well in situations where you need a thick blob of […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : Freezing a super-glued joint can make the bond brittle, if you need to break it apart.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : To remove super glue from fabric, use an old toothbrush, soaked in warm soapy water, to gently scrub the affected area. If necessary, do the same thing using warm vinegar, warmed up for a few seconds […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate) : To remove super glue, use acetone (found in some nail polish removers), but if used on your skin it can cause irritation. If glue is stuck to your skin, soak in warm soapy water, and gradually rub th […]
Tip: Main > Occupations > Secret/Mystery shopping : The biggest expense in secret shopping is car expenses. If you are not careful your expenses can easily be greater than the money you are earning. As of 2016, the full cost of running a car can be u […]
Tip: Main > Occupations > Secret/Mystery shopping : Do deals with those who are hiring you to do bulk numbers of jobs, and negotiate car expenses. It is less work for them to have an experienced person do a lot of jobs than to have to deal with a lot […]
Tip: Main > Occupations > Secret/Mystery shopping : Keep a record on your computer of any reports you make, in case you need to refer to them in future, or can re-use parts of them.
Tip: Main > Occupations > Secret/Mystery shopping : Take notes if you have to, without being noticed, by going to the restroom and taking notes in private, or by typing very short notes on your phone as though you are making a phone call or messaging s […]
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Remove crayon marks from walls.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Clean your golf clubs.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Loosen stuck zippers.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Make your boots waterproof.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Remove glue from your fingers. Wash your hands afterwards.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Remove dead bugs that are stuck onto your car.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Remove chewing gum from the bottom of your shoes.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Remove price tags from plastic items.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Kill cockroaches.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40 : Remove a stuck ring from your finger.
Tip: Main > Automotive : Jump-start a car: Begin by turning off both cars. 1. Connect the red (+ve) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the flat battery. 2. Connect the other end of the red (+ve) jumper cable to the p […]
Tip: Main > Household > Ladders : General tips: — Don't use a ladder unless you really need to, especially if you an elderly person, or are overweight, or are out of condition. — If going onto a roof, then take a mobile […]
Tip: Main > Household > Extension cords : Join two extension cords together more safely by ensuring they can't be pulled apart. Firstly, connect the two cords together, then create a double loop in the cord near the connection, then feed the […]
Tip: Main > Household > Extension cords : Safety tips for extension cords: - Don't use extension cords for permanent wiring. Get proper wiring installed. - For outdoors use, only use extension cords that are designed for the purpose. Mark […]
Tip: Main > Technology > Printers : Cheap printing: Buy discount, generic print cartridges. The quality may not be as good as the name brand cartridges, but they are generally good enough for printing text. Print using economy mo […]
Tip: Main > Technology > Printers : Ink-jet vs Laser printer: Ink-jet printers are best for printing high quality colour images. Lasers are best for printing black and white. Ink-jet printers can waste a lot of ink, and the ink c […]
Tip: Main > Living > Food & drink > Drink and drinking : Create fizzy health salts, with the same ingredients as "Andrews health salts". Ingredients commonly available. 20g Bicarbonate of soda 20g Citric acid powder 20g Epsom salts (magnesium sulpha […]
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : If you get stuck in mud, sand, or snow don't use a tow rope or recovery rope or strap unless you really need to, because they are dangerous, even for those who are trained in how to use them. It's be […]
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Listening to music might be relaxing, but research suggests that it decreases your reaction times.
Tip: Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Heat-shrink tubing : Fix broken or split tent poles with heat shrink tubing. For extra strength, wind duct tape around the pole first.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Brakes and tires. Make sure they are in good condition. If your tires have a low pressure then you will have poor handling, and fast braking is important in an emergency.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Drive more slowly in bad weather or when the road surface is poor. The speed limits don't apply when conditions are bad.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Wear your seat belt. You don't want to be thrown through the windshield.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Keep your eyes on the distance to see what is coming up, and anticipate any problems or actions you will need to take. You should be able to see close objects using your peripheral vision.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Use a GPS unit if you are unfamiliar with the roads. They are a lot safer than using a folding map.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Don't fiddle with electronic devices, such as GPSs or phones, while driving. Pull over and do what you have to do, before you continue driving.
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Don't speed. The small amount of time you will save will be far outweighed by the increased chance of an accident. It doesn't matter how good a driver you are because not everyone on the road is a go […]
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Take "40 winks" for fifteen minutes or so if you are feeling tired. It will make a world of difference. Not only will you avoid having an accident, but you will enjoy your driving more once you are […]
Tip: Main > Automotive > Driving : Don't drive either drunk or tired. If you do, you are guaranteed to come to grief.
Tip: Main > Technology : Remove "Warranty void if removed" stickers, in such a manner that you can re-stick them like new, by gradually working a slippery piece of material under the sticker. A static shielding bag is the so […]
Tip: Main > Health > Dental : If a tooth breaks or a filling falls out you can temporarily patch it up with either sugar-free chewing gum, or with a temporary filling kit which may be available at your chemist. This may reduce pai […]
Tip: Main > Health > Dental : Sensitive teeth around the gumline can cause a lot of pain. Try applying some specially formulated "sensitive toothpaste" to the area with your finger, to help numb the pain.
Tip: Main > Health > Dental : If toothache is preventing you from sleeping, try propping your head up with pillows. Raising your head will help reduce the pressure inside the tooth, which may provide some quick relief.
Tip: Main > Health > Medicine > Drugs > Paracetamol : Paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach (take with a good amount of water or milk), but this is not the case with Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories, which must be taken with food, or they c […]
Tip: Main > Health > Dental : The best pain relief is with paracetamol and ibuprofen ( […]
Tip: Main > Health > Medicine > Drugs > Ibuprofen : Only to be taken with or after food, as this anti-inflammatory can damage the lining of the stomach.