Batteries will keep their charge longer if they’re kept cool. Warmer temperatures will shorten their life. Always recharge a battery right after it is used. Never store an uncharged battery and recharge unused batteries every two months.
Keep a mound of modeling clay handy to your soldering equipment. You can use it to hold small pieces at odd angles to each other. Push the ends of the items into the clay and position them so they meet each other. The modeling clay will hold the pieces securely and eliminate any metal contact from a vise that can conduct heat away from the work.
In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an extension cord where the cord joins the plug, use a special “angle extension cord,” which is specifically designed for use in these instances. Don’t use staples or nails to attach extension cords to a baseboard or to another surface. This could damage the cord and present a shock or fire hazard.
When wiring or rewiring your workshop, consider installing extra outlets in the ceiling, positioned over groupings of power tools. Ceiling outlets can be more accessible and can help eliminate tripping over extension cords. If you are setting up or remodeling your workshop, also plan to install at least one outlet every 3 ft. around the perimeter.
Use outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a timer so they will turn off during the day.
There are three main ways lightning enters homes and buildings: (1) a direct strike, (2) through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and (3) through the ground. Regardless of the method of entrance, once in a structure, the lightning can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio/television reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
If your extension cord gets tangled up, don’t pull on the ends. Instead, gently loosen all the tighter snarls in the middle until them become larger loops that can easily be untangled. A way to avoid tangles is to use a retractable cord reel. It will let you reel out only the amount of cord you need, then quickly reel it back when you’re done.
Electrical wiring should always be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local wiring inspector. Your house or apartment may be inadequately wired if: Lights dim and motors slow down when an appliance goes on; Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently; Toasters or irons fail to heat properly; The television picture shrinks.
Avoid flat-topped staples for running speaker wires along the walls — they can sever the wire’s insulation. Cables that come with your home theater set aren’t likely to be top-quality — plan to upgrade.
When you hook up a power tool to an heavy-duty extension cord, remember that all cords are not alike and all power tools do not necessarily require the same size cord. Check each tool’s owners manual to find out its requirements. Here’s a helpful guide for cords less than 50 ft.
#12 gauge – 1920 watts – 16 amps – large bench saws
#14 gauge – 1440 watts – 12 amps – portable power saws, routers
#16 gauge – 840 watts – 7 amps – belt sanders, recip saws
#18 gauge – 600 watts – 5 amps – drills, small sanders
