The Tool Ticket Change in Product Focus

Please note that The Tool Ticket is making a shift of focus. If you are interested in purchasing Brand Named Tools or Home Essentials and Accents, you'll need to do so before April 1st, 2014. At that time, we are going to streamline our business toward The Man Cave. This will include bars, bar products, accessories, billiards and gaming, big screens and projectors, home theater and sound systems, and themed memorabilia relating to Coke and beer logo themes, military branches, and college teams, as well as the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL teams. We are excited about this change and look forward to serving your needs as we become the ticket to your perfect man cave.

Radiator Leak Repair

A leak in a radiator can be repaired without removing it from the vehicle as long as it is not a large leak. This can be done with a bottle of Bars Leaks Liquid Radiator Sealant.  You can purchase this product at any local auto parts store.

Follow these instructions when using this type of sealant: 

1. Let the engine cool down.
2. Remove radiator cap and add a bottle of Bars Leaks to the radiator. 
3. Replace radiator cap.
4. Start engine and let it warm up. 
5. Drive the vehicle for a minimum of 30 minutes. 
6. Check for any leaks under the vehicle and by examining the coolant level.

Note:  Be sure that you know what type of radiator your vehicle has as the Bars Leaks sealants come in a variety of types:  those for aluminum, copper, and plastic.

Hot Tub Care

 

 Hot tubs need regular maintenance to stay clean and operate efficiently. Use the following tips:

• The water must be balanced properly. Use a test kit to check PH, Chlorine or bromine level, total hardness, and alkalinity. 
• The filter should be cleaned every two weeks, and replaced once a year. 
• Every 3 months the hot tub should be drained and cleaned. 
• The hot tub should be refilled and the water balanced. 

Doing the proper maintenance will help the hot tub last.

Fixing Frozen Car Doors

1.  Chip away ice from the cracks of the door and the door lock. Sometimes a thin layer of ice is all it takes to prevent the door from opening.

2.  Unlock the door. If the lock is frozen, hold your key over a lighter for 15 seconds to heat it up, and insert the key into the lock. It may take more than one attempt to completely thaw it out. If the door still won't open, move on to the next step.

3.  Pour windshield wiper fluid into the cracks of the door and on the door handle, where the seals can freeze over in harsh conditions. Since the cracks are small, only a very thin layer of ice can form, so it doesn't take much effort to melt it.

4.  Hook up a hair dryer to an extension cord and blow hot air into the cracks of the door and the handle until the ice melts. Be cautious about blowing hot air onto a cold window, as the extreme temperature fluctuation could cause it to crack.

(Information provided by eHow.com)

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Safety tips for the upcoming polar vortex with very frigid temperatures to hit the Midwest this next week:

AS THIS COLD OUTBREAK APPROACHES...PLEASE REMEMBER THESE TIPS:

* NEVER VENTURE OUTDOORS WITHOUT WEARING GLOVES...A HAT AND SEVERAL
LAYERS OF CLOTHING. WIND CHILL VALUES SUNDAY AND MONDAY COULD LEAD
TO FROSTBITE IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES IF PROPER PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT
TAKEN.

* RUN WATER AT A TRICKLE AND KEEP CABINET DOORS OPEN TO PREVENT PIPES
FROM FREEZING

* NEVER USE A STOVE OR OVEN TO HEAT YOUR HOME OR USE AN OPEN FLAME TO
MELT FROZEN PIPES. MANY HOUSE FIRES RESULT FROM THESE PRACTICES.

* CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AND YOUR CAR BATTERY. BE SURE YOUR CAR HAS A
WINTER SAFETY KIT THAT INCLUDES A BLANKET...WARM CLOTHES AND
GLOVES IN CASE YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN OR BECOMES STRANDED.

* TAKE EXTRA STEPS TO KEEP YOUR PET WARM AND KNOW ITS LIMITS TO COLD.
WHIMPERING...SHIVERING OR SLOWING DOWN COULD BE SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA.

Electricity Saving Tips

  

• Upgrade to a Digital Thermostat:

Upgrading your thermostat from analog to digital will give you better temperature control and allow you to program the desired temperature during different parts of the day. Whether it is summer, winter, fall or spring, programming your thermostat to predetermined temperatures can help conserve energy usage and save you money on your electric bill each month.

•     Adjust or Upgrade the Water Heater:

Approximately 20 percent of your electric bill comes from hot water heating. Try experimenting with your water heater temperature settings by turning the temperature down to 110 degrees (120 degrees is normal). Most people will not be able to tell much of a difference in the water temperature, and the reduced heat setting will save you money month after month. Upgrading to a solar-powered or tankless hot water heater will also make a large impact on your bill. Consider this option if it fits in your budget; remember, it is an investment, not an expense.  Your television, computer, and other electronic devices use electricity when they are plugged in, even if the device is turned off. Consider getting a surge protector for electrical items or unplugging them when they are not in use. Plugged in electronics can add around 10 percent to your energy bill when not in use.

•     Upgrade Light Bulbs to CFLs:

 With the extended life of CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) and the energy savings associated with them, there is little wonder why many people have upgraded their lighting to them. CFLs can last up to 15 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and consume much less energy. By upgrading your lighting to CFLs, you can save 10 to 15 percent on your monthly energy bill.

Those these are cheap fixes, they will greatly reduce the amount of money flowing out of the budget each month.  

Generator tips

•     Clean/Loose Parts

As with all stationary appliances, dust build-up is inevitable. Carefully wipe away any build-up of dust or dirt to prevent particles from penetrating the generator. At the same time, check for any connections that may have come loose during generator operation. Perform these functions according to the manufacturer's guidelines, which is often every 100 to 200 hours the generator is in use. 

•   Oil Change

Maintaining a generator is similar to how a car or any other fuel-operated equipment is serviced. A generator requires lubricating oil for all the parts to run smoothly. You can check the oil condition using the dipstick method. Change the oil according to the manufacturer's guidelines; in general, the oil is changed yearly. However, if after a dipstick check the oil appears dirty, replace the oil as soon as you can. It is also important to drain or replace the antifreeze in the radiator every year.

• Fan Belt Care

Ensure that the fan belt is checked for any signs of wear and tear. If there is any damage present, change the belt immediately; however, most manufacturer's guidelines recommend to change once every two years.

•       Let the Generator Run

The best time to check for generator malfunction is while it is in operation. Therefore turn on your generator and listen for anything unusual such as loud vibrations; check for exhaust and water temperatures and keep your eyes open for signs of smoke or oil leakage.  For the best results, run it for thirty minutes once a month while connected with a small appliance`.

•     Other Considerations

These tips aid in the efficient running of a generator. The most reliable way to ensure your generator is in good working order is to carry out regular service maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. However, if any irregularities are observed with your generator, do not wait until it is due for a service to have it professionally examined. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself as this could exacerbate the problem. It is also a good idea to take out an extended warranty on older generators to avoid costly repairs.