Corded vs. Cordless : Advantages & Disadvantages

There are many useful reasons to have both the cordless and corded tools in the garage or the shop. This post about corded vs. cordless power tools will let you know which one to use when.

Corded vs. Cordless Power Tools

Both of them have some useful features. It is about convenience vs. power. A cordless drill might not be able to have enough power as compared to the corded drill, but it is much convenient as it can work without a power outlet nearby. On the other hand, the inconvenience with the corded tools is that their cord can get damaged too.

Another benefit of cordless tools is that you can use batteries of one corded tool with another corded tool too. Let us have a look at both sides of power tools.

Advantages of Cordless Power Tools

Battery

Cordless power tools mostly come with lithium-ion batteries that can hold a significant amount of power. Moreover, this power does diminish if the tool isn’t used.

Lightweight

Such tools are lightweight so that the worker fatigue is reduced.

Interchangeable Battery

The battery of cordless power tools is interchangeable with other power tools. This is a great convenience.

Portability

You don’t have to rely on a special power source while using cordless tools. This way, they offer impressive portability and flexibility.

Maneuver Easily

You can maneuver and move easily while using the cordless tool. This is great for mobile business or for the tasks for which you need to move more frequently. For example, you can work with the best cordless jigsaws comfortably on job sites.

Storage

Such tools are easier to store with their accompanying batteries.

Disadvantages of Cordless Power Tools

Power Loss

The best batteries surely run out of power at some point. Also, you won’t be able to work if you ever forget to change the batteries.

Power draining is quite common in such tools. This means you won’t be getting the same heft at the end of the shift which you had in the beginning.

Bulky

Some batteries are a bit bulky.

Advantages of Corded Tools

Battery Life

These tools are hooked up to a power supply that is continuous. This way, they don’t run out of power.

Torque

They offer greater torque

Disadvantages of Corded Tools

Difficult Storage

You need to store them in a way such that the cord remains intact.

Restricted Mobility

The cord of these tools keeps you tethered to the wall. Moreover, you need to keep the cords out of the blade line as they can get the cord break, and this way, the tool will be useless.

Lack of Convenience

You cant work with them if the Jobsite isn’t wired. For this, you will have to bear some extra expense.

How to Make a Corded Tool Cordless?

Firstly, make a 120 VAC portable source for your corded tool. You can do this using an inverter and a battery of right level of power.
For example, if you intend to make a 120 VAC 7 Amp corded blower cordless, then you will have to get a 1000 W inverter.
Replace the 120 VAC blower motor with a 1 HP 12-24 V DC motor. Then replace the switches and wiring. This needs to be done because the current will be ten times more.
Get the battery pack to run the motor.
Make sure you have big batteries as in such a case.
Next, mount the electronics and battery on the outside of the blower.
Also, a charger is needed that matches the blower’s chemistry.

How to Convert a Battery-powered Device to Wall Power?

Sometimes you might get frustrated with replacing batteries in your portable battery-powered device. Thus in such a case, it’s better to switch it in an AC powered adapter. Well, now you can easily convert your battery-powered device to wall power.

You need first to find the current and the voltage of the device to which you need to make wall power and then attach the adapter inside the devices where the batteries make contact.

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Step 1

Count the batteries of the device.
The standard dry batteries are mostly of 1.5 volts.
So multiple the number of batteries by 1.5.
Thus six batteries would make 9 volts; ten would make 15 volts and so on.

Step 2

Find the current. You can find it from the device manual or the sticker on the device.

Step 3

Get an AC adapter matching the mAh and voltage that you determined earlier.

Step 4

Cut off the connector at the end of the wires for the adapter.

Step 5

While looking in the battery compartment, you will find that the batteries touch two connectors on the sides of the compartment.

There will be two connections that are tied with a metal piece on one side while the other side will have separate connections.

Connect the adapter wires to the side that has separate connections.

Step 6

Find the natural wires. They usually have a white strip.

Then attach this neutral wire using solder or electrical tape to the negative terminal in the battery compartment.

You need to attach only the wires that are not the side of the battery compartment. This is the side where there are no tied connections.

Step 7

Connect the adapters’ positive wires to the battery compartment’s connector.

Here also you need to connect to the side where there are no tied connections.

Corded vs. Cordless Oscillating Tool

The corded power tools are more powerful as they do not run out of power.

Conclusion

Corded tools offer impressive power and unlimited operations. On the other hand, cordless tools provide fast storage and reliable batteries. Corded vs. cordless power tool: This graduate is much common the tool enthusiasts. Well, both have their benefits, and it solely depends on how you need to use the tool.

Also, Checkout Troubleshooting Methods to Fix Overheating Car

How to Install an Electrical Panel Board & Surge Protector?

An electrical panel board or a distribution board is an electricity supply system’s component that divides the electric feed into circuits. Furthermore, it provides a circuit breaker for the circuits.

This is an impressive guide on how to install an electrical panel board. Thus read on to know more.

How to Install an Electrical Panel Board?

A distribution board that is designed for domestic insulation is most often referred to as a consumer unit. The branch distribution boards distribute the supply of sub-circuits. They come with fuses.

Each distribution board and the branch distortion board needs to have at least one spare subcircuit for future requirements. This subcircuit is of the same capacity. Also mark the fuse element’s size, circuit’s current rating and the details of the circuit that the discussion board controls. You will need to have the electrician tool kit to do this installation work.

Following steps are involved in installing the electrical distribution board.

To begin with, install the feeder pipe.
Next, start installing the connector into the panel.
It is recommended to place a plastic bushing on the connector threads.
Level the panel.
Then insert screws in the holes on the panel back.
Pull the feeder wires through the pipe using a tape.
Leave enough wire so it can easily connect to the panel’s opposite side.
Bend two black wires so that they can be used for installation in the main breaker.
The excess bare wires are a great safety hazard as they can cause a short circuit on coming in contact with other wires.
Connect the neutral wire to the silvered colored neutral bus present on the sides of the breaker. This neutral bus has small screws and connection points.
Connect all the bare copper wires and green wires to the ground bus bar.
Bending wires will give you a neat and uniform wire installation.
Then you need to install the circuits to the circuit breakers of the branch.
Connect the appropriate wire to the breaker.
Bending the wires will give you a neat appearance on the completion of the installation.

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Tips On How to Install an Electrical Panel Board

There is an iron-clad main switched that is installed on the mainboard. It is recommended to install the mainboard nearer the service board and also nearer to the supplies components.

The height from the ground level should be 1.5 meters.

Check all the joints of the board. Conceal the main switchboard having the relevant circuit breakers in the wall thickness in flush with the wall surface.

The mainboard and the energy meter board are close to each other. The box in which these two boxes are installed needs to have shutter with a glass window for general inspection on the meter reading.

How to Install an Electrical Panel Surge Protector?

The power surges are quite dangerous. They can hit your home by traveling down the power lines. A surge can also occur due to a spike in an application in your home.

You can have peace of mind and offer adequate protection to your expensive electronics by installing a whole house surge protector.

Tools

You will require some electrical tools for installing the surge protectors. These include

Flathead screwdriver and screws
Pliers
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
Hammer
Nails
Flashlight
Voltage detector
Cordless power drill

Useful Read 10 Best Tool Set For Homeowner Reviews

Installation Procedure

The installation procedure of mounting the surge protector on the main panel box is:

Turn off the main power
Turn off the main switch outside of the electrical box.
This will turn off the breakers and cut off the power of your house.
You need to turn the power off as the active panel can result in damage.
When the boxes are no longer energized, unscrew the panel door.
You can use a voltage detector to know that the power has topped and when it’s safe to remove the panel.
Avoid touching wires that are not needed to connecting the usage protector as there might be live wires with power flow.

Mount the Surge Protector

On the side of the panel, you will see some small circular areas.
Knock out a hole in order to create the surge protector wires openings.
Feed the surge protector wires through this opening.
Then guide these wires to the front panel.
Secure the protector module in the wall by drilling screws.
There will be different mounting directions for different models.
You can check out the manufacturer instructions for more details.
Mounting the surge protector outside will let you easily monitor the performance of the surge protector without opening the panel.

Finishing Installing the Surge Protector

You need to connect four wires within the panels for finishing the installation.

The green wire is ground
The white wire is neutral
The two black wires

Stripping the Surge Protector Wires

Strip off the coating of the wire ends to connect them. You can use stripper for doing so.
Connect the green wire to the right-sided ground bus bar.
Then connect the neutral white wire to the neutral bar present on the right side.
Connect the two black wires to the dipole circuit breaker and then mount it nearer to the power wires.

Replacing the Panel Cover

After connecting the wires, replace the cover of the panel.

Flip the diploe breaker switch connected to the two black wires. See the digital display on the surge protector to check if its working or not.

Types of Electrical Panel Boards

The types of electrical panels used in homes include

Main breaker panel
Fuse boxes
Main panels
Subpanels
Transfer switches (manual and automatic)

Summary

Avoid installing the electrical panel board yourself if you are not an expert as its a bit dangerous work. Moreover, some communities and building codes might not allow you to do this as most often, it requires the coordination with electrical utility companies.

Altogether, the tips on how to install an electrical panel board will be much beneficial for you and your safety.

Also check out the all in one tool kit buying guide.

How to install Insulation in a Wall and Ceiling?

Insulation, no doubt, offers a comfortable living temperature. It plays a significant role in reducing utility costs and energy needs.

Thus knowing how to install insulation in a wall and ceiling will benefit you a lot. It is essential to take some safety precautions while installing insulation to avoid the inhalation of insulation filaments.

This article will let you know a lot about installing the insulation safely in the ceiling and wall. Moreover, you will know about insulating a detached garage too.

How to Install Insulation in a Wall and Ceiling?

Insulating the wall and ceilings result in increasing the building’s energy efficiency.

It allows you to enjoy a positive environmental impact, adds great comfort, offers you a healthier home environment, and reduces your energy bills. This way, you can save a significant amount of money on cooling and heating.

Some essential tips that you need to keep in mind while doing insulation are:

Avoid compressing the insulation. This removes the air present between the fibers and compromises the R-value.
Do not fold the batt and trim it if it is a bit longer for space.
After doing insulation work, wash your clothes separately and don’t mix them with your regular clothes.

How to Install Insulation in an Interior Wall?

Installing Fiberglass Insulation

Measure the Area

Before buying the fiberglass insulation, measure the area of the walls so you may know how much you will require in insulation.
Measure the individual walls and the area between them. Note down the wall gaps as you will have to buy the insulation batts accordingly.
You need to take the measurements carefully so that you don’t arrive home with the wrong size batts.

Insulation Batting Types

The batting grade depends on the wall on which you are going to install the insulation.

Different Insulation batt is available depending upon the location in the house. Thus you will need to get different insulation for basement walls, exterior, interiors, or attic.

The batt effectivity is according to the R-value. The batts with higher R-value are more effective.

Some different forms of insulation include

Cotton
Cellulose-based insulation
Mineral and sheep wool

Get the Necessary Tools

The basic tools include:

Utility knife
Staple gun
Protective gear, i.e., the pants, long sleeves, gloves, and masks.

You can get a homeowner tool kit to do this job efficiently.

Cutting Batts

You will get the insulation of the appropriate height, but you will need to cut them, so they fill in space perfectly.

Lay the Insulation

Cut through the face using a utility knife.

Pushing the Batt between the Studs

Shove the batt into the face in a way such that its face points outward.
You can handle it by edges.
This way, fill the gaps.

Secure the Batting by a Staple Gun

Secure the paper lining by stapling every seven inches.
Then move to the next row.

Sound dampening can be done by applying some cement between the top plates. This way, the sound won’t come through.

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Vapor Retardant Poly Film

Secure the insulation by applying a vapor retardant poly film over them.

How to Install Insulation in Basement or Attic Walls?

Spray foam insulation can be used for this job.

Get a Spayrer

Get the spray foam insulation kit. Also, get protective equipment.
You will require a respirator and eye protection.
Wear a suit with long sleeves.

Open-cell vs. Closed Insulation Spray

Open-cell is the preferred one in the open wall as it can even fill the cavity inside the wall.

Moreover, it’s soundproof, cheap, and super fast.

Prepare the Area to Be Insulated

Remove the debris and panels form the walls on which you are going to install insulation.

Also, cover the nearby finished flooring or furniture with a plastic trap as it is much difficult to get out the insulation from them.

Apply the Spray

It is better to apply the spray from at least 2 feet away.
Do the insulation in a layer.
Over applying foam insulation results in stressing the wall.
If you miss any part, then stop and wait for the insulation to dry. Afterward, use a knife to scrape the surface.
Fire-Sheath the Spray Insulated Wall

The spray foam ignites quickly. Therefore after spraying, drywall over the area on which you sprayed to finish the job perfectly.

How to Install Insulation in a Garage or Basement Ceiling?

The things that you will need while insulating a basement or a garage ceiling are:

Ladder
Staple gun
Knife
Tape measure
Batt insulation has a paper barrier on one side

Procedure

Stand on the rafters to access the joists on the inside of the roof.
Measure the length from the inside roof’s peak till the top of the walls.
Make the measurement you took on the batt insulation and cut it with a razor knife.
Next, hold the insulation’s top to the rafters in the way such that the paper side faces the interior.
Staple on the side of the insulation.
Push the insulation’s bottom piece between the joists.
Staple down the joist and along the sides.
Staple every 13-18 inches. This way, space will be filled completely.
Repeat this on other pairs of roof joists.

Cost-saving Tips for Insulating a Detached Garage

It is essential to consider value engineering while doing so. You can use vinyl siding instead of stucco or bricks for the building’s exterior.

The garage can have low-grade windows than the one you have in your home. Instead of finishing all the walls in your detached garage, you can put pegboard on some of them. This way, you will have many places to hang your tools.

Do Read How to Fix a Hole in the Wall Fast?

Conclusion

Insulation is a brilliant barrier to heat gain and heat loss. It is the best way to have an energy-efficient home.

Insulation works as a sound barrier too. This way it protects your privacy as the sound from the inside to the house won’t be audible outside.

It creates an impressive moisture barrier. By knowing how to install insulation in a wall and ceiling, you can have adequate insulation in your home and this way your house will be warmer in winter and colder in summer.

Also, read the cordless jigsaw buying guide.

Why is My Washing Machine Not Spinning or Draining Properly?

Washing machine problems make the man panic.

People with washing machine problems have a question why is my washing machine not spinning or draining correctly to which they want the right solution.

How to Fix Overheating Car? [Troubleshooting Methods]

An overheating car is much dangerous. It is advisable not to drive if the car temperature gauge is towards the hot side. It is essential to know how to fix overheating car as this troubleshooting can be a lifesaver for you.

This overheating can not only cause severe damage to the vehicle but can also result in a big explosion. Thus you need to deal with it right away. To do car repair and maintenance work you need to get the car diagnostic tools.

How to Fix Overheating Car?

There can be various issue for the overheating of the car. This is much common in hot summer days.

Causes of Overheating Body

Improperly Circulating Coolant

The engine starts overheating if the anti-freeze mixture doesn’t circulate properly. This anti-freeze mixture prevents the engine from cooling in cold winter months and saves it from overheating in hot summer days.

You need to check it regularly. There can be leaks, or it can evaporate too. To cool down the engine, you can add half cup water in the low anti-freeze tank.

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A Leak in the Cooling System

The constantly low level of the anti-freeze/water indicates that the cooling system has a leak somewhere.

Replace the Hose

The hoses that work in circulating the coolant become detached or blocked sometimes. A partial blockage can also prevent proper circulating of the coolant. Thus the hose needs to be replaced in such a case. Mechanic tool set can help you do so.

Engine Overheating Troubleshooting

You can do the following to cool down an overheating engine.

At the first place, turn off the air conditioner. This is because it put the load on the engine.
Turn on the heater. Doing this will blow excess heat in the car from the engine. This helps in cooling down the engine. Well, this is not supposed to be an ideal step in hot summers.
Park the car or put it in a neutral. After that, rev the engine. This way, the water pump, and fan work faster.
It pulls more water and air from the radiator of the car.
There is an increase in circulation, which helps in cooling the engine.
Open the hood to release the heat. Also, be careful while doing so as the heat steam may come out in a blast.
Avoid removing the radiator cap of a hot engine as it can cause burns on your body.

Other important Thigs to Do

Low Oil Level

Low oil level also overheats the engine. Oil moves the engine and also it removes as waste heat. Thus you can prevent such situation by checking and maintaining the proper liquid level in the system.

Slipping Off the Accessory Belt

The loose or frayed accessory belt can also cause this issue. Thus you need to check the belt driving the water pump. You can also get a professional if you’re re unable to repair it.

Plugged Radiator

The plugged radiators work in cutting down the liquid circulation of the system. Due to this, the system is unable to cool efficiently. In such a case, steam cleaning is best.

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Thermostat

A closed thermostat results in an overheated engine as it prevents the coolant from running through the car engine.
Driving with a closed thermostat can cause severe damage to the engine. This way you will have to go for more expensive repairs.

Thus you can avoid this situation by replacing the thermostat.

Preventing Future Overheating Car Damage

Check the Coolant Frequently

Do check the coolant level at least once in a month. If you find it low, then max the fill line. Also first let the vehicle cool down and then check the coolant.

Towing the Load

Check the car manual to find the appropriate towing load for your vehicle and don’t put additional load on it as this can result in straining the engine of the vehicle.

This is much dangerous if you are moving up steep inclines or driving long distance.

Flush the Coolant

Get the services of a mechanic to flush the coolant system every one to two years. Also, make sure that the mechanic you hired checked the coolant’s pH level.

Engine Overheating Symptoms

Following are the engine overheating symptoms. If you notice any of these then resolve the issue to avoid any big damage.

1. Red Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge on the dashboard of the vehicle tells the temperature of the engine. The gauge needle is in the black area normally. But when it in the red area, then this indicates that the engine is overheated.

2. Steaming Hood

You will see steam emitting from the car’s hood. This can be due to the hot coolant. Due to a faulty radiator, the coolant instable to cool properly and thus it starts boiling. These boiling coolant beings out the steam.

3. Temperature Light

The temperature light on the dashboard illuminates when the engine overheats.

4. Burning Smell

The materials (metal, rubber, etc.) in an overheating engine start to burn. Thus you will feel a burning smell.

5. Poor Engine Performance

An overheated engine won’t be able to perform in a good way. There will be a weak acceleration.

Engine Overheating Damage

It can cause some irreparable damages too.
The oil and transmission fluid becomes much thinner.
The cylinder wraps might warp too.
The cooling system or radiator might burst.
Senors suffer from collateral heat damage.
The gasket melt.
The head gasket might become cracked.
Also, this a result in an end of an engine too.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Overheating Car?

Overall the full repair for this can cost around $400. The radiator repair is the most expensive of all the repair work. It costs around $300 depending on the type and size of the car while the replacement of the radiator hose cost between $40-$70.

Summary

Car overheating troubleshooting need to be done on immediate bases.

There is a much terrific and dangerous situation when the temperature gauge needle moves nearer to the red zone. Also, the temperature malfunction light present in the dashboard glow. Thus it is much essential to know how to fix overheating car. This way you can get out of this headache easily.

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