Carbon is an element we encounter everyday, in it's raw form or bound to other elements to form compounds. In this short guide we'll learn some essential facts about it.
You open a bag of flour and a puff of white rises into the air and then slowly settles over your countertop. How come it takes so long? In this article we explain the mystery.
If your Amazon Associate products go out of stock, you can lose a sale. This guide shows you how to use Visualping to set up notifications when certain words appear or get deleted from a product page.
A guide to tools and methods for cutting steel and other metals. Covering equipment that can be used by the average DIYer and industrial cutting machines.
I put this snow rake together in half an hour from some scrap timber. The total cost was probably a few dollars.
This article will help you understand the motion of bodies and momentum, the kinetic energy of a moving body, and the work done when a force moves a body.
Exploring how voltage regulators stabilise voltage in most electronic equipment in your home.
Understanding amp-hours, watt-hours and capacity of power tool batteries.
Understanding some of the fundamental concepts in mechanics including moments, couples, torque, angular velocity, power, and angles measured in radians.
What to see and do on Paros, an island in the Aegean Sea and one of the Cyclades group.
Some phones have LEDs at the sides to let you know you've received a text or call. But what if they don't? This guide shows you how to use the "Missed Notifications Reminder" app to get repeat notifications without having to check your phone.
Usually refrigerators work fine, and with few moving parts, they give years of service without trouble. If your fridge isn't cooling down properly, here's some troubleshooting tips to try before buying a new one.
Icebergs float in the sea, but did you know that a huge amount of their volume is actually below the water line? In this article we calculate how much.
The notification sounds for receiving a text message on a smartphone are really short and easily missed. This guide explains how to find alternative sounds and replace them.
A cordless drill is probably one of the most useful power tools, but what are all the settings for? This guide explains how and why to use them.
Do your photos look dull and cluttered with ugly dark shadows? This guide shows you how to use an inexpensive light box to take great shots for your website.
This guide shows you how to use USB devices, such as mice and memory sticks, with a smartphone or tablet.
In this tutorial, we learn about what a force is and the different types of forces we encounter every day.
Measuring distance on Google Maps is fairly straightforward, but did you know it's also possible to measure area? Read on to learn how to do this.
Which is better: discarding or recycling and repairing? This guide shows you how to fix the waistband and reattach the metal stud button on jeans—using waste clothing.
Dirt from outside, dead skin cells, and assorted fabric fibres are just some of the sources of dust. Learn more about household dust and its multitude of sources.
I've built lots of birdhouses over the years and most of the time they're happily inhabited by small nesting birds. This construction guide shows you how to make a nesting box, specifically suitable for European robins.
This short guide covers the basics of how an image is formed in a camera and an explanation of the various controls on smartphones and SLR cameras that control proper exposure of an image.
What tools do you need to carry for quick repairs while cycling? This guide will help you equip a bike repair kit for tire punctures, loose mounts, broken chains, and more.
Zips can be frustrating devices—jamming, coming loose and refusing to close up. This guide provides zipper repair tips you can try to get them working again.
How many CDs have you got? 10? 100? 1000? This guide shows you how to rip the tracks onto your computer and get them onto the Cloud so you can play them on your mobile device.
This article will provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to build a drywell and recycle leftover waste construction materials.
With basic DIY skills, you can lay edging kerbs. Just a shovel, level, spade, string and hammer are required. Concrete can be mixed by hand for bedding the stones.
Although small amounts of concrete can be mixed by hand, a cement mixer speeds things up and is practically essential if you need to lay high-quality concrete floors and pavements.
This article is a pictorial account of how I widened my driveway and built a solid concrete gate pillar
Dust and other grime can clog up the workings of a clock. This guide shows you how to clean the most important working parts.
Soft soldering is a technique used to join wires, fix electronic components onto circuit boards and bond copper pipes together. This tutorial shows you how to solder step by step.
A tutorial which shows the derivation of formulas for resistors connected in series and parallel.
The simple RC circuit is a basic system in electronics. This tutorial examines the transient analysis of the circuit as it charges and discharges in response to a step voltage input, explaining the voltage and current waveforms and deriving the solution of the differential equations for the system.
A diary detailing the various stages of construction of my new garden shed over a two-year period from 2015 to 2017. Covering construction of the frame, sheeting the walls and roof, making the door and adding facias.
How to understand the principle of Archimedes, buoyancy and how it affects ships, divers, buoys, submarines, hot air balloons and other submerged and floating bodies.
Yes, it's a film title, but terminal velocity is also the maximum velocity reached by an object as it falls through a fluid. This article explains how it works.
Equation of a parabola, the meaning of locus, directrix, focus, quadratic equation, maxima and minima, etc.
A weed is an undesired plant in the wrong place. This guide helps you identify 24 of the most common weeds you'll encounter in your garden, so you can love them or kill them!
Learn how to remove old seized screws from door hinges.
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies rates of change. This tutorial covers integral calculus and applications of integration.
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies rates of change. This tutorial with examples covers the concept of limits, differentiating by first principles, rules of differentiation and applications of differential calculus.
Covering bases and exponents, laws of exponents. log to the base 10, natural logs, rules of logs, working out logs on a calculator, graphs of log functions, log scales and using logs to perform multiplication.
Learn 100 science facts that every child should know! This article for kids answers some of the most common questions about space, nature, technology, engineering, elementary math, chemistry, physics and biology.
Levers can be found everywhere and have been used since ancient times. But why do we use them and what is the science behind how they work?
The binary or base 2 numbering system is the keystone of computer systems and digital electronics. This guide shows you how to convert from decimal to binary and binary to decimal
Tree stumps up to 9 inches in diameter can be removed with minimal tools and a little patience. This guide shows you what tools you need and the steps involved.
Here's a 15-minute quick-and-easy recipe for making Irish brown soda bread with whole milk.
The base 16, hexadecimal numbering system is regularly used in computer coding for conveniently representing a byte or word of data. This guide shows you how to convert from hex to binary and binary to hexadecimal.
This guide shows you the math behind working out a bolt circle diameter (BCD) or pitch circle diameter (PCD) and gives tables you can use in your calculations.
This guide explains everything you need to know about circles, including calculation of area, segment area, sector area, length of an arc, radians, sine and cosine.
Follow this handy guide to learn how to set up your garden hose to an indoor or garden tap (spigot or bib in the US), as well as how to attach it to spray nozzles, sprinklers, pressure washers, and coiled hoses.
This guide gives basic common sense tips you can try in order to cut your energy use in the home, reduce CO2 emissions, save money and do your bit to save the planet!
A GFCI or RCD is a safety device designed to shut off power in the event of an electrical "leak." These devices can save your life and should be fitted to all extension leads.
When you can't scroll properly with your mouse, the cause can often be due to dust and fluff which has made its way into the scroll wheel. This is really easy to clean with little effort.
Solving triangles using Pythagoras' theorem, the cosine rule, the sine rule and various ways of calculating the area of a triangle.
Working out the odds of an event occurring allows us to estimate the number of times that event will take place in future trials. Permutations/combinations are also an important part of the analysis.
Need some upper body exercise? Forget the chainsaw and cut logs for your wood-burning stove with a bow saw. Much safer than a machine and a great aerobic workout!
Learn how to use aluminum foil, conductive silver ink, or replacement rubber pads to give your remote control and/or keypad a new lease on life.
Here is a 10-tip checklist to follow if you can't get your stubborn lawn mower, snow blower, or tiller to start. Learn how to start an engine properly and check the oil level.
A spigot (also known as a hose bib, bibcock or garden tap) leaks when the rubber washer inside wears away over time. Anyone with basic DIY skills can replace this. Only 2 tools are required.
Moss in a lawn competes with grass, looks unsightly and can make mowing more difficult. Fortunately it is easy to get rid of, and measures can be taken to prevent it
Willow is a wonderful tree that's extremely easy to grow from cuttings. This guide shows you how to propagate this useful plant.
A basic guide to pipe types, plumbing fittings, and thread sizes, and instructions for how to use fittings to connect copper, PVC, and PEX water pipes.
Wheels can be found everywhere and have been used since ancient times. But why do we use them and what is the science behind how they work?
Plastics are ubiquitous, and there are three types which are normally recyclable and identifiable by an imprinted code. There are at least 10 more plastics used in the home which you may not be aware of.
A step-by-step guide showing how to repair a leaking ballcock valve in the header tank in your loft. This guide also explains the layout of hot and cold pipes and valves used in home plumbing systems.
Weeds are unsightly and spoil a neatly tended garden or yard. Fortunately there are lots of ways to deal with them, either with chemicals or in a natural, environmentally-friendly way.
SketchUp is a user-friendly, free, intuitive program for creating basic 3D models. This five-minute tutorial shows you how to draw 3D objects using a CAD software application.
Ballistics is a branch of mechanics which deals with the motion of projectiles launched into the air or space. Solving these types of problems involves using Newton's equations of motion.
Accurate square and mitered cuts in wood are essential for construction work. However, properly cut timber looks better even if you are just doing basic DIY and making stuff around the home.
How a burglar alarm system works. Control panels and wiring. Troubleshooting issues with false alarms, faulty contacts, PIR sensors, backup batteries, bells and sounders and keypads.
Sharp tools make life easier by requiring less effort to use. Here's the correct way to sharpen a garden spade, hoe or other garden tool with an angle grinder.
String trimmers, also known as line trimmers, weed eaters, weed whackers, and strimmers, can be troublesome garden tools. Difficulty in starting is often due to an issue with the carburetor.
Good quality photos enhance an article, blog, or other web page. Composition, exposure, focusing, depth of field, and perspective are just some issues that should be considered when taking photos.
This guide shows you how to wire a UK-style, standard 3-pin plug and select the correct fuse. These basic principles can be applied to wiring plugs from other countries, only the colours are different
Here’s how to sow seeds and what that means exactly. Get your garden started with this handy guide.
A guide to air tools and how they work, compressed air, air fittings and tool safety. This guide also explains what's needed to implement an air tool system in a workshop.
We often hear about analog and digital in the context of communications, sound recording, and consumer electronic devices. But what exactly is the difference? This article explains the mystery.
............D is for diaphragm, sucking air in and out E is for ear, sometimes big lobed and pointed F is for feet, to the knees they are jointed..............
Arduino is an open-source hardware/software programming platform based around Atmel microcontrollers. Arduino boards with their analog and digital inputs are ideal for artists and electronic hobbyists.
Did you know that plants can be cloned? You can make new plants for your garden using the technique of taking cuttings. For many plants, this process is simple and only takes minutes to do.
This easily prepared soup is tasty, nutritious, and only takes about an hour to make (but a bit longer to do the washing up!).
Planting a tree or shrub involves both proper preparation and care. This article guides you through 9 easy steps to help your plant flourish.
When working on a document, it's useful to be able to keep another window always on top of the active window. This saves having to constantly switch back and forth between applications.
There are many ways of increasing traffic and promoting your blog or webpage. It all boils down to writing good quality content and getting the word out to all those potential billions of readers.
Does your trimmer line get tangled, snap off and wind you up? Read on for tips on how to wind the spool properly and use a trimmer like a pro.
"Hot" and "neutral" supply power to an appliance, so why the need for a ground wire? Basically, it's included for safety reasons. Here's how it all works.
Learn how to change the oil in a lawn mower- it helps to reduce wear and prolongs the life of the engine. Anyone with a small amount of technical aptitude can learn to do this, and few tools are required.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a distressing condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It afflicts children and adults alike.
Is your grass getting out of hand, causing your garden beds or lawn borders to look unkept and messy? This guide will help you edge a flower bed with a knife for a clean, sharp finish.
Damp can be a serious problem in homes leading to mildew on walls, ceilings, curtains, and clothing. It has several causes but can often be remedied or reduced in severity.
A guide to different lighting types in the home and their pros and cons. Covering incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, CFL, sodium, metal halide and LED.
This article includes useful cleaning, plumbing, painting, and electrical tips for around the home and garden and is updated as I think of more! Also included are ways in which you can recycle stuff by re-using it for a different function.
We all know about YouTube, Social Networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and Article sites like this one. This is a list of novelty and fun websites I have come across over the years.
This guide shows you how to use the numerous Irish historical records that are now available free online, including church and civil records, ship records, and more.
Newton's three laws of motion and how these fundamental principles describe how objects in the Universe behave when subjected to forces.
Yes I'm addicted to flashlights! As if being addicted to power tools wasn't bad enough, I can't pass a display in a store now without drooling over the display of torches and thinking "Hmm, that would be a nice addition to my collection!"
Beef patties are delicious, especially when sandwiched between layers of cheese, sliced onion, and iceberg lettuce. This patty recipe (which I stole from my mother) includes rolled oats as one of the ingredients. Oatmeal is high in dietary fiber and is reputed to lower cholesterol.
Learn how to tie the four most useful knots for joining and making loops in ropes. Knot tying is a useful skill in the home or garden when fishing or camping. We cover the reef (square), bowline, sheet bend and figure-of-eight knots.
When drilling any type of material, it's vital to use the correct bit to ease drilling and prevent bit damage. Drill bits are available for metal, masonry, tiles, plastics, glass and wood. Here is a variety of drill bits and when to use each one.
Concrete is really easy to make and all you need is a shovel and some buckets. This is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide with pictures showing you how to make concrete by hand, with or without a mixer
There are various types of batteries on the market today: different sizes, different technology, different voltages, rechargeable and single-use disposables. How do you know which to use? This guide covers lithium ion, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd), zinc carbon and alkaline.
The first practical steam engine was developed by Thomas Newcomen in the early eighteenth century. Steam was one of the driving forces behind the industrial revolution, allowing mills and other factories to be located away from rivers.
Vinegar has a wide range of uses, including cleaning around the home, baking bread, and as a garden pesticide and herbicide.
10 Tips on how to enjoy life, be happy and have a positive mental attitude!
This guide gives ideas for colourful, easy-to-grow perennial and annual flowers for planters and flower beds in your garden. None of the plants are particularly fussy and many can be grown easily from seed.
Most gardeners will be aware of the benefits of using a compost bin for disposing of garden and kitchen waste. Branches can also be recycled into useful material using a small electric chipper.
This article explores my own experience with contact lenses—both the good and the bad.
Do you want to know how to use power tools? This is a beginner's guide to drills, sanders, grinders, and saws, so you can tackle the basics of DIY home maintenance.
Which appliances use the most electricity? This article lists over 20 common appliances with running costs and shows you how to calculate kilowatt hour usage of any device.
This article discusses types of circuit breaker and faults that can trip them.
If you're considering a vacation to the Emerald Isle, why not preview it through a virtual tour on Google's Street View and be back by dinner? In this guide, we visit the Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny medieval city, Killarney National Park, and more.
How to use a power adapter to check energy consumption, voltage, amps, and watts used by appliances.
A comprehensive guide showing how to use a multimeter or DMM. A multimeter is a useful instrument in a home toolkit for measuring voltage, current, and resistance and also for tracing breaks in wires, testing diodes, capacitors, and fuses.
Skype is a computer communications program that lets you make free voice and video calls between computers and other computers or cell phones. You can also send text messages and make international calls at the cost of a local call.
This guide provides some tips on what to look out for when buying walk-behind push lawnmowers. It covers topics such as lawnmower type, horsepower, width of cut and deck type
The Hikoki C7SB2 buzz-saw is the best circular saw I have ever used and with a power rating of 1700 watt, it makes light work of cutting through lumber! Ideal for the pro or serious DIY
This absolute beginner's guide covers all the tools you'll ever need to maintain your garden, ranging from rakes, spades and hoes to secateurs, lopping shears and powered hedge trimmers.
A fire in the home can be a devastating event, damaging property and possibly causing death or personal injury. This guide outlines the most common causes of fires and how to prevent them.
The binary numbering system is the basis for the storage, transfer and processing of data in computers and other electronic systems. It uses base 2 rather than base 10, which is what we are familiar with for counting in everyday life.
Repairing a bicycle puncture is relatively simple, requiring few tools. It should be possible to perform a repair in about 30 to 40 minutes. This pictorial guide shows you how to remove a wheel and tyre, locate the hole in the tube, patch it and put everything back together.
Why do all cleaning products have to be perfumed? Why are cookie tin lids rectangular and not square?... and don't get me started on health and safety!
Learn how to create luxurious garden compost at home without a bin! Recycle organic matter, save money and have greater success in growing plants and vegetables!
Electricity 101. A complete beginner's guide covering watts, amps, volts, ohms and kWh. Cost of running appliances. AC, DC and three-phase. Resistivity of materials. A description of electric and magnetic effects of current flow in a conductor.
Learn about starting a mower properly, solving fuel, oil and ignition system problems, carburetor fault finding and lots more troubleshooting tips.
An angle grinder is a useful power tool for cutting and grinding metal and other materials. Like any power tool, it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. This guide shows you how to reduce your risk of injury while using an angle grinder.
Working at a height can be hazardous. This guide provides tips on how to stay safe while working up a ladder, how to erect it, and how to work on a roof safely.
Could you earn money on the internet by selling your photos to royalty-free image stock agencies? This article outlines which are the best sites to upload to and gives advice on what images are in demand. Here's what you need to know.
A humorous account of spilling coffee over a laptop. Details on how to clean it.
Intense throbbing head pain, nausea, aversion to bright light, sounds, and other stimuli—these are classical symptoms of a migraine. Prophylactic treatment may be a help.
How do you put shelves, cupboards, brackets or coat hangers on a wall? This guide explains how to drill walls and outlines the required tools, fixings and drill bits.
Here are some common sense, low- and high-tech tips on how to improve your home security and prevent burglars from breaking into your home.
DIY can save you money and gives you a great sense of achievement. This article outlines the essential hand and power tools a homeowner needs for basic and more advanced house maintenance.