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Practical Mechanic

Author: Richard Tomlinsen

How to Replace Car Battery Connectors
Vehicle Maintenance

How to Replace Car Battery Connectors

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-07-08

Easy picture guide for replacing broken, deformed, or corroded battery cable clamps!

Read More How to Replace Car Battery ConnectorsContinue

Best Way to Kill Poison Ivy – Fast and Easy
Home Maintenance

Best Way to Kill Poison Ivy – Fast and Easy

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-07-06

Best sprayer and poison mixture to use to eliminate poison ivy! Includes the recipe for a safer poison ivy killer!

Read More Best Way to Kill Poison Ivy – Fast and EasyContinue

Lawn Tractors

How to Replace the Blades on a Simplicity Broadmoor Lawn Mower

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-06-20

Picture guide on replacing the blades on a Simplicity Lawn Mower.

Read More How to Replace the Blades on a Simplicity Broadmoor Lawn MowerContinue

Starter Replacement Guide – John Deere Lawn Tractor
Lawn Tractors | Vehicle Maintenance

Starter Replacement Guide – John Deere Lawn Tractor

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-06-202024-08-08

Picture guide showing the step-by-step procedure and correct part number for replacing the starter on a John Deere lawn mower that won’t start.

Read More Starter Replacement Guide – John Deere Lawn TractorContinue

5-sided Nut – How to Lower the Spare Tire on a Toyota Sienna and Highlander
Toyota Sienna

5-sided Nut – How to Lower the Spare Tire on a Toyota Sienna and Highlander

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-06-13

This article shows you how to access the spare tire on a Toyota Sienna – by acquiring the necessary 5-sided socket tool!

Read More 5-sided Nut – How to Lower the Spare Tire on a Toyota Sienna and HighlanderContinue

TPMS Light illuminated
Toyota Corolla | Toyota Sienna

How to Reset the Flat Tire (TPMS) Light – Toyota

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-06-02

Easy step-by-step picture guide for resetting the TPMS (flat tire) light on a Toyota vehicle.

Read More How to Reset the Flat Tire (TPMS) Light – ToyotaContinue

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw – Easiest and Most Accurate Method
Home Maintenance

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw – Easiest and Most Accurate Method

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-04-12

I describe the procedure and tools I use to sharpen a chainsaw; once I learned this method, I will never go back to those hand files or electric grinders!

Read More How to Sharpen a Chainsaw – Easiest and Most Accurate MethodContinue

Maple Syrup Making
Uncategorized

Maple Syrup DIY – Frequently Asked Questions

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-04-10

Answers to a list of the most common questions related to tapping maple trees and boiling sap into delicious maple syrup!

Read More Maple Syrup DIY – Frequently Asked QuestionsContinue

How to Start a Stihl MS291 Chainsaw
Home Maintenance

How to Start a Stihl MS291 Chainsaw

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-04-04

Detailed step-by-step picture guide showing the process I recommend to start the engine on a Stihl MS291 or MS271 chainsaw.

Read More How to Start a Stihl MS291 ChainsawContinue

Milwaukee 2450-22 Cordless Drill Review
Home Maintenance

Milwaukee 2450-22 Cordless Drill Review

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-03-28

This is my review of the Milwaukee 2450-22 cordless drill that I own and use. I give my honest opinion.

Read More Milwaukee 2450-22 Cordless Drill ReviewContinue

Error code p0420 on a toyota corolla.
Toyota Corolla

How to Fix a P0420 Error Code on a Toyota Corolla

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-03-14

Procedure to diagnose and fix a pesky P0420 code and finally turn off that Check Engine Light!

Read More How to Fix a P0420 Error Code on a Toyota CorollaContinue

Clean the scum off the inside of the windshield
Vehicle Maintenance

How to Clean the INSIDE of a Windshield the Easy Way – No Streaks

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-03-14

In this post I go over the easiest and most effective way to clean the inside of a hazy windshield.

Read More How to Clean the INSIDE of a Windshield the Easy Way – No StreaksContinue

Propane Boiler Boiling Maple Tree Sap to Make Maple Syrup
Uncategorized

5 Reasons to Use a Turkey Fryer to Make Maple Syrup

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-03-11

I switched from boiling maple sap over a wood fire to using a propane turkey fryer and never looked back! These are the reasons I switched!

Read More 5 Reasons to Use a Turkey Fryer to Make Maple SyrupContinue

PCV Valve being inserted
Toyota Corolla

How to Change the PCV Valve in a Toyota Corolla

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-03-08

Follow this easy picture guide to replace the PCV valve in a Toyota Corolla. Read the symptoms and benefits of replacing this inexpensive part.

Read More How to Change the PCV Valve in a Toyota CorollaContinue

Adding Oil to Vehicle
Toyota Corolla | Vehicle Maintenance

Best Oil for a Toyota Corolla

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-02-16

I’ve sorted through all the forums, discussion boards, and in this post, I tell you which the best oil is to put in your Toyota Corolla.

Read More Best Oil for a Toyota CorollaContinue

How to Stop a Smoke Alarm From Chirping
Home Maintenance

How to Stop a Smoke Alarm From Chirping

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-02-14

Follow these simple steps to stop your smoke alarm from chirping or beeping for no reason, including what to do if you’ve already changed the battery. Includes pictures.

Read More How to Stop a Smoke Alarm From ChirpingContinue

How to Easily Replace Broken Mud Flaps – Honda Accord
Honda Accord | Vehicle Maintenance

How to Easily Replace Broken Mud Flaps – Honda Accord

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-02-08

Easy step by step guide for replacing a broken or cracked mud flap on a Honda Accord!

Read More How to Easily Replace Broken Mud Flaps – Honda AccordContinue

How to Replace the Battery – Toyota Key FOB
Toyota Camry | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Sienna | Vehicle Maintenance

How to Replace the Battery – Toyota Key FOB

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-01-19

Quick post with instructions and pictures on replacing the battery in a Toyota key FOB remote, including the part number of the required battery.

Read More How to Replace the Battery – Toyota Key FOBContinue

tighten-nuts
Home Maintenance

How to Replace the Chain on a Stihl MS291 or MS271 Chainsaw

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2020-01-05

Easy picture guide for changing the chain on a Stihl MS291 or MS271 chainsaw. Includes selection guide for how to choose the correct chain.

Read More How to Replace the Chain on a Stihl MS291 or MS271 ChainsawContinue

How to Repair a Dryer that Won’t Start
Home Maintenance

How to Repair a Dryer that Won’t Start

ByRichard Tomlinsen 2019-12-30

These are the steps to diagnose and fix a dryer that turns on but won’t start, including the 4 most common problems, including replacing the burnt relay.

Read More How to Repair a Dryer that Won’t StartContinue

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