All posts by: Sarah Shelton

How to extend the life of your tool's rechargeable battery

By Sarah Shelton on January 15, 2013 in

extending rechargeable battery life

Cordless tools let you go wherever the job is, but they leave you at the mercy of your rechargeable battery. If you fail to charge your battery properly, your tools will be rendered useless. But with a little care, you can maximize your rechargeable battery's life.

There are three types of rechargeable batteries. Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries have been around the longest and are the least expensive, but they also have the shortest lifespan. The majority of new cordless tools use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which are more powerful, more compact and more durable than Ni-Cd batteries. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are the least common type; they lose their charge quickly when not in use.

The lifespan of a rechargeable battery life is measured in cycles, or the number of times you can charge it before it loses the ability to hold power. Lifespan varies between types and brands, but in general lithium-ion batteries last about three to five years, or up to three times as long as nickel-cadmium batteries, says Elisa Bernick of home-improvement magazine The Family Handyman. 

Here are a few tips to extend the life of your battery. Read more

Is my portable generator powerful enough? Here's how to find out.

Home & Garden
By Sarah Shelton on December 27, 2012 in

portable generator wattage calculator

Portable generators are rated on how much electricity they can produce. This is expressed by two factors: continuous wattage (how much total electricity a generator can produce consistently) and peak or surge wattage (the maximum amount of electricity it can produce at a given moment).

Put another way, continuous wattage tells you how many appliances and electronics your portable generator can operate at the same time. Peak wattage, on the other hand, tells you how much power that generator can crank out for a short period of time. This is important to know because many large appliances, such as refrigerators or air conditioners, require more power to start up than they do to operate. Read more

Waxing sentimental over your car with a little soap and polish

Automotive
By Sarah Shelton on July 30, 2012 in

Washing the car

It's probably a safe bet that for some of you, washing and waxing your car isn't a regular on your weekly to-do list. But you could be causing permanent damage by letting everyday dirt and impurities stay on your paint. Follow this simple guide to have your car shiny (and protected) in no time.

Caring for your car

You spent thousands to buy your car. You diligently rotate tires and change the oil, so don't neglect your car's exterior. "Whenever your car is outside...contaminants are continually landing on its paint finish," says Barry Meguiar, president of Meguiar's Inc. He lists the most common offenders as acid rain, road film, dust, tree sap mist and bird droppings. Even more worrisome, Meguiar warns that after a few days these seemingly harmless elements can etch your paint and cause permanent damage.

Contrary to urban myth, letting this stuff stay on your car doesn't protect it from UV rays. Wash it off as soon as possible, or about once a week, advises Consumer Reports. Follow this with a wax every couple of months to protect your paint and keep your car looking at its best. Read more

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