The project involves replacing Outdoor Lights, the existing boards with new parts, installing new boards, and more.
Landscape lighting is a essential indoor and outdoor need/functional element for those who need to be outside in the yard at night. . Rather it’s for a backyard bbq, campfire and s’mores or find your loving pets… Low voltage, LED lights help to illuminate an otherwise dark exterior space. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand: Klein Tools Ratcheting Screwdriver (or various screwdrivers including a Philips Head), a tech driver set – Klein Tools Screwdriver Set (featuring smaller bits) for boards, electrical tape and Klein Tools Klein Kurve Stripper and Cutters wire cutters/pliers for cutting, stripping and connecting wires. If you have those items on hand, you should be ready to go. Other items you may need include wire caps (twist-on’s), DeWalt Rapid Heat Glue Gun (a hot glue gun) and extra glue sticks. Depending on the initial installation, you may only need the tools mentioned above. It’s always helpful to keep some of these items around the office for such a project.
Connect New Boards
Frayed Wires
Quick Connects, Wire Caps, Glue
Quickly, I wanted to make sure it’s stated outdoor lighting should have sealed connections – wire caps and glue if you have them. It’s important to keep those wires protected, connected and in good working order. Cut and strip only what you need, cover, tape and protect what might have been exposed during the stripping process. Once, you have the correct wires prepped, stripped and connected… be careful to replace the wires back in the housing (in our case, fencing or fence tube). Connections are key to turning lights on use connectors if available or simply twist on a wire cap and apply some hot glue to protect connections from the elements.
Conclusion and Fun Project
We love quick fixes and enjoy fixing things around the office and home. If the task is too complex, it’s best to consult a professional. In this instance, we reached out to an electrician to discuss voltage, the replacement process, and any potential issues when dealing with outdoor lighting. Safety is paramount when working with electricity, outdoor lighting, or technology, so always process with caution. If you have the necessary tools and patience to install, take the time to fix outdoor low-voltage lighting solutions. If you’re looking for more project work, check out our Barebones Torch video. A great project to do at home with the young members of the family. Enjoy!
Flush Cutters, Manual Sharpeners/Quick Edge Tools, and The Wen Bench Grinder
Uncover new tools, cutters, sharpeners and bench grinders!
Discover new hand tools like the Klein Tool flush cutters, Speedy Sharp burr tool, Smith’s and Benchmade sharpeners. For those big jobs, consider the Wen Bench Grinder. Need to cut something quickly and confidently? Utilize the Klein Tool Diagonal Cutting Pliers. If you have dull knives and carving tools, shop our favorite tools and learn more about the Benchmade and Smith Manual Field Sharpeners. For tough outdoor steel, rely on the Wen grinder.
Flush Cutters and Speedy Sharp
Klein Flush Cutters
Speedy Sharp
Hopping into the more refined tools that are essential to have in the shop, those that aid in working more efficiently. Let’s begin with the Klein Tools flush cut pliers, perfect for cutting without leaving any rough edges. Say goodbye to dull carving tools or chisels. Get your hands on a variety of manual sharpeners, progressing from the Benchmade Field Sharpener, to the Speedy Sharp to remove and define that burr.
While you’re out in the field the guided Smith’s pocket sharpener is ideal for hooks and quick edge work. Additionally, for tools that require fine sharpening and extra power when steel is necessary for outdoor tasks such as cutting grass, wood chisels, hand tools and scissors that need some special attention, the Wen Bench Grinder.
Generally speaking, the official name for flush cutters is diagonal cutting pliers with precision, or wire ‘snips’ in layman’s terms! Previous posts have covered deburring tools, like the AFA Deburring set or the Klein Tools screwdrivers. While those tools have been discussed in previous posts, today we are focusing on flush cutters. Surprisingly, flush cutters are used daily in the shop, garage and yard. I use these cutters all the time, with an easy-to-use ‘squeeze’ and firm handle setup, sometimes spending hours cleaning up prints or cutting zip-ties. It’s helpful to have a comfortable set of cutters around the office.
Additionally, flush cutters, as implied by the name, leave zip ties and copper wires clean and snag-free. Maintenance is easy – simply spray lubricant on them every so often, towel dry, and then run them through a sharpener for clean, flush cuts as intended. All you #makers out there, make sure to have a sharp pair of cutting pliers (snips) for any delicate wire work or clean-up effort.
Cut A New Edge, Forming An Edge (Burr)
Moving on, those of you who use hand tools such as carving knives, whittling knives or field knives, it is important to keep a proper edge on them. Who can forget about the Speedy Sharp sharpeners? When a new edge is needed, turn to Speedy Sharp for a quick repair or to fix a damaged blade or broken edge. Simply run the diamond cutter across the damaged area quickly to create a new, fresh edge that is perfect for our next step. Hone and clean up the edges with the Smith’s pocket sharpener, which allows for coarse to fine edge work. By doing so, we are one step closer to achieving a fine edge.
Smith’s Pocket Sharpener, Benchmade Field Sharpener
Smiths Pocket Sharpener
Benchmade WorkSharp
Tools & Sharpeners
Sharp Tools
Introducing the Benchmade Field Sharpener designed specifically for knives and other hand tools such as scissors or fishing lures. This compact field sharpener is perfect for fine-turning edges while out in the field, creating a precise 20-degree edge angle for most pocket knives and carving tools. Finish off your sharpening process with the ceramic edge for an incredibly sharp finish, and use the strop on the other end for a polished touch. This handy field sharpener is a must-have for any workshop Stay tuned for our upcoming article on sharpening stones, going up-to 8000 grit!
Tool Variety, Applications and Wen Bench Grinder
Let’s dive into the world of cutters, sharpeners, and bench grinders as we wrap up with the Wen Bench Grinder. Do you have an old worn out scythe, pruners, axes or tree trimming knives? Are you a farmer in the field who needs a high-quality bench grinder to fix your field tools? Whether you need to fix warped edges or hone those stubborn cutting edges on old, tough tool steel the Wen Bench Grinder is the perfect choice.
All-In-One Bench Grinder
Wen Bench Grinder
Power when you need it, unlike hand tools, this grinder has variable speeds to help grind away rust, age, work blemishes, fractures and dents. You can’t go wrong with the wheel options, which include both an 80/36 grit wheel option, a light and guards/rest so that a sharpened edge may emerge. Perfect for bigger jobs, providing power when you need it.
So far, we’ve covered the best guided, field hand sharpeners, flush cutters and bench grinder for our #makers space. Leave a comment below for other suggestions, hand tools or sharpeners to have around the shop.
Magnet Switches, Extra (Shop) Batteries, Bodum Whisk, SHURE MV7 Mic, Aupus Air Duster, Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver Set, and Med. D’Addario Celluloid Guitar Picks.
Gear – More Gear On The Chopping Block
What’s that in the box, ((shake)) ((shake)) what might that be? A new shipment, what is in ‘the box’ and on the bench.
Let’s start by sharing this on the big Gadget Backlog, is currently in progress, as space is somewhat limited at the moment. More information on that will be coming soon. As for batteries, I have a few Optima Red Tops ready to go, along with some outback welding where necessary. It’s fitting to mention magnetic tools and switches in this context. Yes, super strong magnets that can be switched on and off with a swift turn of the hand or a switch-type mechanism. This is a very cool item to have around the house, shop, or off-road adventures.
Angle Clamps, Mag switches and More WElding Tools
I’m curious to know if the welding community has a preference for welding square/angle holders, clamps, plunger/light switch types, magnetic holders etc., perhaps at no cost. Obviously, if you’re out on the trail, off-roading, doing trail break-fixes, integrity and rigidity might take precedence over OEM specs on angles or manufacturer measurements. When it’s time to getting your off-road rig off the trail, would something like this help to bring your efforts in line with those manufacture specs per say. Anyhow, these switch magnets might be handy to have around the shop. Various types – Angle Clamps, Magswitch Clamp, Stackable Magnets or Adjustable Angle Magnetic Welding Squares.
So, let’s discuss cover what has been unboxed… the Bloom Frother. As you know, the hand mixer needed some adjustments. A few screws, new batteries, some isopropyl alcohol… and we are back in action. You all know I’m a big coffee and tea enthusiast, but if not, that’s okay too. I like my coffee and tea with a few pinches of Sugar in the Raw, and depending on the time of day, I may add some half-and-half to adjust the temperature.
There are a few handheld frothers out there in various color and materials… the Bloom is now revived, with new batteries and ready to mix. So, I am please with the purchase for now. I will provide an update on the long-term usage of the Bloom fix. I must admin, an alternative option might be the Bodum Schimuna Whisk, which has a piqued my interest. For those of you in the market for a micro whisk/frother, the Bodum Schimuna might make a great client gift at some point.
SHURE and Aupus
Next on the Gadget Backlog, we have the SHURE MV7 USB mic! Initial thoughts – great sound, crisp dynamic tones and easy to use. Another step forward towards audio/video experiences. The microphone includes a desktop friendly microphone stand. MacOS users will need to download the SHURE Application to mix and control the external accessory. There is a bit more work involved in getting around the need to purchase additional cables, XLR adapters or fittings. Look for a deep dive, and pictures to accompany the post.
Moving on, let’s talk about ditching the air duster can for a powerful, corded air duster like the Aupus APAD15BL Air Duster. Air cans have served their purpose for many years, especially when paired with electrical-friendly wipes. This plug-and-play air cannon offers variable speeds, cleaning tools, and filters. This small, office-friendly tool is handy to have in and around the shop as well. While we are discussing gadgets and tools for the shop/office, we are enhancing the Makey tech tool set by adding a set of Torx screwdrivers (T3 – T10) – Tekprem Torx Screwdrivers.
One downfall I’d like to mention is the integrity of the star and Torx bits. Torx and star bits are delicate and can easily get damaged. A word of caution you have to be careful with nano screws and give it time. Consider replacing the bits or the entire set with a set like these. What I’m observing is that screw lock… can be more beneficial here, but it does take a toll on the micro-bits used to drive in our unwind electronic screws. I’ll provide more feedback and comments on the Torx set and air cannon as we use those items on the bench.
D’Addario celluloid
Finally, last on our big Gadget Backlog list, we picked up a new guitar pick. Most are similar, with smooth or textured surfaces. The main problem I’m having is grip. After a few minutes, grip becomes an issue… it might be the ‘player’, but slippage is a problem. Sweat seems to be the culprit. Odd, huh? So, I’ve added a mixed bag of D’Addario Celluloid picks to the mix. The goal was to switch it up a bit and try something new. I still have a few Fender Celluloid Medium picks and DunlopMax-Grip variety.
