Learn how contact cleaner removed the cooking residue that has stopped a kitchen timer working reliably.
Category: Repairs
Bike Chain Clean
As you ride your bike dirt and grit will inevitably contaminate the chain, causing it to “stretch” damaging other parts of the drive train and causing problems with gear changes. A simple chain gauge will allow you to check the wear of the chain. Cleaning the chain periodically and re-oiling it will help extend its… Continue reading Bike Chain Clean
Keyboard Spring Clean
Every computer keyboard needs a deep clean (especially if you eat sandwiches over it), left too long the debris can stop it from working. Like many repairs, the first step was to take a good photograph so I knew where to return the keys if they got jumbled. Then I removed them one at a… Continue reading Keyboard Spring Clean
Gluing the Sole
The sole had started to peel off my favourite pair of trainers, so I glued it back with a few minutes of work to keep them in use, out of landfill and saving the cost of buying new ones. Glue tends to work better so before applying the glue, I used a craft knife to… Continue reading Gluing the Sole
Servicing Scientific Calculators for the next generation
Most of us will use the calculator on our phones as adults but children and students sitting exams still need a dedicated calculator, mine were sitting unused in a drawer. When I saw a social media post from a friend asking about a recommendation for a calculator for their children, I offered to pass mine… Continue reading Servicing Scientific Calculators for the next generation
Broken Scissors
This pair of Scissors had cracks in both of the handles. I had tried to repair it by gluing them back together before but the joint cracked again each time. This time I added some holes with a small drill and then formed a strengthening piece from Sugru (a moldable glue, that sets hard in… Continue reading Broken Scissors
Bike Brake Cable Replacement
Replacing a bike brake cable to solve jamming brakes.
Jammed Suitcase Handle
Repairing a suitcase with a handle that was jammed
Photo Frame That Took a Tumble
A picture frame recently took a tumble and broke, fortunately, the glass did not break but the frame split into 4 pieces. Using some wood glue, a piece of packing paper from a recent delivery and a ratchet strap, I could glue it back together. I laid the picture on the paper and generously glued… Continue reading Photo Frame That Took a Tumble
Slipping Mouse Wheel
I was getting frustrated that my computer mouse did not scroll up and down smoothly, so I decided to give it a clean as this often solves similar problems. The technique to dismantle a mouse normally involves carefully pealing back stickers to expose the screw, undoing the screws, removing the case pieces disconnecting any internal… Continue reading Slipping Mouse Wheel