Home & Garden

To become a wonderful singer you have to have more just a beautiful voice, you need to know how to hit the notes and in order to reach the exact notes, you need to practice with some vocal exercises and tune your vocal chords. Here are some techniques that you can follow to achieve what you wish for.

#1: Breath control

While singing you may have to hold your breath a little longer sometimes when you sustain a particular note. You can only achieve this with the help of serious practice. Try making an “o” of your mouth similar to the manner which your mouth will be while sucking from the straw. And try inhaling and exhaling air through the mouth. You will feel that the number of beats of air taken in will gradually increase. This will further help you to sustain your notes in the future by increasing your lung capacity and make the crowd roar and want to have more of it.

#2: The hummingbird

Who does not know how to hum? But you might have known that it is one of the best-known methods to train your vocal chords and that is the reason why almost all the singers hum lightly before the stage performance. It is a good cover up exercise you can do anywhere as you keep your mouth closed without letting the person next to you that you are the one doing it. Start with a low tune and gradually increase the pitch. Repeat the exercise a number of times.

#3: Sound of music

Everyone will be familiar with the all-time favorite song ” Do-Re-Mi” from the film Sound of music. Practice singing all the eight notes successfully taking care of each of the notes. Keep on doing it successively. You will be able to hit the wide range of notes in various pitches within no time. But try listening to yourself and rectify if you are producing nasal sounds.

#4: The Ooo(s) and Eee(s)

You need to get your ooos correctly. While practicing it, try doing it along with the child so that the little one may join you and you will not feel the exercise that embarrassing to do. Besides, who does not like the sound of a siren? It is not wrong to have some full while doing exercise, is it? I personally do not think so. Try and do have fun along with it.

#5: Trill exercise

Make your lips vibrant while doing the trills. When this is done, rather than doing this in the same tone go for varied ranges like starting from a low pitch to a higher. You need to get a tickling sensation on your cheeks. That is, when you confirm that you are on the right track and doing the exercise properly. Do this for a time frame of 10-15 minutes.

#6: The musical companion

Try practicing your notes while playing your piano or guitar beside you. Try to reach the notes on various scales. This will help you to increase your ability to recognize the notes as it facilitates ear training and will even help you to get your beats correctly.

#7: Tongue twisters

Tongue twisters will help you a lot especially in the case of singing rap music as well as fast songs. You need to get your diction right as it might sound funny if you have an unruly tone unless you are trying to create a new genre of music of your own. Without proper diction, it would not matter how beautiful your voice is. So do take time to develop some skills.

#8: Posture and Food

Remember your posture and diet also contributes a lot to a good performance. Sit or stand erect while singing and do not slouch. And a quick and simple trick to produce a strong voice without much strain is by keeping your chin down. Do not drink anything cold or eat spicy food as it is likely to give you a sore throat and make your voice hoarse. So do try to avoid the food falling into the two categorise and try keeping your throat hydrated by sipping small amounts of water from time to time.

Conclusion:  So by practicing the above methods, I’m sure you’ll be the signer you always dreamt of in no time. Make sure of your talents to the maximum potential, but do not overwork as you may strain the nightingale in you.

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Tube Journey

Not many of us know that lighting gobbles up between 10 and 20% of our electricity bills. If you look at all the lights left burning inside and outside your home or office, the size and wattage and for how many hours they burn, you could get a pretty good idea of your home’s energy utilization on lighting each day.

Lighting Functions

Lighting is not just decorative or practical. It also serves important functions like safety. Well-lit spaces are essential to protect people from criminals and accidents.

Today, many of us live in condos and apartments and work in offices  where there’s little or no natural light. People and commercial organizations have become increasingly conscious about designing their lighting solutions so that they are more efficient, cost-effective yet fulfill all the necessary requirements.

Traditional lighting using incandescent bulbs is now a technology that’s more than 100 years old. Nearly 90% of the energy utilized by these bulbs is just wasted and only 10% is converted into light. This means you’re paying out money for something you don’t even use.

What we need to do is find smarter lighting solutions that are functional, cost-effective and efficient.

Reduce Your Lighting Bills

1. Turn Them Off! This is perhaps the simplest solution to the problem – turn the lights off when you don’t need them. However, studies show that constant on-off can shorten the bulb’s life – so you end up spending money on replacing burned-out bulbs while cutting your energy bills. Experts recommend that if you know you’re leaving the room for more than 15 minutes, then turn the lights out. Otherwise leave them on. Unplug appliances after you’re done using them. Another factor to note is that in summer, turning lights out keeps your room cooler, leading to a small savings in air-con costs.
2. Clean Up! Dust and grime coating your bulbs and lampshades can prevent nearly 50% of the available light from reaching you. Regular dusting and wiping of bulbs and lampshades and washing the washable ones can go a long way in saving you dollars.
3. Avoid multiple fittings: They look gorgeous and opulent, but they’re also big time power guzzlers. Some people believe that multiple fittings using lower wattage bulbs is economical, but that’s a myth. They’re also difficult to maintain and keep clean. If one bulb goes, the effect is lost, so you could end up constantly replacing burned-out bulbs. However, it’s a great idea to install multiple switches to cover lighting in large areas. That way you get to light only the areas you really want lit at that
4. Motion Detectors, Dimmers and Lamps: Dimmers reduce energy utilization and also increase the life of your low-voltage bulbs. Ensure that your bulbs are suitable for use with dimmers. Lamps provide focused lighting for close tasks like sewing, reading, etc. They enhance the ambiance and provide enough light more cheaply than overhead lighting. Installing motion detectors and occupancy sensors can ensure that the lights are operated only when they’re required.
5. Keep It Natural: Wherever possible maximize the use of natural light during the daytime. If you’re designing a new work-place or home, ensure that skylights are placed above the focus areas. In older homes, you could remove a few tiles or redesign the roofing to allow natural light to come in. Using solar power for lighting and heating can cut your energy bills drastically.
6. Choose CFLs/LEDs: They consume far less energy than incandescents and last longer too. Though they’re more expensive than conventional bulbs, their price has been steadily falling recently, making them much more affordable. LEDs have captured the market today, and they can generate nearly 70-80% savings.
7. Outdoor lighting: is used for aesthetics, security and utility. We need to remember that security/utility lights need not be over-bright. Using reflectors and deflectors, mirrored covers etc makes them more efficient. Flood-lights are a good option for parking areas. Solar power should be used as much as possible, along with motion-sensors, door-jamb switches and other automated controls.
8. Choose points carefully: Position your lights over mirrors, ensure that wall-paints are in lighter shades. Every room has different lighting needs – ambient, reflected, diffuse, task/directional, accent, safety lighting etc.

Conclusion

Hidden leaks in your energy and lighting plan can be a source of wasteful expenditure. Smart lighting designs and plans can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. Vary your light-sources, use new technology, have a regular energy audit to identify and eliminate the energy vampires in your home or work-place.

Best Home Guides:
>>> Click Here for My Smart Solar Box Review

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Smart Solar Box Review

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Owning an iPhone impressive as it makes life easier due to its numerous superb features and apps. It is a wise decision to take action on time when its battery starts acting weird to rectify the condition before it worsens. However, if the battery is already dead, you should worry less since reviving it is a pretty simple process. If you are wondering how to restore iPhone dead batteries, below are some courses of actions that you are supposed to take with the help of an authorized Apple service provider.

Jump-starting the dead iPhone battery

To jump-start the dead iPhone battery, you will have to visit a service shop authorized by Apple since the batteries are only removable by licensed technicians. The following are the steps that the technicians will use to bring your battery back to life.

Start by Gathering Supplies

Before embarking on this process, they will start by gathering all supplies that will be needed. These items include:

• a 9-volt battery of any brand,
• an electric wire (black [-] and red [+] are preferred), and
• about 5 inches of electric tape.

Connect the Electrical Wire

The next step will be to connect the electrical wire to negative and positive terminals of the iPhone battery first. To identify the negative and positive terminals on the battery, simply look on the sides since it is mostly indicated. Ensure that the negative and positive terminals of the two cells are not connected with themselves. Also, avoid using the center terminals; instead, use the ones that aren’t close to each other.

Cover the Connections

The third step to be taken is to cover the connections created with electric tape. Take note of the wires and the terminals they are going to avoid confusion such as connecting negative side to the positive.

Connect

After this, connect the negative terminal wire to the 9-volt battery’s negative terminal. Do the same thing to the positive terminal. To avoid shorting out your battery, avoid connecting opposite polarity, e.g., negative to positive and vice versa.

Jump-Start the Battery

After ensuring that electric tape is used to secure the connection of terminals and wires, place them in a dry and cool place free from heat or water. Proceed to leave the connection for sixty seconds until the iPhone battery gets faintly warm. Remove the connection after the cell becomes slightly warm and insert it into the phone to ensure that it is properly working. Jump-starting the battery is a simple yet very effective way of reviving a dead iPhone battery.

Freezing the battery

If you are wondering how to restore iPhone dead batteries, the freezing method is one of the most effective means. As earlier mentioned, it is a good idea to have Apple Authorized technicians to remove the inbuilt iPhone battery and bring it back to life.

Remove the Battery

While using the freezing method to revive the battery, the first step will be to remove it from the phone (this should be done by Apple Authorized technicians!)

Place it in the Freezer

After his, put it inside in a plastic bag that is sealed and further place it in a plastic container (sealed.) This is done to prevent water from penetrating and making the battery wet.

Place the container containing the iPhone battery inside the freezer for about half a day (12 hours). By so doing, the battery cells will be a little bit recharged enabling them to hold enough charge this making it possible to connect it to a charger.

Proceed to remove the battery from the freezer after twelve hours and allow it to get warm at room temperature. Avoid using the battery while it is still cold. Make sure to wipe the moisture on the battery to keep it dry.

Insert the Battery Back and Charge for 48-hours

A seasoned technician will be able to insert the battery back into the iPhone. The next step is to charge the phone for 48-hours. Although this method is very effective, it needs a lot of patience.

Conclusion

The above iPhone battery revival means are effective and will bring it to life without many hustles. It is very crucial to visit Authorized Apple technicians to remove and insert the inbuilt iPhone batteries to ensure that you are not violating the phone’s warranty terms and conditions. The best thing to do is to allow the technicians to do the above battery revival methods for you for the best results.

Best Self-Defense Guides:
>>> Click Here for My “EZ Battery Reconditioning Program Review” – Does it REALLY work?

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. I do get a small referral if you buy via my links – that´s why all informations are free for you on my website.

RAF Police Dog Training 

If you’re a fan of dog-training videos and follow training stars on TV, you probably have a lot of information on training techniques and problem solving. However, when it comes to selecting the right trainer for your dog, the task may be more challenging than you think.

Selecting the Perfect Trainer  for Your Dog

1. Education and Certification: The first thing you need to know about this field is that it is largely unlicensed and unregulated. Anyone who has some education, knowledge or experience (or none at all) can profess to be a “dog trainer.” There are certification programs run by organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, International Association of Canine Professionals etc. But certification is not a mandatory requirement. It’s largely a matter of Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) when you set out to find a good dog trainer. However, it’s good to know that someone has taken the effort and spent time and money to gain knowledge in the subject.
2. Goals: You need to be clear about what your training goals are. This depends on your dog’s age, background and the issues you face. If yours is a puppy then you need a particular type of training. Other types of training include behavior modification, obedience training, rehabilitation etc.
3. Ethics: Select a trainer whose methods, values and philosophies are in sync with your own. You may not agree with negative reinforcement techniques, using choke-collars, aversive techniques, electric shocks, leash-corrections, alpha-rolls, prong-collars etc. Select trainers who use reward-based, highly effective, ethical and compassionate methods.
4. Stay Involved: Unless the trainer believes that he/she needs alone time with the dog, it’s best to select a trainer who allows you to be part of the process. You can ask to watch the first few lessons right through to satisfy yourself. Ensure that the trainer practices what he/she preaches – they may theorize or give verbal assurances, but could do something completely different in reality. This way you also get to assess the trainer, training and your dog’s responses.
5. Private sessions or Class: For very young dogs, a puppy training class is the best way of ensuring that they experience socialization and companionship. This makes them friendlier and more at ease around other dogs and people. They get lots of play time in a safer environment. Just make sure that there are no adult dogs in this class – that’s a strict No-no. For adult dogs, obedience training is more effective on a one-on-one basis, though the presence of well-behaved dogs can provide the occasional reinforcement. Canine Good Citizenship certification courses and other advanced courses are great conducted in groups. If your dog is highly reactive, it’s best to start off privately, with socialization being introduced in small doses. Private trainers would prefer to visit your home to conduct classes because they can observe the dog in its natural environment.
6. Kindness and Courtesy: Whatever the program you choose, it’s important that it’s conducted with kindness and courtesy as the cornerstones. It’s important that the trainer treats the pet parents with courtesy, respect and dignity. Many trainers work on the basis that the dog owners are really the problem and not the pet itself. This means that you feel guilty, disheartened, at fault and resentful. Ultimately, it spills over into your attitude and behavior towards your pet. Rudeness and dominance methods are out-dated – avoid such trainers. On the other hand, you also need to respect the rules and suggestions given by the trainer and return the courtesy and kindness.
7. Visit the Vet First: Before signing up for any class, consult your vet first. Ensure that your dog doesn’t have any medical or health problems. Some behavior problems could have an underlying medical condition, or the dog may be in pain. Rule these out beforehand.
8. Stand Up For Your Dog: Remember your dog trusts you and has put its life in your hands. If you’re unhappy with training methods or the way it progresses, speak up! You have every right to call a halt. Some trainers claim to use positive-reinforcement techniques but may later introduce aversive-techniques. Take charge of things early on.

Conclusion

Of course the right trainer is somewhere out there – it’s just a question of finding him/her. Don’t ignore your gut instinct – if you feel things are not OK, walk away immediately. Training helps us develop the right relationship with our pets. The right trainer can facilitate a long, joyful and enriching companionship with your pet.

Best Motivational Guides:
>>> Click Here for My “Doggy Dan’s Online Dog Trainer” Review

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Measure Twice

DIY woodworking projects are certainly very rewarding, can save you big bucks and there’s nothing to beat the sense of accomplishment you get when you have the finished product in front of you.

Planning and Care for Woodworking Safety

While there’s no doubt that woodworking gives you immense joy, satisfaction, pride and confidence, it’s also something that you need to approach with a lot of planning and care. Whether you see woodworking as an occasional hobby or a life-long passion, you need to ask yourself what exactly you hope to achieve from this particular project – and is it worth your time and effort? You have to analyze whether you truly have the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment. Some projects can be wasteful in terms of time and money, while others could be downright dangerous and risky not just to yourself but to others in the vicinity.

So before you step into your woodworking den and plug in your power-tools, remember that safety is the Number One priority.

Safety Tips For Woodworking DIY Enthusiasts

1. Know Your Tools: Before you start working, ensure that you are completely familiar with each and every aspect of the tools you need to use for this particular project. Assemble all of them and organize them in the order in which they may be required. Ensure that they’re in good order without any malfunctioning or defective parts. If they require minor repairs or maintenance, do that before you start your project. Familiarize yourself with all the settings for power-tools, make sure all the cables and cords are in good condition, plug-ends are tight, batteries are fully-charged, hand-tools are in good order without any loose handles etc. Check your tools for sharpness and accuracy. Otherwise you could have splintered wood, flying drill-bits, blunt blades etc.
2. Dress Right: Don’t spend all your money on buying tools and equipment, setting up your workshop and purchasing raw materials. A large chunk of your investment should be in the right kind of safety attire. This means several pairs of goggles to protect your eyes, ear protection accessories, dust masks,  gloves for various purposes and the right clothing. Never mind if your DIY hero wears skin-tight jeans and shows off his six-pack abs in a thin T-shirt. You need to tuck in your shirt, roll up your long sleeves and ensure that you keep your hair out of your eyes. Wear skid-proof shoes and ensure that you’re not wearing anything long or flowing that could get caught in cables or wires. The best plan would be to get a set of clothes that must be used just for your woodworking sessions.
3. Stay Tidy: Contrary to what’s popularly portrayed in the media, your home woodworking space doesn’t need to be chock-full of stuff. If you’re an expert, you’d obviously have a lot of equipment and tools, but these need to be stowed away when not in use. Keeping your work area clear and uncluttered is a huge safety essential. Don’t leave tools lying around – take the time to keep them back in their places and coil up trailing wires immediately. Move any finished pieces or parts of a project away from the main work area so that they don’t get damaged. Cleaning as you go along is what experts do – so keep your brushes, brooms and mops handy.
4. Never Work When You’re Tired, Ill or Intoxicated: It’s extremely hazardous to work when you’re not completely fit or in the right mental and physical form. Sometimes, we turn to our hobbies after a long day at the office – no doubt woodworking is a great stress-buster. But at such times, pick a task that’s easy, less hazardous and swifter to complete. Woodworking when you’re ill or intoxicated is an absolute no-no. It’s extremely hazardous to operate any kind of equipment when you’re intoxicated or not in good physical condition.
5. Design Your Work-Area: Whether it’s a tiny part of your garage or garden shed or a full fledged work-space, make sure it’s well-planned and has the right amount of storage and space. Good lighting is crucial, with special lights for fine or close work. Avoid reflections or glare. Make sure you don’t use too many heavy-duty cables for different equipments – one common extension cord is sufficient.

Conclusion

These are not the only safety-tips available – as you go along, you’re sure to learn and practice more. Be smart about safety and make it a priority so that you can enjoy your craft in peace and security.

Best Self-Defense Guides:
>>> Click Here for My “DIY Smart Saw” Review

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DIY Smart Saw Review

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The Craftsman

Unless you’re completely left-brain logical and analytical, or you hate getting your hands dirty, you probably have some sense of creativity and fun and enjoy the process of creating something from scratch.

However small or impractical the final product, making it all by yourself brings immense joy, satisfaction and a sense of pride.

That’s why crafts like woodworking are so popular across a wide spectrum of people. It’s also why many of us spend hours designing and working on a project to create a piece that many others would have simply picked off a shelf in a store.

Why DIY woodworking is so fulfilling:

1. Taps into your creative instincts: A DIY project works on several levels. Right from the design and planning stage to final finishing and completion, there are a number of interesting and rewarding steps that you need to go through.
2. Planning and Design: Though many projects can be carried out with the help of ready-made plans and patterns, there’s a lot that needs to be done in terms of scheduling, organizing the necessary equipment, tools, space and time. Many creative people are unaware that they possess such qualities that require logic and analysis. Hence, it comes as a pleasant surprise to discover such qualities within oneself.
3. Saves money: Many home improvement projects like putting in kitchen cabinets, repairing a broken door or window, polishing an heirloom piece of furniture, etc could cost you big money if you call in a professional carpenter. DIY enthusiasts are in fact a boon to their families and friends, as the only costs incurred are on raw materials. There could be a large initial investment in terms of purchasing the right tools and equipments, and some initial waste in the early stages, but ultimately, DIY practitioners end up saving a lot of money.
4. Constant Learning: The sky’s the limit as far as learning is concerned. When you’re a DIY person, there’s literally no time when you’re not learning something. Whether it’s in the planning and design, execution of project, selecting the right materials, finishing, repairs or discovering your own short-cuts and smarter ways of doing things, it’s complete satisfaction all the way. Sometimes, you may end up discovering something through a laborious process of trial and error, at other times, a small tip from an on-line video could be the answer to a problem. Many DIY practitioners are in constant learning mode – whenever they spot something that’s in their range of interest, they examine it thoroughly and then go straight home and try to replicate it.
5. Learn New Skills: The learning process is endless and a continuous thing. Even in the midst of doing something routine, you find that you’re discovering a newer, more efficient and less expensive way of doing it. These new skills become the building blocks for even more newer ones to stand on as you continue on your journey.
6. Perfect Gifting Ideas: There’s nothing like giving something that you’ve created with your own hands. Your friends and family would be touched and honored to receive a gift that they know you’ve spent a lot of time and effort in making. Many DIY enthusiasts specialize in one particular kind of object or artifact and these become their signature pieces – coffee tables, dolls’ houses, kitchen cabinets – whatever grips your imagination, that’s up to you.
7. Upcycling, Recycling, Reusing: While you’re enjoying yourself, don’t forget that you’re also doing your bit towards saving the environment. Woodworking craftspersons can use old furniture, broken pieces, driftwood or they can refurbish a piece of junk to make it functional and new. Reclaimed wood is one of the most popular materials for kitchen cabinets and counter-tops. It can be sourced from old barns, factories, warehouses or old structures that are being demolished. It is strong and durable, well-cured, long-lasting and pest-resistant. Age gives it a mellow and elegant finish and you can also get a choice of different varieties of wood like chestnut, cherry and birch apart from exotic woods like mahogany, teak and rosewood.
8. Stress-Buster: Finally, we come to the crucial part! Woodworking is a great stress-buster. It provides a calming influence, time to think, analyze and work things out mentally. You come out feeling and behaving much better!

Conclusion

Woodworking and other kinds of DIY are an invitation to creativity, discovery and learning. It also saves you money and you can create exactly what you want. You gather knowledge, skills, equipment, experience and expertise along the way.

Best Self-Defense Guides:
>>> Click Here for “Ted’s Woodworking” Review

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Ted´s Woodworking Review

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. I do get a small referral if you buy via my links – that´s why all informations are free for you on my website.

Alkaline batteries

Today, most of our gadgets and some of our vehicles are battery operated and batteries have become an integral aspect of our lives. Our communication devices, kitchen appliances, power-back ups, hand-operated tools and a host of other equipments work on batteries. They’ve revolutionized the way we work and boosted productivity enormously. Businesses have grown and communication has boomed across continents aided by these alternate power sources.

Common Uses and Composition

Studies show that an average American in the United States owns at least two button batteries, ten disposable alkaline batteries and disposes about eight household batteries a year.

• Alkaline: flashlights, calculators, toys, clocks, smoke-alarms, remote-controls
• Button: watches, greeting-cards, toys, remote-controls, hearing-aids
• Carbon-zinc: flashlights, calculators, transistor-radios, garage-door openers
• Silver Oxide (contain mercury): medical devices, watches, toys
• Lithium ion: Cameras, computer-memory back-up
• Nickel-cadmium (rechargeable)/Nickel-metal-hydride/Alkaline manganese: flashlights, toys, cell-phones, power-tools, computer-packs
• Sealed Lead Acid: Video-cameras, power-tools, wheelchairs, ATVs, metal-detectors
• Lead Acid Vehicle: cars, trucks, motor-cycles, golf-carts, UPS batteries, forklifts and commercial batteries

Environmental Concerns

There are serious environmental concerns regarding batteries. They are composed of toxic metals and corrosive chemicals that help to produce electricity. Once the battery’s life is over, it becomes ineffective and must be discarded or reconditioned.

Disposal of batteries has a huge negative impact on the environment. Toxic or heavy metals and corrosive chemicals in batteries can leach into the ground, contaminate the soil and pollute ground-water, creating major damage and destruction of life in the area. Vehicle batteries are typically made of lead plates and sulfuric acid which are both extremely toxic. Rechargeable batteries contain nickel-cadmium which can seep into ground-water sources. Other batteries may contain nickel-metal-hydride which is again highly hazardous. Concerns also include the impact on global warming and human health.

Exposure to toxic amounts of lead from lead-acid batteries causes liver and kidney damage, hearing impairment and mental retardation in children.

Recycling Batteries

In most countries, laws have now made it illegal to dispose of batteries in the normal garbage/trash bin. They should not be disposed of in landfills or incinerators. Toxic materials are leached into the soil from landfills while incinerators release poisonous fumes into the atmosphere.

Agencies and individuals can collect used batteries and recycle each component in the battery so that no hazards are posed to human, plant and animal health. A small sum of money is paid to people who give their old batteries for recycling. Common methods of collection include curb-side collection, retail drop-off, community drop-off, postal collections, hospital and fire-station collections.

The metals contained in batteries can be recovered and made into other products while elements like cadmium can be returned to battery manufacturers. Recycling creates a safe closed loop system. It saves natural resources and energy, reduces pollution and the need for landfills, generates income, reduces imports and lessens the amount of regulations required regarding waste-disposal.

In general, all types of batteries can be recycled including AAA, AA, C, D, watch, button, hearing-aid or car batteries. Leaking or damaged batteries are extremely hazardous and must be sealed in ziploc bags before they are handled.

Recycling and refurbishing old batteries certainly prevents the release of toxic wastes into the environment. However certain aspects of recycling have to be understood.

There are significant transportation and fuel-related costs which can impact the cost of the final recycled product:

• Proper sorting into chemical classes has to be done
• Significant amounts of energy are required for recycling processes
• Reclaiming metals from batteries is a laborious and expensive process
• Sulfur dioxide may be a bi-product of recycling which is itself environmentally hazardous
• Explosions are another risk during recycling
• Fire is a big safety hazard during recycling
• If moisture seeps into corroding batteries, fire can result
• If terminals come into contact with each other in typical recycling bins, fire can result
• When batteries are packed in ziplocs or terminals are taped, this adds to the problem of waste-generation
• The current boom in production of lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles poses risks associated with lithium mining and battery life-cyclesIndividuals who may be at risk during the processes include waste-handlers, recycling workers and those exposed to chemicals during any stage of the collection, transportation and recycling process

Conclusion

With batteries being such a huge part of our lives, it’s important that they are safely disposed of once their life is over. Prevention of exposure to toxic materials contained in batteries is a huge concern. Recycling and reuse presents the most economical and effective method of handling used batteries. However, safe and efficient methods of recycling should be practiced for best results.

Best Self-Defense Guides:
>>> Click Here for My “EZ Battery Reconditioning Program” Review – Does it REALLY work?

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EZ Battery Reconditioning Review

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. I do get a small referral if you buy via my links – that´s why all informations are free for you on my website.

Toolbox

Do you have several car batteries sitting somewhere in your garage? The answer is probably yes as car batteries have a limited lifespan. While car batteries can last for years, their lifespan is usually determined by how they are used and maintained. If you drive daily, charge the batteries properly and never deep cycle, the batteries can last in the upward of seven years.

However, the same batteries can last for less than 3-4 years due to excessive deep cycling, lack of use, damage, corrosion, electrolyte evaporation and charging problems.

How does a car battery die?

If you have ever used a jump-start booster pack or battery charger to revive your car battery, then that is where the problem starts. When damage to the battery accumulates, the battery eventually dies and cannot hold a charge.

For clarity, we will be discussing the inability of the battery to hold a charge and not death because it has not been charged. This is what is called sulfation where lead sulfate crystals form and reduce the capacity of the battery to charge. As the sulfation spreads, the battery eventually dies and cannot hold charge rendering it uses.

What next?

For most people, the next thing is to order a new car battery and have the spoiled ones replaced. However, replacing a car battery can be quite expensive. However, if you want to save some money, there are a few things you can do to revive the battery and give yourself a few more years on the road.

What you will require restoring your dead car batteries:

• Dead battery itself
• Multimeter
• Taper charger or Adjustable PSU
• Distilled water
• Rubber gloves
• Screwdriver

There are few items you might need that are not basic like a flashlight, super glue, paper towel, and syringe.

Measure the Voltage

The next step after gathering all the required material is to measure the voltage using the multimeter noting down the reading. Your battery should give you readings not less than 11.8V which is around 30% in an open circuit. This is what determines if the battery is dead and needs reviving. If the reading is above 11.8V, then you can charge the battery, and it will work.

Inspect the cells

We move on to the next step of inspecting the cells to see if there are damaged ones. Here, you will need to place the paper towel in the working area to avoid any damage to the surface due to acid leaks. The lid for the battery is first removed using a screwdriver. Make sure you have your gloves on and remove the battery caps. This process should be done in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the acid.

Take a look inside the cell, and you will see a white fabric that is dry. This is where a flashlight comes to your aid, but it is not a must if you’re working outside. Brown fabric with white lumps is a sign of sulfation reducing the chances of reviving your batteries.

Add distilled water

Water is then added to each cell with the help of a syringe. The fabric should be able to absorb the water slowly. You can buy the distilled water or use rainwater.

Shake the battery slowly and let it rest for ten minutes.

Turn on the PSU

Once again, connect your multimeter and see how much battery is drawing. The multimeter should be set at 10A and connected in a series to a charger and the battery. If it withdrawers between 100-200mA, then it is dead. Increase the PSU to 14A and let the charger to sit for two days. It then should be able to withdrawer 500-1000mA.

Test the battery with your car

You can now place the battery in the car and have the headlights on. The battery should be able to function properly without the voltage falling below 12V.

Conclusion

While revived old car batteries cannot deliver the same amount of power as new batteries, they can effectively serve you for a few more years which is better than buying new ones. The steps above are just simple ways on how you can revive a lead-acid car battery. There are several ways one can revive most forms of batteries including, laptop battery, smartphone batteries and much more.

If you want to know how to recondition batteries at home, there are several materials online and guides that can help you revive almost any battery.

Best Reconditioning Guides:
>>> EZ Battery Reconditioning Program Review   

Related Posts:

==> How to Restore a Dead Smart Phone Battery
==> How to revive old car batteries in simple steps
==> Tricks For Saving Battery On Your Smartphone

EZ Battery Reconditioning Review

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. I do get a small referral if you buy via my links – that´s why all informations are free for you on my website.

SHOWROOM MADERA RECUPERADA

If you’ve just discovered a newfound love for woodworking, you probably know the feeling. The sheer pleasure of working with your hands, a finished product at the end of your efforts and lots of appreciation from family and friends.

It’s also a highly creative craft, exciting, fulfilling and rewarding, requires lots of patience and skill and helps you learn as you go along.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, got yourself the right tools and decided on the kind of work you enjoy, it’s great going from then on.

Get The Basics Right

People are wary of starting a woodworking project because they feel they don’t have the requisite skills, or they assume that you need sophisticated tools, lots of space and time.

It’s important to understand that in the olden days, people learned these skills starting young. They were apprenticed to master craftsmen and spent years learning the basics. It was only much later that they would set up as independent workers. Often they were given menial tasks to perform but these provided the opportunity to understand and absorb the essentials at close quarters.

Skills that every beginner should master would include:

• Drilling: This is something that every beginner should master, whether you use power-tools or manual. That way you also learn better eye-hand co-ordination, how to catch dust and prevent it from flying around, drilling to the exact depth you want, creating pilot-holes etc. Next time you’re asked to hang a painting, do it like a pro!
• Using cutting tools: Based on the materials you have to cut, you need to learn the use of the right tools. Hand-saws, power-saws, jig-saws, circular-saws and much more are available for a variety of tasks and materials. You may also have to use other saws like table-saws and band-saws. Cutting smoothly, efficiently and accurately is an essential part of the craft.
• Picking the right connectors: Screws are the most common woodworking connectors used to join two separate pieces. There are hundreds of different types, each with a special application. Learn about them, how to determine which one’s suited to which purpose and how to fit them accurately. Wood-screws, drywall-screws, sheet-metal-screws, machine-screws etc are the common ones.
• Finishing: Sanding is a crucial aspect of woodworking. It gives smoothness and finish to the piece and prepares it for painting or polishing. You can use sandpaper with manual sanders or powered ones. Gel stains, laminates, etc are also things that you can master. Painting and polishing are the finishing touches that provide completeness, protection and beauty to your finished product. These skills are also highly creative.

Tips and Hints

All master woodworkers started from scratch! Some of them learned the skill under a professional while others taught themselves. Wherever you learned your skills from, there are certain tips and hints that could help you enjoy your craft more, provide practical help to those who need it, and create fabulous pieces:

• Know Your Material: Woodworking involves wood – that is something that many people may fail to understand or be aware of. It’s part of a unique, once-living tree that had its own size, shape, texture and color. Learn, research, read up. This helps you appreciate and respect the material you’re working with. You can use different woods in a single piece too.
• Pick Your Piece: Set yourself up for success initially by selecting simple projects that get finished fast. This way you avoid burn-out, frustration and delays. There’s nothing sadder than an unfinished piece just sitting on your table for months.
• Plan It Through: Successful projects involve many stages. From decision-making, research, planning, designing to choosing the right materials, configuring the right set of tools, preparation, joinery, surfacing, gluing, sanding and final polish, it means meticulous planning, measurements, accuracy. Work through every stage and organize your work-area.
• Invest: Time, effort and money. Woodworking can be expensive, right from the wood, to the tools and finishing. Don’t skimp on these. You may start with cheaper woods in the early stages, do basic projects and work with basic tools. Top-quality tools are an investment that pays off in the long run. Get ambitious, experiment, buy tools and implements that you feel you can use. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

Conclusion

Woodworking is an endlessly rewarding hobby. It’s relaxing and a lot of fun. Learning a craft is great for your brain and keeps you busy in your retirement years. However, it can be expensive, frustrating and time-consuming. Don’t let yourself get burned out – that’s what the experts warn against. If it turns out to be your profession too, there’s nothing better!

Best DIY Guides:
>>> My Shed Plans Reviews
>>> DIY Smart Saw Review

Related Posts:
==> Top Skills Used by Professionals to Create Top-Notch Woodworking

My Shed Plans Review

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. I do get a small referral if you buy via my links – that´s why all informations are free for you on my website.