Making a DIY Capacitor Discharge Tool
When working with capacitors, especially high voltage ones, a capacitor discharge tool is essential. It is a device that helps you drain capacitors safely before handling them further. While you can buy a capacitor discharge tool, they are just as
51+ Raspberry Pi Projects to Build Yourself
If you want to build your own projects, develop your coding skills, or start with robotics, the Raspberry Pi is a great piece of kit to have. With its many features, small form factor and low price, it is the
3D Printer Build Log: X-/Y-axis Assembly
It has been a while since I made a post on the new 3D printer (tip: don’t start too many new projects at once). Lately I made some solid progress on it however, so I figured it was time for
3D Printed Multicolor Plant Labels
Plant labels (also known as plant markers, garden markers or plant name tags) are useful accessoires for any gardener. They let you identify your plants and make it easier to keep track of and organize your garden. As someone who
Using WD-40 as a Lubricant: Yes or No?
More often than not, you can find a can of WD-40 in someone’s toolbox, household or garage. Originally developed for the military, it is now used for hundreds of DIY fixes, from cleaning rust to removing paint smudges. You might
Repairing a Loud Humidifier
Many people benefit from using a humidifier to increase moisture levels in the air. But while humidifiers are practical devices, it is also practically inevitable that they wear out over time and become louder. The most common causes of a
How to Safely Discharge Capacitors
Capacitors are common components in modern day electronic devices. They store a charge that can be released at once to components that need it. Capacitors can also be used to filter specific signal frequencies. When building, repairing or salvaging electronics,
Solving Connection Problems on a Duet Wifi
The Duet Wifi is a controller board from Duet3D for 3D printers and CNC machines. I have been using it for my new 3D printer and have been happy with its features and performance so far. Unfortunately, I ran into
What to do with a Swollen Battery
Lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries are commonplace nowadays, and so are the problems that come with them. Most notably those caused by these batteries swelling up. Laptops with bulging keyboards or trackpads, smartphones with a bump in their screen or
How to Salvage Components from Electronic Devices
Salvaging components from circuit boards and electronic devices has many benefits. Most notably, it gives you a bunch of free parts. But it is also a valuable form of education in product design and it reduces E-waste and its strain
Hot End Heater Cartridges: Everything You Need to Know
Heater cartridges are essential components in 3D printers. They make sure that the hot end gets up to the right temperature. Without one, a hot end would not get hot enough for filament to melt. If you want to upgrade
Which Companies Actually Own Your Favorite Tool Brands?
When buying a new power tool, you can find yourself having to choose between a lot of different brands. But if you ever decided to look at these brands more closely, you might have been shocked to find out that
Fluke 115 Multimeter Review
Digital multimeters are indispensable tools when it comes to working with electronics. If you are looking to buy one, you don’t have to look very far. Large hardware stores sell so many different multimeters that it can be hard to
Ergotron HX Monitor Arm Review
Large monitors are awesome. Whether it is to increase productivity or to get a better gaming experience, they are here to stay. To get the best experience, however, it is a good idea to use a monitor arm. These give
Andonstar AD407 Digital Microscope Review
When it comes to soldering small SMD components, inspecting PCBs or even doing things like setting stones in jewelry, a digital microscope is a useful tool. They let you work on solder joints and components that are otherwise hard to
Bondhus T-Handle Balldriver & Hex Set Review
If you have ever assembled pre-fabricated furniture, or do any kind of DIY building or repair, you have likely used hex keys before. Hex keys (also known as Allen wrenches or Allen keys) are an essential tool in any toolkit.
The Best Mechanical Pencils for Drawing and Writing
Ergonomically designed and always sharp, mechanical pencils are the ideal tool for artists, writers, designers and other creative professionals. Choosing the right mechanical pencil can be a tricky process, however. Because there are a lot of features to pay attention
The Best Microscopes for Electronics Repair
If you want to repair electronics, you will greatly benefit from a microscope. Surface mount components are getting smaller and smaller, and there is only so much you can see with the naked eye. Nowadays, magnification is essential when it
The Best Non-Contact Voltage Testers to Keep You Safe
No toolbox is complete without a non-contact voltage tester. It gives you a quick, easy and reliable way to check whether a wire or outlet is carrying electric current. Since the first step in working on electric equipment is to
The Best Multimeters for Electric Testing and Measuring
Multimeters are essential tools for anyone who works with electricity. They let you measure voltage, current, resistance, and frequently have even more testing capabilities. Whether it is for home DIY purposes, building or repairing electronics or automotive work, a multimeter