Hints, Tricks and Gadgets/Tools --- small ones.

[maddog348]

cerd ~~ Have been in the market for just such an inflatpr. Do you have a part ##??  The one I saw for $50 was Batt only.  Thanks    ~~  Kate

[clown9644]

Just wanted to let folks know that there is a spray made by CRC Inc. for testing your smoke/fire alarms.  It sprays a mist that simulates smoke in front of the alarm.  I know Staples sells it and I am sure other stores sell it as well.

[cerd]

cerd ~~ Have been in the market for just such an inflatpr. Do you have a part ##??  The one I saw for $50 was Batt only.  Thanks    ~~  Kate

I finally got around to ordering it. Amazon says it should arrive Sunday. The model is BLACK+DECKER BDINF20C. It does not come with a battery, but if you have any 20v B+D cordless yard tools, they use the same battery. If nothing else, the B+D cordless hot glue gun really comes in handy and has a much faster heat time than industrial grade corded models. Uline corded was 4+mins to use. The B+D hot glue gun is about 90 seconds.

[maddog348]

cerd ~~  THNX  ~~ kate

[Bjwinspect]

A couple things I found handy... When running water in toilet to do a good cleaning, I can put a C Clamp on the vanity door and swing the door open, the clamp holds the toilet  pedal down and keeps valve open.   I also found “Bubble Level” Apps on the phone and IPad are good surface bubble levels, easier than any other level I have found, just lay the phone on the floor.  They also show degrees, which is useful for determining if it is safe to start the refrigerator
Byron Woods

[3Horse]

Recently I was reading a post where somone complained how hard it was to hook up and u unhook the 3" bayonet fitting sewer hoses, not to mention the cap (It gives me problems) and It got me thinking.. What else is about that same outside diameter.   One Face Palm Later I gave it a try. WORKS GREAT.. Link below (NOTE I got mine elsewhere. this was the easiest to find link)

Adjustable pliers type oil filter wrench at AutoZone

THIS may save my busted knuckles!!!

[Lou Schneider]

How about something purpose-made for the task?

RhinoFLEX Swivel Fitting Wrench Set

[3Horse]

Currently 18 pages of hints and I found a game changer!

The idea to use an oil filter wrench on our waste connections worked like a charm!! Thanks!

[John From Detroit]

How about something purpose-made for the task?

RhinoFLEX Swivel Fitting Wrench Set

I have a pair of those and they are JUNK do not fit the fittings and do not work.

The oil filter wrench however is fantastic. Absolute pleasure  I'm still wondering why it took me so long to think o fit.   I've spoken to several RV deralers and accessory storesd and about half of them make the samer recommendation to their customers.

[On The Go]

Regarding the smoke alarm, I removed old one and replaced with a First Alert smoke detector I got a Lowe’s.  Has a 10 year battery.  Placed one in kitchen area and one in bedroom.  No worries for 10 years 👏🏻👍😜🤗

[edjunior]

Regarding the smoke alarm, I removed old one and replaced with a First Alert smoke detector I got a Lowe’s.  Has a 10 year battery.  Placed one in kitchen area and one in bedroom.  No worries for 10 years 👏🏻👍😜🤗

You sure it's a ten year battery, or a ten year warranty?  I just got a new one also (for the stick house), and both it and the old one had a ten year warranty, but regular 9V batteries.

[Rene T]

You sure it's a ten year battery, or a ten year warranty?  I just got a new one also (for the stick house), and both it and the old one had a ten year warranty, but regular 9V batteries.

It's always been recommended to change the batteries every year.

[glen54737]

It's always been recommended to change the batteries every year.

The latest ones have both a 10 year warranty and battery you are supposed to change the whole thing every 10 years

[Rene T]

The latest ones have both a 10 year warranty and battery you are supposed to change the whole thing every 10 years

You are right. Here is one of them:

https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-PR710-Photoelectric-10-Year/dp/B00ON6M532/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI85fL2P205QIVzJyzCh1N8wDnEAAYAiAAEgLoA_D_BwE&hvadid=338683810225&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9012405&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15410977068705932040&hvtargid=aud-647846986441%3Akwd-323219624394&hydadcr=1423_9902113&keywords=first+alert+smoke+detector&qid=1571923055&sr=8-5

[On The Go]

It's always been recommended to change the batteries every year.

No 10 year battery, you replace whole unit after 10 years.  Top of box will tell you 10 battery.  Note: they still sell the regular ones with replacement batteries so make sure you check carton.  Also have hard wired version.

[edjunior]

Well I'll be chigger-bit.  Sure enough.  My wife got the one we just replaced.  If I would have been there and seen the 10 year unit, I would have gotten that.  Oh well, until next time.

[cerd]

I got a couple of new gadgets. For father's day, I got a Milwaukee cordless shop vac. It can inflate a queen sized air bed in about a minute and has enough power to suck up water if there is a leak.

I also picked up a Ridgid 18v air compressor. I no longer have a use for a regular pancake compressor. I bought it for some home projects using a brad nailer, but it also comes in handy for filling tires and winterizing. I no longer need 100 feet of hose from my garage to the other side of the house.

Between the two, I never use my old AC/DC/Batt B&D inflator that I previously mentioned for anything.

[glen54737]

I got a couple of new gadgets. For father's day, I got a Milwaukee cordless shop vac. It can inflate a queen sized air bed in about a minute and has enough power to suck up water if there is a leak.

I also picked up a Ridgid 18v air compressor. I no longer have a use for a regular pancake compressor. I bought it for some home projects using a brad nailer, but it also comes in handy for filling tires and winterizing. I no longer need 100 feet of hose from my garage to the other side of the house.

Between the two, I never use my old AC/DC/Batt B&D inflator that I previously mentioned for anything.

Who knew?
Adding to my wishlist for Santa.