Heat Tapes For Water PipesHeat Tape

At no other time of the year is heat more valued than during the winter season.Since necessity is the sole mother of invention, many people look for ways to keep themselves warm during this period. If a contest were held to determine which solution most people would prefer to their problem, the heat tape would definitely take home the price because of its efficient ways of preventing damage, energy loss and freezing of fresh water pipes.

However, as much as it efficient, special attention needs to be paid. Water pipes can either be wrapped in the heat tape from the installation or undergo a process known as thermo-insulation afterward. One also needs to regularly check that the insulating material around the freshwater pipes is in good condition at least once a year.

So, if I want to install the pipe insulating materials, what type and size should they be? First, the have correct measurements of the diameter and the length of the pipes. Second, determine correctly the number of valves and faucets. Last but not in the little bit least, READ the instructions and advice of the manufacturer. Remember, the tape should be used for the water pipes and the valves that shut them which are usually at the exterior of the house.

Everyday is a learning experience so if you are uncertain about what heat tape to buy, ask the supplier for details concerning the type of material on which it can be used. Do not overlap the tape over itself or use thermal insulation for the pipes over it. Never should you use the tape in a bend of 90 degrees.

Heat Tapes For Water Pipes

Heat Tapes For Water PipesHow to Do Window Tinting

Window Tinting BMPs – Best Management Practices and Procedures. Every auto detailer who lives in works south of the Mason Dixon line or in a large metro area has asked themselves; should I offer window tinting to my customers? Every wholesale auto detailer in such states in areas has probably been asked by their customers, namely new car dealerships and small used car dealerships, do you know anybody who does window tinting? That simple question spins around your mind like a thought you can control, hey, maybe I should you window tinting, what can I charge, how do you do it? Is it difficult?

Many auto detailer’s and professional car care specialists or even those that call themselves mobile car washers and detailer’s have considered such a tact. Some have found that they did not have proper training, that was not as easy as it looked in that they had made a grave mistake. While others seem to have a knack for tinting windows tinting windows is as much an art as a science you have to mistake and a careful I and patience, just the thing for a detailer, well at least a professional one, someone who is into the details. Here are some tips and ideas that may help you decide if you want to go get some professional training, and start offering such services. There are some relatively basic steps that does the profession must follow. It is not easy, but in theory it is simple. First you must prepare the surface of the window, the window must be perfectly clean with not even the finest speck of dust. It saves a lot of time if you have proper tools for window tinting, for instance some hard-cards, a heat gun and some in razor blades.

It is also nice to have a tiny squeegee. You’ll see seasoned professionals who also carry around paper towels and dishes soap. You also need to look out for the things like automotive caulking compounds and weather stripping sticking out, these can make for it to install, any need to take care these things upfront. Also, make sure there are no cellular phone or satellite radio antenna components on the inside the window. If there are you’re going to the work around us any need to put extra liquid around us area so you can move the tent around to get in the right spot before you start cutting up the shape of the razor blade.

We have often seen old antenna mounts or leftover glue on the windows that we didn’t see due to the lighting or shading when we first started, and there you are with a soapy film mass with one hand it is a razor blade to scrape of the other hand, all the while knowing that you don’t do everything right, he could easily fold over the window tent and have to start completely over any just by yourself extra material. This is why you should pay extra attention to every square into the surface of the interior of the window before attempting this procedure. Once this is completed while the window film is still dry, you need to cut the film to the basic shape of the window. The easiest way to do this is to lay on the outside of the window and cut into the basic shape in a nylon paper, but leave yourself a little extra room. Then take the nylon paper and slightly moisten the window to the desired amount and lay the paper against the inside of the window and then smooth out the paper working from the center outward in all directions. As you get towards the edges make a few cuts along the edge. Cut the paper to the exact shape and then lay it on top of the film w/liner.

Trace around the outside of the paper on top after you tape down four edges and are sure it is perfectly flat. If you have and areas where you have to go around like the mirrors you have already cut the opening in the paper and will trace that opening on to the film and peel sheet. Once you have the perfect shape you are ready to go and install the tint. Now place this on the window in the right place after you have put some soapy water on the inside of the window, pull back the first 1/3 of the peel sheet and spray the window tint showing with adhesive window solution. It best if you never touch the window film itself during this process. Makes sure the edges are lined up on all sides. Slowly peel and spray adhesive and work any air bubbles out you want to leave about one-eight inch from the top of the window and work downwards. By using the squeegee you need to slowly work downward all the to the bottom and out to the sides, it is okay to let the solution move down with your squeegee, it is better to use a little extra solution than not enough. Once everything is correct use the plastic hard tool too bring down the solution and any soapy water and then pat and buff the moisture left.

To keep the plastic tool from ripping often it is advised to use a paper towel wrapped around it. This is what we have seen most operators do who are seasoned and experienced. One recent problem we have seen in the last few years is those windows with safety glass, which have a dot pattern on the edges. This makes things a little tougher.

You want to use more adhesive on the edges otherwise it will try to peel up. So use more solution as you are working outward and try to work upward on the initial point of contact, some of this extra solution will roll down, but that is okay you need a tight seam at the top. Another issue is to advise your clients of the law in your state if one exists for window tinting.

Many states outlaw black out tinting commonly referred to a Limo tinting, some allow SUVs to have tint like this but not cars, some states SUVs can have it in the back, but not in the front. There are so many laws you need to know what your state says and also and if you live near a border to another state, well? Best to know those laws too. In some stats the operator is responsible, other states the vehicle owner and in some states the installer also. Great more laws, yep. Get use to it you are in an over regulated industry.

Heat Tapes For Water Pipes

Heat Tapes For Water PipesCar Radiator Leak Repair

Radiator is an important engine of a car, works like a heat exchanger. The interior of the coolant that absorbs heat from the engine block and passes this part of the car, where the belt electric fans or cold. Now, this system can be developed radiation losses with time and use. Be an important part, which requires instant connection. This accessory consists of a few simple steps and simple, it can be done without the help of a mechanic as well.

First, the placewhere the loss is to be found. Check to see if there was a puddle of water tanks and / or holes in the radiator. This can be done by flushing the radiator and the hose with water and then look for signs of leakage. If it is not possible in this way, the radiator can be removed to find the place.

Once the site of the leak was detected, should be revised. The tape is generally used for this purpose, if the loss is in the tube. However, acar radiator leak sealant is to be used for leakage detected in the radiator itself. The proper instructions should be available with the kit for carrying this part out. Pepper powder acts as a good sealant in this case as pepper tends to swell up and thus patching up the leaking area totally.

Once the leak is sealed off completely, correct amount of coolant is to be added. Now, close the radiator cap and cross check for any more leakage. If no leaks are found, the car can be used again normally. However, a regular examination of the radiator should spare you all these trouble!

Heat Tapes For Water Pipes

Heat Tapes For Water Pipes8 tips to customize your character

If you’re a customizer of action figures or are thinking of starting this fascinating hobby then you should find these hints and tips useful in creating the look you want. There are hundreds of tips and techniques to customizing action figures covering everything from painting stripes to building your own diorama. Here I deal with some of the most basic parts of customizing which will hopefully prove helpful to you in starting this hobby. The customizing hobby is becoming very popular amongst hobbyists and collectors as it gives YOU the flexibility and opportunity to create the action figures YOU want. Many hobbyists subsidize their hobby by selling some of their creations on eBay, sometimes for a very nice sum of money but this option is really only for the more talented customizers.

1) Pinning Your Action Figures What is pinning? Pinning is a method used to “consruct” an action figure and is particularly useful for customizing your action figures. Using this method you can use the parts from several different action figures and pin them together to create your own ubique action figure. It is also useful if one of your action figures has a broken limb and needs reassembling. However, pinning needs time, patience and a steady hand. So what do you need and how do you “pin” an action figure?

First you will need some drywall screws, two for each “joint”, the smaller the screws the better the better, about ¾ an inch long by 1/8 inch thick, as they will be more hidden.

You will also need some brass tubing; 1/16 or 3/32 is the best to use. It is best to use the thickest tubing possible for the joint you are making as it will make a sturdier and stronger joint but this will also be influenced by the size, shape and type of joint you’re going to make.

Cut and trim all the parts you are going to use at their logical “hinge” point.

Drill out a hole, slightly smaller than the screws or tubing for a tight fit, in each part where the “bone” would be.

Insert your tubing to act as the “bones” in the join.

Insert the screws and pin the two parts together.

2) Removing Helmets

The easiest way to remove a figures helmet is with a modeler’s knife or cutter to pry or cut off the chin strap, face mask and the face shield, but be careful with that cutter! Some straps can be quite stubborn, in this case use gentle continuous cuts, much like a saw action to cut through the plastic or material.

Next you need to heat the head in a small “bowl” of water for approx 2 mins in a microwave, on the high setting, to make it more pliable. But again be careful and heat it up in stages, you don’t want to end up with a lump of molten plastic!

The head should now be nice and soft making it easy to gentle remove from the helmet, you will probably need to use the cutter or modelling knife again here to help you gently pry it loose.

Should the head or helmet become slightly misshapened then reheat it for a short period, approx 1 min, to soften the plastic so that you can then reshapen it.

3) Brushes One of your most important tools is your brush, but it never ceases to amaze me the number of people who do not take care of this often abused and neglected item. To keep your brush/es in good condition follow these simple rules:

NEVER EVER leave brushes standing in water or thinners and ALWAYS clean immediately after use.

Clean thoroughly whenever you are going to use a new color.

Use the paint sparingly, DON’T use big globules on your brush, this will only make your brush messy and you won’t be able to apply the paint properly.

To clean your brushes rinse them in water and gently use a paper towel or similar to dry them off. DO NOT twist the bristles.

After use, use a brush soap to clean them thoroughly. Once you have finished cleaning your brushes store them in a brush stand, bristle way up.

4) Painting Stripes I find the best method to use when painting stripes is to use an “overlapping” technique from light to dark. This means that you start with the lightest color and apply it to the area where you require the stripe making it slightly wider than needed. The apply the next color on top of this again making it slightly wider than necessary and continue this for as many colors as you need to create the stripe effect you want.

5) Ankle Wrappings / Bandaged Wounds

The best material to use for apply ankle or arm wrappings on your sports action figure or a bandaged wound on a soldier or other type of figure is Teflon tape that is used to wrap pipe threads. This is flexible, thin and self adhesive and looks perfect!

6) Bullet Wounds or Holes

Bullet wounds or holes can be achieved by used the hot end of a matchstick. This will give it a unique look and will give it a scorched look.

7) Creating A Soiled or Dirtied Look

To achieved a “soiled” or “dirtied” look for your action figure dry brush earth color paint on your action figure.

Dry brushing refers to the technique of using a brush that has very little paint applied to it so that it is virtually “dry” or free of color.

This results in a very thin, almost transparent, and uneven “layer” of paint over the top of the applied area.

Dripping Saliva, Blood, Vomit or…?

To get an excellent look of a “dripping” liquid apply a small globule of super glue to the area, e.g. the mouth or fangs, and allow it to slowly “drip”. The super glue will harden in “mid-drip” and can then be painted or left transparent. Above all else enjoy yourself and have fun!

Heat Tapes For Water Pipes

Heat Tapes For Water PipesWinterizing Your RV – Enjoy a Comfy and Cozy Winter Retreat

Being prepared is probably the most important part of the winter camp and with this in mind, the first thing to do is winter your RV. There are many ways to do this, but in this article I will discuss what has worked for us. It is trial and error and learning as we went through our first winter. It 'was hard and dirty work, but when all was done, was very comfortable and welcoming. Be sure to give you enough time to prepare everything in time. Ihesitated, and within 2 days, the weather of 40 degrees to -14 degrees with a cold wind is -30 degrees. I came to work at -14 degrees under the snow for two days trying to get everything situated.

The wind blew through the window and door seals. The floor was cold to the point where you had to wear shoes and frost builds up inside of the characteristics of the window only to melt in the hottest hours of the day. The first two weeks ofour winter camping adventure really got my wife and I wondering if our decision to camp during the winter was a mistake. We got hit very hard, very early into the winter season but what we learned made it a pleasurable experience in the end.

For a better understanding, you need to know what kind of RV we are living in and what needed to be fixed. We live in a 1979 Cruise Air motor home designed by Georgy Boy manufacturers. There were some things that needed to be fixed the first month we were out there, keep this in mind when purchasing an older RV.

- Power Inverter/battery charger – 5 + installation.

- Heater Blower – 5 parts + 0 installation

- Battery –

- New fresh water drainage hose –

- New Kitchen faucet washers

- Miscellaneous light bulbs and washers.

I’m going to lay this out into sections as to what needed to be done.

- Build skirting

- Insulating the plumbing

- Windows and doors

- Roof vents

- Waterproof the roof

Building the Skirting:

Skirting will help you reduce energy costs, help keep the plumbing, fresh water tank, water pump and all the hoses from freezing. We used plywood and I nailed R-13 insulation onto the plywood that would face inside. Most of the RV’s I have seen with skirting had it coming from under the RV frame but this wasn’t an option for us. The wheel wells, tanks and storage compartments where all uneven and that made it very difficult. I decided to design skirting that would give a 3″ shelf around the outside of the RV. For drawings of the skirting design visit my blog (link can be found in my profile) and the pictures are in the “drawings” tab. Measure everything twice to make sure you get the right dimensions. You will need to cut out an opening in the skirting for the steps and a couple of doors for the waste tank dumping and a storage area, if you want one.

I also drilled a 1″ hole through the skirting for the propane hose to run through. Pack around the hose with insulation to keep the wind, snow and cold out. We rented a 100 gallon propane tank that sits outside the RV so we wouldn’t have to worry about having to run and have it refilled constantly. There are many different options for this, talk to your propane company to find the plan that works best for you. We call the propane company at the end of each month and let them know what percentage is left in the tank and they come out and fill it for us, it is real convenient. Attach skirting together with 2×4’s and screws. You don’t want any gaps or cracks so make sure it all fits together snug, each corner is secure. Check all around the skirting for any openings and fill with insulation, it really helps if no wind or snow can get under your RV.

Insulating the Plumbing:

Under the RV, where the gray and black tank dumping area is, it’s a good idea to get some insulation that can be wrapped around the tanks output. Make sure to leave room so you can still get the cap on and be able to attach the dump hose. I also placed two 500 watt utility lamps, one near each tank, to help keep the tanks and outlet from freezing. Make sure the lamps are not touching the tanks or are to close to any insulation. Also add some non toxic RV anti-freeze to both tanks, this will help to keep things from freezing. Trust me, you are going to want to put some kind of Deodorant in the black tank, we use Aqua-Kem.

We didn’t have the dump hose attached full time. We kept ours in 2 garbage bags and stored in the front of the RV to keep it from freezing. Trust me, you don’t want that hose to freeze, it becomes very brittle and breaks real easy. We dump the waste tank first and then the gray tank that holds all the water that comes from washing dishes, the kitchen and bathroom sinks and from showering. Dumping the gray tank last helps to clean out the waste and keeps it from stinking and me passing out.

You can purchase electrical heat tape that is designed to be wrapped around water hoses. Add insulation over the electrical heat tape and hose to ensure things will not freeze. I have also seen people use 3″ PVC pipes for there tank dumping needs. You won’t have to worry about storing the hose inside and it is more convenient, just make sure it’s a down hill trip from the RV to the sewer. I didn’t do this because we had a slightly up hill track to the sewer. I couldn’t stand the thought of knowing something was in that pipe. If you have any leaks in the gray or black tank outlets a good product to use is J-B Water-weld. You can use it on wet surfaces or even under water, this really helped us out.

Windows & Doors:

The wind howling through the single pane glass is something that needs to be taken care of right away. We had good luck using Reflective Foil Insulation with Bubble Core on the driver compartment windows and bedroom. We used shrink film on the inside of the kitchen and dining area windows to keep us from feeling to claustrophobic. We really needed the outdoor views and it did help keep the wind from blowing in. On the doors I used weatherstripping on the frame of the door to keep the elements outside. I also put a sheet of Reflective Foil Insulation on the door itself for more protection. Another thing that I did was put duct tape on the outside of the windows to try and keep the wind from coming in through the seal. It may not look good but the survival side of me took over in the cold and it does seem to help.

Roof Vents:

Keeping the heat in is the key. For the roof vents we made customized pillows that fit nice and tight into the opening. Some old foam I had worked great and I covered that in cloth from a couple of shirts that didn’t fit anymore. It really helps to keep the heat in and the fashionable look can’t be beat. What is real fun about owning and living in your own RV is you can decorate any way you like. Express yourself. I have heard of people leaving the roof vents open a little bit to let the moisture out but with the way the wind blows here, that wasn’t an option. It is a good idea to purchase a dehumidifier, otherwise you could wake up with water dripping from the ceiling and find frost around the windows.

Waterproof the Roof:

This is a must do! You don’t want melting snow and rain dripping into your rv from the roof, this can cause many problems, especially if the water freezes. There are many products out there to use, do some research and contact your RV dealer to figure out whats best for you. Make sure to scrap off the old stuff and be sure when you apply the new stuff to get every nook and crevice. I think it better to put a little extra on than go to light.

This should help you have a comfy and cozy winter camping experience. It is allot of work but it is well worth it and gives you peace of mind and less surprises during those winter months. Some items I keep on hand are: duct tape, electrical tape, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, needle nose pliers and J-B Water-weld. I hope this helps you out and happy winter camping.

Heat Tapes For Water Pipes