Break Fix Build Improve

This tap was leaking badly from around the handle when it is turned. We open it up and use some PTFE (Teflon) plumbers tape add some more packing for the gland to form a better seal around the handle and stop the leak.

In this video we disassemble, clean, test and reassemble the active rear steering from a Renault Megane. The same assembly is also found in the Talisman and some other models.

In this video we make dried banana strips. The result are sugary treats that are still sticky and juicy rather than being hard and brittle like banana chips.

We disassemble an Eaton UPS and permanently remove the annoying beeping functionality by de-soldering the buzzer. Some other possible removal options are discussed.

The Topping PA5 is a class D amplifier with exceptionally low distortion and a reasonably low price. We examine the inputs and outputs as well as the controls. A short look at the build quality before powering it on. We don't play it but then again that would tell you more about your speakers, my microphone and speakers than anything else. :-D

A video showing the replacement of worn out rivets in an expanding gate with pop rivets from both sides. All tools used are listed and their purpose explained. Several tips and tricks are suggested. The job the satisfies the inspector's requirements.

The Topping E50 DAC is a relatively affordable Digital to Analog Converter that measures exceptionally well in terms of distortion. We open the box and take look at contents. We discuss what is not in the box that is needed to run the DAC. We turn it on but don't play it. After all we are not trying to review my speakers, microphone or your speakers. ;-)

A video that records the journey of the beer from the fermentation vessels into the bottles. We start in the warm cave of fermentation before traveling to the freezing pit of cold crashing. We do battle against invisible enemies via our sanitisation rituals and employ all manner of arcane equipment to transfer the precious liquid. Some wisdom is dispensed or is it foolishness?

While I was out and about I found a DJI Mavic Mini in a field near Durbanville. I know the micoSD card still works as I managed to recover some photos on it. The file dates suggest it last flew on 24 September 2021. If this is your drone then please leave a comment. If you know how I can find the owner then please post a comment.

This video on making fig jam covers quite a bit. Including tips on cleaning and sanitizing jars. How to select spices and other ingredients to flavour your figs. Features a discussion on figs including dissection to demonstrate the difference between the outer skin and the inner flesh. We make two batches of chunky fig jam / preserve.

Hops need water to grow especially when it doesn't rain frequently. In this video we feed and water them. We also see how to treat hydrophobic sandy soil to get water to sink in and how to mulch to retain water.

When the hops start growing they need something to climb up. They have been growing faster than I had anticipated in their first year. As such I am behind on putting in place support structures for them to climb up. I come up with a plan to use some rope strung to nearby trees to give them something to climb.

Sometimes you need to get into something that has tamper proof screws. Either you have the tool to remove them or you need to make one. In this video we make a notched flat head screwdriver.

This is the first in a series of videos on growing hops within 34 degrees of the equator. Having received a parcel containing three different hop varieties, we proceed to unpack, inspect and treat for mold. We then give them some water and start digging some holes to plant them.

The reciprocating action on this hedge trimmer was not working. We straighten out a bent piece of the mechanism, grease it all up and reassemble it in the correct way. Then we put it to work on the neighbour's trees. ;-) This is a follow up video after the initial work to get the hedge trimmer working. There was additional work on the cutting mechanism in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKKxDhoYHU

I bought this Ryobi electric hedge trimmer as a non-runner. It proved a lot more challenging to fix because someone had been in there before me and had even lost some of the parts. I get the electrical problems fixed in this video and the hedge trimmer running.

The birds are already ignoring the rubber snakes in the tree, so what to do? We use some heavy duty foil and fold it a few times to create reusable fig protectors. We install them on the tree. Soon we will have a decent harvest of figs each day instead of feeding the birds!

It is hot stuff up in the roof in the middle of summer but we want to keep our geyser (hot water cylinder) toasty on those cold winter nights. The burst geyser has been replaced so it is time to replace the geyser blanket. In this video we find that a piece is missing form the kit and make our own before installing it. Thirsty work indeed!

I give my first impressions of the Topping PA5 Power Amplifier and Topping E50 DAC after putting them through their paces for two weeks.

When inspecting the anode in a geyser or hot water cylinder it was found that the anode was in good condition and did not need to be replaced but merely refitted. However, it was found that the geyser or hot water cylinder had burst as there was water leaking from every fitting.

The Topping PA5 is a class D amplifier with exceptionally low distortion and a reasonably low price. We examine the inputs and outputs as well as the controls. A short look at the build quality before powering it on. We don't play it but then again that would tell you more about your speakers, my microphone and speakers than anything else. :-D

The Topping E50 DAC is a relatively affordable Digital to Analog Converter that measures exceptionally well in terms of distortion. We open the box and take look at contents. We discuss what is not in the box that is needed to run the DAC. We turn it on but don't play it. After all we are not trying to review my speakers, microphone or your speakers. ;-)

We assist the owner of this Sanyo Clock radio by replacing the broken off antenna wire and using some contact cleaner on the noisy switches.

Replacing the broken electrical switch assembly on a Trimtech / Tandem lawn mower with a new one.

Are you frustrated with current lack of organisation of your belts? Here is an easy DIY belt hanger that saves space in your cupboard and makes it easy to hang and chose among your belts. It is made from commonly available parts and even using the drill is optional.