Power Steering Fluid is a necessity for the power steering system of any car. It is a kind of hydraulic fluid that plays the role of a pass-through for the power to be transferred from the steering wheel to the steering mechanism of the car.

This fluid helps to keep the mechanism of steering smooth by protecting the moving parts of the steering system.

Moreover, if you don’t use this fluid for your car, you are likely to face serious problems with your steering pump or the entire mechanism.

But you must be wondering about power steering fluid color, right?

Don’t worry, this piece of writing will help you know about the power steering fluid color and also clarify leakage detection of such and other types of fluids.

Here’s the list of the Best Power Steering Fluids we found today.  

What Color is Power Steering Fluid Supposed to be? 

You may wonder, is the color of your power fluid alright? Should you be worried because it’s of a different hue from what you’ve seen in other cars? Or, because the color has changed since the time you bought it first?

Is power steering fluid red?

This confusion strikes a lot of people when they are new to handling a car. The definitive answer to such confusion is that the color of the power fluid varies from one manufacturer to another. But mostly, it is pink, red or clear.

Sometimes, as the vehicle is driven, the color may change into black or dark brown. This may indicate that the fluid has become dirty or contaminated. If the fluid is being used for very long, it’s advisable to replace it with fresh fluid.

Now let’s talk about power steering fluid leak color. 

Power Steering Fluid Leak Color

Have you ever stomped before the car to find out fluid leaking from your car, and then wondered where it is leaking from? The fluid can be leaking from power steering or anywhere else! How can you tell it apart?

Well, as mentioned before, most of the manufacturers traditionally dye their power steering fluid to be red or pink, so that it is distinguishable from other fluids when it leaks.

Some of the famous brands also produce it clear, without any color. Clear fluids may turn slightly yellow with use. So, if the fluid you see leaking is reddish, pink, clear, dark brown, or black, there is a high chance that it is from power steering.

Let’s take a look at how different colors of leaked fluid can indicate different conditions. It will help you to identify your issue quickly and act on it.

Light Brown to Black

image credit: honkforhelp

If you ever see fluid of light brown to black color leaking from your car, it may not always be from the power steering.

There are other locations with the fluid of a similar hue. Generally, you can find motor oil to be between light brown to deep black, depending on the period it’s been used for. This kind of fluid leak can be normally seen around the center of the car.

Another possibility is that the fluid can be lube oil, especially if it’s light brown and smells like a rotten egg. This sort of leak can be found at the center or rear axle.

Light Yellow to Dark Brown

image credit: honkforhelp

Most of the brake fluids are manufactured yellow. Therefore, noticing a leak of fluid that looks between light yellow to dark brown may hint that your brake fluid is leaking!

Now, it may confuse you on whether or not leakage of brown fluid is of brake or motor oil. You can easily judge that by examining it with your fingers. If the fluid feels slippery when you touch and rub it, it is brake fluid because motor oil is thicker than brake fluid.

And remember that leakage of your brake fluid is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. Don’t wait over acting upon it because driving with brake fluid leaking is not safe.

Red (Or Reddish)

image credit: honkforhelp

If the fluid is red, the possible occurrence is that your power steering fluid is leaking. As said earlier, power steering fluids are made red or pink to be distinguishable from other ones. But how to know for sure?

Firstly, inspect where the fluid is leaking off from. Most of the time, if it is power steering fluid, you will find it under the front part of your car.

You can also find fluid smeared over the power steering pump or down below the reservoir. Touch the fluid and rub it within your fingers; if it’s thin and slippery, then be sure it’s power steering fluid.

Orange power steering fluid

image credit: honkforhelp

What if the leaked fluid looks orange? Where is it coming from? The reason behind orange-colored fluid dripping can be leakage of transmission fluid. Mostly, the transmission fluid looks somewhere between light orange to thick orange or reddish-brown.

And transmission fluid leaks from the center of your car. There is another possibility, as well. Sometimes antifreeze leaks mixing up with rust may also look orange.

However, rust mixed antifreeze should be thin in texture, and it may leak from any location around your car. If you feel so confused about it, it’s better to head to a car repair shop and let the professional handle it.

Yellow, Green, or Pink power steering fluid

image credit: honkforhelp

Fluids of bright colors like yellow, green, and pink are for the water-cooling system most of the time. While the pink color refers to power steering fluid, it may also be of a coolant. You can tell them apart by watching for leaks at the water pump bearings and from the pump gasket.

However, bear in mind that it depends on your car’s age, whether or not to worry about your coolant leaking. If your car is old, it normally leaks drops of water from the coolant system when it gets hot. But if your car is new, coolant leaking should be investigated.

Clear Power Steering Fluid

image credit: honkforhelp

If you see clear fluid dropping off from your car, then there are two possibilities. It can be either a power steering fluid or just normal water. Sometimes your air conditioner can pop out some water because of excess condensation. In that case, there’s nothing to worry about.

But it could be your power steering fluid as well. How to tell the two apart? It’s very simple. Just touch it. You know how the water feels, right? On the other hand, if it is a power steering fluid, it will be a little sticky. Also, you can smell it to know which one it is, because water has no smell, but power steering fluid does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the color of power steering fluid:

#1. What color is Brake Fluid?

Answer: Read this brake fluid color guide to know the detail.

#2. What color is Transmission Fluid?

Answer: Read this transmission fluid color guide to know the detail.

#3. What color is Honda Power Steering Fluid?

Answer: Now, while most of the power steering fluids are dyed red, pink, or clear, there are always some exceptions. Some manufacturers dye it in different colors for a variety of reasons, such as Honda. Honda dyes its power steering fluid to be golden, like oil.

#4. What kind of color is Maxlife Valvoline Power Steering Fluid?

Answer: Maxlife Valvoline power steering fluids are mostly of amber color. They come with a stop-leak feature, which helps prevent leakage from the power steering fluid reservoir or anywhere else. By the way, this power steering fluid is not usable for Honda vehicles.

#5. What color is Dexron II Power Steering Fluid?

Answer: Some manufacturers produce fluids that are usable both as power steering fluids or Auto Transmission Fluids, such as the Dexron series. Dexron II ATF is of red color. There are other grades of Dexron fluids as well that you can use according to your needs.

Final Words

Like all the types of fluids your car has, power steering fluid is important for your car.

To keep your car running smoothly, you should check your power steering fluid regularly and replace it from time to time.

It is recommended that the power steering fluid be changed every four to five years, or after driving it for around 50,000 miles.

Again, if you notice your fluid to be dirty, turning brown or black, don’t wait too long.

Drain the old fluid out and replace it with fresh fluid as early as you can.

Try to use fluids of good brands with a stop leak feature, because those are likely to save your cost by preventing the leakage.

If you are wondering which paver sealer you’re gonna apply on your driveways as there are numerous types, then this article is gonna help you cut to the chase!

Well, paver sealers are specifically used for outdoor pathway maintenance. Generally, pavers are moisture and grease absorbent; they are prone to adhere to stains and grimes.

However, giving your pavers a shiny and glossy outlook can also be the reason to use sealers.

Now the question is which one to apply? Solvent or water-based? And what about acrylics?

To narrow it down, I am going to introduce you to the 5 main types of paver sealers. Let’s wade through then!

Main Types of Paver Sealers Explained

So, there are 5 types of paver sealers available in the market. Now, all of them bear some similarities and differences regarding their texture, appearance, smell, color, density, durability, and whatnot!

Still, the core aspect of applying sealers on your paver is to regain the same look as before. However, you should know which paver sealer was installed before. Otherwise, your current application may get ruptured.

Anyways! The 5 types are:

#1. Solvent Based Paver Sealer

As the name says, solvent-based sealers can dissolve other substances very well. The main advantage of these sealers is the wear coat. Usually, paver sealers are hard to remove, and once you make a mistake, you cant redo the task or fix it. Hence you’ll need to start from scratch.

But with solvent sealers, you can easily remove them whenever you’re expecting a regular cleaning and a fresh look. However, reapplying is also effortless if you notice any sort of blushing problems.

Besides, solvent-based paver sealers offer extended durability and water resistance. As you know, the core problem of concretes is that it has large pores, which are highly moisture absorbent, so resisting humidity is important.

Furthermore, it significantly protects your pavers from harmful UV lights and bears exceptional wear resistance. You can apply them on concrete, brick, metal, plastic, tiles, etc. to bring a glossy or mildly glossy appearance.

#2. Water-Based Paver Sealer

You won’t find it in any decorative, exposed, or broom industry. Because of its density.

Water-based sealers are extremely thin. Thus they provide a thin coat, and the sad part is you cant redo your mistakes while applying it. Moreover, these are hard to repair, and you are gonna need big dollars to repair them.

On the flip hand, moisture is its biggest enemy as it’s already water-based. If your pavers adhere to greasy dust more often, then it will surely get dirty over time. Hence you are bound to repair them more often.

However, they are fairly easy to apply and UV-resistant, as well. Also, it keeps your concrete free from tearing off. Unlike solvent ones, water-based paver sealers deliver a matte finish with low VOC.

#3. Acrylic Paver Sealers

These are universally cherished and can trump over any paver sealers out there. Interestingly, acrylic paver sealers are solvent-based. This means it is highly moisture absorbent, durable, and thick in texture.

One coating is decently enough for filling single gaps. You’re gonna get a semi-glossy to glossy finishing, and luckily these sealers ensure professional touch every time. Now, if you are worried about your concretes, tiles, and stones getting yellow, then this one will be your charmer.

But one thing you need to keep in mind is, the application is very tricky, so you better seek professionals to help or follow the instruction manual.

#4. Breathable Paver Sealers

Just like its name, it lets the internal particles breathe out in the air. Basically, in these sealers, moisture can easily pass out, and thus it’s able to absorb as little dirt as possible.

Here, breathable sealers consist of 3 types: silicate, silane, and acrylic. They are; chemical-based, water repellent, and surface films accordingly. It’s durable, easy to apply, and slightly expensive.

These are highly recommended for pavers, driveways, bricks, and tiles. However, if you are on savings and trying to lessen your expenses, then you can go for solvent-based as it renders almost the same finishing.

#5. Wet Look & Gloss Look Paver Sealers

Both wet and gloss-look paver sealers bear different types. For instance, an acrylic paver sealer can be used for a wet look or gloss look. On the flip hand, there is a penetrating paver sealer that mildly leaves a bright enhancement on the pavers, nothing drastic.

These give a decent wet look, whereas acrylic sealers provide a vibrant and glossy look. Usually, they last for 2 months to 4-5 years. The wet and glossy finish might look catchy to you, but the application can be tough, as well.

That’s why you are supposed to invest more money in seeking help from professional staff. Or you can also do it on your own by following the instruction orderly. Wet look paver sealers are suitable for your driveway, garden or yard bricks, miniature walls, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding paver sealers:

#1. How long does wet look sealer last?

Answer: 2 months to 5 years.

#2. What are the benefits of sealing pavers?

Answer: The benefits of sealing pavers are extending the lifetime of the concrete, filtering out all the debris from the open pores, removing gross dust and grimes, preventing moss growth, restrain weeds in grass, boosting up the glaze and brightness, etc.

#3. How long does a siloxane sealer last?

Answer: It depends on the quality though these can last 6 months to 7 years.

#4. Should you seal sandstone paving?

Answer: No, they don’t require sealing if it bears standard quality. Also, sandstone paving needs abundant time and money for sealing. Hence it’s advised by many experts not to seal them.

#5. How to apply a paver sealer?

Answer: We have described the step-by-step guide for you.

In Conclusion

Well, there are also other types of paver sealers, which are the sub-types of these main ones.

You will find plenty of similarities as well as a diversity of texture and finishes. Now you have to decide which one to apply according to your requirements, budget, and preference.

Good luck!

Hands allow us to do everything from communicating with loved ones to creating magnificent works of art.

However, these very wonderful pairs of hands can also be the reason we fall sick if they are not washed properly.

Germs are everywhere, and you can get infected easily if you do not wash your hands properly and effectively.

Sneezing, touching raw meat, using the washroom or changing a diaper, or touching a contaminated object, any one of these can result in catching germs such as salmonella, E. coli, hand-foot-mouth-disease, norovirus (which causes diarrhea), adenovirus, etc.

So, here’s a list of the 10 best hand cleaner brands to keep those hands not only clean but also smooth:

Best Hand Cleaner Brands for Mechanics, Plumbers, and Gardeners 

#1. Gojo Hand Sanitizer

A brand that is more than 70 years old, GOJO is well known in the industrial, automotive, as well as manufacturing sector.

GOJO Original is a fragrance-free cleaner that can remove everything like industrial-strength tar, heavy grease, or oil.

Just rub it in your hands and wipe it off.

Their GOJO Natural Orange or Cherry Gel Pumice hand sanitizer uses all-natural ingredients such as citrus or cherry and pumice scrubbers.

So, even after working with soil, oil, or dirt and grime, this lotion-like hand sanitizer will not only clean your hands but sanitize as well as moisturize.

#2. Goop Hand Sanitizer

Goop hand sanitizer is known to be the USA’s prime waterless cleaner that can effectively clean dirt and grime not only from your hands but tools as well.

What is goop hand cleaner made of?

Unlike other gel cleaners, Goop is cream-type and contains all-natural ingredients such as lanolin and other lubricants to moisturize and soften your hands.

It doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients such as ammonia, naphtha, kerosene, and other toxic solvents harmful to your skin, so it is safe for children as well.

Among Goop’s variety of hand sanitizers, there are the original non-fragrant formula, orange fragrance, with or without pumice are available in a variety of containers and sizes.

#3. Zep Hand Sanitizer

Established in 1937, Zep has been providing consumers with superior quality cleaning agents ranging from industrial to janitorial work.

Zep provides a plethora of cleaning agents such as hand sanitizers, shower gel, body spa, alcohol hand sanitizer gel, and spray, with or without fragrance and pumice, etc.

Their Easy Scrub Industrial hand sanitizer gets rid of even the worst dirt and grime from hands with tough pumice for a thorough scrub, lanolin, non-solvent, and superior, heavy-duty cleaning ingredients, leaving behind a very pleasant fragrance of lemon and soft, clean hands.

#4. Kresto Hand Sanitizer

Kresto hand sanitizers is designed to remove even the toughest of soiling, dirt, tar, oil, and lubricants, metallic, as well as graphite dust, without harming your hands or the environment around you.

It leaves your hands free of dirt and grimes with its natural scrubbing ingredient, which washes away easily without blocking any plumbing.

This brand provides an outstanding variety of hand sanitizers for you to choose from; there is the Kresto Classic Heavy-Duty hand sanitizer, Kresto Cherry, Kresto Special Ultra, or Kresto Kolor Ultra.

Free of silicone, these products can be used on surfaces or places where paint or surface coating is done.

So, grab a bottle and try it out yourself.

#5. Joe’s Hand Sanitizer

Don’t like that sticky feeling you get after cleaning your hands with ordinary hand sanitizers?

Try Joe’s All-Purpose hand sanitizer that is made with cosmetic and food-grade materials and without sharp alkalis or acids to leave your hand soft, smooth, and clean after use.

Joe’s hand sanitizers can be used with or without water, so it is very convenient as you can use them anyplace at any time.

So choose the one that best suits your needs from the varieties of hand sanitizers provided by Joe like Joe’s Citrus Blue hand sanitizer, Joe’s Aloe Formula, and Joe’s Hand Scrub hand sanitizer, etc.

#6. Worx Hand Sanitizer

If you want to get your hands clean and help save the environment, why not try Worx?

Ever since 1994, Worx has provided consumers with Worx Biodegradable hand sanitizer, a pH-balanced, environment, and skin-friendly hand sanitizer that will keep your hands clean after a hard day’s work.

Nowadays, because of Worx Biodegradable environmental friendliness, it’s used in areas such as agriculture, processing of food, maintenance, government, police, printing industry, and many more.

Worx has committed to providing consumers with a skin-friendly yet green-certified hand sanitizer.

They have also thought about deep cleaning all the dirt from your hands, and so their hand sanitizer consists of microbeads, no harmful chemicals, walnut shells, and it is also non-allergenic.

#7. Stoko Hand Sanitizer

Deb Stoko Kresto Cherry Hand Cleanser is certainly a mouthful to say, but its chock is full of wonderful features.

It has no artificial pumice but an all-natural walnut shell for a deep clean, and as it is biodegradable, it will not block your sink.

Moreover, it is designed to keep the pH balance of your hands intact even after deep cleansing as it does not contain any disreputable chemicals like halogenated hydrocarbons.

Furthermore, it is not soapy, and it has been dermatologically tested to ensure the safety of the skin.

So, you can rest assure that you will not be harming your hands or the environment.

#8. Permatex Hand Sanitizer

Parmatex provides a variety of hand sanitizers based on your requirements.

For example, Parmatex Grease Grabber Lemon Lime hand sanitizer is designed for deep cleaning with special ‘poly’ scrubbing materials that will rid your hands of dirt, oil, and grime as well as any nasty odor.

It will also make your hands conditioned and odor-free.

Or if you want a biodegradable, waterless hand sanitizer, go for Parmatex Fast Orange Smooth Lotion hand sanitizer.

Also, it has no toxic chemicals, ammonia, or even any solvents based on petroleum.

Moreover, its combination of aloe, glycerin, and lanolin is sure to leave your hands soft and moisturized even after a hard day of work.

#9. Bear Paw Hand Sanitizer

Not only is the name fierce, but Bear Paw hand sanitizer also cleans fiercely too even though it contains no toxic, petroleum, or hazardous ingredients.

It can clean deeply tar, varnish, dirt and grime, ink, adhesives or paint, anything that dirties your hand after working in a garage, DIY activities, railroad, airline, printing, etc.

Also, it is washed off with water, but don’t worry about your sink or basin as it can help prevent blocking or piling up toxic solvents, grease, or petroleum that are left behind by other cleaners made of solvent or petroleum.

#10. TURBO Hand Sanitizer

Last but not least on this list is the TURBO hand sanitizer.

TURBO Orange hand sanitizer not only cleans away tar, dirt, oil, resins, printing ink, grease, etc. from your hands, it also acts as an antiseptic and simultaneously conditions your hands as it contains lanolin.

They have replaced harmful chemicals in their hand sanitizers with extracts from Brazilian oranges and for thorough cleaning added crumbly scrubbing materials.

It can be used with or without water, can be washed off using cold water even, so you can use it as it is convenient.

In Conclusion

As your health is literally in your hands, make sure to keep them clean.

I hope our list of best hand sanitizer brands will help you with that.

As a driver or vehicle users, we should know the Brake Fluid color.

Brake fluid is used in the advanced hydraulic brake system of modern motor vehicles and bicycles. Without it, your vehicle wouldn’t come to a halt or slow down.

These fluids are tasked with operating the components of your braking system in a way to stop your vehicle right on its tracks. When you put pressure on the brake, the fluid is pushed toward the brakes, creating a force on the rotors attached to the wheels.

The pressure forced on the rotors, in turn, pressurizes the wheels. This causes the wheels to slow down or stop depending on the applied pressure. As you can see, brake fluid is vital, and it’s equally important to know its colors.

And today, we are going to answer many more brake fluid-related questions.

What Color is Brake Fluid Supposed to Be?

Just like anything in the world, brake fluid is no stranger to decaying. Depending on how it is used and how it’s maintained, it can go bad over time. You don’t want bad brake fluid in your system since a working brake system is absolutely necessary.

Although differentiating between decent brake fluid and a crummy one might seem like a task more fit for professionals, it isn’t. Anyone can do it by paying attention to the color tones of brake fluids. That’s right, brake fluids can have various color tones, and each color represents the state of the brake fluid.

The color of brake fluid heavily depends on the type of brake fluid. Brake fluids come in three different types, each with its characteristics.

Dot 3 Brake Fluid Color:

A new bottle of DOT 3 brake fluid should have a clear bluish hue. DOT 3, however, lost most of its use over the years due to the introduction of more advanced fluids like the DOT 4 and DOT 5.

Colored dot 4 Brake Fluid:

It is currently the most popular brake fluid pick, which should look almost clear with a little yellowness.

Dot 5 Brake Fluid Color:

The color of the DOT 5 brake fluid, on the other hand, should be clear and purplish.

Over time, the color of brake fluid deteriorates, and its color gets darker. When the color reaches dark brown or black, that’s the time to let go of the fluids and bring in new ones.

Instead of DOT 3 Or DOT 4, Can We Use DOT 5?

Before using any brake fluids, it is highly advised to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

You might end up being a victim of vehicular damage if you decide to go against your manufacturer’s instructions. Before stepping into whether DOT 5 can be used instead of DOT 3 or DOT 4, we must understand their characteristics.

DOT 3 is the standard type of glycol-based brake fluid, much like its counterpart DOT 4, which is dubbed more heavy-duty. And DOT 5 is silicone-based, unlike the other two.

Now, if your vehicle fashions Anti-lock brakes (ABL), you must stay away from DOT 5 because they are incompatible. DOT 4 is your usual safe pick as it is more favorable than the DOT 3 and goes well with the vehicle ABL system. However, DOT 5 does not absorb moisture because of its silicone base.

Therefore, it is free from getting polluted because of moisture over time, as DOT 3 and DOT 4 do. One of the most significant advantages of DOT 5 is that it is free from toxicity and doesn’t damage vehicle paints. It also boils at a higher temperature.

Moreover, it doesn’t require to be changed as often as other fluids. It is more suitable for preserving antique automobiles. So, you are free to use DOT 5 if it doesn’t conflict with your manufacturer’s instructions or if you have antique brakes to hold onto. But be advised, it is way more expensive.

When Do You Need to Replace or Bleed the Brake Fluid?

Your brake fluid isn’t permanent. It deteriorates over time. As it worsens, its ability to pressurize the rotors also decreases. The braking system would gradually reach a point where it won’t work anymore unless you bleed out the old brake fluids away and replaced them with brand new ones.

I wouldn’t advise waiting until your braking system stops working because a faulty system can also lead to accidents. You must keep an eye on the fluids and monitor them regularly to ensure you get the chance to change them before they cause trouble.

After setting up the break fluids for the first time, you are more or less safe for 4 to 5 years usually. The duration varies on how you are maintaining everything. From its bright clear color, the brake fluid will slowly keep going darker and darker. It’d appear dirty and rusty over time.

That’s the point where the contaminated fluid starts damaging your components instead of operating them.

Brake fluids usually get contaminated by exposure to dust, mud, and stuff that doesn’t mix well with the fluids. The rusty, dark, black color of brake fluid is your cue to bleed the old brake fluid and replace it with newer and better ones.

 What to Do if Your Brake Fluid Color is Dark?

The dark color of your brake fluid indicates your fluid’s deterioration. The darker it is, the more contaminated and moisturizing it will be.

As mentioned above, brake fluid loses its clear color as it absorbs contaminated stuff over time and reaches a point where it cannot function anymore. Instead, it contributes to the damage to your brake components.

You cannot expect your brakes to work correctly in their darkest state. And you most obviously want your brakes to work. So, what to do now? It’s pretty simple. All you have to do is find out which brake fluid suits your vehicle. Once you find out, go to the market and buy a new one.

Usually, DOT 4 is the safest one. Once you’ve got the new brake fluid, bleed out the old one, clean your braking system up, and pour the new one into it. This will restore your brakes to their old glory.

Thinking about taking your vehicle out for a ride even though you’ve noticed the fluids changing into pitch-black color?

If you are, don’t. Now, you might be too lazy to change the fluids thinking it’d be okay for this one time. I advise you to think again and keep thinking until you change them to avoid fatal accidents.

Brake Fluid Color Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding colored brake fluid:

#1. Is the break fluid color brown when it leaks?

Answer: Leaking brake fluid can be easily distinguished due to its unique color with no other fluids in the car. Leaking brake fluid would appear mineral clear with bits of yellowness to light brown. It usually looks a lot like vegetable oil.

#2. What color is DOT 3 brake fluid?

Answer: This brake fluid is the oldest one in the bunch. It should appear transparent with a bluish sky or ocean hue in its freshest condition. It will go darker over time as it deteriorates.

#3. What color is DOT 4 brake fluid?

Answer: DOT 4 brake fluid should appear amber in color with clearness. It can resemble vegetable oil or American beer.

#4. What color is DOT 5 brake fluid?

Answer: DOT 5 brake fluid should also appear as clear as a mineral with a bit of purpleness. The purple color comes from the dye used to produce this brake fluid type.

#5. What color is silicone brake fluid?

Answer: Silicone brake fluid has a purple tint with the usual clearness in color.

#6. Can I change my own brake fluid?

Answer: Of course, you can change your brake fluid. And why shouldn’t you, since it saves much money and strengthens your braking system? I have a little guide for you to change your brake fluid easily.

For this, however, you will need a couple of tools. Make sure to use a lint-free cloth, a blaster, and a bottle of freshly bought brake fluids. Make sure to purchase the brake fluid that is advised for your vehicle by the manufacturer. Now, let’s follow these steps:

1. First, grab your blaster to “blast out” or remove the old contaminated brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
2. If and only if it is possible to reach into the reservoir, do so with the lint-free cloth and clean it out.
3. Now that the cylinder is ready for new fluids pour the new ones until the “full” line is reached.
4. Once it is filled, close the cylinder to prevent moisturizing and contamination.

#7. Is a brake fluid leak dangerous?

Answer: Leaking brake fluid can be hazardous, depending on the situation. Vehicles often have fluids leaking out due to various causes. It is highly recommended to always keep an eye out for leaks.

Regular inspection is required to prevent brake fluid leaking from turning into something we all regret. As we have already discussed before, as great as hydraulic brakes are, they are nothing without fluids. No fluid might as well mean no braking system in a vehicle. So, if brake fluid keeps leaking, it’ll cripple the brakes.

As a result, you’d find your brakes stop working altogether or malfunctioning. Now, imagine that happening on a highway road filled with speeding traffics. Not a good picture, is it?

#8. What color is the power steering fluid?

Answer: Read the power steering fluid color guide to know the detail.

#9. What color is transmission fluid?

Answer: Read this automatic and manual transmission fluid color guide for detail.

#10. What color is bad brake fluid color?

Answer: Bad brake fluid color is very dark and looks almost like used motor oil. Anything from black to dark brown is a bad brake fluid color.

#11. Is brake fluid clear?

Answer: When your brake fluid is fresh, it looks clear to yellow. But it gradually changes from black to dark brown.

In Conclusion

The importance of brake fluid is immense. Therefore, regular inspection is a must. Checking the color of brake fluids can tell a lot about the braking system’s functionality.

You’d know when to change your fluids by the color of each fluid. Also, you could figure out the types by looking at the colors. It is an easy skill to obtain that is necessary for all vehicle users.

If you have any confusion/questions about what brake fluid colors are, let us know by commenting here.

From changing a new bulb to enjoying an adventurous ride – a dielectric grease is an essential tool that you want to keep in your storeroom. Dielectric grease is silicone-based grease that helps to inhibit different types of corrosion.

Sometimes, corrosions can lower the voltage that may result in damaging other devices. Dielectric grease is mainly applied in electronic connections to prevent air and water from getting into the metal.

Keeping the water out helps to stop short-circuits and other unusual events. The following content is going to cover all the basic and necessary information you need to know about dielectric grease.

What is Dielectric Grease?

Dielectric grease is silicon-based grease that helps to protect any electrical connection of your home, car, or office. It is a greasy gel that maintains its consistency throughout time. By that, it helps to prevent moisture from getting in and protects the connection point from corrosion.

As this seals the port, it also keeps the connection out of the water, air, dirt, and other kinds of elements. We know, bare metal causes oxidation by reacting with the oxygen in the air. As oxidation is less conductive than the metal itself, it reduces the flow of electricity.

In a wet environment, oxidation can build up in the presence of excess water and metal. It can decrease the voltage of other electronic devices that will damage them. In extreme cases, it can cause extreme heat that may result in short-circuit, melting of plastic, and even fire!

Dielectric Grease Uses

There are numerous useful applications of dielectric grease. Some of them are:

• It is mainly used in preventing spark by putting it into the ceramic container.
• It prevents foreign object’s entry inside the cable. In general, people use dielectric grease in a situation that involves electrical components like wires, processors, or ports that have the chance of coming in contact with moisture.
• Dielectric grease is usually used on non-metal computer chips like rubber and plastic coating, though it can work as a lid on different metallic surfaces.

The most ideal use of this is on plastic and rubber cover connected with computer chips, microprocessors, and other parts of the computer.

• People use this as a safety measure because it reduces the chance of catastrophic fire or accident. This usually comes in a tube, and it has a similar kind of thickness to jelly. As it can maintain its consistency, people use it on different electronic terminals.
• Sometimes, because of heavy use, the electronic connections of the devices tend to lose. It helps the cable and the terminal stay at a steady point. Moreover, because of loose connections, air and water can go inside of the cable that may cause a short-circuit.
• By using grease on the terminal point, anyone can save their electronic connection from the damage of oxidation. This oxidation sometimes causes the failure of connection and damage of the electronic items. The grease dislocates oxygen, and because of that, oxidation can’t take place.
• People use it on the headlights, engines, bulb connections, and many other places. Dielectric grease is also good for slide calipers, rings, plugs, and guide pins.

However, as this is silicone-based grease, it is suggested not to use it on plastics as it will break them over time. Moreover, it should not be kept in direct connection with electricity.

What is Silicon Dielectric Grease Used for?

There is another type of dielectric grease that is known as silicone grease or silicone dielectric grease. It is waterproof grease that is prepared by coalescing silicone oil with the use of an appropriate amount of thickener.

Generally, polydimethylsiloxane is used in silicone oil, and the thickener is amorphous fumed silica.

Silicon dielectric grease is a non-curing silicone compound that is also applied to cover and protect electrical equipment and connectors by working as an insulator. As the grease is waterproof, it prevents the entry of moisture and other contaminants into the electrical connections.

General uses of silicone dielectric grease are:

• It is heavily used in different chemical laboratories, industries.
• It is also a useful product for regular customers. This is environment-friendly and impervious to water, natural gases, different chemicals, ultraviolet rays, and high temperatures. That’s why the application of silicone dielectric grease lasts longer.
• This grease is widely used to aid the installation process and to keep electronic connections away from moisture.
• One can use silicone dielectric grease to the channel of the ignition coil to prevent sparks and short-circuits. The reason is basically because of heavy and repeated uses, the ignition coils of engines get cracked up.

However, this is not a permanent way to fix this problem. One should change or repair the entire coil to ensure the safety of their life and devices.

Final Words

So, now we know that dielectric grease is applied to the non-metallic or metallic parts of any electronic connection. It will not only work as a shield to the terminal point but also it will protect the electronic device from short-circuit or any kind of damage.

Also, it protects the connection between contagion and corrosion. By cutting off the electronic flow, grease will maintain the safety of the connection. One can use this grease on any electronic connections ranging from headlights to the ignition coil.

However, it is always recommended to contact your local auto mechanic workshop to ensure the top-notch and safe maintenance of your car.

Related Reading: 
#1. Gun Grease Guide.

Paver sealing is an essential task to preserve the paver color and longevity.

Being said that, sealing your paver driveway or walkway is not something that you do frequently.

Nonetheless, like every other task, it is important to know how to apply a paver sealer to complete the sealing like a professional.

But before applying you should have top-quality paver sealers, right?

In this article, I am going to guide you through the step-by-step process of applying paver sealer properly.

You have to prepare for it with the necessary tools and equipment. The whole process involves some precautions and must follow steps too.

Hang onto your seat because I’m going to explain all these.

How to Apply a Paver Sealer: Step-by-step Guide

Step 1

Before you start applying a paver sealer, it is essential to use a leaf blower to remove any sand, debris, or litter.

Step 2

Once you are done blowing the sands away, check if you have any crooked or twisted paver. If so then level them first.

Step 3

Now, wash the whole area to blast away any sand joints or moss and weeds. If you see some stubborn grime then using a pressure washer will be the best deal for you to wash them away.

Once you clean the whole paved area let it dry for at least one or two days. If required more. But in most cases, two days are good enough.

Step 4

So, at this moment you have the dried-out surface. Now you can apply the paver sealer.

Use either a water-based sealer or solvent sealer depending on how tightly the pavers are laid together.

If the pavers are laid tightly together without joint sand then use the solvent sealer. On the other hand, use a water-based sealer if they are not laid tightly and you need to harden the joint sands. The water-based sealer penetrates the paver more than the solvent sealer.

Read the instructions first to use the proper tools to spray the sealer. Here I’m considering you are going to use a water-based sealer. So, very likely you need a pump sprayer to apply the sealer.

Get ready with the pump sprayer with sealer in it.

Step 5

Now apply the sealer with the pump sprayer in about 60-70 sq ft sessions. Use a circular motion for even distribution.

Step 6

After completing each 60-70 sq ft session, use a nap roller for back rolling to get the best result. Back rolling is important because it will allow you to distribute the sealer evenly and get rid of any access inside the pocket of the paver.

Step 7

Repeat steps 5 and steps 6 until you are done with the whole area.

Step 8

I assume you need to work in tight areas. Use a paintbrush to reach the tight areas and seal the pavers properly.

Step 9

Once you are done applying the sealer all over your paver driveway or walkway, now it’s time to let it dry again.

Allow it to dry for at least a day or more if required. Better if you can keep the area free from traffic during this period. It will help the sealer to dry up nicely and give you a shiny paver that you would have expected.

Let’s watch the video to apply a water-based wet-look paver sealer

Final Words

Ensuring the even distribution as well as avoiding over-application is crucial here.

When you back roll the surface with the roller, the thickness of the roller plays a vital role to let the sealer penetrate the pavers.

Very likely the sealer manufacturer has the instruction about how thick the roller should be. In general, just remember the roller should not be too thick nor too thin.

I’m sure you are now clear about how to apply a paver sealer properly.

Now it’s time to implement. Throw me a question if you are not clear about any step.

Related Post: 

#1. Paver Sealers Types.

It’s hard to point out any home improvement equipment that is more versatile than a rotary tool.

A dependable unit will come with a range of accessories and attachments, allowing you to perform a variety of tasks, including cutting, sharpening, cleaning, and sanding, just to mention a few.

Similar to most devices, rotary tools differ in their designs and features.

They are also not similar in their versatility, performance, and number of attachments, among other crucial factors.

I have spent time researching and testing several models and identified the high-quality rotary tools brands. Be with me as I share some unique facts about them. I’ll also inform you about their pros and cons to guide you in your selection.

Best Rotary Tools Brands of 2024

Choosing the best rotary tool from the jungles of brands in the market is not a simple affair.

You can thank me later for doing comprehensive research on your behalf to present to you the top four rotary tool brands.

#1. Ryobi Rotary Tool

First on our review is the Ryobi rotary tool. Without debate, this brand is not the most popular in the market, and names like Dremel command grand followings.

However, it has some fresh and rewarding features to bring to the table. I did not expect much from the line of equipment, but the findings I made were worth writing home about.

Corded Ryobi devices come with a flexible shaft and a selection of accessories that make them useful during cutting, grinding, sanding, engraving, and polishing applications.

With each model I put to the test, the first thing I noticed is how comfortable they were to hold and use. Not so many brands focus on ease of use and comfort when designing their models.

These tools also feature variable speeds of up to 34,000 RPM.

This ensures they perform optimally, irrespective of your project needs. Changing accessories to match your application needs is also remarkably comfortable.

Our recommended Best Ryobi Rotary Tool on Amazon is Ryobi One+ Plus 18 Volt Variable Speed Rotary Tool. 

#2. DeWalt Rotary Tool

Take it from me; there is magic in DeWalt tools. They come with a compact and durable design profile, making them ideal for use even in rugged environments.

With reliable amperage and maximum speeds of up to 30,000 RPM, they are designed to make users virtually invincible when performing challenging cutting applications.

One perk I cannot fail to mention is the lightweight nature of tools from this brand.

This ensures reduced fatigue, especially when working for hours on end.

Changing bits is also remarkably easy, and some models, including the DW660, do not require you to use a wrench or any other special tools.

Something I noticed with the devices is that they are designed to have a potent motor.

This, of course, brings about better efficiency and performance, although there are also some challenges you may experience.

For instance, models with 5.0 Amp motors are not the easiest to use. Such power poses control difficulties, especially for untrained contractors.

#3. Dremel Rotary Tool

Dremel is a dominating brand that has a range of sturdy and high-performance rotary tools.

From the 4000 to the 4300 series, there is nothing not to like about the devices.

They make an excellent addition to any crafting space because they are versatile and come with a satisfactory range of accessories and attachments.

With the buzz this brand was created, I had to test a decent number of its models. One of the facts I noticed is that they are crafted for unmatched versatility.

Even those that come with a limited range of accessories pair well with all the bits from the brand. You can, therefore, use your model of choice for all kinds of crafting projects, detail work, and carpentry.

With a powerful motor, you risk facing control and precision concerns. Fortunately, Dremel tools feature variable speed settings, ranging from 5,000 and 35,000 RPM.

Whether you need a budget option ideal for beginners or a sturdy unit that is perfect for heavy-duty use, you will have a decent number of options at your disposal.

#4. Gyros Rotary Tool

Gyros is a brand to reckon with if you want to find an impressive range of rotary tools.

I saved it for last on the review because the features of the PowerPro, as well as the ProPack line, are mind-blowing.

Just like the famous Dremel brand, Gyros has you covered with tons of sturdy accessories to make their tools versatile and perfect for a wide variety of applications.

For maximum visibility when performing precision tasks, some models come with LED lighting systems.

You can also adjust the speeds from 8000-35000 RPM, and this, coupled with the on and off switch feature, ensures you have better control, irrespective of the amperage of your rotary tool kit.

Devices from this brand are not run-of-the-mill rotary tools. Their sturdy construction, performance, and features make them worth every dime you spend on them.

Models from the latest PowerPro line even come with a cool 5-year warranty.

Final Words

From my research and experience testing the rotary tool brands, I have gathered that each brand has its strengths and weaknesses.

Some offer high-quality products that are more powerful but harder to control, while others provide sturdy, easy-to-use devices that are perfect for light-duty tasks.

To find the rotary tool that suits you, consider your type of work, your skill levels, and the range of attachments you genuinely need.

In 2023 you have different types of sanders to make your sanding and polishing tasks more efficient.

Do you have to work on any wooden, metal, and even plastic projects?

Well, it can be industrial, craft, sculpture, and even hobbyist projects, if the answer is yes, that sanding is a task that you can’t avoid anyway. And when it comes to sanding, there are a handful of variations of the sanding tool.

In today’s article, we will take over and make the whole universe of sanding tools easily understandable to you. There are hand sanders, power sanders, and a wide variation of sanding manners as well that you have to go through while using these tools.

Sounds interesting, let’s proceed-

List of 21 Different Types of Sanders With Pictures in 2024

#1. Orbital Sander

The first type of sander is names an Orbital sander, and it takes abrasive sheets as a sanding medium. Usually, there is a pad that vibrates in small circles, and that’s what allows the user to sand in any direction. Whenever you would find a belt sander to be too powerful and aggressive, that’s where an orbital sander comes in.

To cover more area with an orbital sander, you can choose the half sheet version of it. In the case of more precise applications, there are quarter sheet versions as well.

#2. Random Orbital Sander

Random Orbital Sander is a type of orbital sander, which has almost a similar design to its parent type of sander. There is a round pad in place of the square one, and that’s the only difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander.

The job of that round part is to spin in circles in orbit. While it does that, there is a typical swirling pattern that doesn’t take place unlike it does in the case of orbital sanders.

The pad has its size variation starting from five to six inches. And the disc type can vary between a disc with a velcro surface or a disc with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. And that depends on the model.

#3. Belt Sander

A belt sander is made by using a belt to wrap two drums, and the drums at the rear side are motorized. With the motorized rear drum, the front drum can move freely as the belts attach them.

Considering the belt sizing, there are four different sizes available for a sander-

3/18 inches: The smaller one, and the easier one to control.

3×21 inches: Contains a better balance, and good with the sanding speed as well. Most popular among all four.

3×24 inches: It’s quite hard to control, but can cover the right amount of area.

4×24 inches: The largest one, and the hardest one to manage. Meant to be used for professional uses only.

#4. Disc Sander

This type of sander is usually used as a power attachment for drilling machines. Apart from the portable version of the disc sander, there is a table-mounted version as well. It contains a round disk that can spin at a certain speed once you add it to the end of a drilling machine.

The mounted versions of disc sanders are with a wheel instead of a disc. As a benefit, you will get more surface area to work with, and a grit size variation would be more diverse with it.

However, as long as the rotational speed and the smoothness of the sanding operation are concerned, you can quickly go with the handheld, portable version. If more workforce is required, then the mounted one is preferable.

#5. Detail Sander

Details sander has a few other names such as mouse sander, corner sander, triangle sander, etc. You can see it be identical to an ironing machine that has a sander as well. Usually, it uses a triangular pad with self-adhesive sandpaper. That’s how the sanding goes on in this machine.

The size of this sander is tiny. So you get to work on complicated and narrow spaces with it. And to enhance its working ability, there are scopes to attach several attachments to it. With all of them combined, a detail sander is meant to be used in precise sanding works.

#6. Drywall Sander

The visual appearance of a drywall sander will more match with a metal detector. The reason is, there is a long pole that holds the disc sander on the end of it. Sometimes, the handle or pole is adjustable in terms of height to let the user look closely while working.

As the name suggests, you can understand that this sander is mostly used to and drywalls. In drywalls, there are often excess adhesives, and that’s what drywall sanders help you to do. Also, you can use drywall sanders on ceilings and other similar places, as well.

#7. Manual Sanding Block

Manual sanding blocks are another form of hand sanders, and it’s recommended for low-end sanding jobs. Mostly in repairing broken furniture pieces, drywall parts, edges, and corners, carpenters get to use manual sanding blocks.

The sandpaper grit that you’d find over here is quite medium, and the course is excellent. For adding diversity in usage, manual sanding blocks are available in both single angle and double angles.

Especially, when you are sanding tight spaces and narrow corners, you get to choose the right angle type from these two.

#8. Dustless Turbo Drywall Sander

As the name suggests, if you want your sanding work to be dust-free, then a turbo drywall sander is what you should rush after. It sands the drywall(especially attics and top surfaces), and the vacuum cup sucks the dust that’s produced meanwhile.

With the dust, the sand particles also enter into the vacuum cup. So, you don’t leave any dirt to clean up afterward.

It contains a sanding surface that is round, a rectangular head, and an air turbine. But the air turbine is not present in all of the dustless turbo drywall sander models.

#9. Portable Cable Sander

As long as you are a hobbyist homemaker and dealing with softcore sanding chores, you should not pick up a sanding device like the portable cable sander. But if you want the sanding job to be a bit aggressive and harsh, then it’s the right one to go for.

By structure, it contains a power cable to power the sander up, and it’s mostly used in sanding surfaces like ceiling, high walls, and so. With this in hand, you won’t be needing any ladder, as it comes with an extension of about 13 feet of more top.

#10. Orbital Drywall Sander

Another handheld sander, comes up with the ability to smoothly sand up surfaces like rusty walls, walls with paints on them, drywall with muddy compounds, etc. Being ideal for basic home improvement, you can make use of this sander in home improvement and DIY projects as well.

Unlike the sander mentioned above, it doesn’t come up with an extendable pole. So, you just need to use a ladder if you are thinking of sanding surfaces with it, which are located higher than your reach.

#11. Edging Sander

Edging sander is another member of the high-end sanding family. But compared to other heavy-duty sanders, the working speed is quite quick.

The benefit of an edging sander over a drum sander is, drum sanders can not reach narrow and shallow spaces where edging sanders can. Some examples are- stair surfaces, edges of the floor, etc.

However, like any high-end sander, you need to be careful to handle an edging sander, taking its high power sanding into consideration.

#12. Drum Sander

Drum sanders are one of the most influential members of the drum family. And it’s that heavy that you would require two people to carry it from one place to another.

However, drum sanders come up with quite a high sanding power, and if you don’t have the experience to work in high-end sanding, it can easily be misused in terms of sanding precision.

To use a drum sander, you have to push them forward, just what you would do with a lawnmower. And if the surface has to be removed from any paint, adhesives, or other similar substances, that’s where you get to use a drum sander.

#13. Table Sander

Table sanders can also be labeled as bench sander, as they both serve the same kind of purpose. These are not portable but stationary, and there is a belt sander that has a disc as well.

The power output in terms of sanding operation is quite high, and that’s what makes it convenient in large-scale sanding operations. Some of the examples where it is used are- woodworking shops, industrial factories, etc.

However, in case you are looking for precise sanding work, table sanders won’t be that great of a choice. But for removing a large amount of material quickly, this can be the right choice.

#14. Oscillating Spindle Sander

OSS or Oscillating Spindle Sander is a member of those types of sander family which comes up with some drum attachment. They call it the sanding drum, which will need to protrude from a freestanding table or a benchtop jointer maybe.

When you turn an OSS sander on, it will let the drum raise and spindle to lower. In this way, the wooden surface that you are working on will come up in contact with the entire sanding drum.

Sanding with an OSS sander is, therefore, a perfect choice if you want to avoid grooves. Also, as it has an even distribution, it can reduce the wear on the entire drum surface as well.

#15. File Sander

File sanders also come up with the name of finger sander because of the way it is used. There can be both air-powered and electrically powered. But both versions come up with a very narrow sanding belt. An advantage of such a thin belt is, it would fit in very small spaces as well.

So, as long as it’s about detailed working, you can make a perfect sanding operation done with the file sander. By complete work, we mean tasks like automotive body repairing, working on areas where it’s hard to reach with regular sanding machines, etc.

#16. Sand Paper

Sandpaper sheets are the first and the earliest member of the non-machinery sanding tools. Sometimes, electric sanders are quite fast, but not perfect for narrow and straightforward space sanding. That’s where the sandpapers come in.

The sandpaper is a simple piece of paper that is completely hand-powered. You will be provided with so much control on the sanding job, but the accuracy and working speed won’t be that much. Also, it can not remove much of the material at a time.

#17. Hand Sander

If you want to go for a better option than sanding papers, a hand sander would be a great option. It will not wear out your wrist, but still, you will manage to hand-sand and ample space without taking any help from machines.

Sometimes, all you want is accuracy in sanding, no matter how much time it takes to do. In that case, hand sanders are quite an excellent option to go with.

#18. Strip Sander

A modified version of hand sanders is the strip sanders. There are two holders for two hands, and two men from both ends of the sander can get easily with any sanding.

Mainly, strip sanders are used in sanding large pieces of wood, logs, or any similar surfaces. As long as manual sanding is considered, this one is considered to be one of the most convenient options.

#19. Bow Sander

It’s not all the time while you have to sand only dull surfaces only. Sometimes, there are contoured surfaces that require sanding, and that’s when a bow sander comes in place.

This sander will help you to sand on contoured edges with supreme precision and accuracy. You have to hold down the sander with one hand, and another hand should be used in holding the workpiece that you are working on. Usually, wooden craftworks are the ideal objects to work with a bow sander.

#20. Palm Sander

A palm sander is a miniature of power sanders, and it will fit right onto your palm. It’s designed to be quite comfortable to be held, and workpieces that you can work with it are usually small craft pieces or small surfaces.

After you are done with the necessary sanding, there comes the essence to put fine details on the job. And that’s when you get to use a palm sander in your hand.

#21. DIY toothbrush Sander

The name DIY toothbrush sander quite expresses the use of it anyway. Just all you have to do is to replace the bristle heads of the toothbrush with sandpapers.

Such a sander will help you to sand and smoothen surfaces like softwood, plastic, etc. up. Also, it will not wear out your hands, which you can not skip while doing it manually.

Orbital Sander vs Palm Sander

When it comes to a head-to-head comparison of different kinds of sanders, there comes the orbital sander and palm sander head-to-head. Both of the sanders are quite similar on the surface. But inaction, they have quite some differences with each other.

The orbital sander is more of a professional kind of sander where it does sanding on a larger scale on larger surfaces. On the other hand, palm sanders are quite a handy tool that does not require much expertise to use.

The area of use of orbital sander is for prepping and finishing. On the other hand, palm sanders are used on narrow surfaces when it’s imperative to achieve a smooth surface with 100% accuracy.

Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander

After comparing the orbital sanders with palm sanders, there comes another comparison of orbital sanders with belt sanders. Now, both of these sanders are quite different from each other in terms of structure and function.

You can make use of both of these sanders for finishing chores, the area and accuracy of purpose are quite different.

Belt sanders are usually used in large-scale finishing tasks, where orbital sanders are more up to mid-scale sanding chores. The sanding surface in the case of a belt sander is the sanding belts themselves.

On the other hand, the sanding surface of an orbital sander is the sanding dist. That makes quite some difference in the operating style of both of these sanders, as well.

In Conclusion

So, that had been the discussion on 21 different types of sanding tools and their functions. We know that we couldn’t focus on detailed tips on how to use each of them and what are the areas of usage.

But hopefully, the introductory speech on each sander of this list will help you to figure out more about the tool.

Finally, we expect that this discussion will make you put your hands on the right type of sanding tool that you need in any situation.

Good luck with that!

Before we start guiding you on how to use a MIG welder, let us ask you an important question.

Do you have a quality MIG welder? If not, find the best one from our top-welder brand’s list.

As a beginner, it is always important to look for a user-friendly welding machine. That said, starting with a TIG or stick welder may not be the best course of action.

TIG is only for particular applications and is much more complicated in comparison to MIG welder. Pulling the trigger on the MIG welder is all you need to do. There’s no messing around with foot pedals or rods.

How to use a MIG Welder: Real User Explained 

Choose the right equipment.

The primary thing to do is pick the right MIG welder, which in the majority of the cases is 185 amp. You can go with a 140 amp machine if you are starting. The welding machine can handle thick steel up to 1/2,” and which is not so bad.

And while the MIG welder can utilize a flux core wire, make sure it has an option for hooking up a gas tank. Don’t go for the cheapest MIG welder or you may regret it later when you most need it for particular projects. Stick with popular brands to be on the safe side.

You will also need to get the right welding equipment that includes a helmet and flame-resistant protective clothing besides the best welder for beginners. The ultraviolet rays that come from the MIG welder are quite harmful, and you need adequate protection for the skin.

Other essential welding equipment includes leather boots, fitting gloves, welding sleeves, shirts, t-shirts, pants, and cotton clothing.

Learn how to use the machine

It is essential to learn how to tune the MIG welder, or you may end up with laughable results. You must know how to set the rate to melt the wire at a consistent pace. Turn down the wire speed, and always follow the chart that comes with the equipment.

The weld puddle needs protection from the weather, and the tank of shielding gas can play that role quite well. Make sure that the travel angle is at 15° consistently so that you can see clearly and allow good coverage of the gas.

You can as well use flux core wire welding that does not require the protection of the gas. That means you can use the flux core wire welding outdoors. Typically, the wire is filled with a flux that performs the same role as the gas.

When you have the gun at the right angle, pull the trigger, and the arc will start. Go slowly and be as hot as possible without burning through the metal. The travel speed will depend on the thickness of the metal. Typically, you can start with the small pieces of metal to run the basics.

Keep checking the size of the weld bead to know whether you’re going at the right speed. Ideally, it should not be too thin and snake-like. Also, the blueing that occurs after welding will give you a good idea of whether you’re doing it right.

As a beginner, the main idea should be to put some work into the skill. The more you weld, the better you are going to get, and before you know it, you are a pro.

Safety Tips for Welding

No doubt, welding is one of the most critical activities at the center of every exciting DIY project. Regardless, welding exposes you to various hazards common to everybody, whether a professional or a beginner.

To increase productivity, and prevent injuries, every welder must follow the following essential safety tips.

Don’t ignore the operating manual.

Mechanical equipment comes with an operating manual to guide the users on best practices. It is not uncommon for people at a skilled level to ignore the manual, but that is one of the biggest mistakes they can make. Each model of the welding machine may have different features and functionality which they may not be familiar with. Ideally, don’t ignore the operating manual.

Always use the safety gear

Working with the welder is quite different from any other job, and you should wear the necessary protective gear. Short-sleeved shirts and shorts do not belong anywhere near the welding workshop. Choose flame-resistant clothing, and the appropriate gloves for the kind of welding you will be using.

Don’t handle the just welded materials with bare hands. Use pliers.

High-top leather boots provide adequate protection to your feet from flying sparks and ultraviolet rays.

The new helmets come with an auto-darkening feature to make them appropriate for a variety of applications. That means you can use it in grinding, cutting, and welding. They are quite versatile.

Recent developments in helmets include an electromagnetic sensor that efficiently and quickly senses the arc and darkens the shield automatically, thereby, offering full protection.

Read our top budget welding helmet reviews.

Wear the necessary protective clothing

The infrared and ultraviolet rays from the welding machine are not only harmful to the eyes, but also the skin. Cover up!

Most people tend to only focus on eye protection, and leave everything else exposed, and that is not the way to go.

Sparks can ignite in folded cuffs, and open pockets. Ideally, always button the shirt collars, and all pockets should be closed. Do not keep any butane lighters and matches inside your pocket as it is a risk hazard.

Work in well-ventilated areas

Shielding gases and toxic fumes from the welder can quickly replace oxygen in confined spaces, and that can make it hard to breathe. Work in open areas with a good flow of oxygen, and use the exhaust hood, whenever necessary to clear the air.

You may need respirators when working on specific materials. Therefore, consult the manufacturer’s manual of the electrode on how to go about it.

Shield the eyes

It takes only a glance at the welding flame to experience the painful condition in the eyes after several hours following exposure. Use the appropriate and recommended filter shade in helmets to provide adequate protection to your eyes.

You should also wear side shield safety glasses inside the helmet. Please note that the mask alone is not sufficient, and you need additional protection for the eyes.

Organize the working area

The welding area should be clear of clutter to avoid accidents such as trips and slips. Don’t allow any other tools and equipment near the welding area, and always remove any finished projects.

In conclusion:

Thanks for being with us. We tried our best to give you a practical idea of how to use a Mig welder. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know by commenting here. Happy Mig welding.

There is a vast pine tree shading your petunias and taking away all the sunlight to itself. So, you decided to call the tree cutting service to get rid of it.

But when they spilled the amount to get this job done, you were standing shocked and regretted the decision of calling them. You could just have bought the right chainsaw and do it yourself. The wood could get you good money once sold to the friend living down the street.

There are various types such as Granberg chainsaw mill and many more that can be ideal for both beginners and pro. Getting one of these and deciding to do it yourself is all you need.

How to Use a Chainsaw Mill: The Process

You can follow these simple steps to finish off your woodworking project quickly. This method will need basic knowledge about power tools. Let’s go for it!

All About Safety (Your Basics Should Be Right)

PPE or personal protective equipment is the very first essential thing I want you to take seriously. Yes, this is an integral part of the whole process, and there is no way you can take it as a joke. No matter for what reason, small or big, whenever you decide to use this power tool, protective eyewear, and earbud needs to be on your safety tool list.

You should also be careful about buying a good pair of sturdy boots along with long pants to protect your legs well. Don’t forget the chainsaw chaps and gloves as well.

If you are planning to deal with an upright tree to fall on a surface, a good quality hard helmet or hat needs to be present in your safety bucket as well.

You may wonder, won’t my neighbor laugh at me if I go so overboard for such a minimal chore of cutting a few limbers. Well, even if they do, a full PPE is the best way to avoid any accident, and being casual about it can bring you tragically.

For me, the best way to use a PPE is by wearing a helmet with mesh face armor and earmuffs. It also comes with some extra flip-up. The little foam hearing tools never stay in one place, at least in my case. I always end up losing them. So, using secure flip-up versions is a lot more convenient for me.

Chaps for the chainsaw is another safety tool that is worth as demand to keep one safe. Multiple layers of Kevlar will always do great at protecting body parts if suddenly the chain hits you. The fiber is planned to stop spinning chains in a few moments.

You know about how fast a chainsaw can be since it can go through the wood. Can you imagine what sort of damage it can do if this gets into your leg? I Don’t Even Want to Visualize, Horrible! So, get good quality chaps to keep your legs in a safe hand.

Start It Safely (Two Techniques)

We are here to learn about starting the unit. There are various methods for this. But let me tell you the most standard versions.

If You Are A Beginner

Those who are new to the business of using a chainsaw, need a more steady and safe way to start it. Keeping surface level and strong footing position, let the saw stay in the ground. Now to keep the machine stable, bring your right foot through the back handle.

You need to reach the handlebar now. To do this safely, get your left hand to reach for it. You need to handle the chain brake using your right hand. It should not move as long as you are ready to start cutting. You can pull the starter next.

If You Are A Pro

The next techniques are meant for users who are experienced. Or maybe you are in a situation where the footing is not very decent. You can also use the method when there is a lot of underbrush below.

Start with putting the back handle in the middle of your legs behind the knee area. Now keeping arms perfectly straight, let your left hand hold the handlebar tightly.

Once you ensure the handle is behind the right knee, and there is excellent support on the left knee, gradually pull the starter up.

Operating A Chainsaw!

• To make a smooth cut, only:
• Use your left hand to hold the front handle.
• Let your thumb wrap underneath.
• Use your right hand to grab the back handle.
• Get in the correct position with legs quite apart and managing enough stability.
• Let the chain be free by pulling it back.
• The throttle should be squeezed.
• Cut with the saw using full throttle.

When you are trying to make, a cut keeps it away from the bar tip; there could be a kickback if you decide to do otherwise. It may lead to breaking the chain and cause danger. Always be ready to pull back if such a scenario appears. Also, be cautious about still using waist length while cutting with a chainsaw. Never go for shoulder height.

You should keep the tool a bit above the ground. The blade should not dig and kick back because of too much closeness to the surface. You should also use the side of the saw to cut. Hovering over your working space may cause a dangerous kickback.

Using the bottom bar, you can easily cut downward. This is known as a pulling chain cut. For an upward cut, use the top of the bar. This cutting technique is known as pushing chain cut.

Never Miss out on Maintenance for Smooth Operation!

There are two critical points that most instruction manuals will tell about for maintaining a chainsaw and keeping it in perfect shape. These are:

Keeping Chainsaw Sharp

If you figure out that a gas chainsaw is not drawing itself smoothly, then this means your tool has become dull and needs some sharpening.

Other signals of dullness are too much bouncing and uneven cuts. There are many versions of electric chainsaw that come with self-sharpening features.

With a gas-powered one, you need to sharpen it after every three to four tanks. However, the exact number of sharpening required also depends on what type of wood you’re cutting with it. Always be attentive to performance changes and know if the tool needs sharpening.

Guide Bar with Proper Tension

A chainsaw with improper tensioning can profoundly disturb the overall working ability. Sometimes due to over tightness, the chain might break. On the other hand, with loose tension, the chain can come off and cause mishaps.

So, make sure to check the tension going around your chainsaw’s guide bar. There should be a guide for maintenance with your chainsaw. Also, some models come with a combo screwdriver wench tool knows as scrench to adjust the chain’s tension.

In Conclusion

I hope now you have a better knowledge about using a chainsaw with proper safety basics, start-up rules, operating points, and maintenance ideas. You should always pay close attention to the overall performance of your chainsaw. This way, you’ll be able to use this valuable tool for an extended period. Good Luck!