Monday, May 18, 2015

Reviving the “Handyman” or “Do-it-Yourself” Culture


 Dr Abe V Rotor
Self-Administered Test (True or False, 25 items)
Living with Nature School on Blog
Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid with Ms Melly C Tenorio 
738 DZRB AM Band, 8 to 9 evening class, Monday to Friday


 1. "Plan your work, then work your plan." - not vice versa.

2. Standard voltage in the Philippines is 110V; in the USA, it is double – 220V. That is why US appliances need step down transformer when using them here.

3. Here is a simple declogging solvent for the drain which you can prepare: kerosene (gaas) + powdered soap and water.

4. The practical way to determine exact levels in construction is to use plumb bob for vertical level (patindig) and transparent hose filled with water for horizontal level (pahanay).

5. Riveted GI roofing is more reliable – stronger and last longer – than when nail is used.

6. Garden hose last longer is it is allowed to remain attached to the faucet, than to drain and coil it after use.

7. A crocodile jack is easier and safer to use than ordinary hydraulic jack. And be sure to have a supplemental jack as precaution to accident.

8. There are fixtures, assembly parts, appliances that it is better to replace than to repair such as LPG regulator, AVR, fire extinguisher, water filters, electric fans after guarantee period.

9. Buy only reliable brands of tools, and if your budget allows, invest in lifetime tools such as Rigid, Stanley, Makita, Black and Decker, Bosch, Coleman, Crossman, Dremel, Sandvik, El Toro, to name a few. Be sure these are not imitations.

10. Home for the Golden Years must be kept as simple as possible, orderly, clean and healthy, removing things that may cause accidents.

11. It is easier to maintain a home with children than a typical home, especially if the children all go to school and you have all the time to fix everything from bedroom to sala to garden.

12. Inhaling fresh paint could be as harmful to health as inhaling exfoliating old paint.

13. Refurnish your kitchen with new utensils? Dispose old China with fading gold rims, don’t use plastic containers for vinegar and carbonated drinks, aluminum and Cadmium coated pots and pans for acidic food, and if possible avoid if you can using microwave oven. Ordinary oven is healthier, and food is tastier, too.

14. Coconut oil + kerosene (gaas) makes a good substitute for sewing oil, and lubricating oil for hinges, locks, screws and bolts.

15. Hammer is to the worker as scythe is to the farmer – two symbols representing the grassroots, which the old communist regime used as logo.

16. When installing an air-conditioning unit, be sure it is one or two feet from the floor for efficiency and power economy.

17. Experts select crosscut saw (ordinary saw) by making it sing, so to speak – it produces a clear echoing sound like a tuning fork. A good hammer when struck on stone likewise sends a brilliant tuning fork sound.

18. It is all right to dispose off catalogs and instructions of tools and machine after you have mastered in using them.

19. It is always good to work alone especially if you are handling dangerous machines and tools so as not to harm others – or you might get distracted in your work.

20. Use loose clothing, such as long sleeves, when operating machine to ward off dirt and as added protection – not to mention as part of good grooming.

21. Accurate measurements in construction are actually done on the details of the work - not so much in layouting the framework like posts and beams.

Safety and Emergency Measures are a must in a home. Name four of the most important items.
22 to 25.
ANSWERS:
False - 2, 3, 6, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21; all the rest, True
22. First Aid Cabinet/Kit
23. Fire Extinguishers: CO2 chemical, sand, water; of course easy fire exit.
24. Ventilation, exhaust fan, dust collector, fume hood
25. Personal safety gadgets: face mask, gloves, ear muff, insulated shoes, proper working clothes, welding gear.

RATING:
24 – 25 - Outstanding handyman, can be a resource person.
20 – 23 - Very good handyman, reliable to help others and the community
16 – 19 - Just the kind of handyman around
12 – 15 - Passing - apprenticeship and practicum needed
Below 11 - Listen more on Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid, enroll in short vocational courses.

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