How to Pressure Wash Windows

When it’s time to clean your windows, look no further than the power washer you might already have at home. Using a power washer to clean off your windows can speed up the process immensely, so you won’t have to spend all day on this chore! Pressure washing your windows the wrong way can lead to damage or cracks in the glass, so it’s important to take a few safety precautions before you start. Read through this article for step by step instructions on how to use a pressure washer to safely clean your windows in a single afternoon.

This article is based off an interview with our professional window cleaning specialist, Ben Barlow, owner of Barlow Window Bros. Check out the full interview here.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cover up anything outside you don’t want to get wet.

1. That includes electrical outlets and any outdoor furniture. Do a quick walk around your home and put electrical tape over exposed outlets. Move furniture or patio decorations out of the way, since pressure washing can cause some splashback.^[1]
   
   • Be sure you have a clear pathway to walk around in, too. If your hose gets caught on something sharp, it could puncture it.

[Edit]Close your windows and make sure they’re water tight.

1. If your windows have any cracks or leaks, the inside of your home could get wet. Before you start pressure washing, take a look at your windows and the window fittings—is the glass uncracked and the fittings tight without any bubbles? If you notice any issues, fix those before you pressure wash your windows to avoid any water damage.^[2]
   
   • In general, wooden window fittings are more susceptible to damage than acrylic or vinyl ones.

[Edit]Remove any screens from the windows.

1. Pressure washers can rip through screens, so take them off first. If you have a two-story house, you might need to grab a ladder and climb on up. Pop the screens out carefully, then set them aside to put them back on later.^[3]
   
   • If you want to clean your window screens, you can use a garden hose and regular dish soap mixed with water.

[Edit]Fill your pressure washer tank with window cleaner.

1. Check your instruction manual to see what kind of cleaner you need. For a lot of pressure washers, you can buy a specific soap and water mixture that’s made for windows. If yours doesn’t have that (or you can use anything), simply fill up your pressure washer tank with water, then mix in a few drops of regular dish soap. Then, unscrew the cap on the water tank, and use a funnel to pour your mixture in up to the fill line.^[4]
   
   • If your windows have any hard water spots, try using a commercial window cleaner instead.^[5]

[Edit]Attach the widest nozzle you have to the pressure washer.

1. Usually, that’s the 40-degree nozzle. Too small of a nozzle, and you run the risk of cracking the glass in your windows. Pick out the widest nozzle you have, then screw it onto the end of your pressure washer hose.^[6]
   
   • If you haven’t used your pressure washer before, practice using it on concrete before you start using it on your windows.^[7]

[Edit]Set your pressure washer to the lowest pressure setting.

1. Usually, this is 1300 to 1700 PSI and 1.5 GPM. Too high of a pressure setting, and you run the risk of cracking the glass in your windows. Find the dial on your pressure washer and turn it all the way down to set it to the lowest setting. Keep the pressure down low the whole time you’re washing your windows to avoid any damage.^[8]
   

[Edit]Wear eye protection.

1. Pressure washers are power tools, so use caution with yours. Put on eye goggles, and don’t point your pressure washer at anyone if it’s plugged in. Using a pressure washer incorrectly can result in injury, so it’s very important to be cautious.^[9]
   
   • Always wear close-toed shoes, just in case the spray goes anywhere near your feet.

[Edit]Stand at least away from the windows.

1. Standing too close can damage your windows. When you first start out, back up until you’re at least away from your windows. If you need to, you can walk a little closer, but stay at least away the entire time you’re washing your windows.^[10]
   
   • The closer you are to your windows, the stronger the spray is. A super strong spray has the potential to crack glass.

[Edit]Spray the windows at a 40- to 60-degree angle.

1. Stand off to the side, not directly in front of your windows. When you’re ready to start washing, stand a little bit off to the side to lessen the pressure from your nozzle even more. Turn on the pressure washer using the power button on the side and move the nozzle from side to side, covering your entire window. When you’re done with one window, walk to the next one to keep cleaning.^[11]
   
   • Use caution around wooden window trimmings, as pressure washers can damage or chip the wood.
   • It’s important to do this step quickly—since you’re spraying soap and water onto the windows, letting the mixture dry can lead to streaking.
   • Try to start early in the morning, especially during the summer. That way, you can beat the sun, and your soap and water mixture won’t dry before you can rinse it.^[12]

[Edit]Use a turbo nozzle to reach the second story.

1. It’s too dangerous to take a pressure washer onto a ladder. If you have a multi-story home, take off your normal nozzle and attach a turbo nozzle to the end of your pressure washer. Stand underneath the upper story windows, then use the far-reaching nozzle to cover them in soapy water.^[13]
   
   • A turbo nozzle sends the water out in a spiral, which can make it spray further away from the pressure washer. That’s why a turbo nozzle is so helpful for reaching the second story.
   • Pressure washers have a little bit of kickback, which is why it’s dangerous to take them on a ladder.

[Edit]Rinse the windows off with plain water.

1. Rinsing your windows off well will help prevent any streaks. When you’ve covered all your windows in soapy water, use a regular garden hose (or your pressure washer filled with regular water) and give all your windows a good rinse. If you are using your pressure washer, empty the water tank and rinse it out using a hose before filling it up with plain water. Use the same wide nozzle and keep the pressure on the lowest setting. Once your windows are rinsed, you can leave them to dry in the sun!^[14]
   
   • If you’re really worried about streaks, use a squeegee and a microfiber cloth to wipe the clean water off before your windows dry.
   • If you know you have hard water (water full of minerals that can leave deposits on surfaces), attach a water softener to your garden hose before rinsing.^[15] That way, you won’t leave any hard water spots, and your windows will look shiny and clean.

[Edit]Warnings

• Using the wrong nozzle or pressure settings on your pressure washer can crack or damage your windows. Use extreme caution, especially if you live in an older home.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v161858_b01]. 23 July 2021.
2. ↑ [v161858_b01]. 23 July 2021.
3. ↑ https://readytodiy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-windows-and-not-damage-it-0051/
4. ↑ https://readytodiy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-windows-and-not-damage-it-0051/
5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-windows/
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HyrGK_zlz8&t=203s
7. ↑ [v161858_b01]. 23 July 2021.
8. ↑ https://readytodiy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-windows-and-not-damage-it-0051/
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HyrGK_zlz8&t=358s
10. ↑ https://readytodiy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-windows-and-not-damage-it-0051/
11. ↑ https://readytodiy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-windows-and-not-damage-it-0051/
12. ↑ [v161858_b01]. 23 July 2021.
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=148&v=xqIgBeST5ac&feature=youtu.be
14. ↑ https://readytodiy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-windows-and-not-damage-it-0051/
15. ↑ [v161858_b01]. 23 July 2021.

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/3Iqp2mz

How to Make the First Move on a Guy Online

Chatting with a cute guy online is super fun, but moving from an online convo to an in-person date can feel like it takes forever. If you want to make the first move on a guy but you aren't sure how, you’re not alone! With these helpful tips, you can maintain your confidence and gather the courage to make the first move on a guy and (hopefully) land a date.

This article is based off an interview with our professional dating coach, Collette Gee. Check out the full interview here.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Get a conversation going first.

1. Asking someone out right away can be a little off-putting. Instead, try chatting with this guy back and forth for at least a couple of hours (or even a couple of days) before you make your move. There’s no rush to ask someone out, and talking to him online let’s you get to know them a little more before you ask them out.^[1]
   
   • There’s no magic number of messages you should go for, but in general, 5 to 10 messages back and forth is the minimum.

[Edit]Respond to something he posted.

1. This is a great way to start a conversation on social media. If you’re scrolling through Instagram and he posts a funny story, send him a message telling him that you just laughed out loud. If you’re on Twitter and he drops a hot selfie, DM him and tell him how good he looks. Social media posts are a great way to grab easy conversation starters without a ton of effort.^[2]
   
   • For instance, after he posts a meme you might say, “LOL, where the heck did you find this??”
   • In response to a cute selfie, you might say, “Wow, you’re a sight for sore eyes. You look great!”

[Edit]Give him a few compliments.

1. This is a subtle way to let him know you’re interested. Keep your compliments relatively tame, and don’t say anything specific about his body or physique (since that can be a little weird to hear online). If this is your first time chatting, tell him he has a nice smile or that he takes great pictures. Try something like:^[3]
   
   • “That picture you took of the mountain is so nice! I feel like I’m actually there.”
   • “You have such a nice smile!”

[Edit]Ask him questions about himself.

1. Show him that you’re interested in his life. Ask him a few open-ended questions to learn more about him and what he likes to do. You could chat about his hobbies, his friends, or even his pets if he has them. This is a great way to get to know each other a little more before you dive into asking him out. Try things like:^[4]
   
   • “What do you get up to on the weekends?”
   • “Who have you been hanging out with lately?”
   • “Do you have any pets?”

[Edit]Chat about your common interests.

1. There’s probably something you two have in common to talk about. If you don’t know him at all, take a quick look at his profile to see if anything lines up. This is a really good casual, non-creepy way to start chatting with a guy online.^[5]
   
   • For instance, if you both like rock climbing, you might say, “Heading to the climb center this weekend?”
   • If you checked out his profile and realized that you both love going hiking, you might say, “I just saw that pic you posted on your hike! That’s such a beautiful view, where is it?”

[Edit]Tease him a little bit.

1. This is a subtle way to let him know that you’re interested. People usually only tease each other when they’re into them, so try poking fun at something he likes or something he did. Keep it super playful, and throw in an “lol” or a few emojis so he knows you’re not being serious. You could say something like:^[6]
   
   • “Wow, you’ve never been to Disneyland? Idk if I can keep talking to you, lol.”
   • “You got that project done early! Trying to get on the boss’s good side, huh? 😉”

[Edit]Flirt with him.

1. Flirting a little will prepare him for when you make the first move. As you two chat, keep giving him compliments and reminding him that you’re single to send the signal that you like him. Throw in some flirty emojis, like kissy faces or hearts, and see how he responds. If he flirts back, then you know you’re in the clear to make the first move! Try messages like:^[7]
   
   • “Missed you at work today! ❤️”
   • “Your hair looked really nice today 😘”

[Edit]Ask him if he has plans later to be subtle.

1. If you can’t quite tell if he likes you, try this. Ask him if he has plans this weekend or sometime after work, just to see what he says. If he doesn’t have plans, then you know he might be open to you asking him out. If he says he’s busy (and he doesn’t offer up an alternative), then it might be a sign that he’s just not into you. You could say something like:^[8]
   
   • “Any big plans this weekend?”
   • “Are you free at all next week?”

[Edit]Be direct about asking him out.

1. It can be confusing if you don’t make specific plans. A lot of guys aren’t great at taking hints, so if you aren’t direct, he probably won’t get the message. When it comes to asking him out, make sure you tell him that it’s a date thing (not just a friend thing). That way, he’ll get the message that you like him!^[9]
   
   • Plus, a lot of guys aren’t used to getting asked out, so you might have to make it really obvious.

[Edit]Suggest a specific date activity.

1. Try doing something related to your common interests. When you’re crafting the perfect message to send this guy, try to think of a potential date idea instead of just asking him to hang out. This will show him that you’ve put a lot of thought into asking him out, and he’ll probably be more likely to say yes! Try something like:^[10]
   
   • “Do you wanna go frisbee golfing with me on Saturday? We could grab drinks afterward.”
   • “There’s a new coffee shop downtown I wanted to try. Want to meet me there after work on Tuesday?”

[Edit]Set a time and a date if he says yes.

1. If he’s open to going on a date, that’s great! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and then confirm the date and the time before signing off. If you’re on a dating app or social media, consider giving this guy your number before you stop messaging each other just in case he needs to get ahold of you. Then, you can wait patiently for your date to get to know this guy even more.^[11]
   
   • You could say something like, “Awesome! So Friday at 2:00 then?”

[Edit]Don’t take rejection personally.

1. Not everyone you ask out is going to say yes, and that’s okay. Putting yourself out there isn’t easy, and you still made the first move, which is super inspiring! If the guy you’re chatting with doesn’t want to go on a date with you, it’s probably best to move on. Remind yourself that it’s not your fault—you two probably just weren’t a good match.^[12]
   
   • Rejection is rarely ever about you as a person. More often than not, someone saying no to a date is doing it because they’re dealing with their own problems.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/08/18/netiquette.ask.date/index.html
2. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/03/146596/how-to-slide-into-dms-instagram-guide#slide-17
3. ↑ [v161398_b02]. 20 August 2021.
4. ↑ [v161398_b02]. 20 August 2021.
5. ↑ [v161398_b02]. 20 August 2021.
6. ↑ [v161398_b02]. 20 August 2021.
7. ↑ [v161398_b02]. 20 August 2021.
8. ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/how-to/how-to-ask-a-guy-out-over-text/
9. ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/how-to/how-to-ask-a-guy-out-over-text/
10. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/04/228696/how-to-ask-a-guy-out
11. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/04/228696/how-to-ask-a-guy-out
12. ↑ [v161398_b02]. 20 August 2021.

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How to Cook Rice with Chicken Broth

Replacing water with chicken broth is one of the easiest ways to boost the flavor of your rice. Choose white or brown rice and decide if you'd like to add any other seasonings to the dish. You can use your preferred cooking method to make the rice with chicken broth. As long as you have the right ratio of broth to the type of rice you're cooking, you can enjoy a delicious side dish.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Seasoned White Rice

• 1 1/2 cups (286 g) of long-grain white rice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (3 g) of freshly chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Makes 3 to 5 servings

[Edit]Flavorful Brown Rice

• of olive oil
• 1 cup (190 g) of long-grain brown rice
• of chicken broth
• of water
• ¼ teaspoon (1 g) of kosher salt
• ¼ cup (5 g) of chopped fresh parsley, optional

Makes 5 servings

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cooking Seasoned White Rice

1. Put the white rice, broth, salt, and pepper into a saucepan. Set a saucepan on the stove and put 1 1/2 cups (286 g) of long-grain white rice into it along with of chicken broth. Then, add as much salt and pepper as you like.^[1]
   
   
   
   • To add a richer flavor, sauté 1 chopped shallot in (28 g) of butter over medium heat before you put the rice in the pan.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Turn the burner up to medium-high so the broth begins to bubble. Keep the lid off of the saucepan so you can see when the broth begins to boil. Then, turn the burner down to medium so it bubbles gently.^[2]
   
   
3. Cover the pan and cook the rice for 15 to 17 minutes. Put a tight-fitting lid on the saucepan and cook the rice without lifting the lid off. This ensures that the rice absorbs the chicken broth and finishes steaming without moisture escaping.^[3]
   
   
   • If there's still broth visible in the pan after 17 minutes, put the lid back on and cook the rice for another 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish it with fresh parsley. Turn off the burner and remove the lid. If you used thyme or garlic, use tongs or a fork to remove them. Then, fluff the rice with the tines of the fork and sprinkle 1 tablespoon (3 g) of freshly chopped parsley on the rice before serving it.^[4]
   
   
   • Refrigerate leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the rice will dry out the longer it's stored.

[Edit]Preparing Flavorful Brown Rice

1. Toast the brown rice for 5 minutes if you want it to have a nutty flavor. Pour of olive oil into a saucepan and turn the burner to medium. Carefully tilt the pan so the oil coats the bottom. Then, add 1 cup (190 g) of long-grain brown rice and cook it for 5 minutes to add a rich, nutty flavor.^[5]
   
   
   • Shake the pan occasionally to help the rice toast evenly.
   • If you don't want to toast the rice, skip this step.
2. Add chicken broth, water, and salt to the pan. Stir in of chicken broth, of water, and ¼ teaspoon (1 g) of kosher salt. If you prefer a much stronger chicken flavor, you could replace the water with more chicken broth.^[6]
   
   
   • Use homemade or storebought chicken broth.
3. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Keep the lid off of the saucepan so you can see when the liquid comes to a vigorous boil. There's no need to stir the mixture at this point.^[7]
   
   
4. Cover the pan and simmer the rice over medium-low for 40 minutes. Put a tight-fitting lid on the saucepan and turn the burner down so the liquid bubbles gently. Cook the rice for 40 minutes without lifting the lid.^[8]
   
   
   • If you lift the lid as the rice is cooking, steam will escape and the rice won't become tender.
5. Turn off the burner and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. Once the rice has swollen and absorbed all of the liquid, turn off the burner. Keep the lid on the pan and let the rice sit for 10 minutes.^[9]
   
   • The rice will finish cooking as it sits. If you skip this step, your rice might be gummy or sticky.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and scatter parsley over it. Wear oven mitts to remove the lid and break up the rice with the tines of a fork. If you'd like the rice to have a fresher flavor, sprinkle ¼ cup (5 g) of freshly chopped parsley over it before serving.^[10]
   
   
   • Store the leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

[Edit]Tips

• If you're using chicken stock or bouillon cubes, dissolve 1 cube in of water. Then, follow your recipe.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Seasoned White Rice

• Measuring cups and spoons
• saucepan with a lid
• Spoon
• Fork
• Tongs, optional

[Edit]Flavorful Brown Rice

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan with a lid
• Fork
• Spoon

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Risotto
• Cook Yellow Rice
• Cook White Rice Without a Rice Cooker
• Make Fried Rice
• Cook Long Grained Rice

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/perfect-rice-recipe-1938571
2. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/never-fail-chicken-flavor-white-rice-145463
3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-rice-on-the-stove-44333
4. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/perfect-rice-recipe-1938571
5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-make-a-boring-pot-of-rice-taste-amazing-100472
6. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/how-to-cook-brown-rice-on-the-stove
7. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/how-to-cook-brown-rice-on-the-stove
8. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/how-to-cook-brown-rice-on-the-stove
9. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/how-to-cook-brown-rice-on-the-stove
10. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/how-to-cook-brown-rice-on-the-stove

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How to Remove a Roku Account from a TV

This wikiHow article will teach you how to remove a Roku account from a TV. If you are the owner of the Roku account on the TV and are getting it ready to be sold, you can simply unlink your account from the TV using a web browser so the new owner doesn't have access to your account. However, if you aren't the account owner (like your roommate that suddenly moved out) or just want to sign in with a different account, performing a factory reset will clear all the personal data from the TV.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Unlinking Your Account and TV

1. Go to http://my.roku.com/ and sign in. You can use any web browser on your computer or phone to access this site and unlink your Roku account.
   
   • You'll only be able to use this method if you are the owner of the Roku account.
2. Click next to the TV. It's under the "My linked devices" header.^[1]
   
   • You'll see a confirmation notification when the TV has been unlinked from your account.

[Edit]Performing a Factory Reset

1. Turn on your TV and Roku. If it's already on, press the Home key on your remote to navigate Home.
   
2. Go to . Use the down arrow on the directional pad on your remote to navigate to Settings and press the right arrow to enter that menu.
   
   • You'll see Settings at the bottom of the panel on the left side of your screen.
3. Select . Press the down arrow on the directional pad on your remote to highlight System, which is near the bottom of the menu. Press the right arrow on the directional pad to enter that menu.
   
4. Select . It's near the bottom of the menu.
   
5. Select and . It's usually the first option in the menu.
   
   • Read the on-screen warnings here so you understand what the consequences are.
6. Enter the four-digit code. The code is displayed on the right side of the screen along with a keypad that you can use to enter the digits.
   
7. Select . Your TV might take a minute to perform the factory reset.^[2]
   
   • Many Roku TVs or sticks have a reset button on the back or bottom. This may be an actual button you can press or a pinhole button that requires something like a paperclip to press. To factory reset your TV without a remote, press this button for at least 10 seconds with your TV powered on. You'll see the LED or status light blink to indicate when a factory reset is complete.^[3]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/208755958
2. ↑ https://support.tcl.com/rokutv-common-questions/2-how-to-erase-personal-information-off-of-a-roku-tv
3. ↑ https://support.roku.com/article/208757008

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How to Fix Christmas Lights

You're not crazy — those lights did work last year. Christmas lights often burn out the moment you unplug them, so the problem often goes unnoticed. There are several ways to repair your lights, depending on the problem and how hands-on you're willing to get. Start by checking for a blown fuse, a common problem with a quick and easy fix.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Replacing a Blown Fuse

1. Try this if the entire string goes out. A blown fuse will turn the entire string dark, not just part of it. This often happens when too many strings are connected end-to-end. A fuse can also blow when the wires are accidentally stapled during installation, or when the lights are plugged into a socket with too high a voltage (such as US lights in a UK socket).
   
   • If only some of the lights are dark, skip down to replacing the bulbs instead.
2. Open the fuse case. A string of Christmas lights typically has one or two tiny fuses in the plastic box attached to the prongs. Examine the plastic closely on the side of this box and in between the prongs for a cover you can slide or pry open. These often get stuck, so you may need to use some force.^[1]
   
   • Do not plug the lights back in at any point during this method.
3. Check the fuses. Each fuse should be transparent, with an unbroken wire running through each one. If a fuse is black, or if the wire inside is broken, it needs to be replaced.
   
   • You may need to remove the fuse and hold it up to a bright light to inspect it.
4. Pry out the blown fuses. Gently lever the blown fuses out with a thin screwdriver.
   
5. Find an exact replacement. Many Christmas lights are sold with spare fuses for this purpose. If your spares have escaped from the holiday box, take the blown fuses to an electronics store and ask for a replacement. 100-light strings typically use 3A fuses, but it's best to confirm your fuses' rating with a store employee.^[2]
   
   • Never use a fuse with a higher rating. This can cause a major fire risk.
   • Some LED lights only require one fuse, but keep a second one in the plastic compartment as a spare.^[3] If there's a fuse that's not attached to any wires, just transfer it over to the other slot.
6. Put in the new fuses. Pop the new fuses into the slots and close the plastic cover. Plug the light bulbs in to see if this has fixed the problem.
   
   • If the lights still won't come on, try a different outlet in case you blew a house fuse or circuit. If that doesn't work, keep reading for other solutions.

[Edit]Finding the Dead Bulb (Storebought Tools)

1. Buy a christmas light repair tool. Most of these tools include everything you need to find and replace the bad bulb: a continuity detector, piezoelectric sparker (shunt repairer), and light bulb removal tool. It costs roughly $20 US, so this may not be worth it if you only have a couple strings of lights. If you prefer to avoid buying such a specialized device, try the following alternatives:
   
   • Get a non contact voltage detector and skip down to tracing the dead bulb. Alternatively, buy a cheaper light bulb tester without the other features.
   • Tackle the project hands-on with a homemade tool.
2. Use the spark function on your repair tool. Christmas lights are connected in series, meaning the whole string will go dark when one bulb fails. A failsafe called a shunt in each bulb is supposed to prevent this by closing the gap across the burnt-out bulb, but these often don't work properly. (In regions on 230V mains rather than 110V, the shunt usually does its job.) The sparker function on your repair tool will zap the shunt, hopefully succeeding in closing the gap:
   
   • Plug the string of lights into the socket on the repair tool.
   • Press the button (or pull the trigger, depending on the model) about 20 times.^[4] You should hear a click each time.
   • Plug the string of lights into a normal outlet. If the string is still dark, continue to the next step. If the string lights up except for one or two bulbs, skip down to replacing individual bulbs.
3. Trace the location of the dead bulb. If the string of lights still won't light up, move on to the detector. This detects the current running through the wires, so you can identify the point where it fails.^[5] Here's how:
   
   • Tug apart the braided wires to identify the one directly connected to the light bulbs.
   • Place the detector on this wire about halfway along the string, between two bulbs. (If your tool has a small hole for a detector, place a light bulb into the hole instead.^[6])
   • If the tool hums or lights up (depending on model), the problem is in the half of the string farthest from the plug. If there is no hum or light, the problem is in the half closest to the plug.
   • Move the tool to the middle of the problem area and test again, narrowing it down to ¼ of the string.
   • Repeat until you find a bulb with current on one side of it and no current on the other. Mark this bulb with tape so you don't lose track, then replace this bulb as described below.

[Edit]Finding the Dead Bulb (DIY)

1. Understand the goal. Each Christmas light bulb has a "shunt" that is supposed to close the gap when the bulb burns out. This often fails, but a small surge of current can trigger this and put your lights back on.^[7] This will not work every time, especially with this DIY approach. If you're looking for quick results, try the methods above instead.
   
2. Find a lighter operated by button. This type of lighter has a piezoelectric crystal which creates a spark when pressed. Do not use the type with a metal wheel, which creates the spark through friction.
   
3. Empty the lighter of fuel. If the lighter is disposable, just burn the fuel away. If the lighter is refillable, transfer the lighter fluid to another lighter, or to a sealed, clearly labeled fire-proof container.
   
   • Never dispose of lighter fluid in a drain or in household trash.
4. Remove the piezo igniter. Pry apart the plastic cover, then lift out the igniter with a pair of needle nose pliers.^[8] The piezo igniter includes a button, and two tiny metal or plastic prongs. When the button is pressed, a spark jumps between these prongs.
   
   • The spark is not dangerous, but it will give you a mild electric shock. More importantly, it could ignite fumes and light a small flame. Work over a nonflammable surface and keep your fingers and face away from the sparker during removal.
5. Zap the prongs of the light string. Position the two prongs of the sparker against the two prongs of the Christmas light plug. Push the button about 10–20 times. You should hear a click and see a spark each time.
   
   • If it's too hard to line up the prongs, connect them with insulated wires.
6. Plug in your lights. If all went well, the lights should now light up. There will be one or two dead bulbs, which should be replaced as described below. Leaving the dead bulbs on will cause the other bulbs to burn out sooner.

[Edit]Replacing Individual Bulbs

1. Twist the light bulb to check the connection. This is rarely the problem, but it only takes a second to check. Twist the light bulb gently to tighten it in position. If the bulb moved noticeably, plug in the lights and see if a loose connection was causing the issue. Assuming the bulb is still out, continue to the next step.
   
   • If you have many lights, buy a string of bulbs of the same brand and type. Keep it in storage and twist off the bulbs to use as replacements when you need them.
2. Purchase replacement bulbs. If you don't have any replacements, take along the burnt-out bulbs to a hardware store, pharmacy, or home improvement store. Look for bulbs that match as closely as possible. Ideally, check the packaging your lights came in to see what type of bulb is needed.
   
   • Some bulbs are flashers, and when installed, will cause lights to flash on and off. There is no need to have two flashers on the same circuit, as they may cause unusual on / off timings.
3. Remove each of the blown-out Christmas light bulbs. Use your thumb and index finger to delicately put pressure on each of the broken light's plastic base, to remove the fragile bulbs. If you have a Christmas light repair tool, it may come with a small grip for this purpose.
   
   • In order to remove a broken Christmas bulb from its socket, find the two copper wires that sit on the base of the old bulb, noting their position on the base.
   • Push both of the copper wires down, so that they are pointing towards your floor, and the bulb is pointing towards the ceiling.
   • Pull upward on the bulb, and it should now be separated from the light's base.
4. Insert the replacement bulb into the old bulb's socket. Make sure the two copper wires are completely aligned with the holes in the bulb's base. Once the bulb is fully seated in the base, fold the copper wires against the base in the same position as noted above. Plug in your lights and watch them glow.
   
   • If you used a continuity/voltage detector tool, and your lights still won't turn on, use the tool again. There may be a second burned-out bulb. These tools can only detect one burned out bulb at a time.
5. Remove broken sockets. If a new bulb still won't light up, your socket may be corroded or the wire may be damaged nearby. Removing this is not as difficult as it sounds, although each bulb you remove will cause the remaining bulbs to burn more brightly and therefore burn out sooner though removing one or two bulbs should be fine. (Note that a damaged wire or a repair using this method, unless done well, may present an electric shock or fire hazard. If you don't feel comfortable removing light bulb sockets, then you can just leave a light bulb in the socket or cover it with electric tape to prevent an electric shock.) Follow this method:
   
   • Unplug the lights.
   • Using wire cutters, cut the wire on either side of the broken socket. (Do not cut the other two wires.)
   • With a wire stripper, strip about ½ inch (1.25cm) of insulation from each cut end.
   • Twist the two strands of wire together.
   • Get a twist connector from an electronics store (a small conical cap). Twist this over the wire, holding it in place.

[Edit]Tips

• Replace all burnt out lamps in the comfort of your living room before hanging outside.
• Every year when taking out your lights for reuse, always inspect light strings for damage before connecting to power. Do this under good light conditions so that you can easily see frayed cords, burnt out bulbs, bad connections, etc. Be alert for any chewing of cords that may have taken place during storage.
• Before discarding a damaged string, remove working bulbs to use as spares.
• Replacement Christmas lights are much cheaper right after the winter holidays.

[Edit]Warnings

• Hang sections of lights while disconnected from power source, and briefly check periodically as you go to prevent accidental shock.
• Use light strings outdoors only if they are labeled for Outdoor or Indoor/Outdoor use.
• If a cord has damaged insulation with visible copper wire, do not use the lights.
• Electrical outlets on the exterior of homes should have weatherproof bubble-like covers that prevent water from entering even while a cord is connected.
• The National Electrical Code (USA) prohibits any holiday lighting to remain in place for more than 90 consecutive days. State and local codes however, may modify the length of time allowed.
• Use non-conductive supports designed for light strings to prevent accidental energizing of metal gutters, downspouts, railings, trim, etc.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Fuse Replacement

• Screwdriver
• Replacement fuses

[Edit]Finding the Dead Bulb

• Christmas tree repair tool or non-contact voltage detector

[Edit]DIY

• Button-operated lighter

[Edit]Light Bulb Replacement

• Replacement bulbs
• Rarely:
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire strippers
  • Twist connectors

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Replace a Fuse on Christmas Tree Lights
• Make Your Christmas Lights Flash to Music
• Store Christmas Lights
• Remove the "Twinkle" Feature from Christmas Lights

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.ciphersbyritter.com/RADELECT/LITES/XMSLITES.HTM
2. ↑ http://www.ciphersbyritter.com/RADELECT/LITES/XMSLITES.HTM
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgDVqOT6Ft8
4. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a3231/how-to-fix-a-string-of-christmas-lights-14774047/
5. ↑ http://www.ciphersbyritter.com/RADELECT/LITES/XMSLITES.HTM
6. ↑ http://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/home-lighting/how-to-repair-christmas-tree-lights/view-all
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7foDiXX-CcE
8. ↑ http://rimstar.org/materials/piezo/how_to_get_piezoelectric_ignitor_from_lighter.htm

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/3rlRRdH