| How to Fix a Bicycle Tire Puncture Posted: 15 Feb 2020 12:00 AM PST All kinds of things can puncture your bicycle tire when you're out on a ride. A puncture hole is an inconvenience, but fortunately, it's easy to fix with the right tools and tricks. First, remove the tire and locate the hole in the tube. Use a patch kit to glue a patch onto the hole. Inflate the tube to check your work, then reattach the tire to the wheel. You'll be back riding in no time. [Edit]Finding the Puncture - Take the tire and tube off the wheel. Remove the wheel by unfastening the handle holding the axle in place. Then, use a tire lever to get the tire off. Insert the lever between the tire and the rim and work it around. When the tire comes off, pull the tube out.[1]
- It may be easier to remove the tube if you let all of the air out.
- Remove the object that punctured the tire if it's still there. If the object is still there, it could re-puncture the tube when you replace it, wasting all your work. Sometimes finding the object is easy, like if a nail is sticking out of the tire. Other times, glass or small rocks get trapped inside the tire, so shake the tire out to get rid of any loose objects.[2]
- Gently run your fingers along the inside of the tire to free any embedded objects. If you have gloves, put them on to protect your fingers from cuts.
- Check the surface of the tube as well.
- Pump up the tube and look for the hole. Finding the hole is difficult if the tube is deflated. Hook a pump to the tube and fill it with air. Then do a visual check for the hole. If the hole is large, it should be easy to see. Check along the entire surface of the tube for obvious holes.[3]
- Don't stop looking when you find the first hole. If an object got inside the tire, it could leave multiple holes, so be sure to check the entire tube.
- Listen for air escaping if you can't see the hole. If the hole is too small to see with a visual check, bring the tube up to your ear. Give it a light squeeze to force the air out, and listen for a "seeping" sound to hear where it escapes from. Then, use these signs to locate the hole.[4]
- You still might not be able to pinpoint the hole, even if you hear the seeping sound. Use the water method to find its exact location.
- Dunk the tube into a filled sink to see where bubbles come up from. If you still can't find the hole, fill a sink with water and place the tube inside. Squeeze it so air escapes, and then check where bubbles rise up from. When you see the bubbles, you have an exact location for the hole.[5]
- This trick is useful if you know roughly where the hole is but can't pinpoint it. The bubbles give you an exact location.
- This won't be possible if you get a flat tire while out biking, so try your best to listen for escaping air in that case.
- Mark the hole so you don't lose it. If you're dealing with a small hole, it can be hard to see, so making a mark on the tube will make it easier to find the area you need to repair again. Some patch kits come with a piece of chalk, so use this and draw a circle around the hole. Otherwise, use a marker.[6]
- Don't use a pen or pencil. These could make another hole in the tube.
[Edit]Patching the Hole - Sand the rubber around the hole to help the glue adhere. Most patch kits come with a small piece of sandpaper to rough up the rubber and provide more surface area for the glue to bond to. Take the sandpaper and lightly rub it around the hole. Stop when the rubber changes color slightly.[7]
- If your patch kit doesn't come with sandpaper, then use a coarse-grain sandpaper around 100-grit.
- Apply patching glue with your finger. Squeeze a dab of patching glue on your finger and rub it around the hole. Apply a section that's roughly the same size as the patch you're using.[8]
- Don't use too much glue or the tube could stick to the inside of the tire when you put them both back on the wheel.
- The glue rubs off of skin when it dries. If it doesn't come off, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Let the glue sit for 30-60 seconds. Once the glue hits the air, it gets tacky and stickier. It reaches its peak stickiness after about a minute, so let the glue sit for that amount of time before placing the patch down. Otherwise it won't stick as well.[9]
- Press the patch onto the hole. Remove the foil on the back of the patch like a sticker. Align the patch so its center is directly over the hole, then press it down. Hold the patch for 1 minute so it adheres to the glue.[10]
- Be careful not to get the back of the patch dirty. Any dirt or debris will prevent a tight seal.
- Inflate the tube to make sure the seal is tight. Connect the tube to the pump and re-inflate it. Listen around the patch for any air escaping. If you don't hear any seeping sounds, then the seal is tight enough.[11]
- For another test, submerge the tube in a full sink and check if you see any air bubbles. If not, then the seal is tight.
- Place the tube and tire back onto the wheel. First, tuck the tube into the tire. Then check the tire for any arrows indicating which direction it should be installed in. Insert the valve plug straight through the hole on the wheel. Work around the wheel and press the tire into the beads on the wheel. Then put the wheel back on the bike.[12]
- Check to make sure no parts of the tube are sticking out from under the tire. If it is, use a tire elver to push it back in.
- Make sure the valve plug points straight out of the tire. If it's crooked, it could get damaged.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Tire patch kit
- Tire lever
- Coarse sandpaper
[Edit]Warnings - Always start riding slowly after doing any bike repairs. This will catch any problems, like the tire being installed incorrectly.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make a Music Box Posted: 14 Feb 2020 04:00 PM PST Making your own music box requires patience and precision, but the process is easier than you might think. Choose a hinged wooden box and music box mechanism to create your music box. Then, simply decorate the hinged wooden box however you like and install the music box mechanism. Your music box will be ready to use or give as a gift in no time! [Edit]Decorating the Box - Choose a hinged wooden box to hold the music box mechanism. For most standard sized mechanisms, you'll need a box that is at least deep, long, and wide. Take measurements on your music box mechanism before you choose a box to be sure. Also, keep in mind that larger boxes may work better since they can hold more than just the mechanism.
- Paint the inside and outside of the box if desired. Paint both the inside and outside of the box using a sponge brush and acrylic paint in any color. Apply 2-3 coats of the paint to achieve an even look. Then, allow the paint to dry completely before continuing.[2]
- Painting the wood is only necessary if the box isn't already finished and decorated. If you choose to recycle a box and you already like the way it looks, you don't need to paint over it.
- You can technically use any type of paint that is approved for use with wood (or whichever material your box is made of). For wooden boxes, you can even use wood stain.
- Decorate the lid, if desired. You can leave the outside lid plain or embellish it. Since the musical mechanism won't touch the lid of the box, such decorations should not interfere with how well it works. Some suggestions for how to decorate the lid of your music box include:[3]
- Using stencils to paint a pretty design onto the lid.
- Using spray adhesive and Mod Podge to attach a laser-printed photograph to the lid.
- Gluing a flat-backed cameo or cabochon to the center of the lid for something simple and classy.
[Edit]Installing the Mechanism - Purchase a music box mechanism kit. There are many types of music box mechanisms available, from ones that operate with gears to those that feature a series of bells or paper scroll mechanisms. Find a music box store or website to choose your preferred type. You can even customize the song by choosing a pre-loaded song or programming the music box with your own song.[4]
- Make sure that you check the dimensions of the music box mechanism before you purchase it to ensure that it will fit into the box you have chosen.
- Create a paper template by tracing around the mechanism. Place the musical mechanism onto a sheet of paper and trace around its perimeter with a pen or pencil. Then, use scissors to cut around this outline. Once you cut out the template, flip over the mechanism to reveal the bottom and rest the template on top. Use a pen or pencil to lightly mark the screw holes and keyhole on the paper template.[5]
- If you cannot see the holes through the paper template, use a small ruler to measure where they lie on the mechanism in comparison to each side. Mark dots on the template using those same measurements.
- Position the template inside the box off to one side. Place the paper template inside the box, positioning it where you want the mechanism to sit. Use clear tape to hold the template down in its final position. Choose an area along the base of the box, rather than using the sides or lid.[6]
- Make sure to position the mechanism off to one side of the box or in one of the back corners. However, if you use a small box just big enough to fit the mechanism, center the mechanism inside its base.
- When determining the best placement for the mechanism, make sure that the screw holes and keyhole will be clear of the feet on the bottom of the music box.
- Drill three holes through the box to attach the mechanism. Use a hand drill to create holes in a wooden box. Carefully drill two screw holes and one keyhole through the paper template and through the bottom of the box. Follow the markings you made on the template to ensure correct placement.[7]
- If you opted for a paper mache box or recycled tin, create the holes using an awl, rubber block, and hammer.
- Remove the paper template and clear away any shavings or other debris before continuing. Small particles of debris can easily work their way into the inner workings of the musical mechanism, and if that happens, the mechanism may stop playing.
- Make sure to check your music box mechanism's instructions to determine what size screws to use.
- Remove the mechanism case if you want it to be visible. Use a small screwdriver to remove the screws holding the plastic casing onto the mechanism, then snap away the casing itself. You can technically keep the casing over the mechanism, if desired, but removing it will allow you to view the movement as it plays and may create a more aesthetically pleasing result.[8]
- Place the mechanism inside the box. Position the musical mechanism inside the box, directly where the template was. Then, carefully turn the box over while holding the mechanism in place with one hand. Make sure that the screw holes in the box match the screw holes in the mechanism. Also, make sure that the keyhole in the box matches the keyhole of the mechanism.[9]
- Secure the mechanism with 2 screws through the bottom of the box. Place a screw through each screw hole, then secure both screws in place. They should go through the bottom of the box and into the screw holes of the mechanism.[10]
- After you fix these screws in place, ensure that the mechanism is secure at the base of the box without being held in place.
- Remember to check the music box mechanism's instructions to determine what screw size to use.
[Edit]Adding the Finishing Touches - Cut a divider to separate trinkets from the mechanism. Trim a thin piece of wood, making it as long as the width of the box and roughly thick. Ensure that the wood's width matches or exceeds the height of the mechanism, but is at least shorter than the side of the box. Then, sand down any rough edges.[11]
- Secure the divider with hot glue or wood glue. Use hot glue or wood glue to adhere the divider to the back and front sides of the box. Position the divider so that it lies just next to the mechanism. Ensure that the divider is not actually touching the moving parts of the mechanism.[12]
- Let the glue dry completely before continuing. Hot glue will dry within about 5 minutes while wood glue will need to sit for at least 8 hours.
- Wind the music box up and let it play. Your music box is finished and ready to use at this point! Add jewelry and other trinkets to the compartment if desired. To enjoy the music, simply wind the key and let it play.[13]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Wooden box
- Wind-up musical mechanism
- Matching wind-up key
- 2 screws, each
- Sponge brush
- Acrylic paint
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- 4 square beads, wide
- Decorative cabochon or other embellishments
- Pencil
- Plain paper
- Scissors
- Clear tape
- Hand drill
- Small screwdriver
- thick wood slab
- Saw
- Coarse sandpaper
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Give a Romantic Massage Posted: 14 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST Romantic massages are more intimate and sensual than the average massage, and they can set the scene for a relaxing and couple-focused evening. Ambiance is important when setting up for a romantic massage, as is knowing how and where to massage. Remember to take your time, focus on your partner, and enjoy connecting with them in a new and exciting way. [Edit]Creating a Romantic Ambiance - Set up the bed or couch with clean, soft sheets and pillows. If you're giving a massage at home, chances are you don't have a massage table, but that is okay! Pick a spot that is clean and clear of clutter, and lay down a set of clean sheets for your partner to lay on. Don't forget to grab 1 or 2 pillows for beneath their head, back, or knees as needed.[1]
- If the room isn't clean, take 10 minutes to tidy up and put away clutter. Both you and your partner will feel more relaxed if the space is neat.
- Use 2 sheets—one for your partner to lay on top of, and 1 for them to put over themselves at the beginning of the massage in case they're chilly.
- Adjust the temperature in the room to a comfortable setting. This will depend on your partner—if they always run cold, turn the temperature up a little bit so the room is warmer than usual. If they're usually warm, turn it down so they'll be cool and comfortable.[2]
- A space heater or fan can help make a big difference in the room's temperature if you don't have much time.
- Dim the lights and set up a few candles for romantic mood lighting. Glaring overhead lights won't do much for the mood, so turn those off and use candles for lighting instead. If you need more lighting, turn on a lamp. You could even cover a lamp with a sheer scarf to dim the light even more.[3]
- For a special touch, light your partner's favorite scented candle.
- Turn off your phones and all electronics so you won't be interrupted. If you don't want to turn your phone off, put it on "do not disturb" or airplane mode so that you won't get any notifications during the massage. Put it off to the side or in a drawer so you won't be tempted to check it. Ask your partner to do the same.[4]
- Take this time as an opportunity to disconnect from work, school, and other commitments so you can focus on connecting with your partner.
- Play ambient music to create a relaxed and calm atmosphere. Avoid music with a fast or heavy beat. Instead, opt for instrumental or ambient music for a calming effect.[5]
- Check out whatever streaming service you use—many have pre-made playlists or stations that are made for relaxation. Search for "relaxing music" or "ambient music" to see what is available.
- "Zen," "yoga," and "meditation" are other keywords that could help you find the right music for the occasion.
- Spend time connecting with your partner before you begin. You could enjoy a nice glass of wine or take a bubblebath together. Or, simply spend a few minutes holding hands and talking.[6]
- If your partner doesn't already know, clue them in that you're planning on giving them a romantic massage. They may want to take a shower or change their clothes before you begin.
[Edit]Giving the Massage - Rub a natural oil or cream between your hands before you begin. Sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are good options that shouldn't irritate your partner's skin. Use to start and add more to your hands when they get dry. You must rub it between your hands to warm it up before you begin.[7]
- Add a few drops of essential oils to the carrier oil or cream to give it a pleasing scent. Lavender, peppermint, bergamot, and sandalwood are great options. of a carrier oil first. Undiluted essential oils could irritate the skin.}}
- Use long strokes with gentle pressure, starting at the neck and shoulders. Have your partner lay on their stomach so you can work on their shoulders and back first. Remember, your goal isn't to give your partner a deep-tissue massage or work out their sore muscles. It's to awaken their body and gently touch them all over.[8]
- Check in with your partner to see if the amount of pressure you're using is good. They may want a deeper massage or prefer less pressure.
- Let your hands glide over their skin. Count slowly in your head to 20 for each section that you massage, like their neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, the middle of the back, etc.
- Spend time massaging their lower back. Stand or sit so that you and your partner are facing the same direction. Put your hands flat on their lower back, near their hips, and push forward toward the middle of their back. Count to 20 as you massage this area, but feel free to do it for longer if your partner likes it.[9]
- If your partner is comfortable with it, you could also give them a gentle butt massage. Use your elbow to gently put pressure on your partner's butt, starting at the top and working your way down to the bottom. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Massage their arms and legs so that every part of their body is relaxed. Part of the romantic massage is making your partner feel very relaxed but also aware of their body. Gently rub your hands up and down their arms and longs with long, firm movements. Have them start on their stomach as you massage the backs of their legs, then ask them to flip over to their back so you can massage their arms and the fronts of their legs.[10]
- Remember to count to 20 for each part of the body. The upper left arm, upper right arm, lower left arm, lower right arm, and so on should each get their allotment of time.
- Remember to give their feet some TLC. Add more cream or oil to your hands, and gently rub the bottom of their feet in large circles. Make small circles around their ankles, and gently massage between your partner's toes.[11]
- Depending on how ticklish your partner is, you may have to skip this part. But if they enjoy it, it's worth spending some time on.
- Work on their inner thighs with a firm but gentle pressure. The inner thighs are very sensitive and are also a sensual area for both men and women. Focus on the area between the knee and the groin. Use gentle but firm strokes and count to 20 on each side.[12]
- How high up toward the groin you take the massage is between you and your partner. If they give you any non-verbal signs, like putting their legs together or moving away from you, you may be moving too high up their leg.
- Take your time before massaging their more sensitive or sensual places. A romantic massage can be just that, or it could be fantastic foreplay before something more sexual. Start with a gentle full-body massage before getting close to those more sensitive areas, like the breasts, the groin, or the butt.[13]
- Let your partner relax after the massage and take their time getting up. Chances are, your partner is going to be in a state of maximum relaxation and won't want the lights flipped on and the door flung open as soon as it's over. Allow them to lay still for a while, and take that opportunity to do some relaxing yourself!
- If your partner fell asleep during the massage, let them rest!
- If you want to join in on the massage fun yourself, book a massage therapist to come into your home and give you and your partner a couple's massage.
- Encourage your partner to drink extra water after their massage. The massage could have released toxins from their muscles, and the extra water will help flush everything out.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Clean sheets
- Pillows
- Candles
- Ambient playlist
- Natural cream, lotion, or oil
- Essential oils (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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