How to Stay Safe as a DIY Car Mechanic

What safety precautions does Dan Binks recommend for DIY car mechanics?

Dan Binks, the master racing mechanic, crew chief, and fabricator, has some valuable safety recommendations for DIY car mechanics. Firstly, he emphasizes the importance of religiously following safety measures. This includes investing in equipment such as jack stands rated for 3 tons and a sturdy floor jack. Binks suggests that it is perfectly fine to purchase these from discount stores. He also advises wearing safety glasses at all times, and even recommends using safety glasses with built-in readers for added convenience.

In addition to safety equipment, Binks suggests considering a hand truck to easily move heavy items around the workshop. He explains that having the right tools and equipment is crucial for both efficiency and safety in DIY car mechanics. By prioritizing safety precautions, DIY car mechanics can have as much fun as possible without compromising their well-being.

How can decorating with fabric create a feeling of permanence and warmth in a rental home?

According to Katherine Ormerod, the author of “Your Not Forever Home: Affordable, Elevated, Temporary Decor for Renters,” decorating with fabric is an excellent way to create a feeling of permanence and warmth in a rental home. Ormerod suggests changing the acoustic environment as a starting point. By adding fabric elements such as cushions, rugs, throws, curtains, and upholstered furniture, the sound within the room can be absorbed, creating a more comfortable atmosphere.

Fabric decorations also provide the advantage of being portable and easily taken when moving out of a rental home. Ormerod advises considering rugs, in particular, as they not only add comfort and color but also help to hide and protect unattractive floors. For those on a budget, she recommends investing in outdoor rugs, which are designed to be weather resistant and forgiving of spills and stains. Good lighting is also essential for creating a welcoming home, and Ormerod suggests making small and affordable changes to improve the overall feel of the space.

How did Jason incorporate old-school tech into his DIY StreamDeck for his sim racing setup?

Jason wanted to build his own DIY StreamDeck for his sim racing setup, and he decided to incorporate some old-school tech into the project. At the heart of his build is an ESP32, which acts as the core component, receiving button presses and communicating with the PC. However, instead of using regular buttons, Jason opted for an infrared sensor matrix. This choice allows for reconfigurability with different paper card overlays, a feature he wanted to include in the StreamDeck.

Each button in the StreamDeck also features a Neopixel, which allows for color customization to match different button maps. One of the most impressive aspects of Jason’s DIY StreamDeck is that the button maps change instantly when a different overlay card is inserted. He achieved this by adding an extra row of infrared sensors that can detect punched holes in the bottom of the overlay cards. Overall, Jason’s DIY StreamDeck combines modern technology with a touch of old-school innovation.


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