A RIDDLE FOR A BURGLAR

A RIDDLE FOR A BURGLAR

Externally, this padlock is no different from thousands of its counterparts guarding storerooms and dachas, sheds and utility rooms, shops and warehouses. Except for one stunning detail: it opens… with a screwdriver. Can one trust such an unserious device that even a mischievous boy could unlock? “You can,” asserts its creator, engineer I. Yankin. “Opening Read more…

From a branch — a cutting

Tree Branch Rooting: Michurin's Grafting Technique DIY

An unusual tree grafting technology was proposed by I.V. Michurin, and in N. Verzilin’s book “Journeys with Houseplants” this original method of obtaining a cutting from a living branch directly on the tree is described. He “surrounded” the branch with a vessel of water — and roots appeared on old branches of pears and apple Read more…

SWING SAW

SWING SAW

When talking about the amateur constructor E. Kulikov, it should be noted that all the units and mechanisms he has made are designed to ease the labor and daily life of rural residents. Let us touch upon one of the problems annually solved by village residents, and by those who live in most Russian settlements Read more…

SECRETS OF THE SECRETARY

SECRETS OF THE SECRETARY

No matter what your city apartment is like — prestigious or ordinary, large or small, comfortable or inconvenient, it is extremely difficult to allocate space for a home workshop in it. However, with great desire and sufficient carpentry skills, a DIY craftsman can equip a quite convenient workspace that easily transforms into a flat cabinet Read more…

NOMAD GREENHOUSE

NOMAD GREENHOUSE

If you want to have early vegetables on your plot — then you need a greenhouse. Only in it can you create conditions for maintaining constantly high temperature and humidity of soil and air for plants both during the day and at night. There are many designs of individual greenhouses and film-covered frames, and each Read more…

PAINTING DURALUMIN PANELS

PAINTING DURALUMIN PANELS

Any front panels made of aluminum alloy are easily amenable to decorative processing. For example, after drilling holes in them, these parts can first be subjected to anodizing, and then painted. Both processes do not require special equipment and can easily be performed at home. Small panels are anodized in a glass cuvette. Distilled water Read more…

CANOPY OVER THE BOAT

CANOPY OVER THE BOAT

A canvas tent stretched over a frame made of steel pipes for electrical wiring will perfectly protect the fisherman from the scorching sun rays. The canopy size is designed for a boat 4.5 m long. The ends of the frame tubes are flattened, and holes Ø 5 mm are drilled in them. The connection is Read more…

AIR PROPELLER FOR A WIND GENERATOR

AIR PROPELLER FOR A WIND GENERATOR

Unfortunately, power problems are occurring more and more frequently, and there is no guarantee that you will be spared this fate, regardless of where you live — in the city or, especially, in rural areas. To protect yourself in case of an “emergency” situation, it’s good to purchase a diesel mini-power station, but… not everyone Read more…

“FAST” SUPPORTS

“FAST” SUPPORTS

Transformable supports for currants, gooseberries, and other shrubs can be easily made from steel wire with a diameter of 5—8 mm (“rod wire”) and available materials like poles. And with minimal effort and time. The supports will be segments of “rod wire” after their lower ends are sharpened and the upper ends are bent into Read more…

INSTEAD OF A JACK — A SCREW

INSTEAD OF A JACK — A SCREW

“Juice with a jack” — that’s what the article was called, published in “Modelist-Konstruktor” No. 4 for 1998. I liked the simplicity and unconventionality of the technical solution proposed in it. However, I prefer to use a special unit of sufficient productivity for household use instead of a jack. All costs for making such a Read more…