Southern Minnesota Ace Hardware Stores: 2016

Monday, June 6, 2016

How to use a power drill from Southern MN Ace Stores

How to Use a Power Drill

A power drill is one of the most helpful tools you can have. With the change of a bit, you can drill holes, drive screws, stir paint, and a whole lot more…

1. CHANGING THE BIT

 These jaws inside the tip hold the bit in place as you loosen or tighten the chuck. Twist the collar, or chuck, to open the jaws wide enough to slide the bit in. Twist the opposite direction to tighten it until it stops or clicks. A keyless chuck tightens and loosens by hand. For a keyed chuck, slide the key into the slot on the collar, and twist it to tight the bit in place. This holds the bit with more force, so it’s better for heavier duty jobs.

2. DRIVING AND DRILLING
 The trigger on the handle is your main control. And the switch (usually right above it) changes the direction of the spin. Set it in "forward" to drive a fastener in with a clockwise spin. To drill a hole, place the tip of the bit against the surface. Pull the trigger partway so you don’t skip off the surface - and work up to full speed as you get going. Keep forward pressure on the drill when drilling. If you need to, press on the back for more leverage. Don’t cover the vents or you may overheat the motor.

3. BACKING OUT SCREWS
 To back out screws, or if a bit sticks, move the switch on the handle to set it in "reverse." You may also have a neutral position that locks the trigger, so it won’t spin if you bump the trigger while you’re carrying it.

HELPFUL TIPS:

 To avoid stripped screws, when you’re driving a long screw or you’re drilling into hard material, first drill a pilot hole using a drill bit a few sizes thinner than your screw. Then drive in your fastener. If the bit starts to spin on the head of the screw, stop. You might need to change to a bit that fits tighter. The tips are angled differently to grip onto the fastener heads. If that doesn’t work, back the screw out while there’s still grip left. Once the screw head is stripped, it’s tough to get out without using a specialty bit or cutting off the screw.

NOTE: Always follow manufacturer’s recommended safety precautions and instructions for the products you use.

Shop at:

Raleigh's Ace - 2525 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN
D&G Ace - 1417 1st Ave. SW, Austin, MN
Cannon Falls Ace - 21265 County 24 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN
Dodge Center Ace - 20 Airport Road N, Dodge Center
Faribault Ace Hardware - 421 2nd Ave. NW, Faribault, MN
Jackson Ace Hardware - 916 Highway 71 N, Jackson, MN
Luverne Ace Hardware - 210 E. Lincoln St., Luverne, MN
McCabes Ace Hardware - 1200 Main Street E., Sleepy Eye, MN
Retzlaff's Ace Hardware - 21 N. Minnestoa Ave, New Ulm, MN
Rushford MN Ace Hardware Store - 402 S. Mill St, Rushford, MN
St. Charles Ace Hardware - 1313 Whitewater Ave., St. Charles, MN
Schwalbach Hardware - 193 9th St., Windom, MN
Schwalbach Hardware - 1131 Oxford St., Worthington, MN

Friday, April 22, 2016

How to use a lawn spreader

In Southern Minnesota, people are starting to get out and think about how to bring their lawn back to life after a long winter. At your Southern Minnesota Ace stores, we can help with the advice and products you will need. Yet, did you ever wonder how to use a lawn spreader?

Learn how to apply lawn care products like granular or liquid fertilizers, soil amendments and pesticides. Find out how to set the application rate and see how to work a broadcast, drop or hand crank spreader properly. And, see how to use a tank sprayer or hose sprayer. Watch this quick video from Ace to learn more. Then, stop by any of the stores listed below for expert advice.

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Monday, March 21, 2016

Making Your Grass Thicker in Southern Minnesota

After a Southern Minnesota winter, is your grass thin and less than desirable? Here are some tips on making your Grass thicker in Southern Minnesota from the Ace Expert Lou.

Your lawn can look “professionally kept” without your checkbook looking like you professionally keep it. Follow these steps for a greener lawn .

Clear away dead grass and debris. You can do this with a leaf rake or by renting a power rake if you have a rather large yard. When you’re done with this step, your shoulders will ache and your lawn will actually look worse. But don’t worry – it’s all part of the plan.
Choose some grass seed. Be sure to get a high-quality weed-free seed blend. Choose the best one for your yard based on how much sunlight and traffic your lawn gets.
Overseed the lawn. Most of this project will require the use of a spreader. A broadcast spreader throws the seed from the hopper in a circular pattern. A drop spreader works just as it sounds. A 20-inch drop spreader will drop a 20-inch wide path. You generally have more control of where the contents goes when using a drop spreader, but for covering rather large areas, a broadcast spreader makes the most sense. Cover the thinned-out lawn with the seed mix you chose.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

How a Toilet Works and How to Fix It - Southern MN Ace Stores

Toilet repair probably doesn’t top the list of projects you like to do yourself.

But some common problems are so easy to fix that you’d be flushing money down the toilet if you put off fixing them yourself.

You just need to know how a toilet works, to tell which part is causing the problem.

Get the steps you need at Ace. Or, stop in and see one of our plumbing experts - they can help you with the proper items for a DIY toilet fix. Plus, they can get you in and out so that you can be on your way fixing the problem quickly.

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