23
votes
Accepted
Do sharpies or markers damage soft rock climbing gear?
It's possible that it could damage the soft gear,
Tests done by the UIAA Safety Commission and some rope manufacturers have shown that marking
ropes with liquids such as those provided by felt-...
- 69.2k
17
votes
What do I need to do to a tent that's been stored for a long time?
Putting it up in the garden sounds like a great idea, as it will let you check if:
all parts are still there,
everything is in working condition,
you still know how to actually put it up.
One ...
- 3,474
14
votes
Accepted
What do I need to do to a tent that's been stored for a long time?
Additionally to what April mentioned I would:
Check if any of the plastic parts (if there are any) got brittle. If they did I would replace them (this should be easy if the tent is actually still ...
- 12.7k
13
votes
Can oiling keep tools from rusting?
Ordinary vegetable oils of the type used for cooking will work but are not ideal. Over time they will gradually oxidise and may be colonised by bacteria, both of which can cause them to become acidic ...
- 6,202
10
votes
Accepted
When to sharpen crampons?
I usually sharp my crampons when I am expecting icy conditions, that means glare ice. Especially when you go steep and need front point technique, you need to rely on those points - all your bodys ...
- 12.2k
10
votes
Accepted
Does rain harm a bow
In simple terms. Yes. But it is easily avoided. When not in use dry off the bow and keep it in a waterproof case. Like anything, prolonged moisture is damaging.
Using it in the rain is no problem, I'...
- 3,175
10
votes
When to sharpen crampons?
According to Will Gadd, you should sharpen your crampons and ice tools after every use.
If you spend just a minute or two after each trip–sometimes you won't even need a minute, just give them a look ...
- 53.5k
9
votes
How often do I need to clean my rimfires?
You should clean all guns at the end of every session of use for a few reasons. I am assuming .22 or .17 cal since you said rimfire. These are the most common rimfire calibers.
to prevent residue ...
- 4,802
9
votes
Accepted
In a boat repair, what would cause Gelcoat not to harden?
There are several factors that can inhibit the gelcoat from curing. There is not enough information in the review to identify the specific cause. The only specific cause mentioned is stirring, if we ...
- 30.3k
8
votes
Accepted
How to get rid of illegal artificial paints on historical monuments?
When I've had to clean spray paint from remote destinations, we've used chemical paint removers in spray bottles and scrub brushes.
Do not do this on a historic site without permission from whoever ...
- 4,219
8
votes
Accepted
What accreditations should a professional rock climbing cams reslinger have?
There is a UIAA certification for slings just as is there are for (nearly?) all critical recreational climbing gear. You should only have reslinging done by a company that produces UIAA certified ...
- 9,491
8
votes
Accepted
How to fold rope for storage?
As mentioned in comments, this option to coil a rope will get you some twists in it. So I do not recommend it for longer ropes (i.e. your climbing ropes), as twists are very inconvenient when belaying....
- 21.7k
8
votes
How to prevent metal eyelets from rusting?
When I bought my first pair of walking boots, I was told to buy a jar of vaseline and use that on the hooks of the boots.
You can apply it very precisely and it is very likely not to run off and ...
- 3,579
8
votes
What are these painted markings on trees for? (not trail markers)
These markings are for logging operations. The marks indicate that the trees should be removed. Note that there are also marks at the base, this is to help verify that the proper trees are removed.
...
- 648
7
votes
Why is silnylon/silpoly slippery, but silicone sealant is not?
Silpoly is based on polyester, which means it's hydrophobic (doesn't absorb water). Not all slippery materials are hydrophobic, but this definitely factors in. Silicone sealant also repels water, but ...
- 539
7
votes
Accepted
How do I clean my knife sharpener?
According to the owners manual here, it says to
Always clean your sharpener after use. Clean with damp cloth or mild
brush. Do not rinse with water. Store in a drawer or cabinet.
Since you ...
- 1,857
7
votes
Inside waterproof coating of backpack has become sticky
Solution: Use Ethyl / Denatured Alcohol to dissolve it off. I've used this solution on two bags now and it had worked amazingly.
Bag 1 - Thermarest stuff sack: It was so sticky I had to peel it apart. ...
- 71
6
votes
How often do I need to clean my rimfires?
I clean all of my firearms, including rimfires, on about the same schedule:
A light cleaning/oiling. I swab the inside of the barrel with an oil-dampened (just oil) cloth AND very lightly coat all ...
- 1,802
6
votes
How do I get cam slings replaced?
The information you need is on the manufacturers website.
We offer servicing for DMM Cams (trigger wires and slings), and Torque Nuts (slings) if they pass a quality inspection. Prior to sending ...
- 1,858
5
votes
How to wash a foam helmet?
I will not address the issue of whether the helmet in question is still usable or should be retired but instead answer the main question: How to wash a foam helmet?
Generally water must not damage ...
- 21.7k
5
votes
How to get rid of RV awning/canopy stink?
If it's mold based, then my understanding is that borax or hydrogen peroxide are effective remedies.
Soap is not very effective against mold.
If you don't think it will damage the awning, I ...
5
votes
Need help Identifying the proper globe for an unknown propane lantern
Edit: My bad. Poster is asking for globe -- the glass enclosure on the outside, not the fine thorium oxide ash mantle that breaks so easily.
In passing: The lantern can be operated without a globe....
5
votes
Inside waterproof coating of backpack has become sticky
I had this problem with a favorite fanny pack (L.L. Bean) a few years ago. I turned the pack inside out and used a stiff brush on it to get it all out. I even tried a wire brush for tough spots. But, ...
- 191
5
votes
How to prevent metal eyelets from rusting?
I think the simplest solution would be to wear ankle-high gaiters and salt the gaiters instead of your boots. This way you will get even added protection from the gaiter, and spare your expensive boot ...
- 53.5k
5
votes
How to prevent metal eyelets from rusting?
Wash the eyelets with soap and water (tooth brush) follow with a solution of TSP. (tri-sodium phosphate)
Let dry.
Apply zinc chromate primer with small brush or Q-tip (cotton swap on a stick)
Let ...
5
votes
Accepted
When to clean out old bird boxes?
It looks like the answer is to clean them out at least once a year, once the breeding season is over and before winter, which would be around the end of August in the northern hemisphere (or the end ...
- 69.2k
5
votes
Do sharpies or markers damage soft rock climbing gear?
Some manufacturers state that soft goods such as ropes and dogbones can be damaged by markers so it is best practice not to mark them with sharpies or other generic markers. If you do wish to mark ...
- 1,280
5
votes
Accepted
How can I clean water filter's intake filter?
Try scrubbing with a toothbrush. In addition to scrubbing, push the toothbrush bristles through the mesh. Wipe the bristles off when they poke out the other side, otherwise you pull the same gunk ...
- 4,384
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible