In the Shop

• The Possibilities of Portable Lighting
  (2/26/2010)

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• Christmas Wish List
  (12/11/2009)

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• Profanity Optional
  How to deal with broken bolts (3/14/2009)

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• Diagnostic Tricks
  An electrical system that works at start-up but kicks out after the machine has run for a while hints of a faulty relay or weak circuit breaker (11/4/2008)

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• In the Shop: A Guide to the Wife's Vehicle
  You work on $100,000 combines and tractors without fear, but opening the hood of your wife's SUV causes you to break out in a cold sweat. What should a mechanically inclined farmer be able to do on modern vehicles?

  (7/8/2008)

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• In The Shop: Should Have Known Better
  I learn from my mistakes—most of the time. (3/14/2008)

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• In The Shop: The Right Tools, The Right Diagnosis
  There are two techniques for diagnosing problems in farm equipment. (2/15/2008)

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• In The Shop: Fast and Dirty Welding
  The times and places you need good welds are often the times and places it's difficult to create good welds. When equipment breaks in the field, it's time for fast and dirty welding.

  (1/11/2008)

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• In The Shop: Electrical Troubleshooting
  Diagnosing electrical problems on farm equipment can be as simple as replacing a burned-out bulb or as complicated as identifying a faulty computer module. In either case, the cause is the same: an interruption in the flow of electricity.

  (12/11/2007)

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• In The Shop: Good, Better, Most Expensive
  Is a ¾" wrench that retails for $30 from a top-of-the-line tool manufacturer better than a ¾" wrench in the $5 bargain bin at the hardware store? Maybe.

  (11/20/2007)

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• In The Shop: Fastener Facts
  Bolts, nuts, screws and washers are simple in design yet perplexing when it comes to proper usage. More than likely you've wondered... (3/17/2007)

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• In The Shop: Dream Tools Come True
  Every year family members ask what do you want for Christmas, and every year you give them a list of reasonably priced practical tools to add to your toolbox. (12/8/2006)

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• In The Shop: Can You Do It Yourself?
  There are many equipment repairs that farmers are qualified to make, and there are just as many repairs that farmers are tempted to tackle but shouldn't. (9/1/2006)

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• In the Shop: Twice-a-year tools
  Ever hear of a ratchet-head half-moon wrench? A battery terminal clamp puller? How about a thread-restoring file? (7/29/2006)

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• In The Shop: Defining “Worn Out”
  How do you determine if a V-belt, roller chain, bearing, shaft or other mechanical component on a piece of farm equipment is worn out? Once it breaks, the question is moot. (3/19/2006)

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