New Year's Season 2010 Ideas

As the new year 2010 dawns, I have a suggestion based on some of my experience with computers. Take your computer in for service if you have any problems, and declare a fast from being online for a short time. From personal experience, it makes you a better and more lively communicator, and builds a more personal contact with people. Be in person or on the phone. Having friends live speaks more than an e-mail or Tweet can deliver.

Do you have a list of new household projects you want to get into in the new year? Let's share ideas. But if you decide to take the computer in, do so after you get it back.

Play some special New Years Eve game you invent based on the events of the year. Think creatively.

Look over any photos taken during the year, especially during the warm season.

Looking Forward To Commercial Observation

I am looking forward to writing at a possible commercial garage door job this week. Learning and observing is really cool, because even though I have no authority to turn so much as a wrench in a "hands-on" industrial setting, I still find my learning style works well with an observer's role. My hope is that I can make some creative associations from the repair and/or replacement of commercial parts, that can be used to market and position the company I work for--while gaining blow-by-blow repair principles.

Take This Garage Door Spring Quiz

How much do you know about garage door torsion springs? Here is a quiz along the same lines as tests used when new hires are being trained--for review and education, not academics. This is not exhaustive; it is simply a gathering of some thoughts and considerations that will assist the reader in the field of garage doors and the springs that help lift them.

1. Which of the following is NOT a primary characteristic of garage door springs?

a) wire size b) wire weight c) internal diameter d) wind

2. Which of the following is NOT determined from the primary spring characteristics?

a) spring cycle life b) torque c) degree of play

3. What are the names of the cones that are attached to springs? (note any that apply)

a) torque cones b) stationary cones c) winding cones

4. How many turns on the springs need to remain when the door is fully opened?

a) none b) one c) two

5. What happens to the springs when the door rises?

a) the springs wind b) the springs unwind c) it depends

6. Which factors determine the choice of springs for a particular garage door?

a) door weight b) door height c) track radius d) cycle requirements e) all of the above

7. What is the usual diameter of the shaft on which the springs are mounted?

a) 1'' b) 2" c) 1 1/2"

8. Which of the following is a benefit of a 15'' track radius as opposed to a 12'' track radius?

a) a 15'' lifts more weight b) a 15'' opens to the full 7' height c) a 15'' allows the door to operate more smoothly d) all of the above

Now not all of these questions/answers are admittedly rocket science. But they should be good review for background. Other story pages are online, and they can help as well.

And now the answers:

1. b. Length is the missing element; wire weight can be stricken 2. c. Degree of play 3. b. and c. 4. b. no turns is bad, two is not wound enough 5. b. unwind 6. d. all are good 7. a. 1" 8. d. all are good again

In a later article, these considerations will be discussed. Here's to your safety...and your success.