Hi! I’m Blair Gilbert, a.k.a.
MR. HARDWARE
As a third-generation hardware store owner, licensed builder, and finish carpenter, my mission is to help you “do it right the first time!” On this site, I share expert home and yard DIY advice in over 250 articles and videos. Feel free to dive in!
Latest Articles
- Battery – Car, Deep Cycle, Marine and Dual Purpose – Which to Use (5/12/2022) by Blair Gilbert
Years ago, I mean years and years ago, a common mistake in purchasing a marine battery (for a boat under 25’) was to chose a deep cycle battery because it was thought that it would hold a charge longer when out on the water.
The problem is that deep cycle batteries are engineered to deliver a steady flow of electricity over a long period of time. Supplying things like lights, radio or an electric frig that draw low constant amounts of electricity. They tend to not deliver the gross amount of amperage all at once compared to a standard ‘Marine Starting’ battery although technology has improved this issue.
The ‘Starting Battery’ is engineered to deliver lots of amperage all at once rather than a little at a time over a longer period. They could also be damaged if drawn down to zero power as opposed to a deep cycle that can usually handle that issue.
The ‘Dual Purpose’ battery in the video is a perfect example of what technology has provided. It can deliver a constant draw of power and yet maintain enough juice to crank over and start an engine. However if one uses too much of that battery there might not be enough left to start the boat.
My solution is to have 2 Dual Purpose batteries on my pontoon boat with a switch to select either battery or both. I always run on battery ‘1’ or ‘2’ alternating between boating days. That way I know both batteries are good because each one gets a chance to start the boat on its own. Plus each one gets charged separately fully on ‘its’ day.
In the past I’ve had 2 batteries charging at once only to find a bad battery took most of the charge leaving the good battery not being charged properly. Running each one separately provides constant proof that it is in good condition.
More New Articles
- Cut Plexiglass, Acrylic, Plastics with Draw Knife Scoring – Cheap, Fast (4/25/2022) - Plexiglass and acrylic are easily cut with a draw knife, called a hook or scribe knife, or plexiglass cutter. This draw knife strips a layer of the acrylic with each draw pass so… ...read more
- Drain Pipe Blockage Cleared with Muriatic Acid – Sump Pump Deposits (4/11/2022) - Muriatic acid will clear sump pump deposits in drain pipes by dissolving the blockages. These calcium buildups form over time to restrict water flow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mTC8wP96e4 Muriatic acid creates a strong chemical reaction to… ...read more
- Fix Dragging, Sag in Wood Screen Door – Brace and Use a Turn Buckle (3/28/2022) - Most wooden screen doors sag and drag on the ground as they age. Sometimes even aluminum doors sag from poor construction or abuse. (got 14 year old boys?) The hinge side is attached… ...read more
- Dog Swim Boat Ramp – Simple Cheap Build For Easy In And Out (3/14/2022) - Get the dog in on and off the boat with a DIY boat ramp with this simple build. Bend the PVC at home, and add the pet proof screening and a life preserver… ...read more
- Drill Hole In Glass Bottle, Ceramics, Pottery, Decorative Crafts (2/28/2022) - A simple method to drill holes in glass using the right drill bits and water to lubricate. You can create craft projects like lamps, hooks for mirrors or drain holes to drain flower… ...read more