Mahan's Hardware

The Fundamentals of Changing Your Car's Disc Brake Pads

DIY brake replacements can help save hundreds of dollars on auto repairs, and with the right tools and instructions, this auto parts exchange is entirely doable at home. If you are getting ready to change your car’s disc brake pads for the first time, use the following tips to learn what you will need to do the job right:

• Purchase a Handbook: Individuals with little experience should refer to their vehicle’s owner’s manual extensively when changing their brakes. The vehicle-specific information found in an owner’s manual will help drivers find and identify important car parts. Haynes’ Automatic Brake Manual is another helpful guide. This comprehensive manual includes hundreds of reference pictures and step-by-step instructions. Drivers who study these resources diligently will be less likely to make serious errors during the repair and have a better project outcome.
   
• Find the Right Tools: No brake job can be completed without the right tools. Visit a local automotive parts store before you start to change your disc brake pads to ensure that your workshop is fully equipped. You’ll need a jack and a jack stand to get your vehicle in position, wrenches that match your vehicle’s fasteners, and gloves for safety. Other job-specific tools include a turkey baster for removing hydraulic fluid and a clamp for manipulating the hydraulic piston.
   
• Season the Brakes: You’ll need to season the brakes before they’re ready for the highway. Drivers accomplish this brake preparation by accelerating and braking in a set routine. Eventually, the procedure provides your brake pads with an even, high-friction surface. A handbook or owner’s manual can provide specific information about this process for your vehicle.

You’ll find everything you need for brake repair at Mahan's Hardware. Our wide selection of fasteners, wrenches, and auto parts will make your DIY brake job a breeze. Call us at (866) 901-5828 for driving directions to our store.

Boat Maintenance And Home Improvement Resources

If our recent boat maintenance and home improvement blogs have left you craving more information, take a look at these useful resources. Invest in your home, your boat, and your car this summer by doing some regular maintenance. Explore these tips, tricks, and home improvement articles for more information:

• Make sure your boat meets all safety requirements before you take it back out on the water. Use this pre-departure checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

• Doors that refuse to shut all the way are a household nuisance. Learn how to solve your latch problems with this advice from FamilyHandyMan.com.

• Would you like to organize your living room with some additional storage? Learn how to build a bookcase from ThisOldHouse.com.

• Before you get to work on your vehicle this spring, learn how to safely jack up your car. These guidelines from DIYCentral.com offer useful information on the topic.

• Learn how to replace a broken wooden fence post at Realtor.com.

Whatever you need to fix this spring and summer, Mahan’s Hardware has the tools for the job. Call us at (866) 901-5828 to learn more about our supplies.

How to Properly Jack Up a Vehicle

If you don’t jack up your vehicle properly when making car repairs or changing a tire, you could damage your vehicle’s undercarriage. Modern cars have weaker steel underneath the frame that will bend under the pressure of the car, unless you know how to locate the right spot.

Watch this video to learn how to spot the two notches meant to take the jack. They’re usually located a few inches from the wheel well on the side closet to the middle of the frame. Learn about which kinds of jacks work best for cars, trucks, and SUVs by watching the clip.

For automotive and household hardware parts, visit the locally owned and operated Mahan’s Hardware. Call us today at (866) 901-5828 for more information.

Three Do-It-Yourself Home Projects

If you’re interested in saving money and creating new things, you could be a do-it-yourselfer and not even know it! To get started on a beginner project, check out the suggestions provided here before visiting your local hardware store for supplies:

1. Replace a Broken Fence Post

Remove the old fence post by digging down around the bottom and wiggling it to release it from the soil. You might have to use a pry bar or jack, depending on how stubborn the post is. If a jack is required, fasten the strap in a “U” shape around the pole to lift it. Next, simply drop in the new post and reattach it to the fencing sections with a rubber mallet or hammer and nails, depending on the fence.

1. Fix a Door that Doesn’t Latch

Wood can warp over time due to exposure to moisture and heat. This warping sometimes causes a door’s bolt to miss its latch, preventing it from closing. To remedy this problem, check the door hinges. If one of them is not tight and flush, tightening it might fix the problem. Use one hand to lift the door into its appropriate place and tighten the door hinge screws to force the door to hold the desired position. If that doesn’t work, check the strike plate to make sure it’s not loose or incorrectly placed.

1. Build a Wooden Picture Frame

First, you’ll need to get the dimensions you want for your picture frame. Make sure to account for the width of the wood you want to use for the frame so you don’t cover up any of the picture. Use a handsaw to cut out four pieces of the frame to fit your dimensions. Line up your frame edges and use a miter box to guide handsaw cuts into perfect 45-degree angles. When the frame pieces come together, they should form 90-degree angles at the corners. Glue the pieces together with wood glue and secure the corners with V-shaped support nails and a hammer.

For all your automotive, marine, truck, and household hardware needs, visit Mahan’s Hardware. We can provide all of the tools mentioned above and much more! Call us today at (866) 901-5828 for help with your next project.

De-Winterizing Your Boat: The Basics of Preparing Your Boat for Spring and Summer

Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to prepare your boat to get back on the water. Use the following checklist to make sure your boat’s systems are in good working order and that you have the correct marine supplies before you head out onto the water.

Check the Fuel System

Inspect your fuel hoses, connections, and the tank itself for leaks or damage. Be sure to test the hoses for cracks and soft points. If anything is in poor shape, it’s a good idea to replace it before filling up. In addition, double-check the fittings and clamps before you turn on the engine.

Inspect Belts and Cables

Your boat’s belts and cables may have dried out and cracked in the off-season, so make sure they still fit tightly around the pulleys, and inspect the outer jacket of your control cables for cracks and swelling. If you find any problems with the control cables, you’ll have to replace them before you hit the water.

Test the Electrical System

Make sure all the electrical connections are clean and tight. Temporarily remove any terminals and use a wire brush to clean and remove buildup. Have your battery fully charged and tested as well.

Top Off and Change Fluids

Your power steering, coolant, and power trim reservoirs should still be full. If they’re not, top them off. You should also change your engine’s oil and oil filter if you haven’t done so in a while.

Inventory Safety Gear

Water safety comes first, so inspect your life jackets and make sure they’re in good condition. Ensure that there are different-size life jackets available for children and adults of different body weights. As part of your pre-departure checklist, take a look at your fire extinguishers and make sure they haven’t expired.

If you need marine supplies, tools, and parts to tune up your boat this spring, visit Mahan’s Hardware. We are independently owned and operated and carry a wide selection of hardware, marine supplies, and automotive parts. Call us today at (866) 901-5828 for more information.