Articles & Build Tips – From the Mechanic
Join the discussion with the Mechanic on DIY Project topics including News, Build Tips and Engineering Perspective. DIY is our specialty. Trailers, Shop Tools, Cranes, and more. Enjoy the articles, then comment when things catch your attention. To filter the articles, select a category from the top line. For a subject you want to see, please request it. This site is for you.
It all rides on the trailer axles, so get them right. Here are some common technologies (and misnomers) for tandem axles and other multi-axle trailers.
In the discussion of trailer axle leaf springs versus a torsion axle, let’s put some engineering behind the debate. We are not out to change opinions, because both axle styles have a good place, but we do want to offer a practical, technical perspective.
Fun side story about finding the right tools for a do-it-yourself (with a friend) in automotive repair. This story is not about building great new Do It Yourself projects, but it illustrates the need to have (borrow, or rent) the right tools for the job.
Introducing a new product to the Mechanical Elements family of Do-It-Yourself Plans — the gantry crane I-Beam clamp. A simple product we give as Free Plans in our launch celebration! Well, is it really FREE Plans? Yes. Use the coupon code on
Ever wonder why fasteners like nuts and bolts are so expensive? You would think something so standard and manufactured in such high volumes would be cheap, but in most places, they are actually pretty expensive. Why?
What is your DIY project story? We are interested in your DIY project story. If you purchased plans at MechanicalElements.com, then we would love to see what you built.
Oh, I need to drill a bunch of holes, all the same, in 8 parts. What a pain! And, I need to cut these other 5 pieces all to match. What a hassle to measure, mark, and cut each one! Is there a good way to make the job easier?
So, you need to cut steel for a DIY project (like a crane or trailer). Easy, Right? What is the best, easiest, cheapest, fastest way of cutting steel? There must be dozens of ways, so, the better question might be
I grew up with a fascination for metals. My father was a woodworker, and taught me young, so I have always built stuff from wood. Yet, metal is different, and welding beats glue in the fun department any day! And Mig Welding is just one path to the fun.
The topic of trailer tires has come up a hundred times. Why can’t I use automotive tires on my trailer? That is a fair question, so let’s explore it.