Only specially-designed PEX cutter tools should be used to cut PEX tubing. Common household tools such as saws may be dangerous to use given the density of pex tubing. Visit your local hardware store or look online for a PEX cutter. A simple PEX cutter will be adequate to cut through PEX tubing but it may require some muscle. This model of PEX cutter is the most economical choice. Look for a model with easy-to-grip handles that will make it more comfortable to use. Basic PEX cutters usually range from approximately $10 to $20. Ratchet style PEX cutters are more expensive than regular, scissor style cutters but are easier to use. With a stronger blade and firmer grip, this tool will usually cut through PEX tubing in one squeeze, Compare models and prices to get the best cutter for your money. Ratchet-style PVC cutters can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. While a utility knife is not the ideal choice for cutting PEX tubing, it may be used in an emergency. Hold the knife perpendicular to the piping and insert the tip of the blade into the middle. Pull the blade downwards to cut through the piping halfway. Pull the knife around to the other, uncut side of the piping and slowly cut though the rest of the piping. Cut slowly to ensure a clean line. If you are cutting PEX tubing for the purpose of removing a crimp ring, you will need a special PEX crimp ring cutter tool. This tool will squeeze between the piping and the ring, allowing you to make a clean cut. Opt for cutters with easy-to-grip handles and a strong blade. If you want to attach PEX piping to a valve, fitting, or manifold, you will have to stretch the tip of it first. If you are only making a few attachments, purchase a hand-operated expander tool online or in a hardware store. You can also buy an automatic expander tool if you have to make a large number of these connections.

Summary: Be sure to use a specialized PEX cutter tool. Purchase a basic, scissor-style PEX cutter. Purchase a ratchet-style cutter tool for an easier cut. Use a utility knife to make minor cuts in a pinch. Get a PEX crimp ring cutter for removing crimp rings. Buy an expander tool to stretch PEX piping.


Make sure the camera you use has enough storage for your video files since they can take up a lot of space. Put the video camera on a tripod so it doesn’t move around or shake while you’re recording since this could look unprofessional.  If you’re filming comedy videos or short films, you may choose to shoot without a tripod for some of your shots. You can use your phone as long as it has enough memory available to record your video. You can buy phone tripods at convenience stores or online. Bring extra batteries for your camera since recording can burn through them quickly. Move lights around the space where you plan on recording to see how they affect the brightness. Make sure it’s bright enough that you’re visible on camera, but not so much that it causes harsh highlights or shadows. Aim to have 1 light set up to the left and right of your camera to create balanced lighting.  You can also use natural lighting coming from windows into your space. You can film outdoors, but avoid shooting directly into the sun or else it will look too bright. Your lighting all depends on the space where you’re shooting. Rooms with lighter colors will look brighter than rooms with darker colors. The microphones built into your camera or phone don’t pick up audio clearly, especially if you’re far away from them. Get an external microphone that has good sound quality so your videos sound and feel professional. Test the microphone beforehand to make sure it works.  Lapel microphones clip onto your shirt so you can clear audio no matter where you are in the shot. Directional microphones pick up sounds in whichever direction they’re pointing. Omnidirectional microphones pick up any noise around it. Choose a clean wall or area where you feel comfortable to film your video. Remove anything that’s cluttering the background of your recording area since it could be distracting to viewers. Leave some objects, such as books or posters, to give your shot some visual interest. If you don’t have a clean wall to film in front of, try hanging up a sheet and standing in front of it instead. Look online for free video-capture programs so you can record the game you’re playing. Follow the program’s instructions and select the screen or window you want to record to capture the footage. That way, you can use your microphone to record your audio and while the software records the footage and audio from your computer.  Screen-capture programs work great for digital art videos, video game let’s plays, and how-to computer tutorials. Try filming video of yourself even if you’re using a screen-capture program. That way, you have the option to include it if you need it.

Summary: Use a camera with a tripod if you’re filming yourself. Light your recording area so it isn’t too dark. Speak into a microphone to get clear audio. Keep the background clean if you plan on recording educational content. Use a screen-capture program if you’re filming video games or computer screens.


Your fingertips are your most accessible and cost-effective tool. Start at the base of the cylinder or pad, grasp a clump of hair, and gently pry up and away. It’s important to take your time as hair strands break easily and will become difficult to remove. When it comes to hairbrush cleansing tools, the miniature hairbrush rake tops the list. While this tool is similar to a comb, it is far more effective. Cleaning rakes vary in size, as well as in single or dual sides. For bristled brushes or if you have multiple styles and sizes of brushes, a dual sided rake is more versatile. Hold the bristled hairbrush over the sink, a trash can, or take it outdoors. Brush the nylon brush through the bristles of your hairbrush. This will remove hair buildup, as well as dislodge skin and dandruff flakes. Continue brushing until the nylon brush rakes cleanly through the brush bristles.  Wash the nylon brush to remove debris and allow it to dry completely before reusing it for this purpose. Teasing combs are dual sided with bristles and a hair sectioning point called a rat tail. Beginning at the base of your bristled brush, slide the rat tail under the collected hair and gently pull away from the brush. Repeat this on all sides of the cylinder or across the entire face of the pad. Once you have loosened and lifted the hair from the shaft, simply use your fingers to roll the hair up and off. Oftentimes, the hair will clump or knot in the process of removal. Make sure to have a pair of scissors handy for these occasions. Simple cut through the clump or knot to divide it into two or three sections. Be careful not to cut too much or the smaller pieces of hair may remain stuck.
Summary: Use your fingers if your hairbrush has a light layer of collected hair. Use a miniature hairbrush rake if your hairbrush has a substantial amount of collected hair. Use a nylon brush if you already have one available. Use a teasing comb for layers of hair that are tightly wound. Use scissors to help remove stubborn hair knots and clumps.