Use a ruler to measure the caster's stem. The stem is the metal part that connects the caster to the chair. Also, write down whether or not the stem is threaded or grip.  A threaded caster has a screw that screws into the chair, while a grip stem pulls out like a plug from a socket. If your chair has a swivel plate, measure the width of the plate itself. Using a ruler, measure the wheel itself from the front to the back. Most casters come with 2–2.5 in (5.1–6.4 cm) wheels. If you've had difficulty rolling the chair around (say, onto an elevated surface like a rug), consider buying a larger wheel. A twin-wheel caster tends to last longer, since it distributes weight more evenly, but a single-wheel caster is more reliable, since it has less opportunity to fail, having fewer parts. Twin-wheel casters are more often used in office settings, while single-wheel casters are typically found in industrial settings. Casters can be bought from any hardware store or online hardware store. Be sure to take the specifications you've written down with you, as you'll want to be able to compare them and make sure you're buying the right product. If you're shopping for your casters in-person, take one of the old casters with you and ask someone who works there to help you compare.

Summary: Write down the size of the caster's stem and what kind of stem it is. Measure the wheel from front to back. Decide whether you want a twin-wheel or single-wheel caster. Purchase your new casters from an office supply store.


Use a soft, clean cloth to work the cymbal polish into the cymbal. It’s best to use the polish that came with your cymbals if you still have it. The manufacturer’s polish is formulated to suit the alloy your cymbal is made of, so it’s your best option. If your cymbals didn’t come polish or cleaner, you can order some online or purchase some in a music store. Rub gently, following the grooves of the cymbal. Since the polish dries out quickly, try to work in small sections rather than try to polish the entire surface at once. Use a new, clean part of the cloth each time you apply polish to a new section of the cymbal, and keep polishing until you’ve covered the entire cymbal. In the tub, give the cymbal a quick rinse, making sure to wipe away all of the polish. Use soft, clean, dry cloth to wipe away the moisture before storing or setting up the cymbal.

Summary: Put a small amount of cymbal polish on a cloth. Apply the cleaner to the cymbal with a clean cloth in small sections. Rinse the polish off with clean water and wipe it dry.


It is important to know how FIV is spread so that you can keep your FIV-free cats healthy and make sure that your FIV-positive cat still has a happy life. FIV is most commonly spread through a cat’s saliva, though it can also be spread through blood and semen. The most common way for a cat to contract FIV is through getting bit by an FIV-positive cat.  Keep in mind that FIV is a relatively fragile virus that cannot survive in the environment beyond a few seconds. Outside the body, FIV is rapidly damaged by drying, UV, heat, light and basic disinfectants, and poses no risk to other cats. The virus requires direct transmission from infected saliva of one cat, into the bloodstream of a healthy cat. Studies have shown that it is not absolutely necessary to keep your healthy cats separate from your FIV-positive cats if they get along well. If your cats have a tendency to fight, however, it is a good idea to keep them separate. In studies done by the University of Glasgow, it was found that when FIV-free and FIV-positive cats were around each other, there was a 1-2% transmission rate. You will have to decide whether that 1 to 2% is too much of a risk to take. When cats get spayed (females) or neutered (males), they become less aggressive, which means that the chances that they will get into fights is greatly reduced. If you have an FIV-positive cat that you want to remain an outdoor cat, it is a good idea to get it fixed so that it is less likely to bite another cat in a fight. As a responsible cat owner, your priorities should be to keep your FIV-positive cat healthy, and to make sure that it does not infect any other cats. Male cats tend to roam over large distances, sometimes across several acres and are likely to encounter other cats on their travels. If he is likely to scrap with these cats, then it is essential to keep him indoors. Keeping a territorial cat indoors might not be the most ideal situation, particularly if he is used to roaming around outside, but it might be the only way to keep him from spreading FIV to other cats in your neighborhood. If you live in a city, it is a good idea to talk to a local veterinarian about the incidence of FIV in the area. If there is a large population of feral cats who are FIV-positive, you may want to keep FIV-free cats indoors but may feel alright about letting your FIV-positive cat stay an outdoor cat. If FIV is rare in a high cat density neighborhood, then, as a responsible owner, you should keep your FIV-positive pet indoors. If you live in an area with a low population of cats, such as remote countryside, then the risk of cats meeting and fighting is low, and it is acceptable to let your FIV-positive cat out.
Summary: Understand how FIV is transmitted. Consider keeping your FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats separate. Spay or neuter your FIV-positive cat. Keep a male cat indoors if he is likely to get into fights with other cats. Talk to a vet about the health of cats in your area, particularly if you live in a city.