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Easy Magic Tricks: How To Bend A Spoon

Easy Magic Tricks: How To Bend A Spoon

Spoon bending is a classic magic trick that most people have seen yet it’s still a popular magic trick that can amaze audiences. There are many ways and styles of doing the spoon bending magic trick and some require magic supplies like a bent spoon or two identical spoons, whereas some spoon bending tricks can be done with any spoon without damaging it.

Using An Unbent Whole Spoon

You can use a whole spoon to do the spoon bending trick. This is better for an audience that is in front of you and not around you.

You’ll hold the handle of the spoon with its bowl touching the table vertically and then show that you put pressure on the spoon and bent it. Then, put pressure again and make the spoon straight again.

The benefit of this trick is that you can do it with any spoon without any preparation time if you know the trick. So, you can go to a wedding party and take a spoon from the table for performing the trick. Make sure that the handle of the spoon is not too large.

Steps For Performing This Trick

  • Take a normal spoon and show the audience that it is a whole spoon made of metal.
  • Grip its handle with both hands and its bowl facing downwards on the table. Make sure that your dominant hand is on the lower half and your thumb is inside the grip and free so that the audience shouldn’t see.
  • While gripping the spoon, your both hands should cover the handle completely. The tip of the spoon handle should not peek out of your hand on the top.
  • Show that you’re pushing the spoon against the table and using your bare hands to bend it.
  • During this, while keeping your both hands in the vertical position and showing that you’re using force to bend the spoon, slowly push the spoon down. It will appear to the audience that the spoon is bending.
  • Keep pushing it down until it appears completely bent to the people in front of you.
  • Half of the trick is done, you have bent the spoon. The other half of the trick is making the spoon straight because you haven’t bent the spoon in reality, so showing that you used your bare hands to unbent the spoon will be exciting as well.
  • Simply reverse what you did in the above steps. Slowly pull the spoon’s tip to your hand while showing that you’re pushing the spoon against the table to make it straight again.
  • Show the audience the straight spoon.

Using A Bent Spoon And A Broken Spoon

Another method of bending a spoon involves a bent spoon and a broken handle of a spoon. Both spoons should be identical in appearance for this magic trick.

Instructions

  • Take two spoons of the same color, size, and design. Cut the handle of one spoon while bending the other spoon. Make sure to sand down the sharp edges of the broken spoon handle.
  • Hold the bent spoon in your hand so that the bent part is concealed by the palm of your hand while the bowl is visible pointing to the right side if you’re right-handed. For left-handed people, the spoon bowl should point to the left.
  • Take the broken handle of the second spoon and hold it to the same handle showing that it’s the handle of the bent spoon to the audience.
  • With your style, show that you are bending the spoon with your mind while slowly lowering the broken spoon toward your palm. Don’t lose your grip on the spoon because it can fall down. Make sure that the two handles don’t make a noise when they touch each other.
  • When done, use both hands to show that the spoon is bent while sliding the broken to any hand that is holding the end where the handle of the spoon is.
  • Reveal the spoon clearly to the audience that it’s bent.

This spoon bending trick requires preparation but it appears more transparent and clean to the audience.

Conclusion

You can perform the spoon bending trick with the above two methods. You can visit a magic shop Port Jefferson to find more tricks and props for magic tricks.

What Are Some Retail Store Design Upgrades

What Are Some Retail Store Design Upgrades

As a business owner, you should know the first impression is everything. As soon as the customers walk into your store, they should feel welcomed, and engaged and should not have a hard time looking for the products and items they want. According to several studies, customers snap judgments about businesses within a few seconds of entering the store. So, if you are looking to take the shopping experience to a whole new level with a retail remodel, here are a few tips to consider.

Upgrade Your Product Display

The first thing you need to do when it comes to upgrading your retail store design is upgrading the product display. The product display is the way you showcase your products. If you have some products on sale or offer, they should be displayed prominently.

Furthermore, if you have newly launched items, you can display them in the front to catch the customer’s attention as soon as they walk in. Remember, if it takes a while for your customers to find the products they want, they are never going to return.

Therefore, keeping track of what customers want and displaying the products accordingly to ease the shopping experience goes a long way in forming a positive impression of the store/brand.

Change Your Store Layout

If you own a retail store, keep in mind that customer behavior is the biggest factor that can have an impact on your business. And customer behavior can change within a few seconds if they find it hard to navigate through the store. This is why sometimes changing the entire layout of the store is the only option.

You might not know it but your store may be already stuffed. This also creates confusion among customers while they look for the products to shop for. That said, one of the best remodeling ideas for retail stores is rearranging some furniture and moving things to help create the illusion of space. The last thing your customers want is to walk inside a store that does not even have enough space to step foot in.

Incorporate Technology Into Your Design

The technology in retail stores is supposed to make the overall shopping experience more convenient and you should have it too. For instance, virtual augmented reality is the most hyped technology in the world and its application is mind-blowing.

Clothing brands have been offering their customers VR to test and try on different sets of clothes without actually wearing them before making a purchase. This saves a lot of time and effort from the customers’ end as they have to take off and put on different articles.

Moreover, you can also opt for Radio-frequency identification tags that are placed on products to keep a check on the inventory. This is a great way to restock items quickly. And plus, self-checkout machines are also an impressive option. The customers can checkout without having to wait in line.

Use Strategic Lighting

Believe it or not, lighting has a crucial role to play in helping a customer make their final decision. As mentioned earlier, your retail store should be welcoming and engaging. This means that you will need to opt for a system that not only lights up the area but also helps the customers check the products in detail.

If the lighting system happens to be weak, the customers will find it difficult to locate the products they want. So, they might leave empty-handed without knowing the product was there all the time simply due to poor lighting.

Therefore, make sure your most popular and selling products are highlighted using proper lighting. Even though it is going to cost you money, consider it an investment. No one likes to walk into a retail store that is dull. And lighting on the best-selling and profitable products will lead to more customers noticing them and buying them. More sales equal more profit.

Final Word

That was all about retail store design upgrade ideas. Keep in mind that upgrades do not necessarily need to be expensive every time. Simply rearranging the store or upgrading the lights can make a lot of difference. So, make sure you keep the tips mentioned above in mind the next time you consult retail store contractors DC for renovation.

How Do You Fix A Noisy Washer

How Do You Fix A Noisy Washer

Having a washing machine is a blessing. The convenience of washing and drying clothes without you having to put in any effort or time is worth consideration. However, this could easily turn into an irritating issue if the machine suddenly starts to make strange noises. You will need to consider washer repair immediately. So, let’s take a look into why washers make unusual noises and what can you do about it.

The Washer Is Not Leveled Properly

A common issue with washers is that they are not leveled properly. The feet of the washing machine should be level on the floor and if the case is otherwise, it will vibrate and might damage the components inside. At the same time, the washing machine must be as close to the floor as possible. The higher it is, the more chances of strange vibrations and noises.

The Tub’s Bearings May Be Damaged Or Worn Out

All washing machines come with a tub bearing. The tub bearing is the part on which the tub sits and rotates freely. In a top-loading washing machine, the tub bearing is located below the outer tank, whereas in the case of a front-loading washing machine, the bearing is located on the sides.

If your washing machine is being noisy, it might be that the bearings are worn out. You can try lubricating it. Bearings, regardless of the type, need lubrication sooner or later to keep functioning properly. If not, they will simply damage and need replacement.

Furthermore, the average lifespan of a tub’s bearing is 10 years. However, that also depends on the maintenance of the machine. If the machine is ignored and not looked after, the bearings will give up a lot sooner than you think.

The Load May Not Be Evenly Distributed

Another common mistake people tend to make is overloading the washing machine. If you were to consult the user’s manual, you will see that manufacturers strongly suggest against overfilling the machine. Every machine comes with a limit when it comes to how many clothes can go in at one time.

With overloading or uneven loading, you will be putting the tub under a lot of stress. This is why you should avoid stuffing heavy items like rugs and carpets with clothes. Plus, clothing items when wet add to the weight. This makes it even harder for the machine to perform and will make strange noises.

The Belt Might Be Worn Out

Belt just like the bearings come with a limited lifespan. They will crack over time and you will have to replace them. Usually, a worn out belt will produce a squeaking sound. And if that is the case with your washing machine as well, it means that the belt is gone for sure.

However, you will need a professional’s help. Replacing the belt is not that easy and requires special tools. So, make sure that you consult an expert and get the belt changed as soon as it starts making squeaky sounds.

How Can I Prevent The Washing Machine From Making Noises?

Mostly, you simply need to be careful and look after the machine. If you have recently purchased a new machine or plan on buying one, make sure that you go through the user manual. Although washing machines perform more or less the same functions, there could be slight differences in the way maintenance is done.

Keep in mind that washing machines are a lot smarter and more intelligent than they used to be back in the day. Not only that, but they have also become a lot more durable and reliable. This means that if your washing machine starts to make a noise, it is most probably a mistake on your end.

However, if the machine happens to be old, you can expect unusual sounds. Bearings and belts etc. can give up at any time and cannot be repaired. But scheduled maintenance can also help prevent such incidents from taking place before your machine gets damaged.

Final Word

Washing machines do make noise while running. However, that is a normal buzzing sound, which means you do not need to panic. But if things seem out of normal, you should immediately contact an appliance repair Northern VA expert and get the issue fixed.

6 Practical Wedding Planning Tips To Remember

6 Practical Wedding Planning Tips To Remember

Weddings are the most anticipated event of a person’s life and everyone wants to make it as extravagant as possible, but there’s nothing wrong with planning a rather practical wedding either. You will still be hiring wedding tent rentals, decorators, caterers, and others, but it may keep your expectations and actions in check. If you want to plan and host a wedding that is practical and stress-free, then here are some amazing tips for that.

Get A Wedding Planner

Believe it or not, a wedding planner will take so much load off your shoulders, because they are experts in dealing with these kinds of things on a daily basis. If you can, try to get in touch with a couple of potential wedding planners, before you decide on one.

To make sure that the planner gives you exactly what you want, you have to communicate with them about your priorities and how you want the wedding to look.

Filter Out The List

Wedding planning starts out with a master list of things you need to accomplish before the big day. Once you have the big list made, it’s time to filter it out and really think about how you want your wedding to be.

There are going to be a lot of miscellaneous things, which make no sense in a wedding, so take your time filtering out those things, because by canceling one miscellaneous and useless thing, you will save a lot of money, which could be used for other important and non-negotiable things.

Stick With A Budget

It is so easy to stray off your existing budget, especially if you’re getting too excited about wedding planning. You need to practice some discipline and make sure that you stay within a certain limit of your budget.

Things can take an expensive turn really quickly during wedding planning and you want to avoid it as much as possible if you don’t want to end up broke after your wedding. That’s why monitoring your expenses is super important, so that you can have a grand total at the end and compare it to your budget.

Keep The Date In Mind

Setting the wedding date is very important and this is the place where you can either save money or lose all of it. Wedding venues are not cheap, so you want to set your wedding date accordingly. If you go in seasons where the venues are in high demand, then you will obviously have to pay more for it. So, if possible, try to set your wedding date in a season and month, where there is no hustle and bustle because you will get better service as well as a chill and relaxed reception.

Also, keep the weather in mind, because the last thing you want is a downpour or an extremely hot day at your wedding.

Be Realistic

It is so important to keep your expectations low in everything, even your own wedding. If you try to strive for perfection, then you will be a ball of stress all day. It is encouraged to enjoy your day without any stress and let nature take its course.

Of course, there are going to be things that won’t go as planned, but at the end of the day, this is the beauty of planning a wedding and these small setbacks serve as good and fun memories for the future.

Don’t Go Overboard With The Guest List

Last but not least, keep the guest list short as well. You don’t need to go a step further and invite all of your relatives and friends around the world. This is just going to increase your budget and worries. Shorten the guest list as much as you can and invite friends and family who are closest to you, literally and figuratively.

If you end up inviting people from other countries and cities, then you will need to bear their accommodation costs as well and this is yet another stressful thing to deal with.

Conclusion

There you have it! A practical wedding doesn’t mean that you’re compromising on your wishes. It just means taking a step back before planning wedding budget and booking wedding party rentals Rockland NY, and thinking about spending money on things mindfully.

What Are The Major Components Of A Crane

What Are The Major Components Of A Crane

Cranes are essential pieces of equipment not only used in construction but also in the transportation industry. These machines are designed to lift and shift heavy loads. This is possible with the help of several different components such as the boom and hydraulics etc. Before going to crane rentals, you should know these basic things about cranes. Let’s take a deeper look into the components of a crane along with their purpose.

The Hook

The most noticeable part of a crane is perhaps the hook. This is the main connecting point between the load and the crane. While lifting and shifting heavy weights around the construction site, the hook can be trusted to hold them while the crane does its work.

Since hooks deal with extremely heavy weights, it is important that they are durable and strong. With people on the ground working as well, the last thing you would want is the hook giving up and crashing all the load to the ground, leading to serious injuries.

Wire Rope And Sheaves

The next important component of cranes used to lift extremely heavy loads is the heavy-duty wires and sheaves. If you look closely, these are smaller steel ropes twister together to make a wire rope. These wire ropes are attached to the crane and the load and are used to lift loads

Meanwhile, the sheaves are components that increase the lifting capacity of the hook. It is a pully system through which the wire ropes go. With more wires, you can do more weight distribution and reduce the risk of overloading and accidents. As a result, the hook is able to lift much heavier loads than a single wire rope would be able to do.

The Boom

The boom of a crane can be recognized most easily. It can be identified from a distance since it is also the biggest part of the crane that can extend depending on the height at which the load needs to be shifted. The size of the boom itself also depends on the size of the crane.

There are two types of booms: the hydraulic boom and the lattice boom. The hydraulic boom comes with telescopic features that allow the crane to extend its boom to far places.

On the other hand, the lattice boom consists of welded steel, resembling the appearance of a lattice. This reduces the weight of the boom and gives it great strength.

Counter Weights

Amongst the numerous impressive features cranes are loaded with, one of them is that cranes do not tip over while lifting and shifting heavy loads. This is possible due to counterweights. The counterweights are placed on the back of the crane and prevent it from losing its balance.

That said, without the counterweights, the crane will simply lean over or fall towards the direction of the weight or the boom. Therefore, the counterweights are used in the opposite direction of the boom lift to keep the crane firm in its place. Furthermore, counterweights can also be removed to make transportation easier and can tow them as well.

Outriggers

Cranes do come with legs that help keep the crane stable while it is dealing with heavy loads. You might have seen cranes standing on metal stands protruding from the inside of the crane to help with stability, especially if the crane is working on uneven terrain.

These outriggers will contract once the heavy lifting is done and the crane will return to its tires or tracks. The combination of counterweights, outriggers, and a complex hoist system keeps the crane safe and secure while loading and unloading extremely heavy weights.

The Jib

Sometimes, the cranes need to shift the load at a location that is slightly farther than its reach. This is where the jib comes in. It is basically an arm that extends to provide a few extra inches of reach. This component comes in use when the loads that need to be lifted are larger or longer, forcing the crane to stand farther away during the process.

Final Word

It is important for you to be familiar with the components of a crane if you plan on renting it from crane services VA as the information gives you an insight into the type of crane you should be going for.

How To Fix Commercial Convection Oven Problems

How To Fix Commercial Convection Oven Problems

Commercial convection ovens have a fan and exhaust system which distributes hot air inside the oven for cooking food and takes it out through the vent system. It ensures evenly heated and faster cooking. These ovens are more expensive than standard ovens so take care of them by consulting a commercial oven repair service. Below are some common convection oven problems and how you can fix them.

Oven Not Heating Up

The most common oven problem is the oven not heating up. To begin troubleshooting, first, check the gas valve and make sure that is at the ON position. Then, move to checking the power source and see if the oven’s power cord is plugged into an outlet. Plus, check the power cord for any damages.

If the above things are clear, test the power switch on the control panel of your commercial convection oven. Set it in the cook or oven on position. You should also change its position and then take it back to your desired position.

The oven not working problem could be because of incorrect temperature settings. Shift your attention to the control temperature. In the case the temperature is set to a lower setting, change it to the required cooking temperature.

After this, check if the door is open because it is a big reason for oven problems. Try to close the door. If the door is not closing, look for anything that may be blocking the door. Plus, check the door gasket or hinge for cracks and damage. Moreover, clean the door hinges and try to close the door again.

Preheating Is Taking Too Long

In restaurants and food businesses where ovens are required, they must be ready for cooking. Convection ovens have an oven ready light. When it’s lit, it shows that the oven is preheating and when it goes out, the oven is ready for heating or cooking food.

If this preheating process is longer than usual, check the fan delay settings. If it’s activated, then turn it off because deactivating the fan delay can heat up the oven more quickly.

This problem can be gas-related as well. First things first, check the gas valve and also check the gas pressure. Low gas pressure means less power for the oven to heat so if it’s low, get in touch with your gas supplier.

The Fan Is Not Running

The role of the fan in a convection oven is critical to cook anything. If the fan is working, start by checking the power cord of the oven. Make sure it’s plugged in and not damaged from anywhere.

Sometimes, a fan doesn’t work when the door is not closed properly. Check the door and close it. If it’s closed, open and close it again. Moreover, see if something is obstructing the door from closing. Check and clean the hinges of the door as well.

Now, check the power switch on the control panel of the oven. Set it to cook or oven on the setting. If the fan is still not working, the circuit breaker may have tripped. In that case, reset the circuit breaker.

Convection oven models that have the fan delay feature heat up more quickly when turning off the feature.

Frequent Baking Problems

If the use of the convection oven is causing common baking problems, make sure your oven is installed correctly by appliance experts. Refer to your oven’s manual for installation instructions.

Furthermore, the maintenance of convection ovens must never be ignored. Less or no maintenance decreases the life of the oven and increases the frequency of breakdowns.

Make sure to clean the oven with a commercial-grade oven cleaner for cleaning its interior and exterior. Similarly, cleaning the fan every week is essential so it works without obstructions. Refer to your oven’s manual for learning the correct procedure for cleaning your specific oven model.

Apart from that, the programmable controls may be incorrectly set. Again, refer to the user manual to check that the settings are correct.

Conclusion

Commercial convection ovens are important parts of restaurants so follow the above-mentioned tips if you experience any problems. Clean and maintain it regularly and consult authorized commercial appliances repair DC technicians for repairs.

Which Kitchen Features To Add In A Remodel

Which Kitchen Features To Add In A Remodel

If you’re performing kitchen remodeling, then you need to consider these ideas, because these are game changers and will transform your kitchen.

Multipurpose Space

When remodeling your kitchen, you really need to think about how you can use the existing space smartly. If you have a small kitchen, then you want to remodel it in a way so that things can be used in a variety of ways.

One great example is a kitchen island which can double up as a cooking space or dining area. It’s going to save so much space and money and you will be surprised how a small space can turn multifunctional.

Another great idea is having a breakfast bar turned dining area. You can have a bigger breakfast bar made for your kitchen, so it can host a couple of people.

Good Lighting

Another great feature of a kitchen is good lighting. This might be a very insignificant thing to consider for a kitchen remodel, but the right lighting will make all of the difference. The fixtures can double up as décor and you can also use lights to illuminate the cabinets and countertops in your kitchen.

This is a great design and the end result will be amazing and eye-catching. You will thank yourself for thinking about the lighting in the long run, especially if you have a darker space and want to illuminate it with pretty lights.

Stylish Cooking Range

If your existing cooking range needs replacing, then this is the perfect time to get a new and high-tech one. Everyone adores a shiny and spotless cooking range with multiple functions and features.

A new cooking range will last you a long time once you splurge on it and it will be an investment for the future if used properly, a cooking range can last up to 20 years, if not more. It can be an expensive thing to include in a remodel, but it will be worth it in the end and you will get a lot of use out of it.

Storage, But Better

A pantry is a kitchen must, but you can make it a lot better by making it look stylish. There are so many kitchen pantry ideas that are perfect for small kitchens and they are also quite discreet and hidden, so they are perfect for a modern kitchen remodel.

You can have a pantry area that can open and close like a refrigerator or if you want to save space, you can have a pantry that is in the form of glorified drawer space, and in this, you can add tons of produce, food supplies, and canned food for eating and meal prepping.

Pot Filler

A very convenient way and an amazing kitchen remodel idea is a pot filler. It is a long and adjustable tap set just above the stovetop. This makes for easy pot filling for when you’re making pasta, rice, and other things that need to be boiled.

This is convenient in the sense that you don’t need to carry around huge pots to the sink and fill them with water and bring them back to the stovetop. You can do it all in one place with zero spills and it takes less time too.

Advanced Appliances

A kitchen remodel is the right time to revamp or replace your old appliances. It’s best to get multifunctional and two-in-one products. They take up less space in the kitchen, they are easy to use and everything is in one place, so there’s no fuss at all. For instance, you can get a food processor and blender, a coffee machine with a frothing cup and the list goes on.

Appliances are, again, one of those things which will last forever, once you splurge on them and they can be really useful around the kitchen when making different types of foods.

Conclusion

There you have it! These features and ideas are not only meant to make the kitchen look beautiful, but they are also functional and practical, which is even better. Discuss your preferences with your kitchen remodeling contractor Bowie to come up with more ideas and features that are practical and also improve the appearance of the kitchen.

Why Won’t The Fire Start In My Fireplace

Why Won’t The Fire Start In My Fireplace

Having a fireplace in your house can be a real blessing, especially during the winter season. Not only is it appealing to the eye but also helps you relax after spending a long day at work. But what if you try to fire up your fireplace and it simply won’t light? Time for fireplace and chimney inspection? We are going to share some tips that will help you troubleshoot the issue. Let’s begin!

The Wood Isn’t Seasoned

If you are using wood for your fireplace, you need to make sure it is seasoned or dry. If the wood contains moisture, you will have trouble firing up the fireplace. The moisture will simply not allow the fireplace to get hot enough.

And if the fire is not hot enough, the fireplace won’t produce warm enough air in the chimney to keep your house warm. In addition to that, burning moist wood will produce a lot of smoke as a result as well. This smoke can enter your house and lead to chronic health problems if inhaled.

Therefore, only opt for seasoned wood and if the wood you have purchased is moist, keep it in the sun for a few days until it dries out completely.

The Damper Does Not Fully Open

The chimney of your fireplace relies heavily on the damper as it is the plate or valve that stops or regulates the flow of air inside the chimney. If the damper happens to be closed, it will restrict the airflow.

That said, sometimes the problem could be as easy as you forgetting to open the fireplace damper. This is a common issue for homeowners. However, while that is one thing, it could also be that the damper isn’t big enough. And the same goes for a partially closed damper as well.

It might be that the damper has rust or normal wear and tear, which is not allowing it to work properly. You should make sure that it is free of soot buildup as well. Whatever the reason may be, your damper must be included in the regular inspections of your chimney.

The Pilot Light Is Out

Another common reason for gas fireplaces not firing up is the pilot light going out. It usually happens due to a sudden downdraft or by the wind. In such a case, all you need to do is turn the pilot light on. The pilot light is controlled by a knob by turning it counterclockwise. Otherwise, you will need to consult the user’s manual. It might be that the button or the knob to turn on the pilot light is located somewhere else.

The Gas Valve Is Blocked

If you have a fireplace that runs on gas, you should know it comes with a thermocouple as well. It helps ignite the pilot light. However, the problem is that it is very tiny and it can be blocked by debris or dust particles. Therefore, you should clean the woods with a microfiber cloth and try again. If that does not work out, you will need to call in a professional.

The Chimney Draft Is Poor

As mentioned earlier, your chimney relies heavily on the airflow in your house to work effectively. Therefore, if there isn’t enough draft in your chimney, your fireplace will fail to fire up. Chimney draft problems are mostly caused due to animal nests, branches, no chimney cap, clogged openings, etc.

In addition to that, it might also be that the chimney is simply very short. If that is the case, the wind will blow right back into the chimney putting out the fire. Make sure your chimney is at least 3 feet above your roof and 2 feet higher than anything that is within 10 feet of it.

The Chimney And Fireplace Need Cleaning

If the fireplace doesn’t turn on properly, it’s a sign that the fireplace and the chimney have creosote and soot buildup. You should consider chimney cleaning.

Final Word

Although a fireplace does a good job of keeping your house warm and cozy, some problems can make it irritating. However, the good news is that fixing the majority of the issues is both easy and affordable. Try following the troubleshooting tips highlighted above or simply consult chimney contractors Columbia MD to get your fireplace running normally again.

Separated Shoulder – Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Separated Shoulder – Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Shoulder injuries are very painful and they can affect the entire arm if the consultation of an orthopedic surgeon is delayed. Here is everything you need to know about shoulder separation, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Separated Shoulder

Your shoulder is a very complex juncture of a lot of bones. Your collarbone, shoulder blade, and upper humerus are connected in a bolus of joints, which gives your shoulder a round appearance from the outside. A shoulder separation occurs near the ligaments which join these three bones together, mainly where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. This can lead to a physical gap and deformation in your shoulder and it’s visible from the skin.

The degree of separation of the two bones depends on the type of injury the shoulder has gone through. If the ligaments are barely holding onto the bones, then the two bones will stretch apart and the gap will become bigger and bigger.

Causes Of A Separated Shoulder

Here are some common causes of shoulder separation:

  • Sports injuries can lead to a separated shoulder. There are a lot of high-intensity sports in which the shoulders and arms are engaged. If the arm or shoulder faces any kind of impact which is too much for the muscles, bones, or tendons to handle, it can lead to tearing in the ligaments, ultimately leading to a separated shoulder.
  • Car accidents can also cause separated shoulders.
  • Falling on your shoulder very hard can lead to a shoulder separation.
  • Overexerting your outstretched arm, like doing very heavy exercises, or constantly falling on your arm, will also, ultimately, lead to a shoulder separation.
  • If you are an avid player of baseball or any sport where there is throwing involved, then a sprain in the shoulder can graduate into a separated shoulder.

Symptoms Of Separated Shoulder

Here are some symptoms of a separated shoulder:

  • One of the most obvious ones is pain. After falling or taking a heavy impact, you will instantly feel a lot of pain in the shoulder. Even though most shoulder injuries have pain as the main symptom, shoulder separation, it’s different because you will distinctly hear a popping sound when you try to move your shoulder too much.
  • A popping sound is because of the gap present in the shoulder. Because your shoulder is separated and has a gap in it, it will accumulate air in it and it will lead to a popping sound when you move your shoulder and let the air out.
  • There will be a distinct gap in your shoulder and this can be seen through your skin. It is very obvious and it is deemed as a physical deformity in the shoulder.

Treatment For Separated Shoulder

The non-surgical treatments for a separated shoulder are:

  • Giving the shoulder time to rest.
  • Wearing a sling after popping the shoulder back in place.
  • Doing light physical therapy to keep the shoulder moving and avoiding frozen shoulder.
  • Taking pain medications, if the pain gets too much for you.

When To Get Should Surgery?

These treatments are great if you have a slight gap in your shoulder and it can be treated without any type of invasion or surgery. But sometimes, the injury might be too severe and it’s far gone from the point of healing without surgery. This can usually be found through an x-ray and the severity can be denoted.

The surgical method of fusing your shoulder gap involves making a small incision near the gap, where the doctor will go in and fuse the two separated bones together and fuse them with prosthetic ligaments. This shoulder surgery is less invasive and the healing time is within a couple of weeks. You will be able to resume important life activities after the recommended healing time. Another x-ray might be done, after the surgery, to see the progress of the healing shoulder.

Conclusion

A shoulder separation is very easy to identify since there is some sort of physical deformation in the appearance of the shoulder. So, if you notice something similar to the above-mentioned symptoms, you shouldn’t waste your time and see a shoulder specialist Woodbridge immediately. Moreover, follow the advice of the surgeon for treatment and quick recovery without facing any complications.

How Do You Clean The Condenser Coil Of AC

How Do You Clean The Condenser Coil Of AC

Air conditioners are no doubt a blessing during the summer season. Even though they can also keep your house warm and cozy during the winter season but only if they are well-maintained and working at their optimum. Part of an air conditioner being well-maintained means that the condenser coils are regularly cleaned which you can do yourself or hire AC repair services for it. So, let’s take a look into how you can clean the condenser coil along with the other coils such as the evaporator coil in just a few steps. Let’s begin!

How to Clean Air Conditioner Coils?

The air conditioner coils are amongst the most important components. The coils are directly responsible for producing both cool and hot air. Plus, both coils are located in the outdoor unit. This means that the coils bear the brunt of extreme weather conditions as they are kept exposed to the outdoor environment throughout their lifespan.

Even though cleaning air conditioner coils is something a professional is supposed to do considering the sensitivity of the process, if you have the skills and basic knowledge, you can do it on your own as well. First, you need to take the cover off and inspect the coils. If the coils have not been cleaned in a while, chances are that there is stubborn dirt and dust accumulation.

Before you can put your hands inside the unit, make sure that it is disconnected from the main power supply. Keep in mind that air conditioners utilize electricity to run. Therefore, if you were to access or clean the coils while the unit is connected to the power supply, you risk getting electrocuted.

Once you have analyzed the situation of the coils, you will need to grab a cleaning agent, water, a brush, and a soft microfiber cloth. You can either spray the cleaning agent directly on the coils or mix it with water. Consult the user’s manual as well to go through the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Spray the cleaning agent onto the coils and wait for a few minutes for it to break down the accumulation. Then, using the microfiber cloth, wipe away the accumulation. If there is still some left, repeat the process until the coils are shiny new.

How Often Should AC Coils Be Cleaned?

The cleaning frequency of AC coils depends on the region and external factors such as rain, snow, dust storms, thunderstorms, etc. If you live in an area that experiences rain mostly throughout the year, you will need to clean the coils more often as water combined with dirt and dust can result in stubborn accumulations.

Perhaps the best way to ensure timely maintenance of the coils is by consulting the user’s manual. Every manufacturer recommends cleaning and maintenance of the coils after a certain period of time depending on the usage and other factors.

However, the difference lies in the way the coils are cleaned. Both experts and manufacturers suggest not to clean such components on your own if you are not aware of the basic steps. These components are not something to experiment your skills on.

You should consult an expert and learn the procedure while he/she works on them and then maybe try doing it on your own the next time. But you will have to be extra careful each time.

Why Is It Important To Clean AC Coils?

The primary reason air conditioner coils need to be cleaned is due to the amount of air that flows across them. This brings dirt and dust, which can begin accumulating on the coils. Although the coils are designed to dissipate heat, the dust accumulation can reduce this ability, causing the coils to heat up. If the coils heat up for excessive periods, it could affect the lifespan of the coils.

As a result, the unit will consume more electricity and struggle to perform as effectively and efficiently as it was designed to in the first place. And the last thing you would want is rising energy bills having invested in an air conditioner that comes with all the latest technology and features helping reduce the energy consumption.

Final Word

Concluding, cleaning the air conditioning coils is of utmost importance. You can follow the tips mentioned above to keep them in brand new condition. But if not, hire an HVAC contractor McLean to thoroughly clean the coils at least once a year.