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Wednesday, December 17, 2025

If You See YKK on Your Zipper, Here’s What It Means

Whether you’re examining your zipper to fix it, you’re curious, or you’re inspecting the garment it’s on, you may have noticed that many of the zippers around you have lettering stamped on them. One of the most common stamps is YKK, but what does it mean to see that on your zipper? We looked into its history to find out for you.

Once you know the answer, you’ll be set for whatever crossword puzzles or trivia quizzes include it, and you can guide your team to victory. If you aren’t puzzle inclined, you can keep this knowledge in your back pocket for the next time you have some kind of zipper emergency.

What Does YKK Stand For?

YKK is a zipper manufacturing company. It was founded in Japan in 1934 by Tadao Yoshida. It was originally called Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, which “translates roughly into English as ‘Yoshida Company Limited.'” Over time, however, it eventually got abbreviated to YKK. The company stamped those letters “onto the zippers’ pull tabs, and thus YKK became known as the Company’s trademark.”

According to the YKK’s website, people ask what the letters mean quite a bit. In fact, it’s the first question answered on their FAQ page.

What Does the YKK Stamp Mean on My Zipper?

Many clothing companies prefer to have their branding prominently displayed across their garments. So, it’s a fair guess that that’s what the YKK means. But the YKK stamp on your zipper has nothing to do with the clothing brand at all. In short, if your zipper reads ‘YKK,’ that means it’s made by the Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha Company. They aren’t the only zipper manufacturer out there. However, they are one of the bigger ones. So it’s not at all uncommon to come across a YKK zipper in your everyday life.

Where Else Might I  See YKK Stamped?

YKK has grown since 1934, and while it is primarily a fastener manufacturer, it does not limit its products to just zippers. In addition to zippers, YKK also produces “other fastening products-like snaps & buttons, textiles and plastics, hook & loop self-closing tape fastening systems, webbings, and metal and plastic notions and buckles.” And as if that doesn’t cover enough, “YKK also produces aluminium building products-like window and entrance systems for low, medium, and high rise applications.” Chances are you’ve come across their products quite a bit in your day-to-day life.

Source

FAQs, YKK Europe Limited.

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Why Blackout License Plates Are Taking Over the Road

You may have noticed a black license plate with white lettering while driving around lately. A lot of people have. Blackout plates seem to be showing up more often, whether you’re in traffic, at your school pickup, or parked along a neighborhood street. They don’t look like most plates, so they stand out without being flashy. For many drivers, that’s exactly the appeal.

Blackout plates aren’t only about style, though. They’re connected to how states offer different license plate options and specialty designs. Ahead, this article explains what blackout plates are, where they’re legal, how much they cost, and what goes into getting one.

What Are Blackout Plates?

Blackout plates are a type of specialty license plate with a black background and light-colored lettering. The design is simple and subtle, without the slogans, images, or extra graphics that often appear on many standard plates.

Even with the darker look, blackout plates still meet state visibility and reflectivity requirements, so they’re readable for law enforcement and cameras. The appeal is mostly visual. Many drivers appreciate how blackout license plates complement almost any vehicle color and don’t draw too much attention. In most states, they’re issued the same way as other specialty or personalized plates, whether the numbers are custom or randomly assigned.

Where Are Blackout Plates Legal?

Blackout plates are only legal in states that officially issue them through a Department of Motor Vehicles or a similar agency. Drivers cannot create their own black plates or purchase one online and use it legally, even if it appears convincing.

More states now offer blackout license plates as an optional design, usually through existing specialty plate programs, including Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Utah, and more. How they’re handled varies. Some states treat them like any other specialty license plate, while others associate them with state programs or causes. Not every vehicle qualifies, either. Passenger cars are usually included first, and other vehicle types may be added later or excluded entirely.

Since each state controls its plate designs, availability can change. A blackout plate may be offered for one year and limited or paused the next. The best way to check what’s currently allowed is through a state’s official motor vehicle website, where specialty plate options and rules are listed.

How Much Do Blackout Plates Cost?

Blackout plates typically cost more than standard-issue plates, but their price remains within the typical range for specialty designs. Most states charge an upfront fee to issue the plate, along with a recurring annual renewal fee that stacks on top of normal registration costs. For example, in Wisconsin, the plates will cost $15 up front, and then $25 to renew yearly when they become available in 2026.

In some states, part of that extra fee supports transportation funds, environmental programs, or other state-run initiatives. Others simply treat blackout plates as a premium design option with no specific cause attached. You may also incur additional fees if you opt for personalized lettering instead of a randomly assigned number.

While blackout license plates aren’t inexpensive, they cost significantly less than cosmetic vehicle upgrades, such as custom paint or wraps. For many drivers, the plate feels like a minor upgrade that subtly changes the car’s overall appearance.

How To Get Blackout Plates

Blackout plates must be obtained from the state. There’s no legal way to buy one from a third-party site or make your own and use it on the road. Most drivers request them through their state’s DMV website, though some locations still handle applications in person.

Obtaining one typically begins with a brief eligibility check. Standard passenger vehicles typically qualify as long as the plate is available. From there, drivers choose the blackout plate option, pick between standard or personalized numbers, and pay the fees. Some states show available number combinations. Others assign them automatically.

For new vehicle registrations, blackout plates are often available immediately. If a vehicle already has plates, the request usually counts as a specialty plate upgrade or replacement. Processing time varies. Some plates arrive quickly. Others take longer when demand is high.

Blackout plates still have to follow the same rules as any other license plate. They must stay fully visible and readable. Covers, altered characters, or frames that block any part of the plate can cause problems. States do enforce those rules.

Blackout license plates are simple by design, but they reflect a broader shift toward more plate options that still meet state requirements.

SOURCES

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Ducati Recalls Over 1,000 Motorcycles Over Dangerous Wheel Lockup Risk

While motorcycle recalls don’t seem to generate as much attention as car recalls, they can still pose significant safety issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that certain Ducati motorcycles have an issue with their wheels, resulting in a recall.

If you own one of these bikes, you should first confirm whether or not yours has this problem. If it does, you should use other means of transportation until you’ve been able to take it to a dealership for repair. Gambling on your wheels functioning exactly as intended when there’s a huge risk that they could cause a crash is a bad bet.

Why Are Ducati Bikes Being Recalled?

According to the NHTSA brief, the Ducati motorcycles in question have a problem with their wheels, which prompted the recall. More specifically, “the fuses for the ABS pump and control unit may have been reversed during assembly, which can cause an ABS malfunction and possibly result in wheel lockup.”

Any issue involving wheels needs to be taken seriously. And in this case, wheel lockup is as dangerous as it sounds, if not more so. The NHTSA warns that “front or rear wheel lockup can cause a loss of motorcycle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.” If this happens on the highway, you could be in very real danger of dying.

Which Ducati Bikes Have This Problem?

Over 1,000 Ducati bikes are included in this recall. They include the:

  • 2025 Panigale V2
  • 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2
  • 2026 Ducati Streetfighter V2

If you own one of these motorcycles, keep an eye on your mailbox. Ducati will send out owner letters in late January 2026. If you want to find out sooner than that, you can search your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA site as of December 15, 2025.

How Will Ducati Fix This?

Ducati says that “dealers will inspect the fuses and fuse holders, and repair them as necessary, free of charge.” Once the remedy is available, schedule your repair as soon as possible. Motorcycling is already a dangerous activity, as evidenced by higher insurance rates. There’s no reason to risk riding a bike with faulty wheels.

If you have further questions, you can reach Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-25-004 and the NHTSA number is 25V838000.

Source

Front or Rear Wheel May Lock Up, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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Red, Yellow, Green… and White? The New Traffic Signal Color You Need to Know

If you’ve seen talk about a white traffic light or images of a signal with an unfamiliar fourth color, you’re not imagining it. With everything drivers already pay attention to at intersections, hearing about a possible new indication may feel overwhelming. The discussion stems from ongoing research into how traffic signals may evolve as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, and what these changes could mean for everyday driving.

In this article, you’ll see what that white indication represents, how a future white traffic light could function, and whether it has any place on U.S. roads right now.

How A Future White Traffic Light Would Work For Drivers

Most intersections across the country still follow the standard sequence of red, yellow, and green outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. It remains the foundation for how signals are built today.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have been studying an additional indication that would work in conjunction with the existing three. Instead of appearing at all times, this proposed white signal would activate only when a group of autonomous vehicles reaches an intersection simultaneously. Those vehicles transmit information to the signal controller, and once the system confirms a coordinated movement, the white indication turns on.

During those moments, drivers in regular vehicles would move through the intersection by keeping a steady pace behind the vehicle in front of them. The connected vehicles manage the technical timing within the system, allowing the white phase to guide everyone through in a predictable way.

When autonomous vehicles aren’t present in that coordinated pattern, the signal returns to its usual cycle. Early simulations suggest the concept could support smoother traffic flow, and researchers are also reviewing how the system would interact with pedestrian signals.

Are White Traffic Lights Live In The U.S. Currently?

A white traffic light isn’t part of daily driving in the United States. The current MUTCD only recognizes the standard red, yellow, and green indications for general traffic, and it does not authorize a fourth color.

The concept of a white indication remains a topic of ongoing research. It appears in academic studies and controlled environments, not at public intersections. No transportation agency has approved it, and no city has placed this type of signal into everyday operation. If a trial proceeds, early installations are likely to appear in dedicated testing areas, such as research facilities or campus loops designed for experimentation.

For now, drivers can rely on the rules they already know. The established colors still guide all movement through intersections, and nothing in daily traffic requires interpreting a white indication.

You may occasionally notice white signals in other contexts, but they are separate from the white traffic light proposal. Some transit systems use white indicators exclusively for streetcars or trolleys, giving those operators distinct instructions that don’t interfere with nearby drivers.

Transportation agencies continue improving the internal equipment that powers today’s signals. Modern systems can communicate with emergency vehicles and public transit, which helps adjust timing during specific events. Even with those upgrades, the appearance of the signal remains the same from a driver’s point of view.

So at this point, the familiar red, yellow, and green lights continue to shape every intersection, and the white traffic light remains part of a developing conversation about what intersections may look like in the future.

Sources

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Tuesday, December 16, 2025

This App Can Tell You How Much Life Your Phone’s Battery Has Left in It

If you use your phone regularly, it’s easy to tell when your once-shiny-and-new device starts to display signs of aging. One of the first things to go is usually the battery — what once seemed to hold a charge for days suddenly needs to be constantly connected to a charging port to stay powered on. And if you’re not tech-savvy, noticing your phone battery slowly decline can be frustrating and confounding.

One positive development is that rising tech standards have compelled smartphone manufacturers to be more transparent about battery health. Here’s a look at why phone batteries slowly decline and a new tool you can use to check your own device’s battery health.

How Phone Battery Health Works

If you think about it, the batteries in modern smartphones are mini miracles. Just 20 years ago, cellphone batteries were bulky bricks that attached to the back of the device and often weighed as much as the phones themselves. Now, they fit unnoticed inside the device, charge incredibly quickly and can power your device for days at a time.

But they’re still not perfect. One of the fatal flaws of modern phone batteries is that they inevitably degrade with every charge. Over time, this slight degradation builds up, resulting in a noticeable difference in the duration of your phone’s charge.

How To Check Your Phone’s Battery Health

Many modern smartphones have a “Battery Health” section buried in their settings. But the information is pretty basic, and it can be hard to know what to do with it. Luckily, a new app from iFixit can help you know exactly when it’s time to repair or replace your phone’s battery.

The new iFixit app contains all kinds of information on home repairs, but one of its primary functions is monitoring and predicting your phone’s battery health. The app provides a comprehensive snapshot of your battery capacity compared to its full potential. Then, it charts out the degradation of your battery and predicts when you will need to replace your device or repair the battery.

“This beta feature is a work in progress because every phone reports its battery data a little differently,” says iFixit founder Kyle Wiens. “But we’ve been able to pull together something that is useful in most situations.”

The iFixit app is currently available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

How to help your phone’s battery capacity

Even though battery degradation is impossible to stop entirely, there are a few simple ways to maximize your phone’s battery health:

  • Lower your phone screen’s brightness
  • Use Wi-Fi over cellular data
  • Avoid leaving your phone in high-temperature locations
  • Avoid fully draining your battery and aim to keep it between 20% and 80% charged

Sources

iFixit “The iFixit App Is Here” 2025

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1-800-Flowers Bloom of the Year 2026 Will Be the Star of Your Next Centerpiece

2025 is rapidly coming to a close, and that means that many brands are rolling out their selections for the year ahead. While you may be familiar with Pantone and Behr’s colors of the year, did you know that there’s also a flower of the year? 1-800-Flowers just announced their picks for the flower and plant of 2026, and their selections could be spectacular additions to your garden next year.

How Did 1-800-Flowers Make Its Selections?

1-800-Flowers considered several factors when making their flower and plant of the year selections including “consumer purchasing trends and engagement data, floral and interior design trend forecasts, cultural symbolism and relevance, and versatility across gifting occasions and design applications,” according to their announcement.

2026 Flower of the Year

1-800-Flowers flowr of the year is delphinium. According to the company’s press release announcing the pick, “delphinium…symbolizes hope, elevation, and the steady movement toward brighter days. Its vertical form naturally draws the eye upward, mirroring a collective desire for growth, clarity, and renewed optimism. The flower’s architectural presence brings both softness and stature to arrangements, creating visual lift while evoking serenity and purpose.”

Flower Of The Year Cerulean Dreams Flower
VIA MERCHANT

Cerulean Dreams

A stunning floral arrangement featuring delphinium, 1-800-Flowers.com's flower of the year.

The company says that “delphinium aligns with emerging trends as blues and cool-toned florals experience a resurgence as part of the ‘calm luxury’ movement.” If you’re looking to purchase an arrangement that contains it, “designers are increasingly showcasing the flower’s potential…using it to create vertical flow in airy, sculptural compositions.”

2026 Plant of the Year

The company’s pick doesn’t stop at blooms. They’ve also announced a Plant of the Year: the Money Tree. According to the announcement, “the Money Tree…has deep roots in East Asian cultural traditions as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and harmony.” The article continues, saying “in feng shui, it’s believed to attract positive energy, while its five-lobed leaves represent the five elements of balance. The braided trunk design showcases how individual strength becomes more powerful when woven together.”

Source

1-800-Flowers.com Announces 2026 Flower and Plant of the Year: Delphinium and Money Tree, 1-800-Flowers.com, 2025.

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Here’s Why Animals Keep Eating Your Holiday Decorations

For decades, my family has decorated the blue spruce in our yard with holiday lights. Our neighbors have often told us how much they appreciate the tradition. But for the last three years, someone has been sabotaging that cheer.

It’s no big mystery. It’s the resident squirrels. Now, every time we hang a new strand, the little grinches promptly chew off the bulbs.

That prompted us to ask, why do squirrels and other animals eat, steal or otherwise deface holiday decorations? A few prominent wildlife experts gave us some answers, plus offered a few tips on how to prevent a bit of that mischief.

What Decorations Attract Animals?

All sorts of holiday decorations can pique the attention of wildlife, especially shiny tinsels, dangling ornaments, inflatables with internal fans and, of course, strings of lights. While we can’t know for sure what’s going on in their minds, veterinarian Iryna Smyrnova believes these items evoke curiosity and predatory instincts.

“Scented, edible decorations, or those located near food sources, such as bird feeders, are the most inviting,” she says.

Which Animals Are Usually the Culprits?

Squirrels and raccoons are common offenders. They are adventurous, smart and skilled, and always looking for their next treat, says Smyrnova. Deer also tend to sneak nibbles on the greens of wreaths and garlands.

Other animals are less intentional with their decoration destruction. For example, it’s common for moose, deer and birds can get caught up in low-hanging lights and other decor.

Why do squirrels chew on holiday lights?

“While it may feel like squirrels have a personal vendetta against holiday cheer, the real explanation is simple and rooted in their natural behavior,” says wildlife expert Peter Gros.

The Need to Gnaw

Squirrels, like all rodents, have incisors that grow throughout their lives. As such, chewing on things like branches helps keep them filed down. “For them, a string of lights is like another branch,” says Gros. “They may even mistake the wires fro twigs and other natural items.”

Natural Curiosity

Holiday lights bring new colors and textures, which squirrels are drawn to investigate. In winter, they’re also busy collecting, hoarding and burying their cache, so “Their foraging behavior during this time of year may inevitably increase their encounters with your holiday decorations,” says Gros.

Perception of Food

Some people speculate that squirrels mistake holiday bulbs for nuts and other food sources, but that’s unlikely the case, says naturalist David Mizejewski, “mostly because they don’t smell like those food items.”

Another theory is that because eco-friendly electrical insulation contains soy and other plant oils, that makes it attractive to squirrels (there’s similar theory for why chipmunks and mice chew car wires). But scientific evidence for this is sparse and mixed, making it a less likely motive.

Light Pollution

Finally, it is possible that having lights on all night could annoy wildlife, or at least make them more active, causing them to come in contact with lights more frequently, but we couldn’t find any scientific studies to prove or disprove this theory.

Strategies to Stop Animals From Ruining Decorations

For lights and other decorations, try coating them with a mist of a strong or bitter scent, like apple cider vinegar or hot pepper spray. “It may be enough to deter them,” says Gros. “Wildlife learn quickly when something tastes or smells unpleasant.”

However, it’s likely that won’t be a lasting fix. Sprays need to be reapplied regularly, plus “very determined squirrels tend to ignore them after a while,” says Smyrnova.

Other strategies:

  • Switch to rope lights, or put the wires in safety tubes.
  • Place decorations out of reach, far from trees, railings and fences.
  • Prune back tree branches, so they’re 15 feet from the house, or wherever lights are hung.
  • Remove other elements that attract wildlife to your home, like bird feeders, accessible trash cans and pet food.
  • Install motion-activated lights on larger decorations, like those that might be a draw to deer.

Squirrels: Little Scrooges or Backyard Buddies?

Even if squirrels aren’t eating your lights, chances are they’ve caused some frustration, thanks to their penchant for emptying bird feeders and leaving caches of pine cones in the attic. In our case, rather than start a battle, we decided to simply let them be. In the end, we decided we like having mischievous squirrels around more than we were attached to our holiday lights.

“Squirrels are amazing creatures,” says Mizejewski. “We tend to take them for granted because they are common, but they are one of the few wild animals that we get to see and enjoy every day, and that’s something special.”

Of course, all creatures also play important roles in the ecosystem. For squirrels, that often includes dispersing seeds and stabilizing the food web, since they’re prey for hawks, foxes and other equally cool wildlife.

One Final Mystery

A piece of our squirrel saga that we still don’t understand is why the squirrels ignored the lights for decades, then suddenly started gnawing on them three years ago. Smyrnova theorizes it could signify an increase in squirrel population, which has raised competition and subsequent stress behaviors.

But, there don’t seem to be more squirrels. So perhaps, it has to do with her secondary theory: “It might be a new generation that has adopted the habit from one very stubborn individual,” she says. “The behavioral trait, once learned and reinforced, could be very fast in spreading among the neighboring squirrels.”

About the Experts

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Friday, December 12, 2025

The Secret to Splitting Wood With an Axe Safely

Choosing an axe

The right axe for you is the one you feel most comfortable with. A good starting point for the size of your axe starts with the handle. Ideally you want the length of the handle to go from the ground to your hip. Choose the weight of the axe based on your personal strength. Try different lengths and weights to determine which one feels the best and and the safest to control and use.

Keep in mind:

  • The bigger the log the longer the handle needed to create more force in the downward strike.
  • Use an axe for smaller logs, smaller wood pieces, and for precise cuts.
  • Use a splitting maul for larger, tougher logs. A maul is heavier than an axe with a thick, wedge-shaped head that looks like a combination of an axe and a sledgehammer. Mauls split through wood using more weight and force rather than just sharpness. They’re also useful for driving splitting wedges into stubborn logs.

Before you begin splitting, ensure your axe blade is sharp – it should bite into wood easily on contact without bouncing. If your axe bounces off wood or requires excessive force, the axe needs sharpening with a file or stone, or you can have it professionally sharpened at many hardware stores.

The Diyer's Guide To Splitting Wood With An Axe Fhmvs25 Mf 09 18 Splittingwood 1

Positioning the wood

Where you place the wood when you are going to strike will go a long way toward providing safety. Use a large log, in an open area, as a chopping block to set the log you are going to split. Placing the log on the farther side of the chopping block. This will make sure the axe blade has a place to land and avoid hitting you in the shins or feet should your swing miss the mark.

Before placing the log, examine the grain pattern and look for natural splits or checks in the wood. Position the log so you’ll be splitting along the grain direction, not across it. Avoid splitting logs where knots are visible – the different orientation of the grain where the knot is located will prevent it from splitting easily. Also, avoid freshly cut or “green” wood, as high moisture content makes it harder to split.

The Diyer's Guide To Splitting Wood With An Axe Fhmvs25 Mf 09 18 Splittingwood 2

Holding the axe

Holding the axe properly will ensure a solid strike. The dominant arm’s hand should be positioned near the end of the axe handle, but closest to the ax head and will do most of the work to lift, drop and control the weight of the axe. Your other arm, the non-dominant hand, grips below that, closer to the end of the handle and serves as a support and fulcrum/pivot point for the axe.

Splitting wood isn’t only about force or strength; it’s about landing the strike in the optimal place to split the wood.

The Diyer's Guide To Splitting Wood With An Axe Fhmvs25 Mf 09 18 Splittingwood 3b Callouts

Aim

When deciding where you want the axe to contact the log, aim a little bit above the pith and use any existing split in the pith of the wood to your advantage. The pith is where the growth rings converge to form a tight center. This is usually where the log will naturally split as it dries out and moisture escapes. This split in the log is where the tension in the wood is already pulling apart the fibers, making your job easier.

The Diyer's Guide To Splitting Wood With An Axe Fhmvs25 Mf 09 18 Splittingwood 4 Callouts

Swing and strike

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart in a stable, balanced stance. Avoid straining your body by keeping the heavy part of the axe close to your body while lifting overhead for the swing. As you strike down, slide the dominant hand down to meet your non-dominant hand, bringing both hands together to end the swing.
Let the weight of the axe follow through – your hands are guiding it, not forcing it. As you get comfortable with your swing, try flicking the blade as you follow through to help the log split.

If the axe gets stuck in the wood, don’t try to wrench it out forcefully. Instead, lift the log with the axe still embedded and strike it down onto your chopping block to drive it through.

The Diyer's Guide To Splitting Wood With An Axe Fhmvs25 Mf 09 18 Splittingwood 5

FAQ

Is it best to split wood wet or dry?

If possible, split wood 6 to 12 months after it has been cut. The logs will split more easily and burn faster if you split dry firewood.  Wood is never fully dry, but observing a split in the pith, the center of the wood, is a sign that much of the moisture found in a recently cut log (often referred to as green) is no longer contained within the log.

Is it better to split wood with an axe or maul?

Whether to use an axe or a maul when splitting wood depends a great deal on the size of the log being split.  A maul is usually used in conjunction with a splitting wedge – making it easier to force the wedge into a larger log. An axe works well for smaller logs and precise cuts.

Can you burn fresh split wood?

If the wood has recently been cut, it has a high moisture content and will not burn well. If the wood to be burned was split 6 to 12 months earlier, it is more likely to burn well. Wood with a high moisture content is referred to as green and wood dried out for some time is referred to a seasoned.

How sharp should an axe be to split wood?

It may sound counterintuitive, but you don’t want a razor-sharp axe when splitting wood. You want your axe to be “Scraper sharp” – sharp enough to penetrate the wood grain and deep enough to create a split.

The Diyer's Guide To Splitting Wood With An Axe Fhmvp25 Mf 09 18 Splittingwood 2

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Hyundai Issues Rare Color-Based Vehicle Recall

You’ve heard of recalls for dangerous defects, loose parts, and the possibility of engine fires. But the color of a car isn’t reason enough to recall it, right? Wrong. Sometimes the color of a vehicle can have a negative impact on visibility. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced a silver Hyundai recall for this reason.

Why Is Hyundai Recalling Silver Vehicles?

Per the brief, the silver Hyundai vehicles that are part of the recall have an issue with their automatic braking features. The report explains that “the Highway Drive Assist (HDA) corner radar may falsely detect another vehicle, which can result in sudden, unintended braking while driving.”

This only happens to silver vehicles, and that’s because of the way that light reflects off the paint. The NHTSA says that “for vehicles in the Savile Silver exterior color, the front corner radar signals may reflect off the Aluminum content in the silver bumper cover paint and pass through the front bumper beam.”

That’s a problem because the signals are how these cars know to brake when the driver is using the HDA feature. When the signals reflect off the bumper, they “may be registered as an object in the opposing lane and can potentially affect Highway Driving Assist (HDA) operation.” And, as you’re no doubt aware, “sudden, unintended braking increases the risk of a crash.”

Which Hyundai Vehicles Are Part of This Recall?

According to the NHTSA brief, nearly 500 Hyundai vehicles are included in this recall, spread across the:

  • 2023 Genesis G90
  • 2024 Genesis G90
  • 2025 Genesis G90
  • 2026 Genesis G90

Unlike most recalls, which only specify models and years, this one looks more closely at the paint color of the model and years in question. So if you have a black or blue 2023 Genesis G90, for example, you’re fine. The recall only applies to silver vehicles.

If you own a silver Genesis and are concerned that it’s part of the recall, keep an eye on your mailbox. Hyundai will be mailing out owner letters in late January 2026. If you want to find out sooner, you can search your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA site.

How Will Hyundai Fix This Problem?

Hyundai says that “dealers will replace the front bumper beam, free of charge.” The company also reminds consumers that “owners are advised not to use the Highway Drive Assist feature until the remedy has been performed.”

If you have further questions, you can reach Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 030G and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V833000.

Source

Part 573 Safety Recall Report, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

Sudden Unintended Braking, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.

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Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Fiskars Weed Puller Is the Best Garden Tool We Tested in 2025

At Family Handyman, we put yard gear through its paces. Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, electric snow shovels, you name it. When the Fiskars weed puller landed in our hands, we were curious. After testing it? It exceeded our expectations. We were so impressed, we crowned it our Best Garden Tool of 2025.

Expert product tester Pamela Bondurant—former landscaper, DIY enthusiast and veteran of everything from greenhouses to electric pruning shears—gave it high praise. She called the weed puller a “game changer” and “incredibly effective.”

So, if you hate the bending, kneeling, and the general misery of pulling weeds, stand-up weeders were made for you. And the Fiskars deluxe stand-up weeder? It’s our hands-down, stand-up favorite. Here’s why.

On Sale
Fiskars Deluxe Stand Up Weeder
PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN
Lowest Price in 30 daysBest Garden Tool of 2025

Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder

A convenient, chemical-free solution to your weed problem

What is the Fiskars stand-up weed puller?

You might be thinking, It’s winter, why would I need a weed puller? Sounds like a next-season problem, right? But actually, as long as your yard isn’t buried under ice or snow, winter can be an ideal time to tackle weeds. Unless the weather is extreme, the soil is usually softer and moister this time of year, which makes it easier to pull roots—especially with a stand-up weed puller.

The Fiskars weed puller uses sturdy claws and foot pedal leverage to lift weeds out by the roots. No bending or kneeling required. You can keep your pants clean and stay comfortably upright.

And if you treat yourself to our Best Garden Tool of 2025 now, you’ll hit spring with a head start. That means less catch-up work when the weather warms and more time actually enjoying being outside. Plus, winter weeds (yes, cool-season annuals like chickweed and deadnettle are a real thing, unfortunately) can be removed before they go to seed. Perfect timing.

Why We Love It

If you’re still on the fence, we put the Fiskars weeder to the test. Here’s how it performed.

The tool arrives in a single box fully assembled. Win. The instructions are printed right on the tool, so there’s no need to dig through paperwork. Double win. Basically, once it shows up, you can head straight to the yard and get to work.

Our product tester, Pamela Bondurant, started with some easy-to-spot clumps of crabgrass. “I centered the four claws over the weed, pressed down on the extremely handy large foot lever, and the serrated claws easily sank into the soil,” she explains.

Then came the satisfying part. “Using the cane-shaped handle, I tilted the tool back against the lever and heard one of the most satisfying sounds one could hear—the sound of roots being pulled completely free. I was so satisfied with my feat that I examined the root system up close before easily sliding the handle to release the weed.”

Operation is simple: step on the foot pedal to drive the claws into the ground, tilt to pull the weed, then hit the eject button to drop it right where you want it.

In just a few minutes, Pamela cleared an entire two-square-foot patch of crabgrass. She also tested the tool on turf, and there were no problems there, either. The claws pierced the surface with minimal pressure, and the built-in extractor enclosed all four claws to eject weeds cleanly.

Compared with other stand-up weeders (especially those with wooden handles), the Fiskars model stands out. Its aluminum build keeps it lightweight yet strong, the serrated four-claw design grips weeds securely, and the eject button is a clever feature many competitors lack. You can drop weeds directly into a bag or bin without ever having to touch them.

Afterward, Pamela inspected the claws for damage and found none. “The claws’ design indicates that they will stay sharp and capable for a very long time,” she says. A quick rinse removed the dirt, and the tool looked brand-new again.

Where to Buy

On Sale
Fiskars Deluxe Stand Up Weeder
PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN
Lowest Price in 30 daysBest Garden Tool of 2025

Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder

Say goodbye to bending and kneeling with this stand-up weed puller

The Fiskars Deluxe Stand-Up Weeder runs about $50, and you can snag it on Amazon or pick one up at The Home Depot, Walmart or Ace Hardware.

If you’re over the whole back-breaking, hands-in-the-dirt weed-pulling routine, this thing is a breath of fresh air. For deep-rooted weeds and everything in between, the Fiskars Stand-Up Weeder is a true game-changer. Your yard (your back and your knees) will thank you.

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How Long Can You REALLY Store Toilet Paper In Bulk? An Expert Weighs In

You might think you’re saving money by buying toilet paper in bulk… but have you ran the numbers? A package with six rolls from a discount retailer like Trader Joe’s costs about $4, which is about $0.67 a roll, while a much larger package with 30 rolls from Costco costs about $25, which works out to about $0.83 a roll. Even if the rolls in the larger package are bigger (which they are), buying toilet paper this way is far from a financial coup, so what’s the real motivation for buying bulk toilet paper?

Probably the main one is convenience. For people with big families, the simple convenience of not having to worry about running out of toilet paper for months at a time might be worth a few extra cents (expecially those who remember the shock of the shortage at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic).

Whatever the motivation, if you bring that much toilet paper into the house, you have to store it, and that begs the question: Is it safe to store toilet paper in bulk? Here we answer that question with the help of two house cleaning experts and a plumber.

Does Toilet Paper ‘Expire’?

Toilet paper doesn’t exactly expire. As house cleaning expert Petya Holevich puts it: “Toilet paper doesn’t ‘expire’ in the way food does, but it can degrade over time. The paper can become brittle, discolored or lose some of its softness and absorbency if it’s stored for many years, especially in humid or damp conditions.”

Even if you don’t store it in a low-humidity space, it can last years without any changes, advises plumbing supervisor Megan Doser. “Toilet paper is not that kind of product that can go bad because of age or mold. It absorbs moisture very well but dries out quickly — this sets it apart from other things like concrete, drywall, or fabric that are porous and hold moisture for long hours. Toilet paper can absorb some moisture, but it has no nutrients for mold to feed on.”

Storing Toilet Paper in Bulk

Even though toilet paper has no “use by” expiration date, it can still get pretty funky if you don’t store it properly. For one thing, it draws in moisture, and even though you don’t have to worry about mold, it can make the air smell musty, according to housecleaning expert Neel Parekh. What’s more, he notes that “paper products make great nesting material for bugs and mice.”

The takeaway? You want to store toilet paper in a dry, enclosed space off the floor. That helps control the musty odors and prevents bulk toilet paper from becoming material for rodent nests.

Risks of Bulk Storage

It’s best to store bulk toilet paper in its original plastic packaging, but don’t count on that to keep mice out. In my experience, they’ll chew through plastic in a heartbeat if they are looking for nesting material, so it’s best if your enclosed storage space is rodent-proof.

Apart from that, there may be health and comfort risks. Holevich warns: “Old toilet paper is unlikely to be harmful; it can be less comfortable and less effective to use.” This is particularly true if you store it in the sun, because sunlight breaks down the paper fibers and makes them less absorbent.

A bigger problem with prolonged storage, says Parekh, is dust build-up. “Allergens build up on toilet paper that has been sitting for years.”

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Bulk Storage

Both housekeeping experts recommended bidets as sanitary, eco-friendly alternatives to toilet paper, and I couldn’t agree more. A basic bidet is inexpensive and easy to install. Since installing one in my bathroom, I’ve reduced my toilet paper usage to about three rolls a year, mostly for sneezes and for accommodating guests who are unfamiliar with bidets. One day, I hope to talk my housemates into bidets, and then we’ll have no need for bulk toilet paper at all. Think of all that extra storage space!

If you prefer to stick with toilet paper, it’s already pretty eco-friendly, but the type does matter, says Doser. “Standard brands use virgin wood pulp and more water and energy to make, while recycled and bamboo options are 100% recycled and much lower-impact. The gray, cheap, and slightly rough recycled kind is actually more eco-friendly than the bright white, ultra-soft rolls.”

Holevich emphasizes that bamboo grows quickly and requires fewer resources than traditional trees, making it a more sustainable material than recycled wood. Besides that, bamboo fibers are much softer.

Reusable cloth wipes, also known as family cloth, are another alternative mentioned by the experts. They are soft, washable cloths that can be used and then laundered. “Even though they require proper hygiene practices, they significantly reduce disposable waste,” says Holevich.

FAQ

What household items are safest to store in bulk?

Holevich points to several food items that have a long shelf life, are used frequently, and are relatively inexpensive as good candidates for bulk storage. Examples include:

  • rice;
  • pasta;
  • beans and oats;
  • canned goods;
  • sugar;
  • some spices in an airtight container.

Additionally, cleaning supplies such as dish soap, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, and trash bags are best for bulk purchases, according to Parekh. Doser warns that anything containing chemicals can become ineffective if you store it too long, so don’t leave your detergents and liquid cleaners on the back shelves and forget about them.

What items should never be stored in bulk?

It goes without saying that you should never store perishable or moisture-sensitive food items in bulk. Storing fresh produce, dairy, eggs, soft cheeses, baked goods and some herbs and spices in large quantities increases the risk of spoilage, waste and even foodborne illness, warns Holevich.

Additionally, flour can develop rancid oils and attract pantry moths, cautions Parekh. And, he says, batteries lose their charge when stored for a prolonged period.

About the Experts

  • Neel Parekh is the founder and CEO of MaidThis, the first U.S.-based home cleaning franchise that uses technology to provide residential and short-term rental services.
  • Megan Doser is the owner of Doctor Fix It, a family-founded plumbing, heating and electric company serving the Denver area since 1978.
  • Petya Holevich is an experienced house cleaning and laundry expert with over 5 years of dedicated time at Fantastic Services.

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Is Shopping at Costco or BJ’s Really Cheaper? The Truth About Wholesale Savings

When I put it in my shopping cart, that 24-pack of canned mushrooms seemed like a great deal. But six months later, there are still 18 cans taking up room in my cupboard. Conversely, with my three-pack of lettuce, two heads spoiled before I could make that much salad.

These are a couple of the obvious money-wasting pitfalls of shopping at Costco. Less obvious are all of those impulse buys, which can really add up.

“Costco and other warehouse-style retailers look simple at the front end, but behind the scenes, they run lean wholesale machines,” says cost-analysis expert Blake DeWitt. “They are great for people who know how to work the model. They are expensive for everyone else.”

Here’s more about how wholesale pricing works, which items are deals and which are duds, plus other ways to actually save money by shopping at Costco.

The Appeal of Wholesale and Bulk Shopping

Warehouse stores, such as Costco, offer a wide range of food, household, and DIY supplies all under one roof. Because they sell in bulk, their price per unit is often lower than that of standard stores, making them good places for stocking up on frequently consumed items.

But sometimes that value is only perceived, not actual. “Warehouse‑style shopping, by volume and quantity, is set up to make you feel like you are really stretching your buck with every swipe of the card,” says DeWitt. “It is true for some items. It is not true for others.”

How Wholesale Pricing Works

Wholesale stores generally maintains razor-thin margins on staple products, then higher ones on impulse and seasonal items, says consumer finance expert Shay Ramani.

It also works directly with brands to secure lower prices than regular retailers can offer. “Because they can sell at a higher volume, they can cut a better deal with those brands and manufacturers, and have more wiggle room in their margins to still turn a profit even with great prices,” says consumer-savings expert Andrea Woroch.

What Is Actually Cheaper at Wholesale Stores?

Costco typically excels with deals on:

  • Non-perishable food staples, like large bags of rice and canned vegetables;
  • Paper products, like plates and towels;
  • Hygiene basics, including toilet paper;
  • Home consumables, like lightbulbs and cleaning products;
  • DIY supplies, like contractor bags, shop towels and bulk batteries;
  • Ready-to-cook meals, especially when there’s an instant discount;
  • Gift card bundles, like restaurants with 10% to 30% off;
  • Travel, including car rentals and vacation packages.

Certain power-tool bundles can also be a good value. “Seasonal kits and multi-battery packs can beat DIY retailers if the batteries fit your current platform and the warranty terms are comparable,” says Ramani. “But if the extras don’t serve you, the apparent bundle saving disappears.”

What Isn‘t Cheaper at Wholesale Stores?

  • Produce, bread and other baked goods, unless you’re going to use a large amount of them promptly;
  • Over-the-counter medicine. “These can become ineffective after the expiration date passes, leading to waste,” says Woroch.
  • Big ticket durable goods and specialty items, like some furniture, toys and tools.

Also, beware of the “impulse aisles,” says Ramani. “They are designed for margin, and you’ll often pay more for things you didn’t plan to buy.”

Hidden Costs of Wholesale Stores

If you’re not a savvy wholesale shopper, you can end up spending a lot more than you intended. Some pitfalls include:

  • Perishable foods, such as bulk vegetables and baked goods, tend to spoil before you can consume them all.
  • Nonperishable food, in quantities large enough to clutter up your pantry. “Buying 25 pounds of flour only helps you if you bake regularly,” says DeWitt.
  • Impulse buys of items you don’t need, but get just because they seemed like a good deal.
  • Credit card interest, from higher check-out totals. “Although you’re getting a better value in the long run, if you can’t pay it off in full, the interest will take away your savings,” says Woroch.
  • The membership fee, which encourages greater spending. “It pressures members to overspend, to rationalize the whole idea,” says spending-savings expert Sean Markey.

Markey was so interested in whether warehouse stores actually saved customers money, he kept track of his household spending and its return on investment (ROI) for six months. What he found was that nearly 20% of the bulk food he bought spoiled. When his family started going to the regular grocery store instead, not much food spoiled, and they reduced net spending by 15%, even though they paid more on a per-item basis.

Real Savings vs. Perceived Savings

Real savings occur when the cost per item is lower than your usual price, after accounting for waste from spoiled items, the membership cost, and any additional travel and time.

“Perceived savings come from big packs that look cheap, inflated RRPs (recommended retail prices) and promos for things you didn’t intend to buy,” says Ramani. “The quick test is to keep a small price book for your staples and compare costs.”

Perceived cost savings can also be prompted by discount price tags, which trigger an emotional reward center in our minds. “People will buy bigger or in bulk because they assume the larger it is, the better it is,” says DeWitt. Instead, “Buy exactly what you’ll use, not what ‘might be useful.'”

FAQ

How do I store bulk purchases so they don’t go to waste?

For nonperishable foods, such as canned goods, rotate the stock as you store it, putting newer items in the back and eating older ones first. Store moderately sensitive items, like crackers, cereal and coffee, in airtight containers labeled with their purchase dates.

For perishable foods, like meats you don’t plan on eating right away, separate them into meal-size portions, label them with the date, then vacuum seal and freeze them. “You can freeze select produce as well,” says Woroch. “Otherwise, cook it and then freeze it for easy reheating later.”

How can I avoid overspending when shopping in bulk?

  • Make a list, based on what items you need to replenish, and stick to it.
  • Avoid aisles with goods that you don’t need, so you don’t get tempted.
  • Use promos only when they match what you already buy.
  • Keep receipts and audit your numbers occasionally to see if the membership is paying off.
  • Don’t shop hungry. “Have a small snack before you shop or grab a cheap slice of pizza at their food court before shopping,” says Woroch.

Also, avoid impulse buying. “If you come across an unplanned purchase, tell yourself you will come back to it after you go about the rest of your shopping,” says Woroch. “If it’s not something you really need, chances are you will forget about it and save yourself money.”

About the Experts

  • Andrea Woroch is a nationally recognized consumer-savings expert who has been covering deals at warehouse club stores for over 15 years.
  • Blake DeWitt is founder and CEO at Investorade. As a real estate and construction entrepreneur, he works closely with material cost analysis.
  • Sean Markey is founder of LocalSEO.net. His work focuses on eliminating wasteful spending and maximizing true return on investment, whether for a marketing campaign or a grocery budget.
  • Shay Ramani is a consumer finance and money‑saving expert, and founder of Freepricecompare.com. He has more than 10 years of experience analyzing unit prices, membership trade-offs and total cost of ownership.

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Wednesday, December 10, 2025

This DIY Copper Pipe Coffee Maker Will Warm Up Your Holidays

Cut the pipe

Use a tubing cutter to cut the legs (A), base support (B), top spacers (C) and bottom spacers (D) out of 1/2-in. copper pipe according to the cut list above. Sand back any sharp edges or burrs on the cut ends with sandpaper and a metal file.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Dry fit the copper fittings

To ensure every measurement works and the frame comes together as you wish, dry-fit the cut legs (A), base support (B), top spacers (C), and bottom spacers (D) with the 90-degree elbows (E) and three-way couplers (F) to create the frame. Dry-fitting allows you to make adjustments as needed before gluing the fittings together.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Prepare the connections for glue

After confirming that the pipe couplings are the right size and fit, disassemble the dry-fit pieces and prepare them to be glued together with CA glue. Use 320-grit sandpaper to scuff the outer ends of each pipe piece and a 1/2-in. pipe wire brush to scuff the inside of each pipe coupling. Scuffing with sandpaper and a wire brush will give the copper surface “teeth” or a place for the CA glue to grab onto. For a clean appearance, only scuff the last 1/2-inch on each end of the pipe.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Glue together the frame

As you secure the copper pipe to the elbows and couplers with CA glue, utilize a Speed Square to ensure the frame is square. Hold it square with 90-degree corner clamping jigs while gluing. Use quick-grip clamps to prevent pieces from moving until they dry. When you reach the top section, use a level to ensure the frame is level from front to back and side to side before gluing.

Glue the joints strategically. The medium viscosity of CA glue will run downward into the joint, keeping the seams clean and preventing glue from dripping down the pipe. Position the frame in a way that will minimize mess when applying glue.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Cut the copper cone for the funnel

Start with a six-inch pre-cut copper circle. Cut out the “C” shape as shown in Figure A.  The template was designed specifically for the glass funnel we will be using. Create a funnel template from paper if you are using a different glass funnel, so that you can test its dimensions and ensure that the funnel fits well.

After filing back the jagged edges of the cut, make a 1/2-inch fold in one end of the copper “C” and hammer it so it lies flat. This prevents an exposed sharp edge on the outside of the funnel. To close the funnel, slowly form the copper “C” into a cone until the ends overlap.  The folded-over end will lie outside the other flat end of the copper cone.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Rivet the funnel together

Use a quick-grip clamp to hold the formed funnel in place while you drill through both ends.  A one-inch dowel can help provide a surface to drill against and serve as a guide to maintain the correct opening at the bottom of the funnel while riveting it.

Using a 1/8-inch drill bit, drill holes through both ends of the copper “C” formed into a funnel for 1/8-inch rivets. Ensure the flaps of the funnel stay in place while drilling so that the holes align. Insert a rivet into the drilled holes and set it with a 1/8-inch riveter.  Once you have secured one rivet, proceed by pre-drilling evenly spaced 1/8-inch holes for additional rivets. Install the remaining rivets until the funnel form has been secured.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Solder on the funnel neck

Use crumpled-up aluminum foil to create a mold that will hold the 1-in. x 1-1/2-in. copper pipe for the funnel neck and the riveted funnel cone in place as you solder the two pieces together. It should be positioned so that when the funnel is soldered, the glass funnel will protrude slightly from the bottom of the copper funnel. Apply flux to the entire seam. Slowly heat the copper pipe and funnel cone with a propane torch to evenly heat the copper as you solder the two pieces together.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Clean and polish

Clean up any flux residue on the soldered funnel and pipe with soap and water. You can polish copper organically by applying ketchup with a rag and cleaning it with soap and water afterwards.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

Assemble and make coffee

Insert the borosilicate glass funnel into the copper funnel and set them in the top opening of the copper frame. Fit a 5-1/2-inch wide scrap piece of solid surface countertop, a cutting board, or a 1×6 under the funnel. Now you are ready to make coffee!

Health and Safety Note: When making your coffee with this pour-over, ensure that the coffee does not come into contact with any copper.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

FAQ

Which kind of filter is best for the pour-over coffee maker?

It is recommended to use paper coffee filters with your pour-over coffee maker. Paper filters allow all the nuanced flavor of your coffee to come through.

What is the best temperature for brewing coffee?

According to the National Coffee Association, the ideal water temperature for extracting flavor from a coffee bean is between 195°F and 205°F. The lower temperature range (195°F) is better suited for dark roasts and helps prevent bitterness. The higher temperature range, 205°F, is recommended for a lighter roast to prevent sourness in your extraction.

Why use a borosilicate glass funnel with a pour-over coffee maker?

Borosilicate glass is designed to withstand high temperatures safely. Regular glass may crack and break with exposed to extreme temperatures. Like wanting oven-safe glassware.  Pyrex is a name brand of borosilicate glass.

Custom Pour Over Coffee Maker From Copper Pipe

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If You See YKK on Your Zipper, Here’s What It Means

Whether you’re examining your zipper to fix it , you’re curious, or you’re inspecting the garment it’s on, you may have noticed that many of...