Eric McClure
wikiHow Staff Writer
Education
- BA in English, University of Illinois at Chicago
- M.Ed. in secondary education of English, DePaul University
Professional Achievements
- Published in TL;DR Magazine, The Rusty Nail, The Euonia Review, Shot Glass Journal, and Prairie Margins, among others.
Certifications & Organizations
- Certificate of special congressional recognition for photography
Expertise
- Billiards
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Photography
- Computers
Why
Secret Talents
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Co-authored Articles (1312)
How to Use a Ratchet Strap
Secure your cargo safely and quickly with this simple guideRatchet straps are fasteners used to secure cargo during transport. When used correctly, these straps can support many different weights and cargo sizes. In orde...
How to
Test Continuity with a Multimeter
To test continuity, all you have to do is stick 2 terminals on your multimeter against 2 ends of an electrical current. Testing continuity in a wire, current, or fuse is a good idea if you’re installing or repairing an...
How to Fix a Running Toilet: Your Ultimate Guide
A complete walkthrough on how troubleshoot the flapper, fill valve, and float A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day while running up your water bill—it can also just be super annoying to liste...
Building a Shed from Scratch? Follow These Instructions
Learn how to erect a personal woodshed with these design plans and tips Whether you’re an avid gardener who needs somewhere to keep all their tools or you’re an avid outdoorsman running out of basement space for your...
How to Remove and Replace a Sink Stopper
Get your sink back to normal with this easy DIY guide It's time to replace your sink stopper—but with all the parts and pieces around and below your sink drain, you aren't completely sure how to get started. As far as ...
How to Fix a Shower Diverter
Is your shower pressure low? Does your shower spout leak when you’re showering? If so, you may need to fix a dirty or broken diverter. Luckily, this is simple DIY job that only requires some plumber’s tape and a litt...
How to Repair a Faucet That Leaks
A guide on fixing leaks an drips for a variety of faucet styles If you’ve got a drippy faucet or a handle that spews water every time you turn it, you may be tempted to call a plumber. But what if you could solve the p...
How to Release a Stuck Washing Machine Door
Save your clothes and get your washing machine back in order with these tricks Is your washing machine sealed shut and refusing to cooperate? Whether the power went out, the handle broke, or your door is simply locked sh...
How to Find Your Whirlpool Drain Pump Filter
Locate and clean the drain pump filter on your front- or top-load Whirlpool washing machine The drain pump filter on your Whirlpool washing machine is designed to keep junk from your wash cycles from getting into the dra...
Checking an Electric Motor with a Multimeter (Plus, Troubleshooting Tips)
Diagnose faults with motors so you can fix or replace them Got an electric motor that just won’t start? Or, maybe it starts up but is underpowered or sounds like it’s struggling. No matter what your electric motor is...
A Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
Blech—is that a bed bug you just saw crawling around your mattress? It can be hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re worried about the unwanted pests that are making themselves at home in your home. Not to wo...
How to
Do Laundry at a Laundromat
If you’ve never used a laundromat, don’t worry—the process is fairly simple and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. To start, get a cloth laundry bag, as opposed to a hard plastic or metal basket, since the clo...
How to Kill a Tree with or without Chemicals
Fast and easy ways to remove a problematic tree Trees are great as long as they aren’t in the way, but they can become a nuisance if they’re at risk of damaging your property. While you can always pay a professional ...
How to Take a Toilet Seat Off
Tips for removing standard toilet seats & seats with hidden fixings The typically narrow space around your toilet can make working on it a chore, but removing a toilet seat can be surprisingly easy if you know what to do...
How to Adjust 3 Kinds of Fill Valves on a Toilet
If your toilet doesn’t have as much flushing power or if you hear a hiss as the tank refills, then your fill valve might be to blame. The fill valve, or inlet valve, connects to your water supply and controls how much ...
How to
Make a Smokeless Fire Pit
Want to be the envy of all your neighbors? A smokeless fire pit is the perfect way to enjoy an outdoor fire without that obnoxious smoke sticking to your clothes, and it’s easy to build one of these, too. If you’re l...
Do You Have Animals in Your Walls? Dealing with Animals in Your Walls or Attic
If random noises are keeping you up at night or holes in your drywall have you worried, you may have a pest living in your walls. Identifying which creature you’re dealing with will save your pest control expert a lot ...
How to Replace Your Weed Eater String
A no-nonsense guide on restringing a weed wacker If your weed wacker keeps getting caught on thick overgrowth or the string on your trimmer keeps getting tangled up, it may be time to replace the wire. Rest assured that ...
Easiest Way to Install LED Strip Lights
Here's how to put up eye-catching, mesmerizing LED lights in your space Whether you're giving your kitchen a modernist vibe with cabinet downlighting or giving your bedroom a bright, trendy flourish, hanging LED strip li...
How to Swap Out the Bits on Your Power Drill
Swap out your bit easily and quickly with these simple instructions Whether you’re just getting started in the world of DIY hobbies or you’re a seasoned vet when it comes to the toolbox, everybody can benefit from kn...