Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Use the Extractor

Use the Extractor
Keys break more often than you might think, and there is actually a specific tool made for extracting broken keys from locks. Most people probably don’t have one of these laying around, though now is the time to use it if you do, but they can be purchased for just a few dollars online or at select hardware stores (call ahead to save yourself the trip in case they do not carry the tool).
To use the extractor, slide it into the keyway along the part of the key that engages the lock, also called the bitting. Once the extractor is in place, twist it slightly and pull. The goal is to use the small hook at the end of the tool to catch the teeth of the key. You might have to try a few times before it comes free, but with a little persistence, you should have your key out in no time.
In some situations, you may not need any extra tools at all. If your key breaks inside of a padlock or a car locksmith with a removable cylinder, you can often slide the lock service with nothing but your own strength and a little help from gravity. However, the addition of lubricant will still help expedite the process.

All you need to do is firmly hold your lock and tap it forcefully against the edge of a hard surface, being sure not to cover the keyhole. With a little effort, the key should slide out of the lock, at least enough to allow you to grab the end with your pliers or fingers and pull it the rest of the way out.
Hardware stores may not carry many locksmithing tools, but they are sure to have a wide selection of different hacksaw or jigsaw blades that will work just as well to help remove your broken key. Since they tend to come in packages containing multiple blades, you might want to check your garage or toolbox to see if you already have a few handy.

The method for using the saw blade is almost identical to that of the key extractor tool, but you will first have to break off the end of the blade in order to remove the thick portion containing the pin on one end, allowing it to fit into the lock. Also remember that if the serrations on the blade are at an angle, you want to make sure they are pointed back toward you when you insert it into the keyhole. This will allow them to grab the teeth of the key in the same way the hook on the end of the extractor tool would as you pull it out to remove the key.
This method of freeing your broken key from the door in which it is stuck leaves room for a little variation and is a good option if you do not have access to any specific tools or the time to run to your local hardware store. If you have a purse or bookbag with you, chances are you have just the tools you need.

This approach is all about technique. Find two objects small enough to slide into the keyway along either side of the key (the two sides that engage with the warding of the lock, not the smooth side or the side with the bitting). You can use two pieces of stiff wire, bobby pins, safety pins, or whatever you can find, though the objects should not be something of great value to you because they may be slightly bent in the process.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

RAVPOWER POWER BANK



Excellently-priced & future-proof high-capacity USB type-C/QuickCharge 3.0 power bank. Offers both USB-C and Qualcomm 3.0 quick charging for both input & output. Good multi-utility RAVPOWER POWER BANK for charging the latest smartphones, and other USB-C devices such as laptops and Nintendo Switch.
What We Like

  • Can be quickly charged using Quickcharge 3.0 – a HUGE plus over rivals
  • Excellent value for money
  • True 20,100 mAh capacity
  • Qualcomm Quickcharge 3.0 – the latest in rapid charging.
  • USB type-C – Run your Macbook/Chromebook with the powerbank!
  • Three USB charging ports in all (USB type-C, Quickcharge 3.0 USB, and adaptive fast-charging up to 2.4 Amp USB)
  • Scratch-resistant design
  • Solid build quality, 18-month warranty, and support
What We Don’t Like
  • The maximum USB-C output (15 watt) is perfect for  charging smartphones. However, USB-C charging of laptops will be slow at this speed. If you intend to frequently charge laptops/Macbooks at maximum speed, we recommend considering the 30-watt brother of this powerbank – the USB C Hubs RAVPower 20100mAh Portable Charger, which is 2X faster while charging USB-C Macbooks/ultratops.
  • No USB type-C cables included

RAVPower 20100 Mah powerbankhits the sweet spot in terms of pricing, features, build-quality, weight, and charging capacity for most users.
Features-wise, it offers two major must-have features for latest powerbanks:
USB type-C charging, which allows you to run/charge your Macbook/chromebook/ultrabooks – as well as the latest and upcoming flagship smartphones – from the powerbank making it a versatile option for power users. The powerbank can be also charged through USB-C wall chargers in about 5 hours.
Qualcomm Quickcharge 3.0 for charging the smartphones/tablets quickly – and ALSO for charging the powerbank itself as quickly. This means that, first, you will not have to wait forever for your huge-capacity powerbank to  charge itself as it can get charged in just 4.5 hours using a Quickcharge 3.0 wall charger.  Second, it means that you do not have to wait for hours as your powerbank charges your phone as Quickcharge 3.0 will charge it to 80% in just 30 minutes.
20,100 mAH capacity is  almost the maximum for adequately  charging the latest high-capacity battery smartphones about 5-6 times. It is also enough for a single charge for a Macbook/Chromebook etc. while leaving some juice for the phones!
Price-wise, you get a feature packed high-capacity powerbank with solid build that falls just on the right side of Amazon’s free-shipping threshold!
Though more battery capacity could have been added for more bulk and price, but as we have said, the RAVPower 20100 Mah hits a sweet spot balancing the four factors – Capacity, Weight, Price, and while delivering solid build quality.
For users who do not want the USB-type C function for charging Macbooks etc. and do not also need fast charging for the powerbank itself using Quickcharge, here are two excellent and cheaper powerbanks from RAVpower and Anker that offer the same capacity at a lower price + shipping.
Tip #1: Please note, that an OLDER version of RAVPower 20100 USB-C with Quickcharge 2.0 (older version of QC) is also available in the market for a very minor price difference. Both powerbanks look EXACTLY the same! We have only included the links to the latest version with QuickCharge 3.0 on our pages as it delivers 15-20% faster charging performance. Of course, QC 3.0 will support charging of your all the QuickCharge 2.0 compatible smartphones and tablets at QC 2.0 speeds . 

Monday, August 14, 2017

Best UK power banks 2017: 3 portable chargers to juice-up your device



What's the one thing the UK's top smartphones like the iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S7 and Google Pixel all have in common? Well, these phones actually have much in common, but we'd say a less than ideal battery life is safe bet. Let's face it, smartphones in 2017 can do a lot, but in being able to multitask, stream HD video and more, your battery life can disappear faster than The Flash himself. To overcome the need for more juice, investing in a power bank is a sensible option.


A power bank (for example: GOAL ZERO SHERPA 100 KIT )  or portable charger is essentially a big battery that a user can take with them to avoid missing out on the chance to Tweet, text or call at a moments notice. They're perfect for a long-haul flight or if you're heading out into the countryside
Best portable mobile chargers: How much juice do you need?


The obvious answer to this is that a bigger capacity charger is better, but there are limits: eventually, the size of a phone charger will put the portable part firmly in inverted commas.


With that in mind, let's talk a little about battery capacity. Phone battery is measuring in milliamp hours (mAh): crudely speaking, the higher the mAh number, the better the phone's battery life, though in reality it's not that simple. Some hardware is more power hungry than others, and software can drain juice at different speeds too.


In any case, check your phone's battery size and then compare to the phone charger you want. As a rule of thumb, a tiny 1,000mAh charger will give you around a third of a modern phone battery, while a 20,000mAh battery pack will let you charge your phone around six to seven times.


Here's a list of some of the most popular current handsets and their relative battery size so you can get an idea of the charger size you need:

1. Aukey 20,000mAh Powerpack


Capable of holding 20,000mAh, this Aukey powerpack is a beast of a portable phone charger. Capable of charging two devices simultaneously, Aukey’s pack holds enough charge to charge up an iPhone 6s more than 11 times or keep your Nexus 5X ticking over for just over seven full charges. Best of all, though, you can charge it via a micro-USB or a Lightning cable, so iPhone users don't need to carry around two cables to keep it topped up. Seeing as it weighs a – not inconsiderable – 458g, though, it’s unlikely you’ll want to carry this around with you all the time. That said, dimensions don’t make it the most pocket-friendly device so if you’re always carrying a bag it should always be with you.


2. GamingFuel 12,000 mAh Pokéball


Most power chargers look pretty boring, but this Pokemon themed charger from Gaming Fuel is more unusual. Designed to look like a Pokeball, this power bank features a huge 12,000mAh of power – enough to charge an iPhone 7’s 1960mAh battery ten times. Throw in LED charge indicators, the ability to charge two devices at once, and even a nightlight function – and the Pokeball is a great choice.



3. Emtec U400 Power Clip


While not strictly a portable phone charger, Emtec’s Power Clip is actually a rather ingenious phone accessory. With a capacity of only 2,600mAh (still more than enough to charge an iPhone or iPhone 6s), the Power Clip is designed to be an emergency boost for your phone when it’s running low.


Due to its compact size, there’s no need to worry about carrying a spare cable with you to charge your phone, as you can simply plug the Power Clip straight into your device. Not bad really.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Environmentally Friendly Roofing

The roof is just one of the most important elements of your house so it's extremely crucial that you choose the right roofing material so that your roof will survive many years. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used brick pointing Bronx. Asphalt shingles are very harmful to the environment because they absorb heat, continue to that heat for quite a long time, and are seldom recycled (as it is difficult). Asphalt shingles are the most popular brickwork pointing contractors since they're cheaper.

If your brick pointing contractors is getting old and needs to be replaced why not replace it with an environmentally friendly roof. There are various options available in green roofing. Here are a few:
brickwork pointing contractors

The Living Roof This is among the most popular options in regards to green roofing. These roofs contain a layer of soil and plants grow on top of them. A living roof supplies much greater insulation than an asphalt shingle roof. A living brick pointing NYC helps it blend into its surroundings, and they're beautiful. The topsoil that was eliminated during construction can be used as part of the living roof. Green roofs contain plants which help to replace the crops which were ruined when the house was constructed. Most dwelling brick masonry contractor are found in Germany. Green roof systems may either be intensive or extensive depending on the plant material and planned usage for the roof area. Intensive green waterproofing Bronx use a huge array of plants that may include things like trees and shrubs. They are incredibly heavy and need a lot of support. Extensive roofs typically contain herbs, grasses, and mosses. They aren't as hefty as intensive roof repair Bronx. Green roofs can decrease your electric bill. In addition, they keep rain water from running off into the ground. The plants around the living roof can help remove pollutants in the air.

Metal Roofs Metal roof repair Bronx NY is replaceable. It contains a significant number of recycled stuff. It lasts much longer than asphalt shingle roofs and hardly ever needs to be replaced. When metal roofing has to be replaced, it may be recycled. Metal roofing is fire resistant and will withstand strong winds. Metal roofs will not rust, crack, or rot. It never needs cleaning. Metal roof repair NYC are light weight so that they don't demand a lot of support. Metal roofs may also be put on the roof that saves removal and disposal expenses.

Cedar Shake Roofs Cedar shake roofs are also highly common. They are made of untreated cedar and they don't rot like other wood substance does. They also last longer than asphalt shingles. Enviroshake® is a composite roofing product which reproduces the look of a classic cedar shake roof but is stronger and more resistant to the wind, water, mold, and mildew. Enviroshake roofing is mostly manufactured from recycled materials. There are lots of environmentally friendly alternatives available for cedar shake roofs. One is real cedar shingles that are harvested from well-managed woods or shake tiles created from recycled materials. In any event, you're going to find a long-lasting, lovely roof which will add a traditional look to your dwelling.

Ceramic Tiles Ceramic tile is principally used in the Southwest. Ceramic tile roofing Bronx NY can also be nontoxic and enduring. Individual tiles may sometimes have to be replaced but the whole roof is usually durable. Unglazed tiles are the most popular, but glazed ones also exist. Tiles tend to be pricey, and are also very heavy.

Solar Tiles Solar roof tiles look like normal roofing contractors Bronx NY tiles nevertheless they are covered with a thin film photovoltaic (PV) substance which generates electricity. 1 tile by itself doesn't create much power, however, covering a whole roof can produce a good deal of electricity. In fact, a whole roof coated with solar tiles can quickly generate enough electricity for your whole house.

If you decide to install solar Bronx roofing company tiles, then you still will have to stay on the electric grid because even the sunniest climates have cloudy days, which restricts how much electricity the tiles can create. You should still be able to save a substantial sum on your electric bill.

This is an excellent time to buy tiles. There are lots of excellent state and federal tax incentives (up to 80\% of the price). You can increase the value of your home and save on your electric bills by installing tiles.

The solar roof tile is made up of photovoltaic modules which are capable of being incorporated into any standard roofing Bronx system. Solar roof tiles are connected by electric sockets on their bottom. This produces a single electric unit, and for that reason, an electric current. Fundamentally, solar roof tiles use the sun's beams to absorb heat and create power for your home or building.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Select the Right Roofing Company for Your Home



1. Know Exactly What You Desire Completed

Before you make that call, it is but wise with an idea of what the thing is and what you want to be done exactly. It's not as basic as deciding the roofing companies NYC needs correcting and calling someone over to correct it. While speaking with a contractor, he'll likely request you a lot of inquiries concerning the task. And when you've not prepared or do not know what you would like done, you may be affected easily into thinking there are more problems than there really is.

You need to realize the scope of the damage in order to tell your contractor just what needs fixing. Exit holes? Exist tiles falling off or lacking? Must the sporting be re-aligned? How about the discharge, is it working good?

Realizing precisely what has to be set will also save money. When discussing the task with your contractor, you're able to inform him everything that has to be covered; he will make the examination then give you a quote. What you forgot to share with him will cost you extra.

2. Understand the Indicators of a commercial roofing NYC

There are rogue companies who'll just grab you down which means you must be cautious.

The following are indicators that a roofing contractor NYC is removed from reliable:

- Not fully registered, bonded and protected. Don't trust the contractor's phrase: Verify it at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ or simply call Phone (800) 321-CSLB = 1800-321-2752.

- When asked about the price, they cannot discuss it in an available, obvious or detailed approach. In case you deal with this type of contractor, expect additional fees to spring up along the way.

- They have a bad history of conflicting grievances from other clients. Check with the BBB for almost any conflicting issues or complaints. Evaluation the opinions on Angie's Checklist; check their info on the Specialist's License Board. Usually, contact a few past clients. The experience they're real rather than paid. Possibly the very best contractor can't please everybody. There often a person who cannot be delighted. But a whole lot? That's a sign there's something very wrong together with the contractor's function or company. Avoid them.

- that you don't feel comfortable about employing a contractor. Occasionally, you get this gut feeling which you and also the contractor can't go along effectively. Should you feel like that, it's best to keep hunting.

- The contractor's costs are cheap, in fact much too cheap compared to others. If it is attractive to go for that lowest fee available, you have to be wary since many roofers who've surprisingly low rates will end up receiving for over you are prepared to spend. Cheap technicians also rarely upgrade a task free of charge so if there's a challenge using the workmanship, they may request you for the additional transaction before they repair it.

- they don't ship a qualified estimator. A reliable New York roofing can generally ship someone over to consult with you, create tests, do real dimensions and examine New York roofing products with you.
commercial roofing nyc


3. Know Your Options

Something you should understand before hiring a New York roofer: there are plenty of bass within the ocean.
You've lots of alternatives, therefore, don't be satisfied with the very first contractor you discover or employ the one which provides the cheapest price. By communicating with many contractors, you are able to determine which is the best option to your requirements and who it is simple to work with.

For a lot of homeowners, the very first factor is obviously the price. This is understandable because most of US need to conserve money. Nevertheless, the cost should not be the deciding factor. You must consider different aspects too before making a choice. Keep in mind that you just can not generally expect a good job from someone offering a cheap pace and also the costliest rate does not often suggest the very best company.

Consult with at least three distinct companies and make comparisons. By doing this, you avoid paying for the greatest rates in the industry along with becoming familiar with more modest prices. Regardless of being able to compare prices, choosing many technicians will even tell you their applicable expertise, specialties or whatever special offers they might have.

The easiest way for you really to realize your alternatives is by doing your study. Go online and search for NYC roofing contractors and companies in your area and compare them. Learn everyone's work history and find out how buyers discover their services. Consult relatives, pals or neighbors for their recommendations, they could realize a great contractor it is possible to take a look at or even a business you have to keep clear of.

While exploring, it's also wise to take some time to learn some parts about roofing contractor NYC since essential knowledge will help you avoid getting cheated by dishonest roofers New York.

4. Realize the Conditions of Their Insurance Plan

Among the largest mistakes, homeowners spend when choosing roofing contractors NYC is not bothering to enquire about their insurance coverage and guarantees.

While there are always a few roofing contractors NYC that quickly incorporate insurance inside their offer, there are lots of hasn't, so you need to ask to ensure.

The insurance should protect both consumer and worker to ensure that just in case a collision happens while the repair or installation is going on, you won't be held responsible. The roofers New York insurance will help cover you against something unexpected. Ask for the proof of insurance and make certain that the policy is in effect for the duration of the task.

The guarantee can be extremely important. You have to know if the warranty covers just the NYC roofing contractors product or just the labor or both. Roofing company NYC product suppliers offer the guarantee because of their products as well as their problems and limitations could be different from the technicians. A number of the factors you must understand related to warranty will be the buck restrictions, if it's prorated over the living of the NYC roofing contractors, the life of the warranty, procedures that may avoid the warranty, etc. Only authorized roofers New York might offer you selected extra warranty from the producer.

The contractor should supply at least a couple of years workmanship warranty and clearly discuss the terms of the maker's guarantee. Do not forget to get a content of the proposed warranty.

5. Understand What Should Be Within The Written Agreement

Acquiring a copy of the written agreement is essential since this can make certain that you will see no surprises across the street. It will give you a transparent view of what is to be done.

The settlement, signed by you and also the contractor, must clearly state the following:

- What materials should be used
- Expected completion date
- Pricing details
- Payment schedules

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Bill Gates: Solar is not the energy solution Africa needs



Bill Gates once again shunned solar power from his vision for energy access in Africa in his talk at the University of Pretoria in South Africa on Sunday, where he argued that whilst “cheap, clean energy” is what Africa needs, solar panels ( for example  GOAL ZERO NOMAD 7 PLUS) During the delivery of his Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, the Microsoft founder and philanthropist identified that Africa, like the rest of the world, is in need of a “breakthrough energy miracle that provides cheap, clean energy for everyone.”

Africa is more dependent on such a phenomenon than other continents, because seven in ten Africans still lack power at present, while more than 500 million Africans still will not have electricity by 2040.

This is not the first time Gates has taken a less than welcoming stance to solar power. In February, during an interview with a news outlet, he echoed a similar thought. "When I say 'an energy miracle'," he said, "I mean that there will be some form of energy whose 24-hour cost really is competitive with hydrocarbons given, say, 20 years of learning curve.

"You invent it, then you look at how much its costs go down over the next 20 years, that it really beats hydrocarbons.

"You might say, well, aren’t people saying that about wind and solar today? Not really. Only in the super-narrow sense that the capital costs per output, when the wind is blowing, is slightly lower."

In fact, Gates has been advocating anti-solar sentiment for a while. In 2014, he blogged about energy poverty, arguing for outdated fossil fuel solutions to tackle the electricity deficit in underdeveloped economies, characterising energy poverty as a climate issue.
Solar is ‘not enough’

In the speech on Sunday, the software entrepreneur recommended increased investment in renewables, namely hydropower and geothermal. He went on to argue that recently launched solar power initiatives have not been enough:

“There has been a lot of experimentation with small-scale renewable energy, including micro solar,” he said. “This approach can provide individuals with some electricity for basic purposes, but it’s not going to be the solution for the continent as a whole.”

PV Tech contacted the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), who vehemently disagreed with Gates’ sentiments.

“To downplay the role that solar photovoltaics (PV) can play as part of a unique African energy mix in the strive to alleviate Africa’s energy constraints would be irresponsible,” a spokesperson said, whilst citing data that should deem solar a ‘no brainer’ solution for Africa: “Africa has 7 of the 10 sunniest countries on earth and, according to IHS Technology, a US-based economic and energy market research company, Africa’s total solar power–generating capacity is projected to reach 3,380MW by 2017.”
Solar deployment in Africa

In fact, solar power is undergoing rapid deployment and implementation as many countries across the continent are battling energy crises and look to alternatives to expensive fossil fuels such as diesel and coal. A series of feed-in tariffs and solar tenders have offered a foray into a solution that not only is clean and inexpensive, but is easily accessible.

In South Africa in particular, the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) has successfully awarded 965MW of new solar capacity, which SAPVIA points out “is being delivered on time and on budget”.

“The rapidly escalating uptake of the technology in the rest of Africa can be clearly seen,” argued SAPVIA. “Expedited solar PV roll-out is being seen as supportive policies and regulations, such as the Get FIT Programme are developed and implemented. These policies and programmes, combined with the drop in the cost of PV technology (currently fully off-grid solar-PV technologiesdeployed at site can be deployed for as little as US$ 0.15/kWh and they do not require additional expensive transmission networks to move the electricity around), [we] see solar PV will make a significant impact on Africa and its energy challenges.

“One can expect – as has happened in South Africa – as the necessary supportive policies and regulations are scaled up, the rest of Africa will experience an increased uptake of solar PVtechnology. New renewable energy markets in Africa are already showing greater appeal to international and local investors – further spurring the uptake of solar PV in African markets.”

Monday, February 20, 2017

Guest Post: Used Pulsar Watches - A Buyer's Checklist



More and more people are starting to buy and sell within the used Pulsar watch market.

The selection is vast and the deals to be had can be great or well.....dire.

Although the majority of watches on the market are from reputable sources and are what they are supposed to be, there are a portion of the pieces on the market that are not 100% what they should be.

Here is a checklist any buyer should be aware of when considering a used Pulsar watch.

1) Is your dealer reputable?

Although many used Pulsar watch dealers are fully reputable and have a strong reputation for quality that they seek to protect, there are enough dealers out there that are without ethics and will not hesitate to sell goods that are not up to standard.

Usually a little bit of common sense and research will cast light on what you want to know about your choice of vintage watch dealer.

If your dealer is well known in the area and has a large flow of traffic in its used watch trade, it is a fair bet to say they are of a good reputation. Word soon spreads if someone is selling sub quality goods and their vintage trade will be sparse at best. Ask friends, family and co-workers about the dealer and do some research online to see if there are any major compliments or complaints.

Some people will choose to buy used Pulsar watches from the internet.

This is a mixed bag of tricks.

If you consider buying from a very large and well known online dealer you should generally be fine.

If on the other hand you buy from an online auction site from private sellers, well, that is of course a gamble, not always a winning one, but a very expensive one if you lose and end up with a bad watch purchase experience.

Use care and common sense with online purchases.

2) Know the standards and features of the watch you choose to purchase "used" with regards to if it was a "new" watch.

Most watches are available in a select number of models.

In other words, they may only be available in certain dial colors, metal combinations, and bracelets or straps etc.

There is a huge market in what is known as "after market" modifications such as diamond bezels, different color dials, straps and bracelets, even adding color coatings to the metal of the watches.

This may sound beneficial to have a modification to the watch such as a diamond bezel, but the truth is it actually lowers the value of the watch in almost all cases when modifications are made.

Why? You are probably asking.

Well, if a watch is only available in white, black, and silver dial choices from the manufacturer and a watch has a blue dial with diamond markers, it is not original and has a dial inside that has most likely been installed by a watchmaker who is not certified by the manufacturer and the dial will not be up to manufacturer standards in almost all cases.

Most watch manufacturers use very high quality materials and that is reflected in the price of the watches and they are also installed at the factory of origin. Basically quality assured.

Most after market modifications are not anywhere near of the same standard.

Also, most people who buy used Pulsar watches do their research beforehand, and dealers definitely know their trade, so if you choose to sell or trade in the watch at a later date, you will be offered a very low value for your after market watch or even outright refused despite what you may have paid for it in the first place.

3) Check the condition of the watch.

Sounds obvious?

Anyone can look at a watch and decide that it looks in good condition at face value, the dealers are going to ensure they do.

They will be buffed out of scratches and looking shiny, they will be in cases that have lights that make them beam and sparkle.

But there is an underbelly to the inspection process.

Metal bracelets can wear down in strength over time with use.

Check the bracelet by holding it by the case on its side so the bracelet is horizontal.

If it sags heavily, the watch has been worn a lot, if it is pretty firm it has been looked after or has been replaced.

This does not apply to all metal bracelets, but it certainly is a decent check to perform.

If the watch has a leather or animal skin strap such as a crocodile strap, then inspect the area around the pins where it fixed to the case to see if it has cracks or looks frayed. Repeat the check for the buckle area.

Check the sapphire crystal. If you have done your watch research correctly beforehand, you will know if the watch is meant to have a raised crystal, or domed crystal, or thick crystal, or even acrylic crystal. If the watch does not have what it is supposed to have you may have a watch with a new crystal in it.

Sounds good?

Not really, because if the watch has had to have a new crystal then either the old one had been broken or was so scratched that it had to be replaced. This is a red flag that the previous owner had abused the watch, this could be a hint at many other underlying problems or fixes that may have occurred.

4) Inspect the warranty offered by the dealer.

Does the dealer offer a warranty?

Usually they are 1 year, but some are two years.

Ask what the warranty covers.

Is it a standard warranty that covers any internal faults or is it an advanced warranty that covers the entire watch inside and out?

Learn the terms of the warranty.

5) Enquire where the dealer usually sources the watches from.

This is not a way to jump past the dealer to find a wholesaler, they are not going to tell you in detail who they get the watches from. They will however disclose if the watch came from a broker or was a trade in from a customer. Watches from brokers are usually best because the broker will examine and clean up the watch before they sell it to your dealer and the dealer will also perform their own checks and clean ups after buying from the broker. Customer trade ins are not in any way bad because the dealer will perform all work and checks before putting the used Pulsar watch up for sale. But the broker way is slightly better with regards to checks being made.

This 5 step checklist should help you towards having a successful used Pulsar watch transaction, although not conclusive it is definitely the minimum checks any prospective buyer should perform.