A method for forming a nickel aluminide based coating on a metallic substrate includes providing a first source for providing a significant portion of the aluminum content for a coating precursor and a separate nickel alloy source for providing substantially all the nickel and additional alloying elements for the coating precursor. A slanting guide surface for sliding contact with the jig rod is formed on the retaining lance. The insulating layer is disposed on the base layer. The handle can move forward and backward in alignment with the main power shaft for better control of the height of the cutting head of the trimmer in relation to the surface of the ground. A method of temporarily connecting the ends of two bare optic fibers is disclosed, and a kit for use in temporarily coupling unterminated optic fiber to test instrumentation is also disclosed.