How to Determine if a Door is a Left Hand or Right Hand Door

A common confusing factor when installing or replacing a door is the swing of the door. When ordering the new door you will need to know if the door is a left hand or a right hand door.

Before I started my own home building business I worked with one of the best home builders in my area. I picked up many tips that helped me in my own business.

One day we were walking through a new house making a list of doors we needed to order. He was calling out the door sizes and the swing of the door, left hand or right hand. I asked him how he determined the swing. He said that he that if he reaches with his right hand to pull the door open the door is a right hand door. If he reaches with his left hand to pull the door open the door is a left hand door.

After I started ordering doors myself I discovered an easier way to determine the swing. The way I determine if the door is a left hand or right hand door: Stand in the door opening with your back to the hinge side of the door jamb. If the door will swing open to your left hand side, the door is a left hand door. If the door swings to your right hand side it is a right hand door. Very simple and easy to remember.

Video Compilation of Household Accidents

This is a video compilation of hilarious household accidents.

Home repair and remodeling can be fun and very satisfying. Most of our projects turn out fine with no major incidents. Sometimes however it seems everything goes wrong.

I have to say the people in these videos were having a bad day. Take a look.

Quick Fix for a Running Toilet

Do you hear the sound of running water? Is your toilet refilling without being flushed? This will most likely indicate a leaking flapper. The flapper is the plug that falls against the hole or flush valve seat to hold water in the tank until you flush.

Both flappers and flush valve seats wear out over time. When either of these wear out, water will trickle out causing the valve to open and refill the tank. Most often the fix is simple. Remove the old flapper and take it to the hardware store and find a matching replacement. Install the new flapper and hopefully your problem will be solved.

If after replacing the flapper the toilet still runs, the flush valve seat is likely worn, rough or pitted. You can either replace the entire flush valve, which is a big job or try the following, which is an easier and quicker fix.

Go back to the hardware store and look for a flapper kit that contains a flush seat repair. There are several kits available in the $7 to $12 price range. These kits contain a flapper and matching seat that you adhere to the damaged seat.

Shut of the water to the toilet by closing the valve on the water line to the toilet. Flush the toilet and hold the flapper open to allow the water to drain from the tank. Use a sponge or towel to mop out the water that remains in the tank. Simply follow the instructions included in the kit to install the new valve seat and flapper.

Turn on the water and fill the tank. After the tank is filled, go ahead and give it a test flush. Your problem should be solved.

TIP - NATURAL HOUSEHOLD CLEANSERS

Do you hate harsh chemicals in household cleansers? Two natural and safe cleansers are baking soda and white vinegar. Baking soda is great for removing odors and refreshing everything including the fridge, sink drains and shoes. White vinegar is great for cutting through grease and grime on household surfaces.

Almost everyone has heard about placing an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors.  Another tip is to pour a cup baking soda down your drains and then a cup of white vinegar and let it sit for four or five minutes. Finally flush with about a gallon of hot water. Your drains will now be clean and fresh.

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How to Patch Small Nail Holes in Drywall

Patching small nail holes is a simple process. All you will need is a 2” putty knife, small touch-up brush, 220 grit sandpaper, paper towel and drywall patching compound. If the hole is a little larger or has torn or loose edges you will need a utility knife to cut away the loose paper edges.

Use the handle of your putty knife or any object with a rounded corner to press the raised drywall paper around the hole flush with the rest of the wall. It is okay to leave a small divot, but try to avoid breaking through the paper.

Use the putty knife to scoop a small amount of drywall patching compound on one corner of the putty knife and press it into the nail hole and the surrounding area. Use the blade of the putty knife to gently skim off the surplus compound.

Allow the patching compound to dry according to directions on the label. If the compound shrinks and leaves a divot, apply a second scoop of compound and allow it to dry. Gently sand the patch with 220-grit sandpaper. Try to avoid sanding through the surrounding paint. Wipe away the sanding dust with a moist paper towel. The only dried patching you should see is the small dot covering the nail hole. You can now apply paint.