Do You Wear Safety Glasses?

Do you wear safety glasses? Eye protection is a must in any home repair project where chemicals are used or where there is any chance of debris flying or falling in your eye. 
Chemical splashes, flying wood chips from saws, falling rust or dirt all can cause serious damage to your eyes. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when doing projects or repairs around the home.
Safety glasses and goggles are available in many styles and many models are designed for comfort as well as protection. No matter what your budget may be, you will find safety glasses or goggles that are affordable.

What is Plumb and Level

Plumb and Level

During my years as a home builder I noticed even experienced carpenters misusing the terms plumb and level. With that being the case, it is no wonder that there is confusion among typical homeowners.

In simple terms, level means horizontal and plumb means vertical. When constructing a building, the floor should be perfectly horizontal (level) and the walls should be perfectly vertical (plumb).

Typical Level can be used to check both level and plumb.

DIY Tips and Ideas E-Book

My new DIY Tips and Ideas E-book is now available on Amazon. This book is filled with great tips and ideas for the homeowner handyman and handy woman.
Grab your copy at:

DIY Tips and Ideas E-book

How to Determine Direction to Tighten or Loosen Screws, Nuts, and Bolts

Simply remember righty tighty, lefty loosey. When you are looking at the head of the screw, nut or bolt, turn to the right to tighten and turn to the left to loosen. Right is tight and left is loose.

 The exceptions to this rule are saw blades, and other things that spin. Screws, bolts or nuts come off spinning things in the same direction as the blade spins or the teeth point.

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.

Quick Fix for a Stripped Out Wood Screw Hole

Have you ever stripped out a hole in wood while tightening a wood screw? I have stripped out a few in my efforts at tightening screws while hanging doors or tightening screws in cabinet doors.

This is a trick I have used many times and it has always worked very well.

1.       Remove the screw

2.      Break the head (striking end) off a wood match and discard. Cover the match stick with wood glue and insert the match stick in the screw hole. A wood toothpick or several toothpicks can also be used instead of a match stick.

3.      Lightly tap the match sticks or toothpicks into the hole with a hammer .

4.      Cut the wood stick flush with the surface.

5.      Start your screw as close to the center of the hole as you can. As you tighten the screw it will push the glue covered sticks to the walls of the hole and the glue will dry and form a good tight bond.

 

Items needed for this project:

·         Wood matches or toothpicks

·         Wood glue

·         Screwdriver

·         Hammer

·         Sharp knife

 

How to Apply Stain Like a Pro

This is a good video from Cabot. The video demonstrates the correct way to insure your work turns out like a professional job.

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.

Identifying Termites

Termite Series: Are These Bugs Termites? video provided by U.S. Inspect.

MyShedPlans.com Review 2

What do you when you've decided a garden bench would look perfect in your landscaping?

What do you do if you decide to build a new shed for your backyard?

If your answers are:

Go to the garden center and buy one,

Hire a reputable contractor

Buy a premade shed from lumbermills

You may be right! Then again, you may be wrong! If you would like to save 50% or more on your home projects, and feel the satisfaction of doing it yourself, this is where MyShedPlans.com comes to the rescue.

MyShedPlans offers the most complete home project resource you can buy on the Internet.

It is bursting with plans for over 12,000 woodworking projects! You will find plans for birdhouses, garden furniture, sheds, full size decks, and everything in between. If it can be made out of wood, it will most likely be here. After all, 12,000 pretty well covers the gamut of whatever you might like to build! Toys are included, too. All plans are complete from start to finish, and include material lists, detailed diagrams, and explicit step by step instructions.

Many different designs for each type of project are also included. For example, there are hundreds of designs for outdoor buildings, from small sheds all the way up to a complete stable. Choose whatever type of shed or storage house is right for you. Pick from fancy ones or more utilitarian designs.

What if you do not have carpentry skills?

No worries. it brings you up to speed with professional tips and tricks used by the pros. Learn how to handle carpenter equipment, follow the right safety rules, and how to do your projects professionally so that they will look good and last.

In addition to the woodworking projects, MyShedPlans brings you valuable information for all your home projects. You will discover professional guidelines for plumbing, electrical work, foundations, plastering, building codes, wallpapering, installing fireplaces, decorating, tile, stone work, working with cement and mortar, and so much more!

With MyShedPlans, you can finally be the handyman you always wanted to be. You don't need to feel helpless if the faucet breaks. Install improvements like new lighting with ease. Got a new puppy? Make him feel welcome with his own doghouse.

You'll always have the ideas and plans you need for your next project.

MyShedPlans is delivered via instant downloads. The plans are printable, so that you can pick out your project on the computer, print out the plans, and have them with you when you go to get materials and then work on your project.

 It really is an awesome resource. And you can have it all, in one swoop, with a single, small payment. Save time and money, and get the satisfaction and pride that comes with accomplishment at MyShedPlans.

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.

How to Remove a Broken Bulb from a Socket

Although I am not an electrician, I am a former home builder and home owner. I have removed many broken bulbs over the years. The following tips are the best in my experience.

·         The first and most important step is to make sure the electrical power is off at the socket.  Never attempt to remove a broken bulb with the power on. Turn off power at the breaker box. All breakers in the breaker box should be labeled. If available, a non contact voltage detector is a great way to verify the power is off at the socket.

·         Next you will want to use a tarp or some type drop cloth to protect your floor from falling pieces of glass.

·         Protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles. Protect your hands with heavy leather gloves to prevent cuts from the broken glass.

·         Insert needle nose pliers into the socket with both hands and spread the pliers open as far as you can. Now turn the pliers counter clockwise. The metal sides of the bulb should start to loosen. Continue turning until the bulb is removed.

·         If the metal part of the bulb refuses to turn, try to grab one side of the metal part of the bulb with your needle nose pliers and turn counter clockwise. It may be necessary to use a flathead screwdriver to wedge between the socket and metal and bend thee metal slightly so you can get a grip with your pliers. Now attempt to turn the bulb again. If the bulb still refuses to turn the metal will probably start tearing. That’s okay, continue tearing the metal until it finally loosens and comes out.

·         If these attempts fail you will probably need to replace the socket. Replacing light sockets will be covered later.

TED's WOODWORKING

If you want to build woodworking projects quickly & easily and get get instant access to over 16,000 woodworking plans and projects go to Ted's Woodworking.

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.

6 Tips to Save Money on Your Electric Bill

With the rising cost of electricity, small things can help you save big on your electric bill. According to recent studies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average family household is spending nearly $2,000 per year in utility costs. Wasteful kitchen appliances alone can be at fault for almost half of these costs. Here are some tips to help you reduce your electric bill.

Refrigerator:

Avoid overheating by allowing a space of at least one inch between the wall and the back of the appliance. This will help allow air to circulate and control the temperature of the appliance.
Avoid placing your refrigerator by areas that produce heat. Radiators, vents, heat ducts, stoves, and even sunlight from your windows can cause the unit to use more power than needed.

Clothes Washer:

Only wash your clothes when you have large loads to do and avoid using warm/hot water unless necessary.

Dishwasher: Try to avoid washing small loads. Larger loads will use less water and electricity. Only use standard options. Pre-rinse, heat-dry and rinse-hold are simply extra features that tend to use more energy.

Air Conditioner: Make sure that any way for air to escape is closed off. This would include open windows and doors. Check for, and seal off, any large gaps in doorways and windows.

Change filter on a regular schedule. Set your timer for temperature control. Why keep the place cool while you're at work or on vacation? Your unit should be sized properly for your home.

Dehumidifier: Make sure all doors and windows are closed while the unit is running. Change your filters on a regular basis. A build up of dirt can hinder its performance causing the unit to use more energy to do its job. Keep the unit away from walls, furniture or dusty areas.

New Appliances: When you're in the market for new appliances, shop for the Energy Star label. Although appliances equipped with the Energy Star label can potentially cost up to 40% more than standard models, they can save up to half of the daily energy you use.

Energy Star Examples:

Energy Star Clothes Washer:
While using 50% less water, these washers also extract more water from your clothes in the to help reduce drying time, as well as reducing normal wear and tear. They also use up to 40% less electricity.

Energy Star Refrigerators:
The energy these refrigerators consume is at least 40% less than standard models.

Energy Star Dehumidifier:
These use approximately 20% less electricity.

Energy Star Dishwasher:
These use about half the water of regular models and reduce the energy used by over 40%.

Energy Star Air Conditioner:
Energy usage will be about 10% less energy than standard models.

How To Prevent Wood Rot

The easiest way to prevent wood rot is to keep the wood dry.  For wood to rot, all you need is wood, water and fungi spores. Fungus and fungi spores are just about everywhere. In order to prevent rot, we must find a way to prevent water from penetrating the wood.

An effective way to prevent wood rot is to create a barrier by painting the all surfaces and edges of a board with paint. Another way to create a barrier is to pre-treat the unfinished wood with a borate chemical solution available at most building supply stores.  Neither solution is considered common building practices so your home is not likely to be protected in either of these ways.

Tips to Prevent Wood Rot:

·         Keep wood painted and maintained

·         Install and or maintain gutters

·         Maintain at least 6” or more separation of wood from soil

·         Maintain at least ½” separation where wood siding meets masonry

·         Use and or maintain flashing to direct water away from wood

·         Calk joints to prevent water penetration

·         Direct water away from foundation. Should have at least 6” fall away from the house over the first 8’

How to Replace a Water Heater

1. Turn off cold-water pipe leading into the water heater.

2. Shut off the gas supply to the heater.

3. Drain water from the heater using a garden hose.

4. Use a tubing cutter to sever the cold- and hot-water pipes connected to the heater.

5. Disconnect the union that connects the gas pipe to the heater.

6. Remove old water heater.

7. Set new heater on top of blocks.

8. Attach exhaust flue to top of heater.

9. Solder new copper pipe to connect heater to cold- and hot-water pipes.

10. Reconnect gas line to heater.

11. Install vacuum valve to top of heater; wrap threads with Teflon tape, tighten with pliers.

12. Turn on cold water to fill tank.

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Requires basic plumbing skills and the strength to wrestle out the old heater, and carry in the new water heater.

·         Time to complete: 2 to 4 hours

How to Clear a Clogged Sink Drain

This is an easy fix for minor clogs. Time to fix should be about one hour.

Steps:
1. Remove the threaded plug from the underside of the sink trap. If the trap does not have a drain plug, remove the entire trap.

2. After the plug is removed, check to see if water drains freely through the trap. If not, remove the trap and clean it out.

3. Disconnect the elbow from the garbage disposer and check for clogs.

4. Remove the vertical tailpiece that extends down from the sink drain.

5. Check for clogs in the baffled T-fitting that’s attached to the bottom end of the tailpiece.

6. Replace the old plastic baffled T-fitting with a full-sized brass T-fitting that has no baffle.

7. Tighten all the plumbing connections with pliers.

8. Replace the threaded drain plug in the bottom of the sink trap.

9. Fill the sink with water and then pull the drain.

10. Check to be sure the water drains rapidly and that none of the plumbing connections leak.

Quick Repair for a Dripping Two-Handled Stem Faucet

In most cases leaking compression faucets need new seat washers.  This is an easy repair that can be completed in about 30 minutes using a screwdriver, crescent wrench and pliers.

·         Pry off the decorative cap on the handle

·         Remove the handle screw

·         Pull off the handle

·         Use a crescent wrench to unscrew the packing nut

·         After unscrewing the stem, remove and replace the seat washer held in place by a brass screw

·         Pop the stem out of the packing nut

·         Replace the O-ring which is usually the cause of a leaky faccet

·         Reassemble the faucet and tighten the packing nut

If your faucet continues to leak, the seat may be pitted. Remove the stem and grind the valve seat smooth with a valve-seat dresser or replace the stem. A new stem can be purchased at most hardware or building supply stores.