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

 

Holiday Home Safety

Holiday Home Safety Preparation video provided by U.S. Inspect.

Temporary Fix for Leaking Water Pipes

When you find a leaking copper water pipe and can’t get a plumber for a couple of days, the following is a temporary fix that will get you back in service.

The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to the leaking pipe. The shut off may be at the fixture. If there is no shut off valve at the fixture you may need to shut off the main water supply.

Next, determine where the pipe is leaking. If the leak is a pinhole or small split in the copper pipe itself, the following should provide a quick temporary solution and allow the fixture to be used until a permanent fix can be completed.

Take a piece of rubber from an old inner tube or anything similar and wrap it around the pipe over the hole. Now use a C clamp and two small blocks of wood to clamp the rubber wrap tightly in place over the hole.

Another option is to wrap the rubber around the pipe over the hole and clamp the rubber in place with hose clamps.

The third option is to cut a piece from an old garden hose. Cut the hose about three inches longer than the hole or split. Split the hose length wise and place it over the pipe covering the hole. Clamp in place with hose clamps.

Now you are ready to turn the water supply back on and use the fixture until a permanent fix can be made.

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.