Add extra light to your garage with a 3 bulb socket

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For adding extra lighting in areas like a garage or utility room, a three bulb light socket is an easy fix.

 With compact fluorescent bulbs, you can add illumination without a lot of heat or watts.

Replace a Shower Head

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Replacing bathroom sink traps are an easy do it yourself project.

You will need an adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench to remove the old nuts. You will need to pick up a new trap and possibly a wall tube and extension pipe. In the bathroom, the size for the drain pipe is 1 1/4". If you are changing the trap and the wall tube and want to have all new nuts, check the size of the nut going into the wall. It could be 1 1/4 or 1 1/2.

How to Replace Bathroom Drain Pipe

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Replacing bathroom sink traps are an easy do it yourself project.

You will need an adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench to remove the old nuts. You will need to pick up a new trap and possibly a wall tube and extension pipe. In the bathroom, the size for the drain pipe is 1 1/4". If you are changing the trap and the wall tube and want to have all new nuts, check the size of the nut going into the wall. It could be 1 1/4 or 1 1/2.

Tips to Replace a Towel Bar

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Most towel bars now come with a bracket that has 3 holes. I use the set screw on the bottom to mark the width between the brackets. I then mark the height for each side and make a mark for the center of the brackets on each side. Using that center hole as a guide, I then mark where to put my wall anchors. I again use the center hole to line up the bracket as I screw it to the wall. This makes it easy to have the brackets perfectly lined up.

I also like to use the self tapping screw anchors for drywall. If you can't line your bracket up with a stud,  screw anchors are easy to install and they carry a lot of weight.

Towel Bar Height

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Here are some of the recommended heights when you are replacing towel bars and toilet paper holders.

Towel bars for adults 48" from the floor.
Towel bars for kids 36" from the floor.
Towel bars above the toilet 21" to 28" from the top of the toilet.
Robe hooks 70" from the floor and 9" apart.
Toilet paper holders 26" from the floor.

Replace a Bath Fan

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I replace a bath fan with a new kit that has the motor, fan and bracket.

This is an easy, do it yourself project. Just remove the old bracket that holds the motor and fan and take it to your local hardware store for a replacement kit.

Bath fans do a great job of removing humidity, odors and chemicals from the bathroom.

Sanding Sponge for projects around the house

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A sanding sponge is a great tool to sand a variety of surfaces. You can sand paint, plastic, metal, wood and wall compound. It will sand dry or you can wet it for less dust.

A sanding sponge is excellent for odd shaped items. It is much easier to control than sheets of sandpaper for the average homeowner. You can get course, medium and fine sponges and also a sponge with 2 style of grit on one sponge. The edges are also coated for working into corners.

How to Clean and Maintain a Laminate Floor

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Laminate flooring is a great choice for flooring. The surface is extremely hard and easy to care for.
The problem with laminate flooring is the composition of the fiberboard under the surface. Fiberboard will absorb water to cause swelling and warping. You do not want to use a wet mop to saturate a laminate floor with water. Water also leaves spots on laminate.

For day to day maintenance, you can keep your laminate looking great by sweeping or using a vacuum. If you use a vacuum, just use a soft brush head. A beater brush can scratch the surface. Next, use a microfiber mop to remove all light particles and debris. Microfiber will also wipe up water spots.

To clean a laminate floor, use a laminate cleaner rather than water. Using a microfiber mop, spray the head with the cleaner and mop your floor to remove dirt and stains.
For heavy stains, spray the stain with the cleaner and wait 5 minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

You can make your own cleaner by mixing 1 part vinegar and 3 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Vinegar will remove almost every type of dirt and grime that ends up on your floor and it doesn't leave streaks or water spots.

Never clean your laminate with abrasives, scouring powder or abrasive pads. Never use a polish, varnish or wax.

Wipe up spills immediately. Protect your laminate from grit and particles, especially at an entry way. Use carpets protect from scratching.

How Do You Unclog a Drain

The number one reason for slow bath drains is hair. Hair gets caught on the crossbars at the opening of the tub drain and around the bracket that holds the stopper. By using a drain tool, you can unclog a tub with a simple push and twist motion. It's easy to use and you don't have to worry about dangerous chemicals.

Liquid drain openers don't work well at breaking down the hair that gets stuck at the opening of tub drains. They are designed to be heavier than water and go to the lowest point in a drain, so they pass right by the hair.

Try a drain tool like The Drain Claw for an effective way to unclog a drain.

The Best Ladder for Homeowners

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I really like the 3 step platform ladder for homeowners. Each step is wide and secure. The top platform provides a stable work area that is easy to balance from for long periods.

I like the locking feature on most 3 step ladders. I would pick one with a top handle that adds security. I would also pick one that has a large shelf to hold tools and containers.

Review the weight limits on the model you are looking at to fit your needs.

Organic Pesticide and Natural Insect Control

Diatomaceous earth comes out of the container like a fine powder and feels a lot like talcum powder. For insects though, it has microscopic edges that act like razor blades. When insects crawl through the powder, it is drawn into their joints and cuts through their exoskeleton causing them to dehydrate and die. Safer adds a powerful bait formula to their diatomaceous earth that when ingested will also kill them from the inside.

How to Set a Mouse Trap and Where to Place a Mouse Trap

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The house mouse is considered one of the most troublesome pests in the U.S. They can contaminate food and food prep areas with their feces, which causes food poisoning.

Mice have a keen sense of hearing and smell. They can jump 13" and slip through a crack the size of a pencil. They can produce 25-50 babies a year.

The number one food source in house for mice is bird seed and pet food.
The first step to eliminate a mouse problem is to remove any source of food or water. Store seed and pet food in air tight containers. The next step is to close off all access into the house. Seal any openings with expanding foam (such as Great Stuff) and steel wool which mice have a difficult time chewing through. You can also use caulk and steel wool to seal the openings. Plastic screen, wood, rubber or any gnaw-able material will not work.

If you have evidence of the mice such as gnaw marks and droppings, this will help guide you to their natural pathways and will help in your placement of traps and poisons.

Snap traps are simple, inexpensive and effective. Traps can be baited with peanut butter, chocolate or dried fruit. Use multiple traps.

Set the trap perpendicular to the wall and point the trigger toward the wall. Don't set the trap parallel to the wall. If the mouse comes from the back side of the trap, it will send it flying off of the trap.
Mice are very cautious, so baiting a trap that is unset will increase success. Set the trap after the bait has been taken once or twice.

Always wear disposable rubber or plastic gloves when dealing with mice.
Disinfect all areas contaminated by the rodents.
Place dead mice in a plastic bag and seal tightly.
Wash your hands thoroughly after any exposure to the rodents.

Install a Kitchen Sink

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It is not hard to install a kitchen sink, but there is a lot of prep to do.

You will need to remove the drain pipe, turn off the shut off valves and disconnect the supply lines to the faucet. If you have a garbage disposal, you will have to disconnect the unit and the power supply.
Once everything is disconnected, the clamps holding the old sink in place need to be loosened. The old sink may have to be pried loose if silicone was used to seal it.

After the old sink is removed, you will clean off any old caulk, silicone or plumbers putty. For most kitchen sinks, you will put down a bead of silicone and lock it in place with clamps that are provided. Your sink will have specific instructions.

Primer for Paint

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I show my favorite primer for paint. This is the product I suggest to my customers at the hardware store for most painting projects.

Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 is an all surface all purpose primer.  This water based primer dries quickly and can be painted over in just one hour. 

This primer works inside or outside.   It will stick to anything from drywall, wood, masonry and metal, to hard to stick to surfaces such as glossy paint, fiberglass, PVC, formica and even glass & tile.
Bulls Eye 123 is an amazing product that sticks without sanding the surface first (as you should do before applying most other primers).

For water stains, you should use oil based or shellac primer.  But for everything else, it's Bulls Eye 123.

You can use it in high humidity areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. 
 It is mold and mildew resistant.   It will also block out stains from crayons, graffiti, grease and tannins (the pigments that are responsible for a plant's color).

 For chalky surfaces like aluminum or previously painted siding, it will prime and seal the surface.   Bulls Eye 123 also inhibits rust on clean metal, eliminating a rust inhibitive primer.
You can also tint Bulls Eye 123. The best color to tint a primer is grey, no matter what color the top coat will be. Grey tricks the eye to blend with the top coat.

I suggest a primer for all painting projects to even out and fill the pores of the material being painted.   This gives a uniform appearance for the color and sheen of the finish coat.  
Primers are designed to adhere better to a variety of surfaces than paint.  Primers give paint a uniform easy to grab surface to stick to.

How To Test A Fuse

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I show how to test a fuse, a switch and a lamp with a continuity tester.
If you are having electrical problems and guess that it could be the fuse, you can test a fuse with a continuity tester to check if it has blown.

Replace a Bathroom Pop Up

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I show some tips on how to replace the pop up drain on a bathroom sink.

This is a good do it yourself project. You only need a couple tools and either some plumbers putty or clear silicone. For cultured marble, you will want to use silicone to seal the pop up. For all other sinks you can use plumbers putty.

Sink Tool - Basin Wrench

I show a great tool to help remove bath and kitchen faucets.

Live Mouse Trap

I show a humane way to catch mice.

Toddler Toilet Seat

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A built in toddler toilet seat is a great convenience.

There are a few styles on the market that work very well. The one I show has a strong magnet that holds the toddler seat in place and out of the way for regular use. Some styles have light weight plastic seats with slow close hinges.

This type of toilet seat is designed for kids 2 to 6 years old. It is especially convenient for small bathrooms. You don't have the additional potty chair to store and clean.

I think it is an excellent seat to put on a toilet at a home if you have someone babysitting your toddler. It is easy, clean and you don't have to carry an extra potty chair.

How to repair copper pipe without solder

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I share some tips on using compression fittings to replace a frost free sillcock.
Compression fittings are an easy way to repair or replace copper pipe without having to solder. The fittings are allowed in most areas and make copper replacement easy for the average homeowner who doesn't solder.

Reciprocating Saw Blade For Removing Tile

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I found a great blade for my reciprocating saw to remove tile.

If you are struggling to remove heavily glued tiles by hand, this blade does a great job of getting under the tiles and cutting them free.

How To Mix Concrete By Hand

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I show an easy way to mix concrete or floor leveler by hand.

You will need a heavy duty commercial grade garbage bag and a cable tie. I use 3mil thickness. This is a great way to mix concrete if you don't have buckets or mixers available. If you are doing a small job, you will love this tip.

Clothing Repair

Tear Mender

To easily repair leather and fabric, a product made in 1932 is still considered one of your best bets.

Tear Mender is a liquid latex formulation designed to make permanent, waterproof repairs to clothing. The product will work for indoor and outdoor fabrics. Tear Mender works on leather, upholstery, cotton, denim, jeans, canvas and most fabrics. It is not recommended for silk, sheer fabrics or nylon.

Tear Mender says that you can repair a tear in fabric, wear it in 5 minutes and wash it in 15 minutes.

The inventor originally created the product to repair canvas belt drives on steam powered farm machinery. A torn drive belt meant the loss of a day's harvesting, so a glue strong enough to fix canvas drive belts fast and permanent was a popular invention.

Tear Mender Glue was soon being used to repair many other fabric tears around the home and farm to quickly become a successful product. During the Great Depression, repairing clothes helped many families through tough times.

The general directions for the product are; shake well before use. Spread a thin layer of Tear Mender onto the patch or the item being repaired. For thicker material, apply to both surfaces. Press the two surfaces together and allow to dry. On most fabrics, it will dry to usable bond in 3 minutes.
Watch a video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CkMTwBKCp4

Doorbell Button Replacement

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I show the steps for doorbell button replacement.

Most doorbell problems are caused by faulty switch button or loose wires to the switch.  Replacing a doorbell button is an easy do it yourself project.

Because the button in run by low voltage of 24 volts or less, this is one of the few electrical projects that you can do without turning off the circuit.

To change the button, unscrew the old button and remove the wires. You can now test the system by touching the two wires together, if they sound the chime, it is just a bad button. To reconnect the new button, connect a wire to each screw in a clockwise motion. Then screw the button to the house. This is an easy fix that anyone can do.

If the problem is the chime or transformer, you will have to test them with a multimeter to find the problem. Always turn off the electric to the transformer if you have to change it.

4 steps to grow grass seed

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If you want to grow grass in a bare patch of lawn, follow these 4 steps for success.

Purchase a good quality grass seed designed for the area it will be grown. Pick sunny, shade or a sun/shade blend. Your new seeds will need water, soil, light and fertilizer.

Step one is to get the seed spread out and touching soil. The seeds need to be in contact with soil to help germination and to start the rooting of new seedlings. As the seed sprouts roots, the soil helps maintain consistent moisture, nutrients and temperature.

Spread out your seeds onto the bare soil at a rate of 12 to 16 seeds per square inch. Next, rake the area lightly to mix the seeds and soil. You don't want the seeds deeper than ¼". Some seeds should be seen on the surface and some should be lightly covered.

Step two is putting down a small amount of starter fertilizer or a garden soil with starter fertilizer. After germinating, the seedling pushes out its roots and leaves. This process uses up all the seeds nutrient stores. The seedlings now need to pull nutrients from the soil to survive.
If you use garden soil, rake the area again. You are just adding a small amount to provide nutrients for the seedlings, don't bury the seeds. Starter fertilizers helps build root growth and provide nutrients for photosynthesis.

Step three is water. You need to mist the area twice a day for at least 2 weeks and preferably up to 4 weeks. Most seed mixtures are a blend of seeds with different germination rates. It is important to keep the seeds moist, but not saturated. If the seeds or sprouts dry out, they die. You want a light mist to cover the seeds till the ground is wet, down to an inch. You don't want to use sprinklers that will pour water in the area and cause the seed to be moved around. You want a hose attachment that will mist the area for about 5 minutes. Most seeds will germinate within 2 weeks, but some can take up to 4 weeks. So even when you start to see growth, keep misting the area. The seedlings need water too. You are going for moist, not soggy. When your grass has grown to 1 inch in height, you can start watering once a day. When your grass is 2 inches in height, you can mow, with the lawn mower set to the highest setting. After you have mowed a couple times, you can water once a week, soaking you lawn down to a 1 inch depth.

Step four is temperature. The best time to grow grass is in the spring or fall. Ideal air temperature is between 45 and 75 degrees. The perfect soil temperature is 55 to 65 degrees. In most parts of the country, spring and fall are the best times to grow grass. High temperatures dry out the soil too fast and can kill seeds and seedlings.

Drywall Saw

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For drywall projects, a drywall saw will help you create professional looking cuts. Using a drywall saw is much easier and more exact than box cutters for the average homeowner. It is an excellent tool if you are removing sections of drywall or cutting openings for electrical boxes.

How to Caulk a Bathtub

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If you need to caulk a tub or shower, it is easier to use a caulk with added silicone. Most are labeled tub and tile caulk. If you use a pure 100% silicone, it is much harder to control.

To remove the old caulk, a two sided removal tool is the most effective. Use a plastic scraper to get most of the old caulk off and if needed, finish with a one sided razor, keeping the edge at a very small angle.

If you have any mold or mildew, remove it before applying the new caulk or it will bleed through. Use bleach at 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Wear rubber gloves and do not mix with any other chemical. Rinse thoroughly.

Apply the new tub and tile caulk in a small bead and smooth with your finger or a smoothing tool. If you apply too much, just remove the excess with your finger or a paper towel and keep working it while it is wet till it looks good.

With a little practice, you can get a professional finish.

How to Grow Grass

 

Purchase a good quality grass seed designed for the area it will be grown. Pick sunny, shade or a sun/shade blend. Your new seeds will need water, soil, light and fertilizer.

Step one is to get the seed spread out and touching soil. The seeds need to be in contact with soil to help germination and to start the rooting of new seedlings. As the seed sprouts roots, the soil helps maintain consistent moisture, nutrients and temperature.

Spread out your seeds onto the bare soil at a rate of 12 to 16 seeds per square inch. Next, rake the area lightly to mix the seeds and soil. You don’t want the seeds deeper than ¼”. Some seeds should be seen on the surface and some should be lightly covered.

Step two is putting down a small amount of starter fertilizer or a garden soil with starter fertilizer. After germinating, the seedling pushes out its roots and leaves. This process uses up all the seeds nutrient stores. The seedling now need to pull nutrients from the soil to survive.

If you use garden soil, rake the area again. You are just adding a small amount to provide nutrients for the seedlings, don't bury the seeds. Starter fertilizers helps build root growth and provide nutrients for photosynthesis.

Step three is water. You need to mist the area twice a day for at least 2 weeks and preferably up to 4 weeks. Most seed mixtures are a blend of seeds with different germination rates. It is important to keep the seeds moist, but not saturated. If the seeds or sprouts dry out, they die. You want a light mist to cover the seeds till the ground is wet, down to an inch. You don’t want to use sprinklers that will pour water in the area and cause the seed to be moved around. You want a hose attachment that will mist the area for about 5 minutes. Most seeds will germinate within 2 weeks, but some can take up to 4 weeks. So even when you start to see growth, keep misting the area. The seedlings need water too. You are going for moist, not soggy.

Step four is light. Your seedlings need light for photosynthesis. As the leaves push out of the seed and the food reserves are used up, the seedling needs to draw nutrients from the soil and create food from photosynthesis. This is why the seeds should not be too deep into the soil.

Step five is temperature. The best time to grow grass is in the spring or fall. Ideal air temperature is between 45 and 75 degrees. The perfect soil temperature is 55 to 65 degrees. In most parts of the country, spring and fall are the best times to grow grass. High temperatures dry out the soil too fast and can kill seeds and seedlings.

The most important step is misting the area twice a day. This is where most people fail to be consistent. If the seeds or seedlings dry out, they will die.

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Unclogging a Tub

Unclogging a tub is fast and easy with The Drain Claw. With a simple push and twist, you can unclog bath drains because of hair without chemicals. The Drain Claw is also reusable and Made in the USA.

Caulk Remover for Tubs and Showers

There are a variety of tools on the market for caulk removal. One the most effective I've found is a caulk removal tool with a hard plastic V shape. It will allow you to get into the corner and scrape away at both sides of the caulk bead. You can then clean up the remaining caulk with a plastic scraper or a single edge razor blade.

After removing the caulk, always clean up any mold or mildew with bleach or a mold killer. If you do not kill the existing mold, it will bleed through the new caulk.

How to Kill Ants

I show how to kill ants.

For ants in the home, an ant trap is the safest most effective way to get rid of them.

If you use spays or powders, you only kill the ants you see. The queen is laying hundreds of new eggs every day. By using a trap, the ants bring the poisoned food back to the colony and share it will all the other ants, including the queen. This will solve your ant problem.

Briggs Vacuity Toilet

The Briggs Vacuity is a unique toilet that uses a vacuum jug to help with flushing and to conserve water. Plunging a Vacuity takes a few steps that you don't have to do with other toilets.

First, take off the lid to the tank. Remove the vacuum jug to expose the vacuum tube under it. You can cover the opening of the vacuum tube with your hand or stuff a wet rag into the opening. Keep pressure on the opening to keep air from escaping while you plunge the toilet with a toilet plunger. You want a plunger with a flange on it designed for toilet bowls. Remove the rag if you used one and replace the vacuum jug. Flush to test. Repeat if necessary.

American Standard Flush Valve

If you need to change the flush valve of an American Standard Toilet, it will help to bring the part with you to the hardware store. There are at least 6 styles of flush valve or flaps. For one style, there are 3 unique shapes. For the style I am showing, there is a #4, #5 and a #6.

In many toilets, they will accept the universal flap style, but not all the American Standard.
If you have a toilet tank that is slowly leaking, causing the fill valve to turn on and refill the tank with water, you probably have to replace the toilet flap or flush valve. For the American Standard, if it has a circular rubber disc that lifts to flush the toilet, try to replace just this first. You should bring the part with you to the store to find a match; there are a couple different styles of this too. It will be connected by a screw or snap fitting.

How to Replace a Toilet Flapper

A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. For most toilets, the flush valve uses a basic flap style gasket. This is an easy do it yourself project.

 Check the style you have before you run to the hardware store and bring it along. There are a few different shapes depending on the toilet.

Mansfield Flush Valve

The Mansfield flush valve is a unique style. The valve seal is part of the overflow pipe. To repair a leaking toilet, you must take off the refill tube, unscrew the top cap and remove the overflow pipe.

You can now get to the valve seal. By pulling at the seal from the side, you can pull it out of the body of the flush valve. To put in a new seal, you need to position it into the top groove on the flush valve.

The Mansfield 210 and 211 flush valve can have a chain attached to the bottom of the overflow tube or the handle passing through the plastic loop on the top of the tower. Both styles use the same rubber seal.

Combination Square

A combination square is a versatile tool for homeowners who like do it yourself projects. It has many features that will make your work easier and more professional.

Some of the things a combination square will do is, lay out a precise line at 90° and 45°. Check plumb and vertical. Draw quick straight lines down a piece of material. Set a router bit to the correct depth. Mark lines around a post quickly and accurately. It has a level. You can square the blade and guide on a table saw or a miter saw, just to name a few.

How to Remove a Stripped Screw

If you need to remove a stripped screw, there are a few different types of screw extractors you can buy. I like this style screw extractor for screws that have an indent like, Phillips or square drive screws. For slotted screws or broken bolts, it is more effective to use an extractor that requires a pilot hole to be driven first.

In most cases, if you have an old fence or deck that has rusted, stripped screws, you can just force this style into the top of the screw and remove it without having to ream it out first. In some cases it will actually grab better if you just use the extractor side only.

The Saw You Should Have in Your Tool Box

2,000 Year Old Saw Works Great

The Japanese Pull Saw has been around for more than 2,000 years. It is designed to cut on the pull stroke rather than the push stroke like Western saws.

The metals used on pull saws are designed to have very high tensile strength, for being pulled. So they can be very hard and thin. This gives you a very sharp and thin blade. This thin blade creates a very fine cut width, or kerf. Western style push saws have to be thicker and stand up to the compression of being pushed through material. Pushing a saw can cause flexing of the blade and a loss of control.

The thin hard blade on a Japanese pull saw will allow you to get a very precise, accurate cut with great control. The thin blade also lets you cut fast with less effort than a push style. Having a thin blade gives flexibility in tight corners and hard to reach situations.

GFCI Install

I cover the steps to change an outlet to a GFCI. If you have an outlet near a water source like a kitchen or bathroom sink, a ground fault circuit interrupter will help prevent shocks or electrocution.

How to color your hair

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I show how to color your hair.

My Mom was complaining about her age and I thought it might perk her up to dye her hair.

I used a non-permanent hair color that wraps the hair with color without using ammonia.
This is a gentle way to color your hair without the harsh chemicals or smell. The hair dye I used will wash out in 28 shampoos. The box that the hair color came in had great instructions on how to color your hair. It covers taking a sample hair and testing to see how long it takes to color and other safety precautions. I liked this non-permanent style for someone older like my Mom.

It took me about 30 minutes to help Mom turn back the clock.

How to wire a triple switch

I cover the steps on how to wire a triple switch.

This triple switch has 3 single pole switches in a single housing that go to a switched outlet, an entrance way light and an outside light.

If you are changing an existing triple switch, mark the wire going to the common screw. The common terminal should be marked on the back of the old switch. This wire needs to go to the common screw terminal on the new switch. In most triple switches, the common screw will be a dark color and the three legs will be a lighter color.

Turn off the power to any circuit that you are working on.

How to patch a screen

I cover the steps on how to patch a screen. This is an easy do it yourself project.

You will need a piece of aluminum screen, larger than the hole you are repairing.

You will need are a pair of scissors and a paperclip.

It is simple job to create a screen repair patch with aluminum screen. You can repair a window screen made of aluminum or fiberglass, but the screen patch has to be aluminum.

Wiring a three way switch

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If you have a light or group of lights that are controlled by 2 wall switches, you have a pair of 3 way switches.
I cover the steps to replace a three way switch and some tips if you have removed the switches and don't know which wire to connect to which terminal.
Turn off the electric to any circuit that you are working

How to wire a dimmer switch

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I replace a single pole wall switch with a dimmer switch.
Always turn off the breaker or remove the fuse to any electrical project.

How to wire a light switch

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I cover the steps on how to wire a light switch.

A single pole switch is the most common wall switch. It is just a break in the hot wire going to a light, outlet or appliance from one location. This is an easy do it yourself project.

I show a couple types of connections you could find when changing a wall switch.

Always turn off the breaker or remove the fuse to the switch.

How to build a gate

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I replace a wooden gate and build a new gate using a lap joint. For a small amount of time and materials, you can make a strong fence gate.

How to replace a double light switch

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I show the steps to replace a bathroom double light switch that operates a light and an exhaust fan.
Always turn off the breaker or remove the fuse to any electrical ciruit you are working on.

How to get rid of ants

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Ant traps are the best way to get rid of ants. They are safer than sprays or powders and will kill the entire colony.

How to rewire a lamp

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I cover some basic steps on how to replace a socket, cord and plug on a table lamp.

How to tie an underwriters knot

Basic Lubricants to have around the house

Let’s cover some basics of our most popular lubricant products at the hardware store.

WD-40

Ø  WD-40 has a new smart straw.  The straw is permanently attached to the can.  Flip it up for a tight stream.  Flip is down for regular spray action.

Ø  WD stands for water displacement.

Ø  WD-40 drives out moisture from spark plugs, hinges, ignition coils, drills and wiring.

Ø  WD-40 cleans gum off of dashboards and floor mats.  It cleans oil and tar from skin (wash skin thoroughly after use).  WD-40 cleans tea stains from countertops.  It removes decals from plastic.  It cleans hand tools.  It removes ink from jeans and leather.  WD-40 removes rust from plumbing fixtures.

Ø  It lubricates hinges, screws, chains, snow blower chutes and garden tools.

Ø  Cautions:  WD-40 is not a great contact cleaner.  It leaves a sticky residue that attracts dust.  Never use it in locks (clean a lock with isopropyl alcohol; allow it to dry and only use dry graphite in the lock).  WD-40 has oil in it and can stain some materials.

3 IN 1 OIL

Ø  3 in 1 oil is good basic lubricants for hinges, pulleys, chains and wheels. 

Ø  3 in 1 Oil is especially good for metal on metal.

Ø  It is primarily made up of light oil and petroleum oil. 

Ø  It can protect against rust. 

Ø  Cautions: It can stain some materials and can attract dirt and dust.

LIQUID WRENCH

Ø  Liquid Wrench is made up of penetrating solvents that do an excellent job of freeing up nuts and bolts that are difficult to remove.

Ø  Liquid Wrench is not good for long term lubrication or protection.

For anyone wanting to lubricate rubber, you need to use a plumber’s grease. A petroleum based lubricant will soften and swell rubber, shortening it’s life.

For more tips visit www.askthehardwareguy.com

How to replace a Moen faucet cartridge

One of the most popular faucets is the Moen single handle faucet. They have one style cartridge that fits into a wide variety of bathroom, kitchen, tub and shower faucets.

The most popular Moen cartridge is the 1200 brass style or the 1225 plastic body. You can replace an old cartridge with either model. Another style cartridge from Moen is the PosiTemp. It is also for single handle faucets but has a built in anti-scald feature. It will not fit in the faucets that take a 1200 or 1225 style, so make sure to look at your old cartridge.

The plastic cartridge is the newer style and is considered better for water with high mineral content.

You will need some of the following tools: adjustable wrench, channel-lock pliers, open-ended wrench, flashlight, and screwdrivers.

The first step in replacing a Moen cartridge is to shut off the water supply to the faucet.

To remove the old cartridge, you have to remove the handle from the faucet.

For most bathroom sinks and tub handles, there is a decorative cover on the top of the handle that needs to be pried off with a very small slotted screwdriver. This will give you access to the handle screw. In most cases this will be a Phillips screw. Remove this screw to remove the handle. For kitchen sink handles and some shower handles, there will be a small set screw that has an Allen Screw on the side or bottom. Unscrew this to remove the handle.

Some kitchen faucets will have a series of pieces that need to be removed to get to the cartridge. They can include the handle, handle assembly, retainer ring, pivot nut, and spacers. It is a good practice to lay out each piece in the order you removed it, so reassembly is easier.

Some faucets may also have a retaining nut that needs to be unscrewed to get to the cartridge.

Once the handle is removed and the parts under the handle are removed, you will need to take out the retainer clip. This is a “U” shaped clip that holds the cartridge in place.

In most of the packaging of a new Moen cartridge is a small white plastic tool to help remove the old cartridge. Place the removal tool onto the old cartridge and seat it between the two ears that stick up on cartridge. Use pliers or a wrench to twist the tool and loosen the old cartridge.

Remove the plastic tool and grab the cartridge stem and pull it out of the valve.

To install the new cartridge, pull the stem out so it is in the open position. This makes it easier to push into the valve. Grease up the o-rings with plumbers grease. In old faucets, the buildup of minerals and rust can cut an o-ring if it is not greased up. This will also help add life to the o-rings.

You need to align the ears sticking up on the new cartridge with the slot for the retainer clip. The clip needs to go around the ears to hold them in place. Replace the retainer clip.

Now replace all the parts that were removed and test the faucet.

If the hot and cold are reversed when you use the handle, only remove the handle and spin the stem 180 degrees. Do not remove the clip or cartridge, just spin the stem.

Weed Control and Fertilizer

To control wide leafed weeds like dandelions, you have to put a weed killer on actively growing weeds.

A bagged weed kill product like Scotts Step 2 or Scotts Super Turf plus 2 will not prevent weeds, it needs to be put down when the weeds have germinated and are fully developed. If you put Step 2 down too early, the weeds that haven't germinated yet will need another application.

By applying Scotts Step 2 or Super Turf plus 2, you will also add 2 months worth of high grade fertilizer to your lawn.

For all our bagged weed killers, you have to apply it to wet grass. The weed kill has to be absorbed into the wet leaves to be effective. You should mow the lawn first to expose weeds. Wet the lawn with a hose sprayer or sprinkler. You can also put a weed kill down first thing in the morning when it is wet from dew, but sprinkling the lawn will ensure that there is enough moisture on the leaves. You do not want to water the lawn or have rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours. The weed kill needs to absorb into the leaves and not get washed off. This is the only fertilizer that needs to be put on wet grass.

To spot kill weeds in your lawn you can use a product like Weed-B-Gon. It will kill weeds without harming the lawn.

For areas that have weeds but no grass, you can use a product like Round Up. It will kill anything green. What is great about Round Up, is that the formula will become inactive after 24 hours. So you can kill weeds in an area and still plant flowers or plants there in 24 hours. We also have other products that will kill weeds and prevent new vegetation from growing for a full season.

Make sure to read the packaging when you pick a product.

For more tips from the hardware store visit, www.askthehardwareguy.com

What is better? Caulk or Silicone

For our customers looking for a caulking, we try our best to help pick the best product for their application.

Our best most versatile caulk is the DAP ALEX PLUS. This is an all around caulk that can be used on a large variety of construction materials. This is a painter’s caulk with added silicone for adhesion, flexibility and longevity. It has a 35 year expected life in most applications and can be used indoors and outdoors. This product is easy to apply and easy to clean up.

It provides a waterproof seal and keeps air from passing through cracks. It is an excellent product for weather proofing a home. The cured caulk is mildew resistant.

The caulk can be cleaned up with soap and water before it dries. It has very little odor and is low VOC.

 The ALEX PLUS will stick to wood, metal, glass, tiles, drywall, brick, plaster, painted surfaces and most building material. It is perfect for sealing windows and door frames, molding, vents, baseboard, siding, corner joints and almost anywhere you need to cover a crack or seam.

The cured caulk can be painted in about 2 hours. You should apply it above 40 degrees.

For projects that need the ultimate in adhesion or waterproofing silicone stands up to extremes.

For many projects in the bathroom, like shower doors, silicone provides a much better seal and longer life. The DAP 100% silicone that we carry has an expected life of 50 years.

Silicone is an excellent adhesive, so for outdoor projects that need strength and a waterproof finish, silicone is the best. It will also withstand extreme temperature swings, from -40 to 400 degrees. The cured product is flexible and will not crack, crumble or shrink.

The product needs to have air movement to fully cure. You can’t use it in a closed, confined space. Excess product has to be cleaned up with mineral spirits. The product is very sticky and you only have 5 to 10 minutes to smooth or tool the product. It is much easier to use a caulking tool to finish silicone rather than your finger.

Silicone is not recommended on cement, brass, iron, galvanized metal, wet surfaces, oily woods, stove pipes or chimneys.

100% silicone can’t be painted.

For some bathroom projects that need something stronger than a bath caulk, silicone is the answer. It is also great for exterior projects like gutter leaks and weatherproofing around doors, windows and siding.

In most cases, the easiest product for the average homeowner will be caulk.