How to adjust a bifold door

Tips to adjust bifold doors

How to fix bifold doors

Some tips on how to repair bifold doors.

Needle Nose Pliers

Some uses for needle nose pliers

Diagonal Pliers

Some tips on how to use diagonal pliers

Linesman Pliers

Tips to use linesman pliers

Natural Drain Cleaner

Bacterial Drain Cleaner

Ceiling Fan Wobble

Tool to stop ceiling fan wobble.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

I show a new style smoke and CO alarm.

How to install a ceiling light

I show how to install a ceiling light and the wiring.
Make sure you turn off the electric to any circuit that you are working on. Connect your hot wire to the black wire on the ceiling light and the white wire to the white neutral wire on the light.
If you are installing a heavy light, check the type of electrical box you have. If in doubt, I would install a fan rated electrical box. It will hold the weight of a heavy ceiling light.

Easy to install smoke detector

Here is an easy to install smoke detector. I like the style and features.

Furnace troubleshooting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYwR9qL4lnk

Tool Gift Ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCSjdhS4fjk

How to replace the sparkplug on a Toro snow blower

Here are some tips on how to get to the sparkplug on a Toro Power Clear snowblower

Snow Blower Maintenance

Some tips to get your snow blower ready for the season

All natural cleaner for a garbage disposal

I show an all natural product to clean and deodorize a garbage disposal.

How to replace a double switch

 

Here are some tips on how to replace a double switch that has a 3 way and a single pole switch in one box.

How to replace a single handle Moen tub cartridge

I cover the steps on how to replace a Moen tub or shower cartridge.

How to wire a thermostat

I show how to wire a thermostat. The key is marking all the wires connected to the old thermostat. You need to know what wire goes to which screw. Each screw will be marked with a letter. The color of the wire may not match that letter. Once you mark each wire, it is easy to replace a thermostat.

Fuel Stabilizer for Lawn Mower Storage

To prepare your lawnmower for winter storage, I fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. The fuel will be protected over the winter and the gas will prevent gaskets from drying out and cracking.
To make it easy at the end of the year, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your gas can every time you get gas. This will protect the gas in your can and your lawnmower throughout the year.
#stabilizer

How to replace a 3 way lamp socket

I show how to replace a standard on/off lamp socket with a three way socket

How to sharpen a drill bit

I show a great tool to sharpen and add life to your drill bits.

Troubleshooting a table lamp

I share some tips on lamp repair troubleshooting. If you have a lamp that isn't working, it is easy to track down the problem with a few steps.
In most cases, just changing the lamp socket will repair a lamp that isn't working.

How to polish a laminate floor

An easy to use laminate floor polish is the Bona Laminate Floor Polish. It is a water based, non-toxic product. This polish provides a clear shine to improve the look of dull or worn laminate.
You want to clean the floor thoroughly before you apply the polish. Use a pad designed for polish and work in a cross hatch pattern. Allow to dry for 2 hours before walking on the finish. Allow 24 hours before replacing any heavy items.

Eelectrical testers for diy projects

The voltage tester that should be in every homeowners toolbox is a multimeter. This circuit tester will check AC current, DC, batteries and continuity. It is very handy for many diy projects. I would also have a non-contact voltage tester and an outlet tester. With these three devices, you can do most projects.

Paint additive to remove pet odors

I found an interesting product to remove cat urine smell. Urine odor is a difficult problem to solve. Regular cleaners don't always remove all the urine from carpet or wood floors. When urine evaporates, it attaches to moisture in the air and dust particles to be spread throughout the house. On humid days, you can smell the urine again, for years.
The Air-ReNu product is a blend of 27 natural earth minerals that releases negatively charged ions. The odor molecules attract these ions and they cause the air pollutants to become heavier than air and they fall to the ground, removing the odor from the air.
This is the same process that a few companies use to clean the air. The difference is that most of the other products come in a gel form and have to be replaced every few weeks or months. Air-ReNu says that by mixing their product into paint and covering your walls or ceilings, it will release these negative ions for 10 to 12 years.
I've used it in a couple projects so far and the homeowners have had positive reviews. I will update the video in the future with any feedback.

How to change a toilet seat

 

Here are a couple tips on how to change a toilet seat and replace it with a slow close toilet seat.

How to clean up cat urine from a carpet

To clean cat urine from a carpet, I like the Pet Odor and Stain Remover from Unique. You can find this at your local hardware store or pick it up online.
The Unique product is a blend of bacteria and enzymes.  The enzymes break down the urine and the bacteria will eliminate it. This is an all natural, safe way to remove stains and odors from your carpets.
The bacteria in this product will also eliminate vomit, feces, blood, grease and other stains. It is safe on carpet, hardwood floors and furniture. You can use this product on any water safe material.

Unclog a kitchen sink

To unclog a kitchen sink because of grease, I like the Roebic Crystal Drain Opener. It is a high concentration base that heats up and dissolves grease and food. 
When applying the drain opener, wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Put 2 tablespoons of the drain opener into the drain and add 2 cups of cold water. You can cover the drain with a plastic bowl to avoid any splattering.
Let set for 20 to 30 minutes then flush with cold water.
If you drain is still slow, add more product and repeat the process.
This product is safer than acids and I like that it can't spill like liquids.
Don't use this in toilets, garbage disposals, aluminum, lead or rusted galvanized pipes.

Construction Pencil

For a great construction pencil, I like the pencil blade from Accutrax. This is a pencil, shaped like a utility knife. I like having a pencil that is always sharp and protected inside a utility knife. The blade create a very tight uniform line. It's called the Accutrax Pencil Blade.

How to install a Delta Touch Faucet

The Delta Touch Faucet allows you to touch the faucet anywhere on the body or handle to turn the faucet on and off. You don't have to worry about contaminating the handle when you are handling food.
I like the high spout, the pull out spray feature and it was easy to install.

Outlet and GFCI Tester

An outlet tester is a great tool to make sure your outlets are grounded and wired correctly.
With an outlet tester that has a built in GFCI tester, you can check your GFCI outlets once a month to be sure they are working properly.

If you have an outlet that has reversed polarity, you can shorten the life of your electronic equipment and risk shock hazards in some fixtures.

Self watering system for plants

For a self watering system for plants, I came across the Plant Nanny at a garden show.
It is a terracotta spike that you put into the pot to create a self watering system. When the soil dries out, water is pulled out of the spike. It makes it very easy to keep your plants watered properly.

Clean lint from a 2nd floor dryer

I show how to clean lint from dryer on the 2nd floor. Cleaning the lint from your dryer is an important yearly routine. There are thousands of lint fires every year from a buildup of lint.

If you have a dryer on the 2nd floor of your home, it is harder to clean the entire length of the duct. I really like this LintEater tool. It allows you to push the cleaning brush through the ducts and suck out the lint with a shop vac.

Shower Caulking Tips

Here are some tips for caulking a shower.

How to Plant a Tree

One of the best times to plant a tree is in early Spring or Fall. In cool weather, a tree is diverting nutrients to root growth rather than leaf growth. During the summer, a young tree is more susceptible to heat stress.

Take the time to research the type of tree that will do best in your location and soil quality. A simple way is to drive your neighborhood and see what trees are planted and doing the best. For a great resource, look up your local county extension service for help picking the best tree for your area. They are very helpful.

When you have your tree, dig a saucer shaped hole about 4 or 5 times the width of the root ball on the tree. When you fill in this area with dirt, you are making it easy for new roots to spread out.

You want the depth of the hole to allow the root crown to be level with the surrounding soil. The root crown is where the main uppermost root breaks away from the trunk. In most cases, the top of the root ball should show the root crown. The root crown needs to breathe and be exposed.

Use the handle of a shovel or a tape measure against the root ball to guide you as you dig the depth of the hole. Once you have the depth of your hole, use the shovel to loosen up the dirt in the bottom of the hole and scratch up the sides of the hole. This will prevent the soil from being too compacted from shoveling.

Before you put the tree into the hole you want to take a knife and cut into the roots along the sides of the root ball about every 2 inches and about 1 inch deep into the root ball. This will free up any roots that have wound themselves around the root ball. You can also pull apart some of the outside roots by hand. This will help the roots expand out and establish a firm hold.

Once you have your tree in place and the root crown is level with the surrounding soil, you can start to back fill the dirt. Break up any clumps. Most experts now agree that you should just use the original soil for filling the hole. They have found that soil amendments can discourage the tree roots from spreading into the surrounding soil and can cause poor water drainage. Some fertilizers can kill young tree roots. The tag on your new tree may suggest peat moss and other amendments, but new research shows the best results from establishing the tree in native soil.

With the excess soil, you can create a small lip around the outside edge of the hole to help retain water for the first year. You can also use a thin coat of mulch to help regulate water evaporation and temperature. 2 inches of mulch is good for a young tree. Do not cover the root crown. You never want to pile mulch up against the trunk. This can cause the bark to rot, encourage disease and insect damage.

For the first two months, you should water your tree 1 to 2 gallons of water a day. After 2 months you can water twice a week for another 2 months, then once a week for the first year.

For an established tree, more than 2 years old, you want to give it 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. You want to water it once every 2 to 4 weeks.  One deep watering is much healthier for a tree and produces strong deep roots. You want the soil to dry out between watering. The roots that lie close to the surface also absorb oxygen and need to breathe.

Follow these tips for growing a healthy new tree.

The Drain Claw drain tool for slow bath drains

For slow bath drains, The Drain Claw drain tool does a great job of removing hair and debris.

Sump Pump Tips

If you need to replace a sump pump, you have 2 options for the switch. A tether switch, which is a float that turns the pump on and off. You need a 14 inch wide pit or larger.
 A vertical float switch, which has a float tied to a vertical rod. You can use an 11 inch wide pit or larger.
I like the vertical float switch. It can't get caught on the sides of the pit or any pipes inside the pit.
1/2 horse power pumps are the most versatile for the majority of homes. To find out the size pump you need for your home you can call the Wayne company at  800-237-0987. They are very helpful. You will need to know the height of the pipe coming up from the pit and the overall length of the discharge pipe, along with the number of elbows.
Sump pumps will last 6 to 10 years.

How to replace a sump pump

I show how to replace a sump pump in a basement. If all you need is a new sump pump, you should be able to unscrew the discharge pipe and screw it on to the new pump.
In most applications, a 1/2 hp pump will do the job and last 6 to 10 years. If you want to know the recommended horse power for your job, you can call the Wayne company at 800-237-0987. Give them the height of the discharge pipe and the overall distance, along with how many elbows you have and they will give a suggested size for the pump. I have found them to be very helpful.

How to clean the lint from dryer and vent

 

A great dryer vent cleaning kit is the Lint Eater cleaning system. It comes with a variety of accessories to clean many types of dryer vents.

You can use the air from the dryer or a shop vac to help pull out the lint.

There are thousands of dryer fires every year from a buildup of lint, so you should clean your dryer vents once or twice every year.

How to apply a driveway sealer

I show how to apply a driveway sealer. I am using the Henry 532 asphalt resurfacer. This product has a 7 year warranty. I like the rubberized gel formula, it goes on easy and you only need one coat.
You want the temperature to be above 50 degrees. You don't want rain in the forecast for 48 hours and you don't want to drive on the product for 48 hours.
Hose down the driveway with a good cleaner and pull any weeds. Fill all large cracks with a crack sealer. Fill any holes with a pothole patch. Let any patches fully cure before you apply the sealer.

How to repair a driveway pothole

You can make a permanent pothole repair in your driveway with a pothole patch. I've had great results from Henry products. I like how easy this Henry pothole patch is to work with. I've used bagged pothole patch that came out in chucks and was difficult to spread.
You can fill holes in 2" layers, tamping each 2" layer before applying more product. You can spread the pothole patch with a trowel, rake or shove. You want to fill the hole 1 1/2" above the finished surface before tamping.

How to fill Driveway Cracks

To fill driveway cracks, I like a product that you can gun into the cracks. I've used many products over the years and have good luck with Henry products. This driveway crack filler is easy to use. It can be applied in 50 degrees or warmer and only takes 24 hours to cure.

You can fill cracks up to 1/2" wide and 1" deep. If the hole is deeper, just fill with sand to about an inch.

You don't want rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours.

Easy to use Electrical Tester for Homeowners

I show how to use an electrical tester to check the cicuit for power.
Every homeowner should have is a good quality non-contact electrical tester. It will safely let you know if there is electric in the circuit you are working on.

Foaming Root Killer Prevents Clogs and Damage to your Main Drain

You can find Roebic Foaming Root Killer in most hardware stores. It doesn't contain copper, so it is recommended in all states. There may be some local restrictions, so just ask your hardware store.

Trees are constantly looking for water and nutrients, so your main drain is an easy source. The roots can be as small as hair and easily fit in the joints of your main drain. When they come in contact with water and waste in your drain, they quickly grow, clogging your drain. Tree roots can also break and damage drain pipes, costing you hundreds in repairs.

A routine every homeowner should have is adding a root killer once or twice a year to the main drain. Tree roots grow the most in the spring and fall, so that is the best time to apply a root killer.

For this foaming root killer, you would want to wear rubber gloves and goggles. Pour the entire bottle into the closest toilet to the main drain on the 1st floor. Flush immediately. Let the tank fill up and flush again to push the product about 50 feet. If you need to go further, a second bottle will treat about 75 feet. Do not use the plumbing for about 6 hours.

If you have a longer distance, you would need to use a non foaming style.
Do this once or twice a year to prevent clogs and damage to your drain pipes.

The best time to fertilize your lawn

Your lawn will benefit from a fertilizer at any time, but fall is the most important time to put down the correct fertilizer.

During spring and summer, all plants and grass are busy developing top growth. As grass and plants take in fertilizer with high nitrogen content, it is used to develop stems, foliage, flowers and fruit.
 As winter approaches, available food and nutrients are diverted to the roots. It is now important to provide plants with fertilizers with higher potassium content. This chemical improves tolerance to the cold and enhances root development.

 As temperatures cool off, plants start to slow stem growth and thicken cell walls to protect themselves from winter.

 Most lawn experts, like Zac Reicher, Professor of turf grass at Purdue University, believe a fall fertilizer is the most important application of the year. His research shows it is important for plants to take up nitrogen and potassium and store the energy for maximum root growth for the next spring. His research shows that a spring application of fertilizer will never compensate for a missed application in fall.

Putting down a winterizer is the key to having a great looking and healthy lawn next year.

How to replace a toilet wax ring

I show the steps to replace the wax ring on a toilet with a non wax toilet gasket.
In this project I share a couple troubleshooting tips and the steps to fix a leaking toilet.
I have been using the Sani Seal toilet gasket and really like the features. It will spring back if you have to reseat the toilet, it has a lifetime warranty, it will fit a wide range of toilet flanges, it will move with a toilet if it rocks slightly and it fits non level drains. I have never had a leak with this style gasket.

Epoxy for repairs around the house

For repairs around the house, a 2 part epoxy does a great job on a wide range of materials

Prevent Tree Roots in Sewer

Once or twice a year you should use a root killer in your drain line. Tree roots can do major damage to your main drain. Tree roots can break older drain pipe causing thousands of dollars in repairs.
Tree roots searching for water are as fine as hair, working their way into the connections in drain pipe. Inside the pipe, they have a great source of water and nutrients. Once they find the water source they will grow and expand, damaging pipe and causing a blockage.
By applying a root killer once or twice a year, you can keep drain lines open and root free.

Gutter cleaning from the ground without a ladder

The Vertalok gutter cleaning system makes cleaning the gutters easy from the ground. The system comes with a variety of fittings to allow you to scoop, brush, paddle and wash debris from your gutters without having to climb on a ladder.

How to Kill Grubs in Your Lawn

The best way to kill grubs in your lawn, along with other lawn pests is with beneficial nematodes.
These microscopic grub killing worms are harmless to humans, animals, plants and earthworms. Beneficial nematodes can be used against a wide variety of grubs and other soil pests like fly larvae, flea beetles, cutworms, weevils, cockroaches, fleas and about 200 other pests.

Once you introduce the nematodes into your lawn, they actively search out lawn pests and enter their body. The nematode releases a toxic bacterium that kills the pest and then feeds on the insect.

When you purchase nematodes, they should be kept in a refrigerator until you are ready to disperse. The nematodes are microscopic and usually come in a container with millions inside.

You can spread the nematodes into your lawn with a hose end sprayer, a watering can or pump sprayer.

Water your lawn well before you introduce the nematodes. It must be overcast or dust when they are applied. Strong sunlight will kill nematodes.

If you are using a hose end sprayer, it will take 5 to 10 minutes to disperse into a 2,500 square foot lawn.

Nematodes need moisture to move into the soil. It is important to water your lawn every day for at least a week after an application.

These nematodes are from the Environment Factor.

How to Wire a Double Switch. 2 Single Pole Switches.

I show how to wire a double switch. I have 2 single pole switches in one box. One switch to a bath light and one switch to the fan.

Refrigerator Odor Remover

To eliminate refrigerator odors, I found an excellent product that uses charcoal from bamboo. It's called Moso Natural air purifying bag.

 Bamboo charcoal is more effective than baking soda for refrigerators and it lasts 2 years.
The bag is safe around food, pets and kids, there are no chemicals, just all natural bamboo charcoal.
To keep the charcoal working, you just place it in sunlight once every month or so for an hour. After 2 years of absorbing odors, you can cut open the bag and put the charcoal in your garden to stimulate plant growth.

Get rid of weeds without chemicals

An easy way to get rid of weeds without chemicals is with a propane torch. I use the Weed Dragon. You can pick this up at your local hardware store, or they can order it for you.
It uses intense heat to destroy the cells in the leaves that produce food. After a second of heat, the plant will die.

It is an easy way to eliminate weeds in hard to get places, like under a chain link fence and around landscaping material. The torch is also excellent in the winter to remove ice quickly.

Add ladybugs to your garden to get rid of aphids and pests

Most species of adult ladybugs are considered beneficial insects for gardeners and farmers.  An adult ladybug and larvae will remove aphids, whiteflies, lace bugs, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, grape root worms and the larvae of most other insects. Over its life, a ladybug can consume up to 5,000 aphids or soft bodied insects. Ladybugs will also consume pollen and nectar.

You can attract ladybugs into your garden by providing small flowering plants like bugleweed, butterfly weed, cilantro, dandelion, dill, fennel, oregano and thyme.

You can also purchase ladybugs to release into the garden or your farm. If you purchase ladybugs, you need to release them immediately, or store them in a refrigerator for 1 to 3 weeks. Purchase ladybugs from companies that ship next day with food and water in the packaging.

I purchase mine from a company called the Environmental Factor. They ship overnight
 and provide food, water and a cooling pack inside the packaging. This is what you are looking for in a ladybug provider. You can purchase online from Home Depot and Amazon. Environmental Factor supplies the ladybugs for both.

Before releasing the ladybugs into your garden, mist the plants to provide a source of water. You can also mix a few tablespoons of sugar into a spray bottle filled with warm water. This will dramatically increase the amount of ladybugs that will stay in the area and start to reproduce.

Release the ladybugs at sundown, because they rest and don't fly at night. You can spread out the release over the leaves of the plants. If ladybugs fall to the ground, they will climb up the plants to the leaves.

Easy way to keep raccoons out of your garbage.

A device to deter raccoons and keep animals away from your garbage cans and garden is the Sonic Shield from Bird B Gone. This little pest deterrent can be mounted on patios, decks, balconies and in the yard.

The Sonic Shield has a motion detector to set off a barking dog sound along with a flashing light during the day. At night you can set it to just the strobe light.
It is run on 4 AA batteries and designed to be left outside.

Best Time to Fertilize Your Lawn is Fall

Your lawn will benefit from a fertilizer at any time, but fall is the most important time to put down the correct fertilizer.
During spring and summer, all plants and grass are busy developing top growth. As grass and plants take in fertilizer with high nitrogen content, it is used to develop stems, foliage, flowers and fruit.

As winter approaches, available food and nutrients are diverted to the roots. It is now important to provide plants with fertilizers with higher potassium content. This chemical improves tolerance to the cold and enhances root development.

As temperatures cool off, plants start to slow stem growth and thicken cell walls to protect themselves from winter.

Most lawn experts, like Zac Reicher, Professor of turf grass at Purdue University, believe a fall fertilizer is the most important application of the year. His research shows it is important for plants to take up nitrogen and potassium and store the energy for maximum root growth for the next spring. His research shows that a spring application of fertilizer will never compensate for a missed application in fall.
Putting down a winterizer is the key to having a great looking and healthy lawn next year.
 
You have to think of your lawn as millions of tiny plants. A good fertilizer is like giving them a dose of vitamins and nutrients. So for the best looking grass on your block, start this fall with a high quality winterizer.

What are ladybugs?

Ladybugs are a form of beetle. They are mostly 1/4" long with a domed back. Commonly the wing covers can be red or orange coved with black spots. Depending on the species though,  many varieties have no spots or can be other colors. The head and legs in most are black. There are over 450 species of ladybugs in North America.

Ladybugs lay their eggs primarily under the leaves of plants that have a source of food. In most cases, they are looking for aphids. The larvae will hatch a few days after being layed. Ladybug larvae look like miniature alligators. Most are black with reddish marking and can look spiky or bumpy. The larvae are usually about 1/4" long. The larvae will grow fast and shed their skin several times for about 2 weeks.  The larvae are voracious and can eat  40 to 80 aphids an day. When they are full grown, they will attach themselves to a leaf and form a pupa. In about 2 weeks, they will become an adult ladybug.

 A ladybug can live one to two years and lay over 1000 eggs. If it is under stress, it will release a bad smelling chemical to deter predators. Its bright colors are a warning that it will not make a good meal. Ladybugs will also play dead and drop lifelessly to the ground if attacked.

Most species of adult ladybugs are considered beneficial insects for gardeners and farmers.  An adult ladybug and larvae will remove aphids, whiteflies, lace bugs, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, grape root worms  and the larvae of most other insects. Over its life, a ladybug can consume up to 5,000 aphids or soft bodied insects. Ladybugs will also consume pollen and nectar.

Legend has it, that the "lady" in ladybug came from farmers in the Middle Ages praying to the Blessed Lady to save their crops plagued by pests. Soon after many prayer meetings, farmers stared seeing ladybugs in their fields and began calling the them lady beetles.

You can attract ladybugs into your garden by providing small flowering plants like bugleweed, butterfly weed, cilantro, dandelion, dill, fennel, oregano and thyme.

You can also purchase ladybugs to release into the garden or your farm. If you purchase ladybugs, you need to release them immediately, or store them in a refrigerator for 1 to 3 weeks. Purchase ladybugs from companies that ship next day with food and water in the packaging.

Before releasing the ladybugs into your garden, mist the plants to provide a source of water. You can also mix a few tablespoons of sugar into a spray bottle filled with warm water. This will dramatically increase the amount of ladybugs that will stay in the area and start to reproduce.

Release the ladybugs at sundown, because they rest and don't fly at night. You can spread out the release over the leaves of the plants. If ladybugs fall to the ground, they will climb up the plants.

The ladybug is considered good luck in almost every culture around the world.

Organic Mouse Repellent

To control and repel mice in the home, you can use an organic solution. Shake Away has a product that is safe to use in the home or anywhere mouse control is needed. The product uses a blend of natural oils that is effective at repelling mice.

Mice have such a sensitive sense of smell that the blend of organic oils is an irritant.
Pet and bird food is the main attractant in most homes, so clean up the area you want to protect and store in containers any food source.

How to Set and Where to Place a Mousetrap

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.

Garden and Harvesting Bag

A great tool for harvesting and weeding is The Gardener's Hollow Leg. It is a 5 gallon fabric sack that you can wear around your waist.

The bag is made from waterproof, recycled polyester. The bag comes with an adjustable belt that you can attach garden tools to. It allows you to weed, prune and harvest in your garden, hands free.
The bag is excellent for working on a ladder. It is also great for projects like cleaning gutters. The bag will keep your clothes clean and can be worn on either side.

You can pick up The Gardener's Hollow Leg at your local hardware store or find them online.

Hose End Spray Nozzle and Watering Wand

For all kinds of cleaning projects around the house, you can pick up the Hyde Pivot Jet Pro. It has a built in soap reservoir and a pivoting nozzle that makes cleaning projects easy.
The washing wand connects to any standard hose and has three settings. Off, water only and soap. The nozzle pivots with a slid grip and you can adjust the spray pattern.
The nozzle can also be removed to allow any garden hose accessory, like a watering tip for plants.
I also have used it for projects where I need a hose end sprayer for product like grub control.

Picture Hanging Tool

An easy tool to help you hang pictures is the Hang It Perfect picture hanging tool.
It will help you line up and hang any type of picture, with any type of hanger. It will line up single hooks or a single wire and also two eye hooks or hanger. It is very easy to use and has a built in level.
If you are hanging multiple pictures side by side, you will be able to line them up like a pro.

Cooking Fire Prevention System

 

The #1 cause of residential fires and injuries are cooking fires. There are over 100,000 fires a year in homes and over 60% are from cooking fires.

When cooking oil reaches a high temperature it will auto-ignite and create a large flame that can easily set kitchen cabinets on fire. In minutes, a cooking fire can be out of control.

 

A cooking fire suppressant that every home should have is the Stovetop Firestop extinguisher. This easy to install device is recommended by fire departments across the country. It is only activated by a large flame. When it is activated, it will extinguish a cooking fire before it has a chance to get out of control.

 

You can get this at your local hardware store and if they don't have it, they can order it for you. The company is Stovetop Firestop.

 

This is an excellent product that should be in every home. "To see this product in action, go to www.stovetopfirestop.com"

Tool box or tool bag. What do you prefer?

I prefer a tool bag to a tool box. I like the way it organizes your most frequently used tools and has them within reach. A bag will let you carry a lot more at one time and keeps it organized when you are storing it.
I really like this tool bag from CLC. It has an integrated audio system to let you listen to your smart devices while on the job. It will run off batteries or you can plug it in. They also have styles with built in LED lights. I would have loved one these bags when I was working on homes without electric.
You can pick up a CLC tool bag from your local hardware store and if they don't have it, they can order it for you. You can also check out all their products online. I have been very happy with the products I've used from them.
The tool bag that I have in the video is the Tech Gear™ Stereo Speaker 18" MegaMouth™ Tool Bag.

Exterior outlet cover installation.

For exterior outlets, the new style covers the electrical cord when it is plugged in, reducing a shock hazard.

How to install an exterior outlet.

For an exterior outlet, you need a GFCI outlet that is rated for exterior use. The outdoor outlets are marked WR for weather resistant.

Installing a GFCI outdoor outlet will protect you from shock hazards. A GFCI will stop the flow of electric in a fraction of a second if a possible shock hazard is detected.

How to caulk a bathtub

A great do it yourself project is re-caulking a bathtub. I like to use a caulk tool to remove all the old caulk. I prefer a tool that pushes out the old caulk. You can also use a plastic scraper.
Once the old caulk is removed, treat any mold.
A simple way to apply the new caulk is with a squeeze tube. It goes on easy and you can smooth it with a finger. Only cut a small opening in the tip of the tube. You can always apply more caulk.
Work from one corner to the middle, then start from the opposite side and work toward the caulk you applied. This will keep the corners from having a buildup of caulk.

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Installing a ceiling fan is a great do it yourself project. I am putting up a ceiling fan with a light kit with a ball and socket style mounting bracket.

For this install, we have 2 switches that operate the fan and light. If you only have one switch, you would tie the two hot wires from the fan to your one hot wire in the ceiling. You would then operate the fan and light with the pull chains.

How to rewire a lamp

I show how to replace a lamp socket and the cord.
You can find a lamp rewire kit in your local hardware store. Take a look at the old lamp before you purchase your new parts. There are different styles depending on the year your lamp was made. I show a very basic design that is very popular

How to remove paint transfer from a car

I had my car swiped in a parking lot and transfer paint onto it. I called the manufacturer and they suggested getting a paste wax and buffing the transferred paint off.
It worked well for this situation. I was lucky the damage wasn't bad.

Low Flame on Propane Grill

If you have a low flame on your grill, it may be the way you are turning it on.
All new propane grills have a built in safety on the regulator. You need to start the grill in a specific way to keep the safety from shutting down or lowering the amount of gas that is allowed into the grill.
Shut off all burners and the propane tank when you finish grilling. When you are ready to start grilling again, lift the lid. Make sure all the burners are off. Turn the valve to the propane tank to full open. Wait at least one minute before you turn on the burner to start the grill. After one minute, you can start the grill. This will bypass the safety and allow you to get a full flame on your grill.

How to seal large bags around the house and garage.

 

For sealing large bags, I found an excellent product. It is called the Handy Camel Bag Clip.

If you have bags that needs to be resealed, this bag clip does a great job of locking down tight and preventing spills. I also really like the built in handle.

You can pick it up at the hardware store. If they don't have it, they can order it for you.

How to Use a Stud Finder

I show how to use a stud finder and a couple styles.
The basic stud finder will show you where the edges of the stud are. With a basic stud finder, you need to have the stud finder against the wall before you turn it on. Once you turn it on, you need to move the stud finder to locate the edge of the stud. Use a pencil to mark the edges and the outline of the stud.
For an easier to use stud finder, I like the Franklin Sensor stud finder. It can be turned on before you touch the wall and it will show the entire stud, not just the edges.

How to Mulch around Trees

Proper mulching can help protect trees. Mulch can reduce water loss from evaporation, control weed growth, improve soil quality and reduce plant disease. It will add a professional appearance and reduces damage from weed trimmers.

A 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch will protect the delicate roots that absorb water, oxygen and minerals. These roots are located in the top few inches of soil. Mulch helps control fluctuations in temperature and moisture.

You want to mulch wide rather than deep. Spread the mulch out to the width of the branches where possible. Keep the base of the tree and the root crown exposed. The root crown is the main root that breaks away from the trunk. This needs to breathe.

Do not pile up mulch around the base of the tree. This can cause the bark to rot, encourage disease and insect damage.

The best depth is 2 to 4 inches. Once a year, rake the mulch up to keep it from getting matted. You want water and oxygen to more through this layer.

Use natural mulch rather than rubber mulch. Rubber mulch can overheat and dry out  the delicate surface roots and the bark.

How Often Should You Water a Tree

You should water mature trees once every 2 to 4 weeks. Trees that are 2 years old or younger, should be watered once every 10 to 14 days.

You should give your tree about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.
If you are using a hose without an attachment, you will be watering about 10 gallons every 5 minutes. To be exact, you can time how long it takes to fill a 5 gallon bucket.

You want to water the tree from the base to the drip line, the width of the branches. One thorough watering is healthier than frequent shallow watering. You want the soil to dry out so the roots can absorb oxygen.

Rescreen with Pet Screen for Torn Screens from Dogs or Cats

I show how to rescreen a patio door with a pet screen.
Pet screen is a heavy duty screen that stands up to scratching from dogs and cats. I cover how to replace regular screen with pet screen and show some troubleshooting tips.

Some tips on Watering Your Lawn

Watering your lawn with the proper amount of water is essential for a thick, healthy, weed resistant lawn.

For an established lawn, 1" of water, once a week is the rule. During very hot or dry periods, it may need more.

An easy way to figure out how long it takes your sprinkler to give your grass 1" of water, is to use a rain gauge. Put the rain gauge under your lawn sprinkler and time how long it takes to get to one inch. A rough guide is about 3 hours for 1"of water with most sprinklers.

One deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering. One deep watering per week will promote longer and healthier roots. Light, frequent watering produces shallow roots subject to drying out as the surface dries. More frequent watering can cause pooling of water that encourages lawn disease, insect populations and shallow roots to drown.

The best time to water is in the morning. Water pressure is higher and evaporation is low. The soil will accept more water before it is baked by the afternoon sun. Night watering can allow the grass to stay wet too long and promote lawn disease.

Overseed a Lawn for a Beautiful Yard

By overseeding a lawn every few years, you will have a thick beautiful yard that not only looks great, but can easily be kept virtually weed free with very little effort.
As grass gets to be 5 years old or so, it drastically slows down the rate of reproduction. This can cause your lawn to get thinner and more susceptible to weeds. By adding new seed to a lawn every few years you can easily revitalize your lawn. The best time to overseed a lawn is spring and fall when temperatures are between 45 and 75 degrees.

        The first step to overseeding is to clean up any debris and weeds. Then rake the lawn to remove all loose thatch and grass clippings. The new seeds need to make contact with soil to germinate.

        The second step is to mow your grass to the lowest setting that your mower will allow. Use a grass catcher if you have it and bag the clippings. By doing this, the seeds can drop easily to the soil. This is also the perfect time to aerate your lawn. This involves punching small holes throughout the lawn. This allows more oxygen and water to penetrate into the ground and more opportunity for the seeds to get into the soil.

        The third step is topping your lawn with a light coating of topsoil or a seeding soil. A seeding soil will help the seeds germinate and has a starter fertilizer added to speed root development. Seed must come in contact with soil, or they will not germinate.

        After topping the lawn with some type of soil, you should water the lawn thoroughly, giving it 1 inch of water. This will help keep the lawn moist for germination.

        The fourth step is to put down the seed. You can use a full size spreader or a hand held one. The spreader and the bag of grass seed will have the settings for correct dispersal.

      If you did not use the seeding soil, make sure to use a starter fertilizer. This is a must to develop strong roots quickly and has a blend of nutrients to help not only the seedlings but the established lawn.

        The fifth step is to water. You need to mist the lawn twice a day for at least 2 weeks. The first few weeks are the difference between success and failure for the seedlings. The seeds need consistent moisture to germinate. Then as the roots start to develop, if they dry out before they get a good root hold into the soil, they will die. This is one of the most important steps, a light misting twice a day for at least 2 weeks.

A light misting, rather than a soaking will also help keep the seeds from pooling and bunching up.
So the key steps are;
        Rake and clean up the lawn of any debris.
        Mow the grass to the lawn mowers lowest setting. (set it back to high        for the rest of the year)            
        Water the lawn thoroughly, at least 1 inch of water.
        Put down seed using a spreader.
        Put down a seeding soil or starter fertilizer.
        Mist the lawn twice a day for 2 weeks.
Do this every couple years. Fertilize and water regularly and you will have a lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Repairing Drywall Settling Cracks

Some tips to repair drywall settling cracks.

Drywall Patch - Drywall Repair Kit

If you have a large hole in a wall and a scrap piece of drywall, I like using a drywall clip kit.
The clips will hold a drywall patch in place so it is easy to compound and tape.