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train · 95.7k rows

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Troubleshooting bandsaw cutting at an angle (through aluminum) I occasionally use (or abuse) a small tabletop band saw to rough cut aluminum plate. I generally having a lot of success and have been able to cut half inch thick plate without any problem using 6 to 10 tpi wood cutting blades. This weekend I tried cutting...	Another factor is the blade tension.
Mitre Circular Saw blades for cutting Oak floorboards I have two different blades (which are almost new) for my mitre saw. One has 24 teeth, the other has 48 teeth. Which blade should I be using to cut oak floor boards? <Q> I'd use the 24 tooth blade, but be sure it is a carbide type and sharp. <S> Since all your cu...	Given the choice between a 24T & 48T saw blade to perform the task (cross-cutting oak floorboards), I would most definitely go with the 48T blade, you will get a much cleaner cut (& less tear-out on the underside).
Would running a band saw or cnc machine in my basement be safe? I'd like to get a band saw and drill press but I don't have room in my garage so I'd like to put it in my basement. The problem is I don't have any ventilation to remove sawdust so would having it in my basement be impractical / unhealthy? <Q> My grandfath...	It is a good idea to wear and dust mask when machines in operation aswell. Each machine should have an emergency stop button and obviously properly wired and earthed.
How to improve the acoustics in my living room? I've just gotten a brand new TV and put it in my living room. The room is, however, extremely echoey. It has a linoleum floor and bare walls, a couch, two chairs, a glass coffee table, and a glass TV stand. The TV itself is mounted on a swivel mount that comes up from ...	Some fabric such as drapes can be a great help in softening the acoustic profile of the room, so you might want to additionally add drapes or fabric to decorate but also cancel some echo.
How to plan for the future when installing a new roof? We're hiring a contractor to take off the existing roof, repair/replace any rotted sheathing and rafters, and install a new roof. We've also asked that they add a new plumbing vent stack for a new bathroom we'll add later, a bathroom exhaust vent, a whirlybird to v...	There is nothing wrong with going above and beyond the code when it comes to bracing your roof.
Painting over old plaster We have just peeled off some old paintwork from our walls. The wall is dry and the plaster looks in good shape for the most part but it is old and "dusty" - i.e. you can rub your hand over it and it generate dust - unlike new plaster which has a firm shiny finish. I am nervous that if I pain...	Of course the solution that will give you the best finish is to get another skim coat of plaster applied.
Can a ceiling light shade be replaced? Where can I find a replacement? The shade of a ceiling light in my apartment cracked and fell on the floor. I started looking around on the web to see if I can buy a replacement but I'm having difficulty finding anything. Can this be done, or does one normally have to replace th...	Or if the shade is more a non-standard affair, a specialist High Street Light shop might be your better option.
How do I make my room stop smelling so bad? My parents keep on complaining about the smell, but I don't smell anything at all. I've put in two odor-maskers, but they're not helping at all. I also try to ventilate, but it's almost always way too cold to open the windows here (yes, even in the middle of summer right no...	Clean the floors, put fresh bedding on, turn on a fan or open a window, get rid of or clean anything with traces of foods or liquids (plus don't eat in your room), take showers daily just in case Such a scent/odor could be a byproduct of cleaning, especially if your room is maintained by one person and the rest of the ...
AC Coolant pipe has condensation and leaks inside wall I've got an old AC unit (probably 13+ years old) that came with the house that I bought. This summer I noticed some water damage on the drywall in the basement, so I cut the damaged drywall away, and found that the pipe coming from my AC unit to my furnace had a bu...	Sounds like the insulation around the coolant pipe needs to be sealed better (if air can't get to it, you won't have any condensation).
Why is the small white box near my fridge's compressor making an incessant clicking sound? I have a small Frigidaire (model FRT045GB) ~9 months old (but shockingly outside of warranty) which recently started clicking. Actually it almost sounds like a small water pump? I have been able to determine that the noise is r...	The compressor, condenser fans, and defrost timer.
What are the pros/cons of Ondura for roofing? I came across Ondura in Lowes this morning and had never heard of it. It looks pretty slick. Does anyone have experience with it to share? I found no matches when searching here and was sort of surprised, as it seems very DIY for re-roofing. <Q> As a shingle replacemen...	It was a breeze to install other that the fact that it is very fragile to work with. I think for the residential market, especially if you will have to strip the roof anyway, that the real selling point has to be the appearance the product will give your roof... if you love the installed look (and I agree, it can look ...
Repair gouges in a particle board desk? A few years back, I bought a $500 studio producer desk. It's made of particle board and has been through more than a few moves and has received a proper beating over the years: Is there any way for me to repair this, now that it's been done? I thought of possibly using somethin...	You might be able to get some plastic or rubber corner strips that has an adhesive and go right around the full table edge in black, brown or whatever color, maybe a wood veneer shade. For something like this you would cut out a trapezoid (long end of the trapezoid toward the middle of the table), or a bowtie shape fro...
Wiring needs for electrical devices Device 1 (electrical fan) is 32W and 0,19AMP. Device 2 (lighting system) is 400W and 1,7AMP. Both run at 240Volts (Europe). When wiring these up, what kind of cables do I need? Can I use any domestic electrical plug adapter or are they usually rated for certain wattages / amperes...	I don't know how home wiring works in Europe, but if you are at 240V, then the 14 gauge wire should still be fine.
How do I fix a gap in my refrigerator door gasket seal? Today I noticed that the gasket seal surrounding the refrigerator door has a bit of a gap along the lower quarter of the door. The photo below shows my refrigerator door - notice how the white gasket is flush with the refrigerator from the top down to about six in...	To fix the alignment, you would loosen the gasket screws, push or pull the top and bottom corners of the door until it's properly aligned, and retighten the gasket screws.
Why is my brand new PEX clear tubing turning green near the water heater? I just moved into my house with brand new PEX (uponor) plumbing. I used clear for the hot and cold instead of red and blue, because I bought everything myself and I thought it would prevent wasting too much. I installed the PEX tubing myself af...	Copper corrosion can also be caused by your electrical system being grounded to your water pipes, especially if you have a mixture of pipe material (e.g., some copper and some galvanized steel.). I believe it is a combination of opportunities for algae to grow in your pipes.
What is the best way to dissolve tape that won't peel off? Scotch tape? Duct tape? What about other types of tape (like the tape they put on supermarket labels?) <Q> I've have very good luck with GooGone . <A> I usually try a variety of approaches depending on what the glue is. <S> Most glues seem to be either water...	If the glue is water based (usually not gooey or tacky), then just cleaning up with some warm soapy water seems to work best.
Are there any major differences between a smaller table band saw and a larger stand up band saw? I'm considering buying a small table sized 9" band saw because it's much cheaper than buying a full sized stand up band saw. Are there any major differences in terms of what kind of materials I can cut and how large of piec...	Larger, more expensive bandsaws will generally have better blade guides, a more powerful motor, more table and fence adjustments, and can hold wider range of blade widths.
What humidity should I set my dehumidifier to? I just bought a 50 pint dehumidifier for my basement. What humidity level should I aim for? This time of year the outside humidity is very high (over 80%) and we do not have central air. Right now it is set to 55% and seems to be running constantly. Should we keep it ru...	Recommended humidity levels for human comfort is 30-60%[1].
Shading windows from outside (awnings, shutters, etc) to keep house from overheating in summer The back of my house faces west, and during July and August, the sun hits it directly in the afternoon through evening. On a warm day, this can cause the house to heat up quite a bit, so I'm making it a project to minimize t...	Insulating, light-blocking curtains are another way to reduce solar gain.
What is the best way to fill a hole in a concrete basement floor? My basement floor has a hole cut where the water line enters the house. This hole is around 2ft square, and digging down a little I hit dirt and small roots. I'd like to seal this hole as I believe it provides an entry point for insects. In the picture...	On top of the Damp Proof Membrane pour a 6inch (150mm) thick concrete slab. Personaly, I would just make a wood cap over the hole so it can be removed and replaced at will.
Why will my pilot light on the gas water heater not stay lit for more than 15 minutes? The pilot light went out on my gas water heater. I followed the instructions and had it lit three times now for about 15 minutes each time but it wont stay lit. Not sure what to do at this point? <Q> It could be that the Thermocou...	It could also be from a condensation build up in the line. The problem turned out to be the gas control valve.
Is there a technique to make a shower mirror fog-free? We want to install a permanent mirror in a new shower, but hope to find a permanent way to prevent it from fogging up. I have seen gooseneck mirrors that hook up to the showerhead itself so as to run hot water behind the mirror, which supposedly prevents fogging, ...	Yes, install heating cable behind the mirror - it will heat the mirror and water will not condense on the mirror. And one other solution is to use a hair dryer before or after fogging. I'm unaware of any permanent solutions, but there are quick fixes available in the auto and dental industry.
How can I improve the wiring under the sink for a garbage disposal? My vegetable sprayer line broke yesterday, which led me underneath my sink. It wasn't until I was kneeling in a large puddle of water with the line draining on me and the floor that I realized how bad the wiring was for my garbage disposal: This obvi...	If it is not 3 wire, open the hatch on the disposer and install a new 3 wire piece of SO or SJTO cord with a molded plug already attached. If the disposer has GFCI protection, it will cut out, and you're golden as far as circuit safety.
What's the best way to label a double gang box with two circuits I'm installing some lights in my basement, and will be replacing the single gang box in the hall (currently only for hall light) with a double gang box. The idea is to accommodate the hall light switch and the basement light switch in the same box, but I...	Then simply label each side of the gang box as belonging to the appropriate circuit.
What is an alternative to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpets? There are reasons we are not interested in a vacuum cleaner at the moment. I'm sure the same applies for other people. Is there an alternative that can get rid of dirt as well as pick up bigger particles? <Q> Use a carpet sweeper . <S> Bissell sells ...	For deep cleaning you'll have to use a vacuum or roll up your carpet and take it in to the pros.
When to use holes instead of side terminals to wire an outlet This question comes from Shirlock's comment on this GFCI wiring question . When and why should you use the holes on the back of an outlet rather than the side terminals? I always assumed the holes on the back were only for lazy electricians and people tha...	The only possible problem is, with a lot of exposed metal on the side of the switch body, you have to be certain you don't short out the switch to the bare metal ground wire, or the next switch or outlet over (very easy with the wider 20A switches and GFCI outlets). The reason I commented on using back wiring on GFI's,...
What is this pipe thread compound on my LP regulator fitting? I'm replacing a faulty regulator on my gas grill. When removing the old regulator, I noticed there appears to be some sort of compound on the threads. Here is a picture of the threads with the old regulator still partially attached: And here is a picture o...	The tape you purchased is the correct tape for gas fittings.
Is it normal for the A/C to be dripping from top pvc that's coming from attic? I thought I remember being told that water should drip (condensation) from the bottom pvc that comes out of the house but it should never drip from the top pvc. I thought he told me that if it dripped from the top it meant the "pan" was ful...	When the forced air unit is in the attic sometimes the condensation is drained into a normal interior drain and a second, outside drain is used for overflow.
GFCI buzzing on same circuit as dimmer Ok, is please bear with a little explanation: My girlfriend had the master bath in her condo remodeled, and asked her contractor to install a new (GFCI) outlet. He apparently pulled it from the switch for the vanity light fixture. At the same time, he installed a dimmer switch fo...	If the buzz comes back then replace the dimmer or swap it for a regular switch. If you have the GFCI setup as a 'no equipment load' (the last load on the leg or additional loads are tied to the line side of the GFCI and not the load side) then make sure the load posts are not near any wiring in the box. This morning th...
Connecting a P-trap to a female drain connector in the wall I am replacing a bathroom vanity and while I'm doing that, I'm also replacing the p-trap for the sink (mostly because I want one with a drain, but also because I have to raise the height a couple inches) . Right now, there is a 1 1/4" female drain connector st...	I used some teflon tape, screwed the FIP adapter onto the adapter coming out of the wall, then just glued my 1 1/4" pipe directly into it. (And while you are at it use some rags to clean out the connector in the wall too since that looks pretty dirty too.)
How was this subfloor cleaned? I'm replacing the floor in my bathroom, which was previously a vinyl sheet. Prior to that (and I think original to the house, built in early 70's) it was some peel and stick-type tiles, except they're very hard (they remind of me what would be sold as commercial tiles now). There were som...	If there's any musty smell, you can clean the floor with trisodium phosphate (the real stuff, not "substitute") ... but don't soak it. If it's tile, I'd probably reinforce the floor a bit first with a new layer of t&g subfloor before putting the tile down... which solves your problem.
How to prevent static electricity build up? I have an office desk with a computer on it. After sitting in front of my computer for some period, if I get up and touch metal, I always get a spark. In order to avoid surprises, I habitually touch metal whenever I get up now. How can I prevent this build up of static elec...	Hopefully this is just a combination of the dry winter air with various materials in your environment. An added benefit is that my office space smells better after a couple of sprays from the bottle.
How do I stop a bed frame from squeaking? I recently bought a second hand wooden bed frame. All is good except it squeaks quite a lot when I move around on it (ahem). Any advice on fixing the annoying squeak? EDIT :: photo of the joint <Q> I fixed my metal bedframe by putting leather patches between parts that are ru...	I'd say check all the joints and see if you can tighten the bolts or add glue to moving parts.
How do you stop the floor from squeaking? I have a home built in the 1940's. The main floor creaks a lot and more squeaking and creaks seem to spring up in new places all the time. Is there an easy way to stop the squeaking and creaking? I don't necessarily need to prevent future annoyances, but I would like to stop t...	If you can localize the areas that are the worst, a common way to minimize squeaks is to drive screws up from the bottom through the subfloor into the hardwood.
How do you remove paint and rust from outdoor chairs? I have some outdoor metal chairs that have a few rust spots and the paint is chipping in a number of places. I'm looking for the best way to clean off the rust and paint so I can repaint them. <Q> I would try a wire brush first. <S> Either a hand model or a rotary o...	For the spots of rust that are too deep, you might be able to use a rustolium primer to paint on it first after the cleaning then paint it.
What is the life expectancy of a washing machine motor? My washing machine is 6 years old. I found what I think is a good deal on a motor (about $50). I was just wondering if it would be a good investment to have a spare motor around. <Q> Motors don't break... <S> the brushes used to power the coils or the golden finge...	Unless you get a brown-out that burns the windings out, the motor lasts as long as the bearings.
How can I improve traction on an outdoor plywood ramp? I've got a shed in a very shady area. There's a plywood ramp from the ground (grass/dirt) to the shed door. When it rains, the ramp gets slippery. It stays slippery for a long time afterward, as it doesn't dry very quickly due to the shade (from trees). I'm als...	I think the best method is to use an anti slip tape / strip / paint
Which way to put a parquette floor according to windows? I have heard people saying that hardwood-floors should always be put alongside windows while others claim it should be put orthogonal to windows. Which one is the better way now? <Q> Hardwood floors should be installed orthogonal to the floor joists. <A> The on...	You should by best practice run your flooring orthogonal to the floor joist.
Why is my desk still tacky two weeks after finishing it with a polyurethane clear coat? I've recently built a standing desk out of sandply with a mahogany veneer. I have stained it, and two weeks ago added a polyurethane clear coat to protect the stain. However, after doing this, the desk is slightly tacky, and things...	The poly simply needs to cure for a while. Alternately you can put another layer of finish on--something that dries to a hard coat, like shellac.
Why does my new replacement pull-out kitchen faucet sprayer leak? I've had the same old sprayer attachment to my kitchen sink for a long time and last week I finally decided to get rid of it. The current sink hose (with sprayer detached) is shown here: And if you look closely, the hose from the faucet actually has a...	Replacing the hose seems to have done the trick though it's possible a new rubber washer in the original coupling could've solved the problem too.
Buying a programmable thermostat to replace a manual one: any considerations? I'm about to look for a programmable thermostat to replace a manual one. There are already a couple of good questions on thermostat replacement that make the task seem pretty straightforward for anyone who's done a bit of wiring (which I ...	You have to check that the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system.
What is the cheapest/easiest way to make bookshelves? I own a lot of books, and would love to display them on a bookshelf that covers an entire wall. I love the look of wood, but it is so expensive at the moment. I'm also a bit short of spare time, so I am pondering the cheapest and/or easiest way to make a large books...	Ikea bookcases are a good answer if you're short on time.
How to replace just a few boards in hardwood floor I want to replace a few boards in our pre-finished bamboo hardwood floor. After i take the damaged boards out and put the new boards in, how do i get the last board in? How do i get the existing floor board fit into the groove of the new one? <Q> The last board is alwa...	You have to cut the bottom of the grove off of the board you are inserting.
What is the purpose of tape when taping and mudding drywall? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but it doesn't seem immediately obvious how a thin strip of paper tape actually helps the mudding process in drywall installation except for perhaps reducing the amount of mud needed between panels. This, from eHow: Embe...	Tape doesn't shrink and helps reinforce the joint.
How do I loosen my bathroom stopper pivot nut I'm trying to remove my bathroom sink stopper so that I can clean out the drain. I found these instructions for doing so but they talk about a pivot nut that can be loosened. Under my sink, in the place where a pivot nut is shown in the diagram on that link mine has this...	You might need to shake it a little to get it loose, it will also probably help to detach the rod that goes from the sink stopper pull to that nut since it will get in the way.
How do I stop bats from nesting in an attic? What is the best way to discourage bats from taking up residence in a house? <Q> I'd say the best way would be to find out where they're entering and close it off. <S> If it's open for ventilation use something like a chicken wire that will allow the air to easily flow throu...	A pest control contractor supplied me with a box of a copper mesh material that could be stuffed into cracks that were serving as entry ways for bats (when they were known to be out).
Can I use a 4x6 as a top plate for a stud wall? The beam on the front and back walls of a shed and will be extending out to support the roof overhanging the sides of the shed. So instead of using a typical 2x4 top plate for the walls and putting the beam on the top of that, can I just nail the studs into the 4x6 beam?...	If you go with a conventional set of 2x4 plates you can raise the walls and then lift the 4x6 onto them, which might be an easier job.
What tool should I use to cut memory foam? I need to cut 2x2 ft square pieces from a sheet of memory foam. Not sure what tool is best for this. Any ideas? In the future I'd like to cut circles and eventually sculpt irregular shapes, I don't know what tool can be used for this sort of job. <Q> For thicker pieces you mig...	An electric fillet knife does great at cutting this stuff.
What would cause a slight thumping noise in water pipes on toilet and washer? Everyone once in a while, some of the pipes in our house make some noise, mainly only when you flush a the one toilet, or use the washer. When using the sinks, hoses, or shower, the noise is not heard. Its a rhythmic, light 'thumping' noise...	A continuous thump, thump, thump noise, consisting of evenly spaced thumps when the water is running may be caused by a under-size water meter.
What height should bathroom receptacle be off the ground? I am doing the rough-in electrical in my bathroom gut. I want to put a few receptacles (outlets) above the vanity. Is there a standard height I should be installing the receptacle? I don't have a floor or a vanity yet so I can't just measure from the counter ...	You can install them where ever they look good to you, but try to keep them as far left or right of the faucet as practicable. There are no set rules for the height of receptacles on walls or over counters, even in a bathroom.
Are there any good ways to manage all the different chargers? My workbench is being invaded by chargers! I have 3 different battery chargers for different power tools, plus a couple of wall warts for simple stuff that plugs in directly. Some of the chargers have a regular, 110v plug, while others have the typical wal...	We've got a piece of OSB on the site with a dozen chargers and a couple of power strips all mounted which is mounted on the wall above a workbench.
Should a second layer of asphalt be placed over an older layer of asphalt? I have an asphalt driveway. It has its fair share of cracks, etc. However, most troublesome is that "ruts" have formed from the weight of cars driving on it. This means there is a high spot in the middle that is taking a fair amount of abuse w...	Another layer of blacktop asphalt, usually a finer "grit", will fill the low spots and get you through another year -- but it sounds like your driveway is under-engineered for the weight
What are the pros and cons of Owens Corning shingles vs. GAF shingles? I am looking to get a new roof for my house. I have taken quotes from about 4 contractors and 3 of them are suggesting I should use GAF shingles. 1 suggests that Owens Corning is a better shingle and I should use that. I am really new in this field ...	So as far as what the shingle is made of, I do not feel there is any benefit, but I do like that nailing strip, it makes for a better installation. I own a roofing company and have used both products.
When re-screening window solar screens, how do I avoid warping the frame? I'm re-screening my solar screens. I have found that a very small one is easy but larger ones present some challenges (not surprisingly). I don't want the screen to be too loose and sag. However, if I try and make sure it is taut, it tends t...	If your screen is still too tight try dragging the tip of your finger in front of your spline as you roll to prevent the spline from pulling the material too tight.
Under UK Building Codes are you allowed to add an additional stopcock? I live in the UK and have recently moved into a new home. I've been told the stopcock is "under the floorboards in the dining area" (nothing more specific). I can't find any loose carpet that's easy to pull up. To avoid any panic carpet pulling up ...	My guess would be you're not allowed to, or at least strongly recommended not to have more than one main stopcock located inside a single-dwelling...
When drywalling, do the pros cover electrical boxes, or work around them? This may be a bit of a subjective question, but I was just thinking about it. I've seen many electrical boxes that are full of drywall compound, often to the point of having to dig the wires out of it so you can use it. To prevent this, should...	New standards for energy efficiency are encouraging things like caulking all seams in drywall (especially around outlets), which requires much more care from installers. I tape off the plumbing and stuff newspaper in the electric boxes and light fixture boxes.
My wall outlet is making a hissing noise, should I be concerned? My wife leaves her laptop charger plugged into a wall outlet. As soon as she connects the other end to the laptop (meaning AC is actively flowing through the plug to the laptop), it makes a strange hissing noise. Is this something to worry about? Is th...	If the circuit makes a 'hissing' noise as soon as load is applied, then you definitely should check that outlet for a problem. I'd probably just go ahead and replace the outlet.
How should I approach my landlord about doing basic repairs on their house? I have a good relationship with my landlords, and there are some small improvements that I would be willing to do to the house in exchange for, depending on the situation, either permission permission + materials permission + materials +...	I wouldn't expect to get any compensation(except for materials) from any sensible landlord. Describe the work you'd like to do and get approval in writing.
How can I find the source of a mysterious bad smell? We have recently moved home, and all is fine appart from a mystery smell which I'm unable to track down. It's driving me crazy (actually, my wife thinks I am crazy as she can't smell it). I'm hoping someone on here could offer some tips on how to track it down, or w...	We just decided "it's an old house, that's how our basement smells. Find the dead thing and remove it. It took us 4 months to track down our odor. Of course, we've sold the place so mostly the new owners will get to enjoy the non-stinky house. It also detects a few other stains, you may find the source with that.
Do I need to pre-drill holes in particle board for screws? I'm set to buy a bunch of IKEA furniture, which is notoriously all particle board. (Ah, particle board.) I'd like to strengthen some of the beams of the HOPEN bed with L-brackets from the big-box hardware store of choice. My question is this: since adding t...	To pre-drill, make the hole almost as large as the solid part of the screw (not the threads themselves, they need to have something to bite into). To answer your question: it depends. You have a long span from the headboard to the foot of the bed which will benefit from an extra support directly in the middle.
Why does my washing machine leak only during the spin cycle? For the second time in a month, I found that my washing machine had flooded the kitchen floor (and part of the basement via the hole for the water line to the fridge). The first time, I only noticed it at the end of the wash. This time, I know it happened...	It appears the pump is forcing more air and water from the spin/rinse cycle than the trap can handle.
Is there a better solution than a lint trap for venting a clothes dryer indoors? My condo association does not allow installing a dryer vent to outdoors, so I am forced to vent my dryer into a lint trap . Unfortunately the trap I have does not catch all the dust, and the rooms adjacent to it gather visible dust within...	A potential appeasement would be to select a nice looking vent (voted on by the condo association), and force anybody who installs a dryer to use the same vent. You should bring this up with the condo association, the building owner, and potentially the building inspector.
Is a sump pump stand necessary? Is it necessary to have a sump pump stand installed between the bottom of the sump-pit and the sump pump to keep sediment and debris out of the pump intake? Alternatively, can I just put a brick or some other material under the sump pump to raise the pump intake a couple of inches away ...	The three people that I talked to had neither heard of nor seen a sump pump stand like the one that is linked to above.
Should tile floors be cleaned with vinegar only? Is the advice against using other solutions a myth? After we had ceramic tile installed at our house, the company said we should just clean with vinegar and water mixture. However, I haven't been able to find anywhere online that says that using Pine-Sol or other cleanin...	Stick with the vinegar/water cleaning solution.
How do I remove a thick layer of paint from tiles? One of the previous owners of our new flat thought it'd be a good idea to paint the tiles in the toilet -- twice! We've been using a paint scratcher to remove the paint The problem: This takes too long (~120 tiles) and is tiring (as you need to use quite a bit of for...	You can use the solvent to soften the paint and then scrape away what you can, and repeat until you're at the tile. Organic solvents are pretty nasty, make sure you observe all the safety precautions.
How do I estimate how much drywall I'll need? Is there a formula for estimating how much drywall is required for a job? perimeter = 140' area = 490sqft I'm guessing around 45 12x4 sheets, but I would like to confirm my guess before ordering. <Q> So if you have 8' ceilings, those walls would be 1120 sqft themselves...	Add the area of the ceiling by the area of the walls and then factor in some extra for waste. Before you order, since this is a basement, if there's any mold or mildew risk, get mold proof drywall.
How can I mount a 2" mast to the side of a utility pole? I need to mount a 2" diameter mast to the side of a utility/telephone pole and am having trouble locating a mounting solution/hardware that will work. My big problem is that I'm not sure what the name of such hardware is and that is making it tough to find usin...	Depending on the weight of what you are mounting on the pipe, you may be able to use something like this: Channel Master Universal Mount for Small TV Antenna .
Can I cut or cover a sewer cleanout pipe in front of my house? I have a PVC pipe sticking up in front of my house, in a flower-bed area. It's 20 inches high and 5 inches in diameter. As I understand, it is a sewer clean-out pipe. It's rather unsightly and I've been wondering whether I can cover it or cut it to a short...	Dig out around the pipe to get enough room to saw it off near ground level (any sharp hand saw will work). If it needs to be above ground level (but not as high as it currently is) you could do the same thing just have the cover extend above grade.
How should I encapsulate a basement wall with chipping paint on a porous surface? I have a basement wall with several layers of chipping paint. I can't say officially, but I'm pretty certain the bottom layer (dark green in the photos) is lead-based, while the upper layers are not. The other issues: the wall is not ...	Then install drywall on top, using mold resistant if you have any moisture issues in the basement. Painting over the peeling paint will not work at all.
How can I get rid of gnats and other flies all over my house? We just moved to a new place and we're noticing that there is a lot of gnats and fruit fly type bugs all over the house! We've been killing 2 or 3 an hour and they keep coming back. We find them all over, not just in the kitchen. Is there any tips, tricks...	I used hot water and a bottle brush to scrub it all away.
I need to get up on roof anyway, so what should I inspect while I'm up there? I noticed a filthy tree rat (squirrel) poking its head out from a hole in my gutter leaf guards today. Gotta get up on the roof to clean and repair that mess. Since I'm two stories up already, what else should I inspect while I'm up there? ...	Look for nails that have popped up through the shingles, or loose nails on flashings. If you have rubber seals around your vent stacks (between the metal flashing and the stack itself, make sure that the rubber is still pliable. Check that there's no build up of leaves and other crud in gulleys and against brickwork so...
Will gently hammering thumbtacks into my wall help them stay better? So I'm thinking about fake-upholstering a wall in my bedroom in my apartment to create a focal wall without having to paint. I don't want to drill holes 'cause I'll be moving out of there in like 9 months, so I figure I'll just thumbtack the fabric to...	If you can get the tack into the wall with just the force of your finger, then hammering may very well do more damage.
How can I repair screws in furniture with stripped holes? I'm trying to repair a piece of furniture from which several screws have pulled out, stripping the wood. It's a lift top coffee table, such as this . (This is NOT the model in question, this just seems like a good picture to explain the idea.) The screws in...	Although similar to the tooth pick trick, a real good and solid fix it to drill out the stripped hole to a size 1/32 inch smaller than a piece of hardwood dowel.
Is it safe to flush expired food down the toilet? Let's not discuss the economics of this - the fact is that it sometimes does happen. I don't think food is physically that different from "poop" (especially certain types of it) <Q> Depends on the type of food. <S> Just because it will "go down," that doesn't neces...	First of all, you should abstain from flushing down anything that doesn't degrade.
How do I eliminate stagnant water caused by central A/C draining outside? So I just moved into a new house in NC that I am renting. The house has central A/C which is great, but because there is no basement so there is no basement drain. So the A/C expels the water into the backyard. The place where the water is expel...	You'll want to create a small leach pit, which will allow the water to drain into the ground. Stick with white vinegar only to clean out your ac condensation drain pipes.
How do I cut Semi-Rigid Aluminium Ducting? I wish to cut the duct work without damaging my hands or my wife's kitchen scissors. So what tool should I be using? (Trying to get the ends squared using a freehand hacksaw does not look easy.) <Q> Leather gloves and safety glasses. <S> Wide rubber band wrapped around th...	With the line marked, it's easier to keep the cut square, but you could also use a pair of tin snips to complete the cut. An offset handle helps keep the material from digging into your knuckles. File to smooth out the cut end and make it square if you've got any irregularities.
What is the difference between mold in air duct and mold that grows in crawl space? Specifically, are they both dangerous to human health? <Q> There are thousands of species of mold known to Science, with different species being found in different parts of the world. <S> There isn't any one "crawlspace" mold or "air ...	Which one is more dangerous will depend on the particular species of mold and the sensitivity of the people that are exposed to it.
What's a good way to support a freestanding chimney? I'm working on adding a woodstove to a yurt. The chimney will go out a sidewall and then head up. There is not a good way to brace the chimney to the yurt itself. Here are some options I've read about, but don't know how to judge: Use a pair of 4"x4" treated posts...	Then above the T part of the chimney I will create a square frame with 2x4's attached to the triangle to support the chimney.
If polyurethane is not food safe, why is it used on dining tables? Why do online sites say that polyurethane isn't food safe, and is there some way I can use it on my kitchen worktop and still be safe? I don't prepare or store food directly on it or use it as a cutting board. I have it sealed with shellac now, but it'...	Polyurethane is a fine choice to use on a counter, as long as you don't use the counter as a cutting board.
Can I lay down solid wood planks on top of my basement concrete floor? I live in Oakville, Ontario and have a detached home with an unfinished basement with concrete floor. I would like to put hardwood flooring in part of the basement. Instead of tongue and groove floors, can I lay down mortar and then solid wood plank...	Tile it, carpet it even, but in a below-grade installation, it will simply be infeasible to ensure that the concrete will get and stay dry enough to not affect the hardwood in the long term. This will be the base for the flooring nails, which are necessary to keep the floorboards tightly together to prevent squeaks. In...
How do I retrieve a detached plunger from a bathtub drain? I have an old bathtub drain assembly that is similar to this: As far as I can tell, the linkage broke off completely due to old age. If I unscrew the trip lever and cover, it's not attached to anything and I can't feel anything if I try to reach inside. I'...	Simply remove the overflow plate (2 screws) and pour some CRYSTAL drain cleaner down the overflow tube using a funnel. I had this problem and took a wire coat hanger, straightened it, then bent a little hook on the end of it.
Why has my ceiling fan's speed become slower? We have owned a Minka Aire ceiling fan for about 4 years and it has been great overall; running for 24hrs a day. It has 3 settings and when we initially purchased the fan; the speed was noticeable and the air movement was as well. It now seems as though the highest setti...	You may replace the fan speed controller. The slowness of the fan is sometimes cause by the capacitor, if it's running slowly without making noise.
When pre-drilling for screws, how do you determine the correct bit diameter? Suppose I want to pre-drill for, say, a 5/16 screw. How do I determine the correct drill bit diameter? <Q> Here are some charts from Bolt Depot . <S> Bolt Depot is a handy resource, and has lots of information about all different types of fa...	A real simple technique I use is to hold up the drill bit and the screw.
What concerns should I have installing a HVAC unit and ducts in a home that's never had it? We're looking at a house in southern Alabama that has no central heating and air. I would like to put one in. The house was built in 1950. What should I be considering about the installation? <Q> The easy challenge is finding...	A spot outside with enough working space to fit the condenser; one foot clearance on all sides (length of line-set not to exceed 50', ideally) Sufficient capacity of load center and two (laterally adjacent) spaces for a 2-pole circuit breaker (ideally the furnace is also on its own dedicated circuit) New thermostat and...
Why are my ceiling fan light bulbs burning out quickly? My ceiling fan light bulbs burnout frequently. From what I can tell the fan is mounted well and does not oscillate more than I would expect it to. I use GE multi-use soft white 40 watt intermediate light bulbs which are marketed for use in ceiling fans. Unfortunat...	Shaking a light bulb can break the filament.
Are 5" thick filters for furnace/Central AC still available? My furnace/AC was installed about three years ago. It uses 16" X 25" X 5" filters. The problem is when I try to find a replacement at my local home center: at Lowe's, Home Depot, (you name it), I found only 1" or 2" thick filters (mostly 3M Filtrete ). I loo...	If you don't want to special-order a filter, you can probably make due with a 4" disposable media filter, and a 1" reusable plastic mesh filter on top of that (downwind of the media filter to let the disposable one catch the majority of the dust). The thicker the filter, the more area can be created within the filter b...
Is connecting a 16A plug to 10A sockets for an electric water heater a problem? I had an electric water heater installed in my bathroom this morning. It uses a 16A plug but I only have 10A sockets in the bathroom (the only 16A in the apartment is high on the bedroom wall for an AC unit). I know the hardware store sell...	If there's a way to prevent people from using the highest setting (like mounting the whole heater in a box where it can't be changed inadvertently), you should be OK. If not, it can be discussed further.
How can I block or fill out a letterbox hole in my door? I have a letterbox in my front door that is never used, so I would like to remove it and fill the hole, preferably so it doesn't look like there was ever one there. Or insert something that fills the hole, like a steel plate or wood block. Does a solution for t...	As it might be tricky to find a block of wood the right depth it could be easier to insert a piece of plywood on the each side of the hole You can fill the void with some insulation. Were it my problem to solve, I would simply add a brass kick plate on each side.
Is running ethernet cable through an air return allowed under US code? I'm looking to wire up the second floor of my house and the cold air return provides a convenient, straight run from the office to the utility room. Is it safe and within code to run ethernet cable in the air return? The air returns are not metal d...	The only wiring allowed in ducts, is wiring that is " necessary for their direct action upon, or sensing of, the contained air. ".
What is the extra pipe going into my sump pump pit? My sump pump has been going off about every 3 minutes in the last 2 days. I need to open the pit to see why it is doing that. I'm unable to open the lid as I see another big pipe going into it. Please see the picture below (click for full size): 1) Does anyone kno...	That pipe may well be part of a radon mitigation system, sucking air (with radon in it) that comes into the sump from under the floor slab.
How can I keep a bedroom warmer in summer? The master bedroom in my parent's house tends to be the coolest room in the house, and my father complains it's too cold. The A/C register in the ceiling does have a flow adjustment lever, but it's difficult for my 80-year-old dad to reach and adjust. I tried to attach a pul...	If the ductwork for the room in question is in the attic and easily accessible, you could have an electric damper installed with it's own thermostat.
What's the most common cause of A/C refrigerant lines freezing? I noticed my house wasn't getting under 75°F this weekend when I had the thermostat set for 70°F. Since I'd done a lot of drywall sanding inside recently, my first idea was to replace the filthy air filter. My first indication that the air filter wasn't...	My A/C guy also told me that running the A/C when it's cooler outside than inside can cause it to freeze up in certain conditions like low airflow or low freon. If it is the coil or blower wheel, clean it and there won't be a problem any more.
What is an effective way to attach this plastic filter to aluminum without drilling? I have an aluminum angle that is housing an LED strip. I need to attach a UV filter to stop LEDs fading whatever it lights. I ordered a plexi angle that will work as a filter, I just need to figure out how to attach it. I don't want to...	Velcro will work if the light doesn't get hot enough to melt the adhesive. If you don't want the J-B Weld to show, you'll have to put the plexiglass angle above the aluminum channel. Depending on how heavy the filter is, and how long it is, you might be able to get away with just an inch of the VHB every foot or so, wh...
Why do my toilets flush slowly and often incompletely? I have three toilets that all flush slowly and incompletely. I've adjusted the chain to ensure the flap raises completely. I've raised the float to ensure the tank fills nice and high. Yet I have this nagging issue on all my toilets. It often takes multiple flushes...	If the toilets are old, crud can develop inside that is nearly impossible to remove without detaching the toilet.
How do I set up a massive spider glue trap like the one found on Reddit a week ago? The thread details are at http://www.reddit.com/r/WTF/comments/kdmd2/thought_id_check_the_spider_trap_i_stuck_in_my/ . Does anyone know what sort of glue trap I should buy? And what are the best locations to set these traps up? Should...	I personally put the glue boards near the wall anyplace along the basement wall that gets wet the most often, and near the door to the outside.
What is a minimally intrusive way to move a wire that is in a wall 3.5" to the left? I need to move a speaker that's mounted on a wall about 3.5" to the left. Here's what the actual mounted speaker looks like: The wire comes out inside the bracket that attaches to the wall, and feeds up into the speaker, so there'...	A way that might result in a slightly smaller hole would be to run a coathanger wire in the new hole and out the old, then tape the end of the speaker wire to the end of the coathangar, and pull it through that way.
How can I get a smoother finish when painting trim? I'm reinstalling some crown molding and decided to do some touching up while it's down. I had previously done some touch-ups on the same style in another room, and never quite got it perfectly smooth. How can I prevent brush strokes from showing on the finished produc...	Always try to finish with long smooth strokes only using the very tips of the bristles. Check out the Purdy ExtraGlides for latex.
Should a 3'-4' retaining wall have interlocking blocks? I'm building a 3'-4' retaining wall in my backyard and I'm in the process of choosing block. One of the blocks I like isn't engineered with any kind of lip or interlocking feature. Is this necessary for a wall that size? Or is this type of block meant more for a...	The larger the block, the heavier the block, the sturdier the wall, and the better it will hold back whatever is behind it.
Does a (non-splitting) cable splitter degrade the signal? I have cable and cable internet in my new apartment. The cable comes in to the water-heater closet from the roof and comes out an outlet in the wall of the closet, but there is a 4-way splitter in use before the cable gets to the outlet. It's not used to split...	Splitters all degrade the signal somewhat. I'd look at replacing the useless splitter with a straight through connector, which should help. Power dividers do the same thing. I have found that a quad shielded RG6 cable seems to be a good cost effective solution.
What voltage/amperage garage circuits should I install for welding tools and an air compressor? As a part of renovating my garage this fall, much of the wiring is being re-done. Since doing the work before putting up walls will be much easier now than adding circuits in the future, I'd like to run two circuits for fut...	If you run everything in big conduit (2"), you have the option of running a single 20A MWBC to the garage now, with the breakers in the main panel, and upgrading when you've picked out your welder.

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