Split (1)

train · 95.7k rows

source stringlengths 620 29.3k	target stringlengths 12 1.24k
Is it possible to tell if the current floor is solid or engineered hardwood? I am looking to replace the existing floor because I was told by the inspector that it is engineered and can't be sanded. But while I had the contractor came, he said it is solid which we can sand instead of replacing. How do I tell if it is...	Best way to tell whether it's engineered hardwood is to pull up the metalfloor registers and inspect the rough cross section (the cut end) of the board to spot the veneer construction.
What do the color designations of wire mean? I am wiring a hot tub I recently purchased and is a 220V 4 wire connection. The wire is AWG 6. The instruction book shows black and red hot wires for this tub, but the wiring on this tub has black and blue hot wires. The reading I have done always indicates black and red hot...	Blue is an acceptable color for the insulation on an ungrounded "hot" conductor. The manufacturers operate under different sets of codes than field installers so they pretty much just pick a color.
how many ring or radial socket makes a circuit like how many sockets can one have on a either ring or radial circuit planned to be protected by 20A breaker <Q> The number of sockets you can have connected to a circuit isn't limited by the circuit breaker's amperage. <S> No matter how many sockets you connect, you're st...	There is no limit to the number of sockets per ring.
How to repaint a metal door and keep the paint from scratching off? I need to paint an exterior door that not only is metal, but has a small amount of rust on the outer edges. The door is used quite often and takes a lot of wear and tear. The past paint jobs have not held up very long and I have been given the task to ...	I paint all metal doors with automotive primer (helps with rust and binds harder) and automotive spray paint.
How to build canted riser for queen mattress? My wife has severe allergies and has found that sleeping on an incline helps matters. We have a queen mattress on an Ikea MALM bedframe , and I'm trying to think of a simple way to test this out easily and cheaply. I'm thinking of cutting pieces of wood to fit and stackin...	The 2"x4" cross members would work, but may need a brace in the center running the length of the frame. If you would like this frame to look nice, it could be made from a nice hardwood and stained and finished.
How can I prevent my dining table from tilting? I am building a dining table similar to this one - The problem, if you apply some pressure, the opposite ends lift up. In fact, that box underneath itself lifts up. One way is to add a big plate underneath the box. That will help. But with that the aesthetics completel...	Remove the table from its base and attach it to the floor joists with brackets, from the inside (find those joists or it may pull up the flooring). Solutions in which the table cannot easily move: Make a base plate, as you suggest.
Do receptacles require a 20 ampere breaker? I thought wall receptacles required a 20 amp breaker. Am I wrong? <Q> Answer based on the NEC in the US. <S> In some areas with local amendments to the NEC maybe, but it's not an across the board code requirement. <S> There are areas in a home that do require 20A circui...	Outlets rated for 20a is fine, a 20 amp outlet with a T slot, is not. It is okay to install a smaller rated breaker than the wire can carry, though that may be confusing to future owners.
Are entry door systems with lock release secure? I am renovating my recently bought house. It currently has a entry door system with a lock release on the yale lock so that you can release the door from one of the handsets. something like this . I have handsets all over the house so I opened up the entry system outsi...	If you are otherwise happy with the system, you could probably move the components that should not be outside inside, leaving only the wiring needed for the outside components running to the outside box.
How can I deal with non square walls when installing a countertop with backsplash? I am converting the huge upstairs master suite in my house into a studio apartment. I have built a kitchenette in one of the dormers. Everything is coming along and looks great. But when the counter was dry fitted into place, we reali...	Caulk the back splash where it meets the wall to eliminate any remaining narrow gap.
How do I properly nail two 2x4's at a 90 degree angle? Nail the horizontal 2x4 into the vertical 2x4 about 1/4 of the way down from the top of the vertical 2x4, so they are at a 90 degree angle. The way I've been nailing this scenario is to just nail through the vertical 2x4 at a 0 degree angle, directly into the midd...	Hammering nails in at an angle can help them to resist forces that run in the same direction as a nail hammered in at 90 degrees to the wood. It really depends on the application and on personal preference.
What kind of floor is this? I got different answers from different contractors and I am so confused now. Some said this is hardwood, and some said this is bamboo.If is it wood, is it possible to tell what kind of wood is this? Can you really tell by eye what kind of floor is this? <Q> Looking at different images may he...	If it's solid, it will look like a solid block of wood. Likely maple, but there are a bunch of central / south american woods that are cheap and similar in appearance. Oak Oak tends to have a bold tight grain Definitely not bamboo, which is a monocot, and has a distinctive appearance.
Furniture needs to be attached to the wall, but my tenancy agreement doesn't allow it I've just rented an unfurnished apartment. Obviously I need some furniture. However, wherever I look (IKEA and similar websites), the instructions for any furniture I look at say that it has to be fixed to the wall, to prevent it from...	Assessing the risks associated with unanchored heavy furniture requires prudent judgement specific to the circumstances.
How can I determine why my lights flicker when the A/C is running? My lights considerably flicker whenever a large load comes on in the house and it has been this way since we renovated five years ago. I am attempting to troubleshoot this now and have already probably waited longer than I should have. I did some readin...	Call the utility to check their connections and voltages up to the meter base and the meter itself. It is important to find and solve this issue before it gets worse; you're in the early stages of "how electrical fires get started" IMHO.
How can I determine what's behind a wall? I live in a two story house build in the 60s. The lower floor(half buried) is only under half of the ground floor so I think there is a possibility that there is an extra room beside a wall in the lower floor. When I knock on the wall it emits a hollow sound. Any ideas on ho...	If the "mystery room" side is uphill and fully or near fully underground, while the other side is fully or near fully exposed on the downhill side (thus still allowing for a description of "half-bured") you are probably going to be disappointed in your "mystery room", as it is very common to have a step-wise foundation...
What is the meaning of the letters on the top of a common hex bolt? I recently drilled and tapped a 5/16"-18 in a piece of soft steel, then found that the 5/16"-18 bolt I had chosen wouldn't fit (the bolt was slightly too large). When I found that other 5/16"-18 bolts fit just fine, I got curious and eventually tried ...	I know this is an old question thread, but the letters (and sometimes symbols) on a bolt refer to its' manufacturer.
How do I connect a C wire to an Utica PEG112CDE steam boiler? I want to upgrade my old mercury thermostat that I currently have to a newer programmable thermostat. This little DIY project is for my first late 1920's home that I recently purchased. I currently only have heat hooked, and use window A/C's, however I have ...	I bought a 24VAC transformer from Home Depot ($16) and screwed it to the boiler chassis just above the T-T transformer, and wired the 120VAC inside the T-T junction box.
How to repair a crack along the grain in a solid block of wood from a single tree? Approximately 3 years ago I purchased a slice of a log, approximately 50 cm (~1.5') wide at the widest place, approximately 2.5-3 meters (~9-10') long, and about 4-5cm thick (I don't have exact measurements with me right now, will add th...	You can try to weep glue down into it (run a line of yellow glue over the crack then blow it down into the void with an air nozzle) and then clamp out the space
What to do about a rotten top plate in the wall of old home addition? This week's rainstorms brought a leak in my roof above a set of windows that are at the low end of a single-story addition with a shallow roof. Our search for the source of the leak (which turned out to be a small hole in the EPDM membrane roof) rev...	To fix-at-it , tear off all the ceiling drywall. A framing nail gun may split the existing joists, you might want to use deck screws for attaching the new sisters to the existing joists. It's likely that even if you replace them and fix the roof leak, they will eventually rot again due to this additional problem (again...
Can fluorescent lamps work in low voltage grid? My country house has low voltage (150~180V) and the lighting is mostly comprised of incandescent lamps. I don't really know if voltage has anything to do with the brightness of incandescent lamps, but it's dim in the rooms with them. I figured I could try and use a few ...	Yes, low voltage will cause your incandescent lights to dim.
Should I be concerned if the toilet water level drops after a flush? After flushing, the water level in the bowl drops a bit. It takes about 30 seconds and loses between one and two inches. It starts dropping fairly fast, then slows, then stops, and then the level holds steady until next flush. Bowl still has a nice, r...	Vent problems - or even windy conditions causing pressure fluctuations - can suck water out of a bowl.
How should I clean under the narrow toilet rim to restore full flush power? I have just moved into a new apartment and I found the toilet does not have a very powerful flush. After thoroughly cleaning the entire toilet – inside and out –, checking the water valve is fully open, and tank water level is correct, I still ...	Since it is difficult to get an effective application up under the rim, I'd shut off the water supply to the tank/cistern, add acid to the cistern and flush (either a very slow partial flush, repeated, or simply a full flush, depending how cheap you can get your acid or how much you care about the cost.)
Do I really need a redundant sump pump? So I'm getting my dirt basement encapsulated, and the contractor is installing an interior perimeter drain and sump pit/pump. They offer either a single good quality pump, a redundant system with just another pump, and a triple redundant system with a battery backup. I have no re...	If you frequently have power outages, a redundant system could well be worth the cost.
What could be the source of dirt in attic I've had occasion to get up in the attic of my (new, to me) house recently. There is what appears to be dirt all over everything up there, with actual accumulation in places. This is a 2-story 1964 stick built stucco exterior home built over a dirt crawl space. There is n...	If you have an automatic fan to ventilate the attic this could be pulling dirty air into the attic through the soffits. Subterranean termites build mud tunnels from dirt that they bring up from the ground. It may not be dirt and could be something else.
Should I replace my house wrap when re-siding? My house was built in the 60s and doesn't have normal plywood sheathing. It has that old sheet-rock-like sheathing (it's black, I think it is exterior gypsum). Basically the walls (right now) go, exterior gypsum > tar paper like stuff > foam board > vinyl siding. I am no...	The point of housewrap (brand-neutral) is that it is vapor-permeable air-barrier - as such it can reduce drafts and air movement, and thus potentially reduce your heating and/or cooling costs.
How do I stop a dimmer switch from humming? I installed a dimmer switch in my washroom and it's making a buzzing noise. The more I increase resistance/rotate the dimmer clockwise, the louder it gets. The humming seems to be coming from the common wire , not from the light fixture, live wire or from the mechanism wit...	I have seen cheap light bulbs that hum when dimmed.
How can I totally smooth a wall surface without replastering? I have taken the wall paper off of a wall, to find there are several layers of paint under it. I have sanded till it's as smooth as I can get it, but there are still patches not even 1 mm deep that look like little indentations. I have bought polyfilla smoot...	After the loose paint has been removed, you should prime the wall with stain blocking primer. Using a coat of white pigmented shellac will harden and seal the distressed paper that is flagging. While doing this, make sure you use a dust mask with a respirator and eye protection.
Can I hang a TV with one stud and drywall anchors? I have read several questions on here regarding this topic but my situation is slightly unique. I have a TV mount that is about 20" wide. The studs in my wall are 24" apart. I am mounting a 55" tv. The tv weighs 53 lbs and the mount is at most 20 lbs. The mount do...	You will need to use wood in some form to add the necessary strength. Do not use drywall anchors to hang a TV that large on a swivel mount. Just don't forget to always consider the environment you're working in as it pertains to client side safety!
How can I remove this screw? Any one know how to open this screw? Tried pliers but no avail and standard box of security screwdrivers couldnt open it. Here are some more photos <Q> Those are external line head screws, and are used as anti-tamper screws in some Japanese electronics. <S> You can probably find a dri...	If it's a screw, a couple of ideas: You can use a dremel to cut a slot in the screw head and then use a normal screwdriver on it.
Would vinyl plank flooring allow liquids to leak through? I'm looking to replace carpet on an upstairs bedroom and was thinking about going vinyl sheet (12' x whatever I need) to avoid seams. I need to have a hardwood look (requirement from the missus). The vinyl sheet looks pretty good, but the locking vinyl planks lo...	Vinyl plank will allow the urine to seep underneath, unless you use a sealant on the joints/seams. You can also get some sheet vinyl with wood grain in any tone/shade to match the room decor.
Why does my basement floor paint come off when it's wet? I painted my basement floor and now just 3 weeks later my washer leaks and the paint is peeling off. I also put some water down on a spot and when I wiped it up you can scratch the paint off. It is durable when dry but as soon as it gets wet it comes off. Why and...	Some concrete paints need to have a primer/sealer put down if it hasn't been painted before.
Is it OK to use 1/4" concrete backer board over 1/2" plywood as a bathroom subfloor? I just bought a house built in 1978 and I'm planning on putting tile in the bathrooms (currently linoleum). The fixtures are removed and the flooring under the linoleum is particle board. I think its 3/4". It has a couple weak spots...	If you want to be really safe you can go 1" subfloor plus 1/2" backer and this would be OK for 98% of the homes built in the late 70s (assuming they met building codes then). HardieBacker board must be installed in accordance with local building codes and the floor must be engineered not to exceed the L/360 deflection ...
Truth about high quality HDMI cables My home theater setup specifically warrants a 25 feet HDMI cable. I have a Sony Bravia 55" LED TV 3D + 240Hz refresh rate, alongside a XBox One, Comcast digital cable and Blu Ray player. I went to BestBuy and they were trying to sell me an 8 meters (26.2 feet) AudioQuest HDMI cable ...	Save your money and buy the cheap cables.
Sump pump & ejector pump: can I (and should I) change single dedicated non-GFCI receptacle to a dual receptacle GFCI? Moved into a new home about 6 months ago which had been gut rehabbed. Our mechanical room has 2 pits, one for the sump pump and another for the ejector pump. I was planning on installing a batter...	Two separate circuits would be needed if the ejector and sump pumps took more power than could be supplied by one circuit. When purchasing the GFCI units keep a lookout for the newer lower profile types that use up less back space in the electrical box. For now, I'd leave it as is.
Can I replace 3 switches with one 3 toggle switch I have three switches by my kitchen sink. One for the dish washer, one for the sink disposal, and one for the light above the sink. Three separate circuits. I purchased a Leviton 3 toggle switch with one pole on one side and three poles on the other. The sales person sa...	If the devices are on separate circuits, you cannot "tie" them together. Please put the switches back to their original arrangement, but use heavy duty switches for the motor driven appliances. Yes, it is made to supply multiple loads from a single hot source.
how do i flatten my hardwood? I have a 60 year old house and the original hardwood floors have been covered for at least 25 years and the slats are cupped with the edges of each slat being higher than the center of the slat. What is the best way to sand these floors smooth so that i may put either another layer of hard...	You could try a huge floor sander, but they are not made for removing that much wood, and you will be left with very weak slats.
How would I reverse yellow stains resulting from sealing a marble table top? I sealed a new polished marble table top with a granite sealer that also works on marble.The discoloration is slight, but I'd like to remove it. What's the best way to do this? I've read about "color enhancers" that accentuate color, but I'...	The solution might be a Stripper cleaner.
How can I use a 16A appliance in a UK 13A socket? I have recently moved from India to the UK and carried a Philips air fryer with me. The plug on this appliance is marked 16A 250V. Wattage is 1425. The UK house I have moved into has standard 13A sockets. Is there any way to use this appliance? Addition after reading y...	You want a World Plug Type G (Plug) to Type M (Socket) Adaptor, and it will be fine to use. The link is broken but a cable sold as an adpaptor for caravans is almost certainly NOT the correct adaptor for your needs.
How can I remove humidity from a room without a dehumidifier? I've noticed a problem in my apartment that returns every winter - I get mold around the windows. This year the cold weather came earlier than usual and the mold appeared quickly in great amounts, so I am looking for a way to at least reduce the thickness of...	Your problem is probably caused by the steam from showering condensing on and around your windows. Firstly, remove the entire mold; use some chemicals to disinfect that area. Furthermore jambs around your windows are most probably faulty. I would recommend keeping the bathroom door closed while you shower and turning t...
What could cause a Trane furnace to not start heating? I have a newer (2007?) Trane XL90 (model: tdx2b080a9422aa)forced air gas furnace. The problem I am having is the burner and fan will not start. The thermostat is set at 67 degrees and shows it is calling for heat but no heat. Noticed it started coming on and off in...	After replacing a faulty ignitor, the elusive culprit for the OP was old batteries in the thermostat .
How can I get my gas fire pit to have a larger flame or better disperse heat? I currently have a gas (run from our house gas line) fire pit in my backyard. It is approximately 18" off the ground and the fire ring (relatively new) is 36" in diameter, filled with gravel at the bottom and lava rock on the top. (We are n...	The solution is to stack up larger chunks of lava rock into something that is vaguely pyramid shaped. If you want more heat then buy a patio heater , sink your gas pit in the ground and or use real wood.
How can I make an exterior door? I have a solid wood entry door installed by the previous owner of the house. However, it doesn't match the mid-century style of the house and it doesn't have any windows; making the front entryway very dark. I would like to go back to the style of the home without breaking the bank. I'...	Modifying an existing used door is another option that requires less specialized knowledge.
Do I have to worry about condensation on plywood over rigid foam insulation in the attic? I have a vented attic space with poor insulation in the attic floor and rafters, so I'm going to button it up. My energy auditor suggested I insulate the floor as follows: cut blocks of rigid foam for the ends of the joist bays...	Once the rafters are completely sealed with foam, the ceiling joists become less of an issue.
How can I prevent water from puddling on a shower ledge? I'm about to paint/re-caulk the walls above a fiberglass shower. There's a ledge that I'd just as soon eliminate by putting in something to slope and prevent water from puddling in the corner (shown in photo). What can I use to fill the void? <Q> Short of recas...	The other thing to try, is to build up those indented corners slightly so that there is a smooth transition to the wall, that way, at least the runoff water will push existing water off the ledge and will not pool in those sections.
Putting together a tool set for children 8-11 One of the many hats I wear is the hat of Bagheera, assistant cub scout leader. I'd like to introduce a project where we build a wooden tool box. But I'd also like to provide the cub scouts with a minimal set of tools they can take home. What would you suggest I shop f...	They need a hammer that the head won't fly-off of, needle nose and slip-joint pliers, a quality tape measure and screwdrivers; not a bit kit. Focus on items that will stand the test of time and be useful for the duration.
What are these male sockets called, and what are they used for? This has taken me an embarrassingly long time to figure out, but how the heck do male sockets work? Or, what are these different tools called ? A socket wrench is usually male. A socket usually has two female ends: But I also have some of these male soc...	The name is pass-through socket set if you're trying to search for them.
Where's the C terminal on my boiler control? The new thermostat I purchased doesn't run on batteries, and needs 24 volt power. I have only a red and a white wire connected between the boiler and the thermostat, but there is also a third, unused wire. The instructions from the thermostat say to hook that third wire to t...	The red wire attached to the T terminal, should be connected to the R terminal of the thermostat. Unfortunately, the Aquastat you're using does not expose a C terminal.
What type of refrigeration is recommend in a cabin with sub-freezing temperatures? In the winter the indoor temperatures in our cabin often reach as low as 10° F (-12° C). We had an old refrigerator that worked just fine in these circumstances, but when we purchased a new refrigerator it failed even after multiple repa...	Another option is an inline thermostat that will literally cut off all power to the frig once the temp drops below a certain point.
What is a line to neutral load? I'm looking at the electrical code and it states "Multiwire branch circuits shall supply only line-to-neutral loads." Could someone explain what line-to-neutral loads are? <Q> A multi wire branch has a neutral and 2 lives in opposite phase. <S> What the code says is that you may only...	An outlet circuit (120 v line to neutral) in your house for example is a line to neutral load.
Is it safe to use barn wood indoors for furniture, trim, walls and ceilings? I am renovating a farm house built in the late 1800's. I am planning on tearing down the barn from the same era and using some of the wood to finish trim etc. I believe the moisture content is good 7 to 12%. I'm most concerned about bugs. The...	Termites would be the most serious construction risk factor.
How to improve the drainage of a patio with 6"x6"x39" cement blocks used for edging? The patio looks like in the picture. I have no idea if this is standard practice but it looks dumb to me. There is a very small space between blocks and that is filled with dirt. Virtually the patio holds the water in heavy rain when t...	As it's not a monolithic slab of concrete, but in separate blocks/pieces, you may get away with just removing a couple piece at the low end of the patio to act as a funnel to allow the water to run off from that one spot.
Can an electrical junction box be closed and covered if not needed? Can an octagon fixture box that was also found to be a junction box, be closed and covered over in the ceiling after remodeling. Box not needed. <Q> Absolutely not. <S> Any box containing splices or live wires, even if it's not being used, must remain ...	You state that the "box is not needed"; I presume you mean not needed for the fixture but that the wire connections originally present still remain. Then you could cover the hole in the ceiling. If that is the case then you cannot bury it.
Should I use MDF, plywood, or something else when building a desk? I'm looking at building a desk but have been reading a lot of conflicting info about which material to use. My main concern is having the desk sag at all. I will also be painting/coloring the desk. Which material is stronger while bearing weight? Which ...	My vote is plywood, for that reason alone. Generally particle sags more than MDF, MDF sags more than OSB, OSB sags more than Plywood.
Where to get the semi gloss black paper that is used to cover particle board furniture So, I have a cheepo corner computer desk that has served me well over the years. To accommodate a gaming keypad, I widened the keyboard tray. I made the new tray out of particle board and it's shape isn't bad, unfortunately it's unco...	Other suggestion; drawer liner (should be available locally). I'd recommend picking up a pack of a few different types, as what works best may depend on the material and paint you use.
Why is this light fixture with 3 bulbs giving me so much trouble? I have a light bulb fixture on the ceiling in one room of my house that holds 3 bulbs. The previous owner installed it to make the room extra bright, for certain work and tasks to be done here, that simply require a bright environment. I used to put ...	Some will last years and others will last an hour before they start popping and flickering. Overheating and premature failure might result.
Why is my power flickering across multiple circuits? I woke up this morning and went downstairs to find that none of the lights would come on (lights were working fine upstairs). My first instinct was thinking that a breaker had tripped, so I went to the breaker box and checked everything. Nothing out of order. I start...	This problem could be anywhere from the connections at the utility transformer on the pole, to the connection taps on the side of the house, to the meter pan, to the main breaker. This is definitely an issue with one of the legs of your main service. This means a surge in load on your utility company's entire grid...an...
How can I extract a broken off 1/2 inch threaded galvanized pipe? Looking for options on removing a 1/2 inch threaded galvanized pipe broken off with about a third of an inch of it still inside the hole. <Q> Screw Extractor: ( cromwell.co.uk , #3 is what you need, <S> I think. <S> Finding them at a real store and c...	But if there really is only 0.33" inside the pipe and part of the broken pipe remnant is protruding from the intact pipe, you might be able to manage without special tools if you take a slim metal-cutting hacksaw blade and carefully saw a channel all the way through the wall of the pipe fragment, parallel to the direct...
How do I hang drywall where the wood is uneven? I need to hang some drywall; my ceiling has a couple spots of uneven-ness. There's a few spots that are about 1/4" out of whack and another spot where joists+hanger are a little less than 1/2" down. It's a normal sized room and the spots that are either bulging or sunken...	If you have space, you can sister a straight 2x4 along side the joists at the proper height and attach the drywall to the 2x4. Low joists require you to build up the adjacent joists gradually over a few joists to meet that 1/8" (or 1/16"). High joists are pretty easy: add shims to bring them down to flat with the other...
How can I secure an outwardly opening front door without damaging anything? This is a rented house in Japan (single room). It has an outwardly opening front door. The resident (a single woman) has fear of intruder breaking in. Also, damaging/modifying the door or the wall is not welcomed and makes thing complicated. ...	For outward opening doors that need security against having the hinge pin removed, you can get hinges with a security stud in the hinge.
Where should I connect the C wire in a Janitrol furnace? I currently have a Honeywell Thermostat with 4 wires going to a Janitrol Furnace. I am trying to install a Honeywell WiFi Thermostat RTH6580WF and I'm missing my C wire. My bundle has 8 possible wires, 4 of which are currently being used by the old thermostat (s...	You'll probably have to at least partially pull out the connector currently on the R to get the multimeter probe on it. Using a multimeter, set to VAC (Volts AC) mode, you should read 24V between the R and C (or in your case, "24V") terminals. Must remove the G wire on the terminal board on the furnace and attach to th...
How would I fix drooping ceiling tiles? Long story short some of the ceiling tiles in my bedroom are sagging. No idea why, it was like that when I bought the house. How would I fix this: <Q> once moisture has set into the tile it is basically ruined. <S> Your photo appears as thought the support wire above the ceili...	You may need to slide adjacent tiles towards a hole you have created by removing a tileThis is particularly true at the edges and next to light fittings Those look like the glue to the ceiling type to me as I don't see any t bar supports. Usually, we used beads of glue (not a coating). The ones in my office can be remo...
What type of room divider should I use to convert a dining room into a bed room? My dining room has 2 openings:96H x 64W (do not need a door/opening)96H x 41W (sliding door) What are my best options to install something which is sturdy (not removable). None of them should be glass doors as it'd be a bedroom. Noise se...	If the hinges will be on the side where the door slides into the wall, you will need to open the wall and re-frame that section.
When is it appropriate to use a wood rule rather than a tape measure? Wood rules and tape measures are similar tools, and I've realized I almost always default to the tape measure. When should I be using a wood rule instead? <Q> You should use the wood rules when: you have a beard prefer flannel use only hand tools...	A measurement by a rule will usually be more accurate than a tape measure and will not bend. If I use a wood rule, it's because I like the feel of the wood and/or need the rigidity or straight edge.
Is it possible to install backer-board on a curved surface? We are replacing the carpet around our Heart Shaped tub with tile. For better waterproofing we are using cement board on the top surface. The tub is sunk in the concrete floor with a 7" step up to the edge of the tub on one side. The other side of the rise i...	If you want to cut Hardiboard on a curve just use an angle grinder with an old diamond blade on it. I have used HardieBacker, Wonderboard and Durock
Will enclosing my porch keep my house warmer? Will enclosing my porches during the winter help keep my house warmer? There is a lot of wind hitting the house, and I'm afraid that is causing a drop in temperature. <Q> An enclosed porch can act as an oversized "storm window" for the part of the house it covers, so there ...	An enclosed porch can also act as an "airlock", reducing how much warm air you lose each time you go in and out by preventing winds from blowing straight into the house.
Why do utility companies sometimes offer incentives for having equipment that uses less of their product? Originally asked as a follow up question, and lost in the controversy of Why would it matter whether a front-loading washer is upstairs? ( They will only give me a free FRONT-loader if it's on the first or baseme...	Subsidies to customers to promote the purchase of energy-efficient equipment might win the favor of politicians responsible for setting tax policies, environmental regulations, electric rates, etc., and the value of such favor to shareholders may in some cases exceed the money spent.
Is it really such a terrible idea to have original pine floorboards in a bathroom? we have just pulled up some awful old carpet in our bathroom and found that, underneath a layer of particle board, there are lovely old (original?) pitch pine floorboards in lovely condition - I'm so tempted to sand and varnish them inst...	Enjoy the beauty of the old wood!
How can I safely get rid of the odor caused by EasyOff oven cleaner? I recently cleaned my oven with something called EasyOff Fume Free . It worked great at getting the crud off my oven, but now, for the life of me, I can't get rid of the smell. The "fume free" part of their marketing is a joke. If I turn the oven on...	Try heating it on bake at max and placing a pan of water on the lowest rack.
How would one extract a brick chimney embedded in the middle of a house? I have a no-longer-in-use brick chimney running from basement to attic (roof was closed over it), left over from earlier heating systems. The space alongside it is being used for plumbing and electrical, so it would probably be a pain to actually ...	Remove as much off the top as you can get to. Bricks are actually pretty easy to get apart when you learn how, and that won't take long if you pay attention to what works on the first few layers.
What type of 6ft fence should I get, that can take a lot of high winds? We need to replace our chain link fence with a 6ft fence because 2 of our dogs can jump over it. We just don't know what type of fence can take a beating from the high winds we get due to the fact that our yard faces the west and there is a huge r...	Use good materials (PT in ground, PT or a weather/insect-resistant wood like cedar above ground), set the posts properly, and a wood fence can be good for 20 years with only minor maintenance.
Why is there no water after replacing the filter in a Samsung refrigerator? I just replaced my refrigerator (RFG297HDBP) water filter with a genuine Samsung replacement filter. However, with the new filter in, I get a short burst of water, then no more water. I can pull out the filter and reinstall it and the same thin...	I looked where my filter goes in and saw that the outside valve stem was slightly shorter than the inside one.
Why would changing ceiling fan speed cause an AFCI breaker to trip? I recently installed 2 ceiling fans with Lutron combination light and fan dimmer switches. On both circuits, if more than a half second or so is taken when selecting the fan speed (that is, a delay while between the low-medium-high states) the arc faul...	However, holding the switch between positions (or taking a while to transition between positions) can lead to the arc sustaining itself, which damages the switch contacts and also causes the AFCI to trip because it sees an arc it doesn't recognize as harmless.
How can I run cables along a concrete wall? I am living in a house with concrete walls (no attic, no basement) and I want to run Cat5e or Cat6 Cable from the router which is downstairs to my office which is upstairs. Right now running cables through the walls is not an option. previously I have been using these littl...	You can buy mortar screws that come with plastic anchors. The best deal is probably an online supplier. You can get raceway for about $4/lf.
How can I muffle a loud doorbell? I live in an apartment, in which the doorbell emits an unreasonably loud tone (kind of square-wave-y) continuously and at constant volume for as long as someone has the button depressed. Since people buzzing me from the complex's front door have no feedback that the bell is actually wo...	You can glue a few pieces of felt over the cover, and it will dampen the sound so it is not as shrill or loud, and it may even look nicer than foam!
Why would an old fridge trip a circuit breaker? I recently got an old fridge from a friend for use as a fermentation fridge for my homebrewed beer. The reason they were getting rid of it was because it was working fine, however it wouldn't cool below 8C, and they were quoted a few hundred dollars to fix the problem. Ho...	Someone I know brought an old, working fridge from an old house to a new flat, where it would frequently trip the circuit breaker. If the circuit is sufficient for the rated load, yet the appliance is tripping it, then the appliance is out of spec and requires repair or replacement.
Door lock and unlock based on authorized user proximity I want to install an electronic lock on my office/workshop that only a specific individual(s) can unlock. I want it to lock every time the door is closed and the room is empty but I do not want to have to use a key or pin code every time I open it. So I am thinki...	Once you find a sensor that will work for you, the Fibaro RGBW Controller can accept analog proximity sensors that when triggered would send a Z-Wave signal to a Z-Wave controller thus opening/closing the a door lock and/or deadbolt.
Reliable, inexpensive way to be notified of a water leak? I have a few places in my home that I really, really don't want water to be. I've had bad experiences with water in the past (read: whole-house flooding from an upstairs toilet valve), and I'd like to make sure I can catch a slow (or even fast) leak before it ...	I would suggest a simple home automation system, such as Insteon or Z-Wave for remote or local, live continuous monitoring of leaks.
Why is a neutral wire needed for most 'smart' light switches? Why do most smart light switches need a neutral wire? <Q> Put simply; the smart switch contains electronics that needs power to operate, while a regular switch just mechanically cuts the load. <S> Regular switch: <S> Smart switch: <S> Source: http:...	Because the smartswitch needs to be powered to be able to receive commands from the homecontroller, it cannot completely switch off, so it will always "leak" a certain amount of power.
How can I seal old Jalousie windows? In our rented house there are old Jalousie windows (the kind with glass slats). When I was looking for ways to seal them better (it's getting cold here), I came across this: http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Jalousie-Louver-Slat-Vinyl/dp/B000KZPB9K However, the product matches 3/16" thi...	Shrink film - works irrespective of window type. The strip will likely not stay in position trying to pull it over the edge of the thicker glass. I believe that if you purchased the 3/16" style of the vinyl strip and tried using it on 1/4" thick glass that you would be extremely disappointed with the result.
How do I remove huge gluey sticker tape on glass? I'm asking for my cousin in Hong Kong, whose little children stuck this window sticker onto the glass. We read How do I remove the gluey residue left by gaffer tape on glass , https://diy.stackexchange.com/a/30948 , Removing Tuck Tape from an unfinished window frame ...	The trick is to use the razor scraper while spraying the sticker with the bleach, so you need to scrape wetly.
Can I plug a generator into a dryer outlet I have an electric dryer with a 30 amp circuit running to it. If I had a male-male plug to run from a portable generator to this outlet, would it be safe to run essential appliances (water pump, refridgerator, sump pump, etc) during a power outage as long as I tuned off the ma...	With out a proper interlock and transfer switch your generator would be feeding out onto the mains lines and could very well kill someone. You MUST use some form of transfer switch or interlock, along with the proper male inlet. It is never a good idea to plug your generator into your home's wiring even if your turn yo...
What could be causing my kitchen drawers to be sliding out? Two out of the four kitchen drawers are sliding open after about 20 seconds of staying closed. I managed to fix one by tightening the screws, but one continues to misbehave. I compared the ones that stay closed and the one that still won't, and there does not ...	The tracks for the draw are not level, causing the drawer to tilt forward.
Should I trim or bend the lip to a strike plate? Inside my house, the strike plates are T-shaped and the protruding tongue sticks out 10-13 mm (3/8"-1/2"). Occasionally someone gets their clothing caught on the strike plate. It seems to me that these would do their job just as well if I cut the tongue nearly flush w...	In the end I just marked the frame edge on each one, removed them and carefully bent them in a vice with a rubber mallet so that the tip of the metal tongue was flush with the woodwork when refitted.
How to pull toothbrush out of the sink? My toddler dropped a toothbrush down a bathroom sink. Unfortunately, the stopper wasn't in the sink at the time. When looking down from above the sink, I believe the toothbrush is in the PVC section of the picture, and leaning against the side. The PVC is a larger diameter so ...	Dab hot glue onto tip of dowel, quickly put down drain onto toothbrush ( or whatever you've dropped down there) leave for a minute or 2 and pull dowel out!!
How can I repair a ceiling fan that hums, but doesn't turn? The ceiling fan/light has power. The lights work, but the fan doesn't turn even though it hums. Why is this, and how can I fix it? <Q> Electrolytic capacitor on those old ceiling fans do go bad. <S> That'll cause the motor to run slow, just hum, or not run at...	There will be a small fuse that needs replacing, this happens when the power gets too high for the fan. What i found to be the culprit, was a single wire has pulled loose of the wiring harness that connect the fan to the switch housing (or in some cases , light kit).
Remotely tracking room temperature with smartphone, tablet or laptop I need a way to remotely monitor the temperature of my room. It is very important to know (for health reasons) the temperature of a specific room in my home. In the future I will also look for a way to adjust the thermostat of the room or turn A/C on/...	You could then use their system to have it report the temperature to their ecosystem with alerts if it goes below or above a certain point as well as looking at it any time you would want from anywhere. http://www.vesternet.com/z-wave-aeon-labs-multisensor (always reports the temperature a few degrees higher than the a...
Plumbing: Two control points for shower I'm doing a remodel and I wanted to ask for your advice. I have a fairly large shower spanning the entire width of the bathroom (see the plan below). I'd like to set up the showerhead at one end of the shower (the furthest point from the 5'6" unmovable glass door) - but I worry...	Simple (and cheap) method would be to install the mixing valve set of your choice for the wall with the shower head and install two simple control valves upstream of the mixing valve unit, one for hot and one for cold.
Is peel and stick vinyl tile flooring really waterproof? I am installing these tiles in a bathroom mainly used my youngsters in a bath. When they inevitably splash water on the floor won't the seems in these tiles allow the water to pass through. I really want to do the flooring install myself and want to give the...	These tiles may be able to last sitting in water No caulk is needed, just make sure that all of the edges are tight and clicked into place.
Is the Nest thermostat smart enough to turn itself on BEFORE you get home? I'm wondering if in "Away" mode, is Nest smart enough to learn about when you come home, and kick on approximately 30-40 minutes BEFORE then? Or does it only kick on when it senses you've come home? Also, can you control how much it lowers the ...	Nest will learn your routine to some extent by the changes you make to the settings.
How to attach metal knife rack to tile without ruining tile? I'd like to attach a magnetic, metal knife rack to a tile back splash in the kitchen of my rental apartment. The tile is glazed white and the attachment points on the rack are small (about 0.9 sq in of metal). The rack weighs 2.5lb and with the knives and a...	I would guess that something like silicon tiling caulk that is designed for clean removal from tile would work best.
Is it okay to connect 2 ground wires to a single ground screw? I have 2 ground wires that I can get around the ground screw on an outlet. Is it okay to do this or do I need to use a pigtail to join the wires and have only one wire attach to the ground screw? <Q> In all my years I have never seen a device ground screw r...	Most screw terminals are designed for only a single wire. You must be able to remove devices without severing ground You must pigtail it - always with grounds!
Need some help removing a kitchen sink drain I'm trying to remove the drain/flange from a kitchen sink so that I can install a garbage disposal unit. I can not get the wide nut on the underside of the sink to turn. I'm assuming it's glued or rusted or painted into place. Is there any sort of special tool to help remove...	A Tub Drain Removal Wrench might help in this scenario.
How can I seal air leaks and otherwise winterize, as a renter? As winter arrives I am finding cold air leaks all over my apartment. Various parts of my sliding windows, light switches, power outlets, etc. Unfortunately, I rent, so caulk and expanding foam aren't options for me. I need solutions that aren't quite perman...	For windows that you will leave closed all winter, shrink film window sealing kits cover the whole window (best to put them all the way to the outside edge of the frame) and are fairly clear and non-obtrusive once shrunk, plus they seal the whole window (frame and all) if done that way. I have used removable caulk on o...
What size electric service do I need? My son and I are building a house at the beach. I currently have a 100 amp temp service and my question is “can I get everything I need on the service to pass code if I keep it at 100 or 125Amps”? The inspector is telling me that I can only use 80% or 80 amps if I keep the box at...	Regardless of how big a panel you think you have, if you have a 100 amp service running to your house that is all you get! 200amps is pretty typical for a lot of residential areas in North America. It's best to size load by Watts (or Volt-Amps).
How can I secure wire fished between two plastic switch boxes? I have two light switches in two separate plastic switch boxes. The upper box controls the motor of a fan, and the bottom switch controls some outlets. I want to change the wiring so that the bottom switch controls the light on the fan. Since the wiring ...	NM cable cannot be fished, because it needs to be secured to the framing of the structure within 8 to 12 inches of the box (the "clamps" in the box do not count). Also, you need to be sure that the top box and fan are wired such that it is possible to separately work the fan and light.
Can I change the fire rating of 1/2 inch drywall? I currently have 1/2 drywall on my wall sepating the garage, which is now an accesory apartment. The house was built in 1975. Code says it must be 5/8. It is not possible to take everthing down to add more drywall. Is there another way to increase the fire rating, by ei...	Normal drywall might be less fire-resistive, but applying gypsum veneer plaster is sure to raise it. Inspectors aren't supposed to make you upgrade older stuff that was compliant at the time it was installed if it's not being altered now. Intumescent coatings have evolved (I formulate them). 5/8" drywall is only requir...
How can I move hot air from a cathedral ceiling to colder bedrooms? My main living room has a 25 foot cathedral ceiling with a ceiling fan including a staircase going to the second story bedrooms. The thermostat is situated in this space. There is space to install a vent and ducts to move air from this ceiling hot zo...	A thermostat like this could do the trick for you, just wire it to something like a bathroom vent fan in the ceiling. I am not recommending that particular product mind you
How do I replace the toilet shutoff valve? Since the shutoff valve is leaking (the packing inside is worn), I'd like to replace it. Is the valve soldered onto the supply pipe, or is it a threaded connection? <Q> That looks like a 1/2" copper pipe with the valve soldered on. <S> Definitely check it with a magnet before...	An iron pipe will have a threaded connection to the valve.
Mounting Full Motion Mount on a Single Stud I've seen this question regarding a sheet metal stud, but my plan and situation are a bit different. I am curious if ananyone thinks this sounds secure: I have a full motion flat screen wall mount for "up to 70 in." televisions. My tv is 50 inches and weighs approximately 5...	Toggles and other heavy weight drywall anchors can be suitable for TV mounts when the mount is flush. Just make sure you really hit the stud!
Why is there increased dryer motor hum while powered by a generator? We have an off grid home, solar powered 120v. While running the home on the backup generator (also charging batteries), the drum motor on the propane dryer has an increasing noise, then gets to a point where it trips the breaker on the generator, but ...	Thinking is that what is being heard is the generator going into surge (the hum that starts low and increases) and then trips the breaker.
What are the code regulations for stairs off an exterior french door? Do the stairs off my french doors need to be the width of both doors or can they be just the width of the most used side? How big does the landing have to be at the top and bottom? Can I just attach a guardrail to the exterior and forgo the stair...	If the door can be opened, it must have a landing on the outside, minimally 36"X36", but in your case, it must be the width of the doors X 36" deep from the house. You must have a proper step off on all doors, whether they will be used or not.

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.