How to Build a Hardwood Floor This Weekend
Printable Step-By-Step Hardwood Floor Installation Guide with Photos (PDF) Believe it or not, I installed a beautiful hardwood floor by myself in just one weekend. How? I chose a DIY-friendly floating floor. Unlike typical hardwood flooring that ... [... more]
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Plumbing Basics: How to Sweat a Pipe Joint
As a mechanical contractor, I sweat a lot of copper pipe, yet people don't believe me when I say the preparation is more important than the torch work. Even the experienced tend to rush the job - maybe a 3650 F flame is just more fun to handle ... [... more]
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How to Remove Caulk in 6 Easy Steps
Q: The caulk around my bathtub is peeling away in places, and it looks pretty ugly. How do I remove it and recaulk? A: The first step is to soften the caulk by applying caulk remover (I like 3M's product) Finally, apply a bead of tub-and-tile ... [... more]
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How to Choose the Right Tape: Know Your Stuff
Synthetic rubber compounds, carbon black, granular filler on peel-off backing Starts as tape, molds into putty. Forms around cable and pipe where they pass through siding, framing. Blocks water and bugs and other vermin. Peel-off paper backing ... [... more]
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How to Repaint a Wood Floor
Q: I am looking for the right way to repaint the wood floor in my living room. Do you have any suggestions? A: First, buy a simple home test kit for lead paint. If the existing floor paint contains lead, you're better off coating the floor with a ... [... more]
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How to Snap a Fastener: The Laws of Extraction
NIP When the access is only from above, you can cut the broken nail flush with 10-in. CHOP With side access to the damaged fastener, chop it flush using electrician's There are many tried-and-true tools for removing a damaged fastener, and we've ... [... more]
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How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Homeowners Clinic
A: Regardless of the faucet, begin the repair by turning off the shutoff valve on the supply line to the sink. This is located under the sink or in the basement. Next, close the sink drain to avoid losing small parts, then disassemble the faucet. ... [... more]
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Sump Pump with Battery Power: Homeowners Clinic
Q: I want to buy a battery-powered sump pump to keep my basement dry even if the power goes out. What can you tell me about these pumps? A: Battery-powered sump pumps are ideal for houses left unattended for extended periods, as well as for homes ... [... more]
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Planing Thin Stock: Master-Level Woodworking Tip
Planing wood is a basic woodworking operation, yet many woodworkers are stumped by producing thin stock with a planer. Of the machine's two thickness capacities (maximum and minimum), the former rarely creates difficulties, while the latter often ... [... more]
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DIY Water Heater Anode Swap: Homeowners Clinic
You can replace the anode, but it's not easy. Most tanks are located somewhere without enough headroom to easily remove the old rod or insert a new one. To begin the process, turn off the electricity (or gas) to the heater, shut its water supply, ... [... more]
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Wood Splitters
Adjusting a water-pressure regulator valve is easy. Loosen the locknut and turn the adjusting screw counter-clockwise to reduce pressure. Is the pressure regulator on an incoming water line adjustable? The pipes bang when I flush a toilet or ... [... more]
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When to Replace Shingles
Q: My roof shingles were recently damaged by hail. My insurance company will pay only for replacing the damaged shingles, not the entire three-year-old roof. Can I just put a second layer on top of the shingles, or must they be removed first? ... [... more]
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