Hands-on how-tos for your home, your hobbies and the road.
Home Repair · 52 guides · Page 2
Wooden chairs endure significant wear, and with regular use, screws can become loose or the stretchers—the horizontal pieces connecting the legs—may shift. Even with infrequent use, wood tends to contract over time, and the original glue can harden, losing its bonding strength. Rather than discarding a wobbly or loose-legged chair, a few basic tools can often restore it to a functional state.
Silicone caulk is commonly applied at the foot of a toilet to block water and sewer gas from escaping, since it resists both moisture and mold. Over time, however, this sealant can deteriorate if it is not maintained. Before applying a fresh layer, the old caulk needs to be cleared away.
Shingles are only the visible part of a roof. Beneath them sits an underlayment, a paper layer that blocks seam leaks, shields the roof deck, and gives the top covering something to grip. Several kinds of roofing paper exist, and the right one depends on what lies below and above it.
Roofing materials such as asphalt, cedar shake, aluminum, and plastic shingles are typically sold in bundles, and the number of bundles required for a project is determined by converting the roof's area into squares. By taking a few measurements and applying basic multiplication, you can figure out how many squares a garage roof requires and get a price estimate.
Small engines in snowthrowers, snow blowers, lawn mowers, and rototillers rely on oil for operation. MTD suggests checking oil levels every five hours of use, while an oil change might only be necessary after 25 hours. Machines using a gasoline and 2-stroke oil mix, when blended correctly, do not need separate oil changes.
When the pull chain of a table lamp breaks off at its base, the entire socket shell needs to be replaced. This guide walks through the process, from disassembly to installing a new socket with a pull chain, emphasizing electrical safety.
During the cooling cycle, an air conditioner pulls a significant amount of moisture out of the indoor air. That moisture turns into liquid inside the unit and is meant to be captured in a drain pan and carried away. If the collection or drainage system fails at any point, water can escape from the front of the unit and soak the carpet.
Delta offers multiple cartridge designs, with the 1300, 1400, and 1700 series being the most common. The 1300 is a simple on/off type, while the 1400 series includes a temperature limit adjustment. The 1700 series is a dual-control cartridge that manages both temperature and water flow separately.
These limestone-based powders serve as gentle abrasives for smoothing and polishing varnished wood. Professionals in refinishing and woodworking turn to them when they want a satin sheen rather than a high-gloss look.
Indiana-based Schlage Lock Company produces locks for homes and businesses. Their B-series deadbolts incorporate Everest, Primus, and Primus XP security features that block unauthorized key copying and resist current picking methods. Still, unless a lock is B-500 series or higher with a UL437-rated cylinder, the same drilling approach and equipment used on other deadbolt brands can open Schlage locks.
Removing old, flaking paint from wooden siding with a pressure washer requires matching the machine's power to the task. Too little pressure leaves paint behind, while too much can harm the wood itself, so choosing an appropriate PSI range and following safe operating practices matters.
Create charming reindeer-themed mugs and saucers with this easy tutorial that requires no drawing skills. Perfect for holiday gifting, each set can be paired with a homemade hot chocolate kit.
Cold chisels, named for their use on metal that hasn't been heated, are usually crafted from treated steel rods with hexagonal or octagonal shapes. One extremity is tapered and ground to a sharp edge, while the opposite end is flat with beveled edges to endure hammer strikes. The tool is heat-treated for strength, and the cutting angle is chosen based on the metal being worked. Regular sharpening keeps the chisel usable for years.
Closets serve as essential storage solutions, frequently the sole built-in option in many residences. Over time, neglect can lead to issues. When shelves or rods start to droop or detach, the storage area you rely on needs immediate attention.
Particle board is an engineered wood product created by combining wood fragments, sawdust, and adhesive, then pressing and heating the mixture. It is commonly used in building and furniture. Repairing damaged particle board yourself can eliminate the expense of buying new materials and the hassle of replacement.
A 12-volt light's brightness reflects the voltage present at its rear terminals, and these lights typically draw power from a 12-volt battery that is controlled by a switch. By measuring both the battery's voltage and the voltage at the bulb's terminals, you can determine whether the light itself is functioning properly.
Moisture and plumbing drips can gradually deteriorate the wood panel located beneath a kitchen sink. When a particle board base shows decay, removing and reinstalling it helps stop mold from developing — and gives you a chance to fix any pipe leaks while the area is open.
Engineered wood flooring, a stable composite made from compressed hardwood, can be sanded and refinished much like solid wood. To keep it protected from daily foot traffic, applying a proper seal is essential.
