Hot Home & Garden Posts
How To: Keep a portable generator quiet by building an enclosure
Having a portable gas-operated or diesel-operated generator available for your home can be very helpful, but can also be very noisy. If you want to quiet a loud electric generator, take a look at this video to soften that sound on a budget. With a little wood and a few other materials, you can build a fan-cooled 'doghouse' to keep a generator quiet.
How To: Refill an extended reach camping Bic lighter
This video shows you how to take an extended reach Bic lighter (the kind you would use to light a camping stove, charcoal or something similar) and add more lighter fluid to extend it's life. As long as the spark is still good, you can refill your lighter, and this tutorial shows you how to take apart your extended reach lighter and replace the drained lighter. You will need a flathead screwdriver, and maybe a bit of glue to seal everything back up.
How To: Remove a shower stall and replace it with a new one
You can't go scrub-a-dub in the tub - at least not comfortably so - if your shower faucet is leaking, or if your current tub valve is stuck and not letting any shower water come through. If your shower is broken beyond repair then your best plan of action is to take the whole thing out and reinstall your shower stall. We know this big - and potentially disasterous - procedure has been parodied many a time on popular TV sitcoms, but it's actually realizable if you're careful and follow the ste...
How To: Use compression fittings on copper pipe
Copper pipe is perhaps the most versatile of all piping types in that you can use virtually any fitting with it. Copper pipe, however, is not particularly flexible, which can make it a little unwieldy to work with. Simplify your copper piping projects by using compression fittings. This home plumbing video tutorial shows you how. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on using compression joints in your copper plumbing projects, take a look.
How To: Fix a clogged dispenser on a high efficiency washer
If you're tryng to wash clothes and the detergent or bleach is not getting to them, you may have a problem with your dispenser. If you find it to be leaking or it's clogged there are a couple of easy to follow steps that should fix the problem.
How To: Repair a Dyson vacuum cleaner
Does your vacuum cleaner suck by not sucking?
How To: Easily cover screws and nails using drywall mud
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cover screws and nails with drywall mud during drywall installation. Users will need a taping knife tool. Apply the drywall mud over the screw or nails and use the taping knife to flatten the mud over the screw or nail. Use the knife to take off any excess mud. Apply 2-3 layers of drywall mud over the screw, depending on how long the screw head is. This video will benefit those viewers who are in the construction trades or doing home renovation and...
How To: Replace a toilet ballcock with a fill valve
Most older toilets have older-style fish and ballcock for toilets. But they are prone to fault, like running and constant water. Replacing them with a newer-style fill valve will save water and frustration now and later on. Watch this plumbing video tutorial to learn how to replace a toilet ballcock with a fill valve. It's a little more efficient and it's pretty straightforward, so see how to replace your valve!
How To: Install a range hood wall vent
Range hoods are a necessity in any kitchen. A properly installed range hood will vent hot air and cooking odors outside as well as help keep kitchen surfaces free of grease. The trickiest part of installing a range hood is determining how to run the ventilation ducts. Depending on the location of your range, you will need to decide if it is easier to vent through an outside wall versus up through the roof. Use this tutorial if you determine that venting through an outside wall is the best route.
How To: Laundry Symbols Deciphered! Here's What the Care Labels on Your Clothes Really Say
Frankly, I never cared about the care labels on my clothing. They supposedly held some secret key to keeping clothes clean and bright, but who wants to look at little icons and a bunch of fine print for every single garment they wash?
How To: Cut Perspex or acrylic sheet with a circular or jigsaw
Wondering how to cut Perspex (or acrylic glass) easily? When cutting Perspex at home, you're more or less limited to using circular saws and jigsaws. For cutting straight lines, the circular law works best; for curvy lines, you'll want to use your jigsaw. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on cutting your own acrylic sheet, watch this DIY home tutorial.
How To: Work on your roof without falling off
In this roofing video Bob Schmidt shows you how to use the foam padding from a sofa cushion to say secure and not fall while doing roof repairs.
How To: Make a poplar wine rack
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a poplar wine rack. First, cut the top, bottom, and sides of the rack. Then, use a router to cut out the center of it. Now, assemble the rack together by using wood glue. After this, measure the length of the diagonals, then add in pieces of wood that are criss crossed throughout the box. Next, keep these in place with some wood glue and then place wine bottle on the inside of them. This will make a great wine rack for any home and you can paint it as we...
How To: Get Rid of Spiders Naturally
Spiders are common pests that typically prefer to live outdoors. However, insects and warmth will eventually attract them into our houses. They like to spin their webs in corners, crevices and unused areas of your house. Most species are harmless and even act as a natural repellent for getting rid of other insects. However, in some cases, spiders can be very dangerous. Whichever the case may be, they are scary and people are always looking for natural ways to get rid of them.
How To: Cap off a water pipe
Watch this video to learn how to cap off a water pipe with a push fit fitting within seconds. Useful for when you absolutely have to cut a pipe.
How To: Remove door material to install a mortise lock
In this video we learn how to remove door material to install a mortise lock. If you live in an older home where you have to take out a chunk of the door to change the lock, there are ways to prevent doing this. First take a spade bit and slide it over the lock. After this, take the mortise lock and hold it so it's flush with the door. Go below the hole and above the closest obstruction and put a mark. On the back measure slightly beyond what it would take for this to bottom out. Once you hav...
How To: Clean a glass coffee pot with salt, ice and vinegar
Properly clean the glass coffee pot part of your coffee maker using environmentally friendly household ingredients. It is a housekeeping trick that everyone will love. Use salt, ice and vinegar as an eco-friendly safe way of cleaning a glass pot.
How To: Adjust a Sliding Door
How to adjust a sliding door. Sliding doors are great when they are sliding but can be a real pain in the bum when they don't. Today's video will concentrate on adjusting the wheels to help alleviate some of these annoying issues. It doesn't matter if it's a robe sliding door, a closet sliding door, a glass sliding door or a patio sliding door, the principle is still the same. Obviously there can be other factors like the sliding door track or the sliding door wheels being in a state of disre...
How To: Get the box spring of your bed to stop squeaking
Boxsprings make a bed much more comfortable, but when they get old they start to squeak obnoxiously. Watch this video to learn several easy ways that you can repair your box spring to return it to it's normal quietness and get your back to sleep.
How To: Fix the cycle times on your front load washer
If you own a front load washer, then you may have experienced a problem the cycles being a bit too short or too long. This is a problem because it can cause your clothes to shrink or not be washed properly.
How To: Remove permanent marker from Legos
Lego owners sometimes decide to personalize their Lego pieces by drawing on them with permanent marker. If you've ever needed to remove permanent marker from your Lego pieces, here's a surprisingly easy way: You'll need a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bowl of water (only about an inch of water will be needed), and of course your marker-covered Lego piece. First apply toothpaste to the toothbrush. Next dunk the Lego piece in the water. Then place the Lego piece in your hand and lightly s...
How To: Fix a cracked wood cutting board
If you have a cutting board that you made or purchased from the store, excessive exposure to water can be bad. Water can be sucked into the wood and damage the wood board, eventually leading to a crack. Instead of throwing it out, you may want to let it sit for a couple of weeks so that the water is able to dry out.
How To: Build a retaining wall with an inside radius curve
This video tutorial shows you how build a retaining wall system with an inside radius curve. This video is a must-watch for everyone in the construction business.
How To: Properly clean a bong
In this tutorial, we learn how to properly clean a bong. You will need: kosher salt, rubbing alcohol, and paper towels. First, pour salt into the mouthpiece, then pour salt into the top of the bong. Next, pour rubbing alcohol in the top and through the mouthpiece. Now place a paper towel inside the top of the bong so it's sealed in tightly. Repeat this on the mouthpiece as well. Shake the bong as much as you can after this, being sure to check that nothing is leaking out. When the bong is fin...
How To: Fill and repair holes in ceramic tile
Fixing holes in glazed ceramic tile can be very tricky. This is a solution that may not be perfect but it will provide a big improvement to your situation. You will need some polyester resin, which is often used to repair car bodies. Mix up some of the resin and apply it to the holes in the tile making sure that you overfill the holes. As it dries but while it is still rubbery take a razor blade and trim off the excess resin. Take some 600 grit sandpaper and sand the resin smooth. Wet the san...
How To: Bleed Trapped Air from Baseboard Heater
This video will show you how to bleed trapped air from a baseboard heater. If your baseboard heat is cold with the heat turned on, this might work for you.
How To: Inflate a wheelbarrow tire
Wheelbarrow tires are a pain to inflate. They are tubeless, the rim hardly holds a seal, and they just fight with you every step of the way. This how-to video shows you how to use an adjustable strap to inflate a tubeless wheelbarrow tire.
How To: Fit materials to irregular surfaces with a scribe
A scribe is an easy way to fit material to irregular surfaces. Bob Schmidt shows you the proper way to trace using a scribe which is a tool similar to a compass.
How To: Use cut nails to drive through wood and concrete
Tim Carter, of Ask the Builder, demonstrates how to drive a cut nail through a 2x4 piece of wood, and into a concrete wall. This will help save you time and money in your house repair projects.
How To: Cut metal rods with bolt cutters
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips are good for cutting small metal, but nail and steel rods require bolt cutters. Use safety glasses and clear the room as pieces could fly. Stand up as bolt cutters require strength and pressure.
How To: Cut crown molding square dead ends
Here's a video that shows how to create a square dead end molding for additional design to your household. 1. Take the two pieces of crown molding and move them to the power saw. 2. Set the saw to 45 degrees right and cut a 90 degree outside corner in one of the moldings by setting it flat against the fence with the bottom of the molding up. 4. On the other piece of molding flip it upside down as compared to the first molding and make the same cut. 5. Now, move the saw to 0 degrees. 6. Take t...
How To: Remove and Replace a Door Knob.
How to remove and replace a door handle / door knob. How to install a door knob. This is a job that can be done quickly and easily without any special tools (a cordless drill with a Phillips bit or a hand held Phillips Head screw driver). Follow the steps outlined below for a hassle free experience.
How To: Identify hardened steel compared to mild steel
Hardened steel is very durable, but nearly impossible to work with at home. If you are trying to choose a piece of steel and can't tell if it's hardened or not, you're in luck, because this video contains a quick method for doing so. All you do is try to file an indentation in the steel with a file. If that doesn't make a mark, you've probably got hardened steel.
How To: Remove a trimmer clutch from most line/string trimmers
If you need to fix or replace the clutch on your trimmer, you will be able to follow along step by step at the best way to take the trimmer apart so you can get to the clutch. There is a tip provided for removing those tricky clutch drum screws as sometimes you cannot get some parts out as easily as they look.
How To: Correctly fill a rinse aid dispenser
If you've never used a dishwasher before, you're about to fall in love with a machine that makes washing dishes easy. One of the main features of owning a dishwasher is it's ability to rinse the dishes to make them nice, shiny, and clean. A rinse aid dispenser is used to store a cleaning product that can prevent streaks or marks from appearing on your dishware.
How To: Unlock a zip tie
While zip ties are great tool for taming unsightly tangled cables and wires, most would agree they're not very reusable. But were you aware it's possible unlock a zip tie in a matter of a few seconds using a needle? You can and this tutorial will show you how. For step-by-step instructions on undoing zip ties, take a look. Unlock a zip tie.
How To: Build a table saw crosscut and miter sled
Check out this woodworking video from Eagle Lake Woodworking. Learn how to build a table saw crosscut and miter sled by watching this five-part series.
How To: Use a rose stem stripper
In this how to video, Sandy from Afloral.com shows you how to use rose stem strippers. Rose strippers remove the thorns from the stem easily, without damaging the bark on your rose stem. This makes it easier to handle roses when putting together a floral arrangement. Watch this tutorial and you will be using a rose stem stripper in no time.
How To: Craft a heart shaped lamp shade
Turn on your heart light!! Watch this instructional arts and crafts video to make a fabulous heart shaped lamp shade for Valentine's Day. You will need a heart shaped box of chocolates, a beaded curtain, duct tape, string, ribbon, and a lamp shade. So what are you waiting for? Craft this handmade heart light and impress the one you love.
How To: Purge, clean, and fill a butane lighter
In this tutorial, we learn how to maintain a butane lighter. There are a variety of butane lighters available, but basics for all of them are all the same. First, adjust the flame dial all the way down to negative. Then, purge the lighter using the back of a wooden match. You will hear a hissing noise as the butane and air escape. Do this until you can no longer hear the noise. You will now clean the lighter by holding a canister of air at a 45 degree angle 3 inches away, spray a few times an...