Hot Home & Garden Posts
How To: Properly unclog a toilet
Every has faced it at one time or another, a clogged toilet. The family handyman takes you through the process of unclogging a toilet in a step by step manner. Learn how to properly use a plunger, the importance of water to the flushing process and how to keep you bathroom dry and safe while plunging. For more difficult clogs an auger is needed to unclog the toilet. Once again the proper augering techniques are displayed. The working of the auger are also shown and the viewer learns how it wo...
How To: Make rip cuts without a table saw
Ron Hazelton shows how to rip cut a very long piece of wood using a circular saw instead of a table saw. First, place sawhorses approximately every 4 feet under the wood. Choose the correct blade for the wood. Affix the circular saw with an edge guide. Set the blade depth so that the blade barely goes past the wood. Put scrap pieces of lumber on the sawhorses under the wood. Then the long rip cut can be a zip.
How To: Remove wallpaper with vinegar
Do you dread tackling those wallpaper remodeling tasks on your home maintenance list? Many homeowners choose to let professionals deal with the removal of their old wallpaper, but this can be an expensive choice. Learn how you can remove even the most stubborn wallpaper and wallpaper accent trim with a little white vinegar, a spray bottle and a paint scraper in just 7 minutes. Find out, too, how you can make this project a fun, family challenge by involving the little ones.
How To: Unclog a backed up toilet
This video shows you how to unclog a toilet using a plunger. Usually a toilet clog is caused by too much toilet paper. If the water runs out of the toilet, use towels on the floor to absorb excess water. You should place the plunger down into the toilet at an angle and start pumping. When dealing with a low water clog, you can flush the toilet while pumping to get more water into the toilet. You can use any type of plunger.
How To: Use a miter saw with Skil & Lowe's
This informational and instructional video is brought to us by Lowe's, a leader in the `do-it-yourself' retail business. In this video, Bill shows you how to properly set and use a Skill miter saw. There are four basic cuts you can do with a miter saw: the cross cut, miter cut, bevel cut, and the compound cut. Experienced and beginner home project do-it-yourself enthusiasts will appreciate the techniques and teachings that Bill provides you within this easy to understand and follow how-to video.
How To: Remove and replace a sink basket
This video shows you how to remove and replace a sink basket. It's real quick and very efficient if you have a new sink and an old basket. Here are the steps on doing this.
How To: Use a pocket hole jig with Lowe's
Professional furniture makers have used pocket hole joinery for years... and for good reason. It's a simple way to achieve a strong, permanent joining of two pieces of wood.
How To: Install bifold doors with Lowe's
Let a Lowe's expert show you how to install bi-fold doors. Learn how to install bi-fold doors that you can add to you closets. Get your drill, doors, tape measure and other tools together so you can be ready to complete your project. Measure your closets so you know what kind of door you need to fit your projects. If you need to paint, paint before you add to the door. Mark all your spots and measure before you add your pieces.
How To: Install decorative window film for privacy
Frosted glass windows are perfect for bathrooms, allowing light to pass through while giving you privacy. "Wallpaper for Windows" is a useful window film that you can use to create the frosted glass windows without having to replace or remove your windows. First, you should measure out the size of the window that you plan to cover and clean the glass thoroughly. Also wash your hands to avoid oil getting on the glass. After spraying the window with soapy water, peel the backing off the film an...
How To: Paint a room in your home like a professional
Anyone can paint a room, but can you do it like a professional? Attention to detail and overall care are the key factors in getting the best paint job for your room. In this video you will learn exactly how to paint a room in your home like a professional.
How To: Use a copper wire stripper
This how-to video demonstrates how to use a copper wire stripper.
How To: Install vinyl plastic fencing
There is a great cost effective and durable fence option that is available now. It is fence made from plastic PVC. Start by putting a stake in the ground to mark the location of the first fence post. Use a string tied to the first stake to mark the rest of the fence line. Drive stakes in the ground to mark the location of additional fence posts along the string line every eight feet. Dig your fence post holes with a post hole digger or rent a motorized digger. Once you've dug the hole put gra...
How To: Replace/install a bathroom ventilation fan with Lowe's
With yet another great instructional video Lowe's home improvement expert, Mike Craft, hosts this do-it-yourself demonstration brought to you by home improvement retail outlet, Lowe's on how to replace or install a new bathroom ventilation fan. The video will give you all the information you need on how to complete this project at home, and without hiring a professional. Providing a detailed list of the tools, supplies, and tips you will need, Mike shows you how to complete this project and h...
How To: Plant Lamb's Ear as a ground cover in your garden
When watching this video, you will realize why Lamb's Ear, or stachys byzantin, may be a perfect choice of plant to set in front of your other plants. With a sea green color and low profile, it will set the rest of the garden off beautifully. Place it along borders of the garden or even along your driveway. Lamb's Ear is a hardy, drought resistant plant that is easy to care for and will do well in sunny areas. It does shoot up and grow a large flower later in the season. This would be your op...
How To: Tune up a walk-behind lawnmower with Lowe's
Lowe's shows you how to tune up your walk-behind mower. Make a difference in how your motor starts by changing the spark plugs and cleaning the filter and lubricating when necessary. To do this you will need a drop cloth, a cleaning brush and work gloves, oil, spray lubricant, air filter and spark plug. Before performing any maintenance, read your owners manual. Ventilate your work area, protect the ground and remove the grass catchers. Disconnect the spark plug so your mower won't start. Lub...
How To: Remove bits and pieces of wallpaper
Here are instructions on removing wallpaper bits and pieces. You will need: a circular electric sander and a microfiber clothe. Simply place the microfiber clothe over the electric sander. Begin to move your way over and across the wall. Much as you would if you were painting; moving up and down and diagonally. Adjust the microfiber clothe as necessary - it may wiggle around as you glide across the wall. You will notice quite a dramatic difference after finishing. Doing this saves a lot of time.
How To: Measure and prep for hanging wallpaper with Lowe's
Lowe's a leader in the retail home improvement business, brings you this instructional video on how to measure and prepare for hanging wallpaper, for the do-it-yourselfer at home. In this video you will learn useful tips on calculating just how much wallpaper you will need to wallpaper your room, as well as a list of the tools and materials you will need to achieve a good finish, and get the job done right the first time, every time.
How To: Build & stain concrete countertops
Paul Ryan of the DIY Network shows how to make concrete countertops for the kitchen. Concrete is now available in a wide range of colors and textures. First build forms out of 3/4-inch melamine (a waterproof smooth material for easy casting), according to the blueprints. Use caulk to fill the seams and create a rounded corner to the concrete. Clean the form with rubbing alcohol. Mix the concrete according to the instructions, then fill the form with the concrete. Rub a power sander on the edg...
How To: Clean and flush gutters
Cleaning gutters is really not that hard. Get out your ladder and position it so that you can reach the gutters. Start by removing all the big stuff such as twigs and bigger sticks that have gotten into the gutter. These bigger items can be removed with your hands. What is left can be pretty yucky? There is a mud like substance that is made up of water, decomposing leaves, newer leaves, and smaller sticks that you won't want to touch. So use a scoop made out of a mild container that is cut in...
How To: Tune up a riding lawnmower with Lowe's
Lowe's knows that riding lawnmowers are a big investment for your home and garden. This video shows the proper tools, and safety equipment needed to perform the maintenance needed. Lowe's explains how to replace the air filter on the mower, replacing and testing the spark plug, and how to lubricate the moving parts of the machine itself. The narrator also reminds viewers that when performing maintenance, to do so in a well-ventilated area. Following the steps in this video will make sure your...
How To: Install a deadbolt lock with Lowe's
This video from Lowe's will show you how to install a deadbolt lock in just a few easy steps. You can install a deadbolt lock on almost any exterior door, including those made from wood or steel. Deadbolt locks come in several types including the conventional ones requiring a key or the newer ones that have keypads. Whichever type you choose, the principles of installation are the same. This video will show how to a drill in your door and chisel out material in your door jam. Once this is don...
How To: Build a drill press table for your woodshop
It is not that hard to make your own drill press table. Start with a 3/4-inch piece of plywood. Cut a 3/4-inch dado cut on both ends of the 3/4-inch board about two inches from the end. Top the 3/4-inch plywood with a 1/4-inch piece of oak cut into three pieces. When you cut the board into three pieces cut the center piece out with a 10-degree angle so that when you glue the two end pieces down the center piece will slide in and out but be held in place by the angle. This allows you to change...
How To: Landscape with small leaf Rhododendrons for the winter
David Epstein shows a simple and yet creative way to add contrast to any garden with bare or no interest areas. To add a little extra winter color, David introduces three varieties of the "Small leaf Rhododendron" including; "Midnight Ruby", "Westons Mayflower" and "Dora Ainateis". Although these smaller leafed varieties require a little more sunlight, they do however produce flowers in Spring and hold their leaves all winter long. So, for a continuation of color throughout winter, be sure to...
How To: Water deciduous trees in autumn
Watering requirements for deciduous trees is dramatically different in autumn than at other seasons throughout the year. In the autumn there is less wind, less evaporation, the temperatures are lower and so there is less of a problem with dehydrating the plant. When you plant the tree. Dig a hole and put the tree in the hole. Fill the hole half way full of soil and flood the rest of the hole with water. Let is soak in and then fill it again. This will soak the roots and also the ground around...
How To: Install toilet seat hinges like a professional
Hub Kirkpatrick of HandymanTeacher teaches how to fix a loose toilet seat. He shows how to tighten the screws holding it down while holding on to the nut under it to make sure it tightens, and how to pop the covers back in place. Kirkpatrick also reminds us to be careful, as the screws are plastic and can easily break or strip out. Following these steps instead of calling a handyman will save you money for a few minutes of time.
How To: Install a kitchen garden window
Ron Hazelton shows a great way to bring the outdoors indoors with a garden window. First remove the existing window. Pry off the exterior trim and remove the old window framing. Build a new frame for the new window with 2x4's and shims. Trim away any exterior siding if necessary. Use waterproof flashing paper and caulk to make the new window watertight. Install the new window into the frame with rust-resistant screws. Add another run of caulk, then trim off the excess flashing paper. Use anot...
How To: Remove melted candle wax using heat or cold
This video explains two different ways to remove wax from candles left on furniture. Both heat and cold are used to accomplish the removal of wax. Heat generally from a hair dryer will provide enough heat to remelt the wax without damaging wood furniture. Ice or even a pack of frozen vegetables is suggested when using the cold method since it makes the wax brittle and easy to remove. These are two great ways to remove wax from wooden furniture without damaging the furniture itself.
How To: Paint window frames
The big question is do you tape or scrape those window frames? If you want to tape. Put two pieces of tape that are longer than the length of each pain. Put them on the top and bottom of the pain. Use your putty knife to hold the tape in place and tear it off a little bit short of the edge. Then put two strips length ways on the pain that is also longer than you need. Take your putty knife and put it in the top corner to hold the tape and tear it off flush to the window frame. Then you paint,...
How To: Install shutters to your home exterior
Handyman teacher Hub Kirkpatrick gives a demonstration of how to install shutters to the exterior of one's home. These vinyl plastic shutters are meant to enhance the beauty of the exterior of a house without costing too much. Hub recommends using six 3-inch, hex-headed bolts for each shutter so that it is secured firmly in place. He also adds a cautionary note that one should take care not to over-tighten the bolts because that could result in dimpling and cracking of the plastic shutter.
How To: Install a laminate floor (simulated wood)
If you like the look of wood floors but you are concerned about the durability of wood because of kids or pets then laminate might be the answer for you. Laminate is really durable and it is easy to install. The laminate is the same material that they laminate kitchen counter tops with and it doesn't have to be glued or nailed down. It floats on a foam pad. This allows laminate to be laid over almost any surface without a problem. The pieces now interlock and so you don't have to worry about ...
How To: Trim shrubs and prune hedges with Lowe's
This is another great video from Lowe's, which shows you how to trim shrubs and prune hedges. This video shows Lowe's Home Improvement expert Mike Kraft sharing some tips and tricks on how to make your garden even a better place. This Lowe's do-it-yourself video shows you step-by-step instructions on how you can trim the shrubs in your garden and prune the hedges in your garden. A good video for those who care how good their garden looks.
News: The "White Goat" Eats Office Paper, Spits Out Toilet Paper
A Japanese company called Oriental [JP] has invented an eco-friendly machine that turns office paper into toilet paper. Called the "White Goat", the machine's process is simple: feed it approximately 40 sheets of paper and thirty minutes later it deliver one perfectly constructed roll of toilet paper.
How To: Install track lighting
This video shows how to install track lighting where you want to add or direct light. The first thing to do is to turn off the power to the circuit. If you don't have an electrical box where you want the lighting, you can purchase one at any home improvement store. If you have one, you will also need a track lighting adapter. Use masking tape for the pattern that you want, start around 18 to 24 inches from the wall. Remove the tape and replace it with chalk lines. Cut the tracks to size and a...
How To: Mist houseplants
This video demonstrates how to mist your plants and to keep insects away. Plants that like high humidity will benefit the most from misting. Use an empty spray bottle that already has a mister. Clean the bottle well and spray a few times to get residual material from the tube. The best time to mist is in the morning, but you should mist at least once a day. Using a humidifier along with the misting process in the winter will make your plants happy.
How To: Prepare a concrete subfloor for flooring with Lowe's
Lowe's home improvement expert, Mike Kraft, demonstrates how to prepare your concrete sub-floor for the installation of hardwood or laminate flooring. Brought to you by Lowe's, a leader in the home do-it-yourself retail industry, Mike details the steps, tools, and techniques you will need to complete this step of your project so that you may enjoy your new floor for a long time to come. After you have properly prepared your sub-floor to receive your new flooring, the video provides you with i...
How To: Unblock a toilet with dish soap, hot water and no plunger
This is a great video about how to unclog your toilet without a plunger. The author of this video explains which ways she tried to unclog her toilet initially, and how they failed without any results. She then tells you how you can unclog your toilet with dish soap and some hot water, which actually works. If you are facing the same problem with your toilet, just try the method explained in this video and see if it actually works or not. Also, use this method to unblock a sink without a plung...
How To: Create a home water fountain with Lowe's
Host Brenda Lo, from Lowe's Creative Ideas demonstrates, in this informational video, how to create an outdoor water fountain. Brenda details the entire process, listing the tools and supplies you will need to complete this great do-it-yourself project in just one afternoon with easily obtainable materials. This video is great for the DIY beginner or experienced professional looking for a new project idea for your outdoor garden. do-it-yourself, and save time and money with these great tips.
How To: Remove ceramic wall tiles from a shower
In this video, Mark Donovan of Home Addition Plus shows you to remove ceramic tiles from a shower. Before you begin, remove the shower head and shower handle, leaving the walls bare. A lot of dust and debris will be produced so you should wear safety glasses and to protect the shower pan from damage, you should cover it up. Card board should suffice. Starting from the bottom, place the chisel on the edge of the tiles and tap it with a hammer. For the tiles in the middle, you can use a flat ba...
How To: Tile a custom ceramic tile shower
Start by putting tile backer board tape on all the joints on the wall board and then put mortar over the backer board tape. Let the mortar dry and then you can begin the tile job. Install a ledger board at the base of the shower stall about one tile high. Draw some vertical and horizontal lines on the wall to help keep the tile going straight. Also use tile spacers to help keep the tile going straight. Mix up some thin set mortar. Put the thin set mortar on the wall. Apply it with the flat si...
How To: Replace a medicine cabinet & light fixture with Lowe's
This video is presented by Lowe's. In this video the instructor shows us how to replace a medicine cabinet and a bathroom light. In every step of this video the importance of safety is stressed. In this video the viewer is taken on a step by step tutorial on how to do the installation. The viewer will receive a clear understanding on all the tools and parts needed to do this job. According to the video, most if not all of the tools for this project can be found at Lowe's. It is easy to see th...