Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Repair a leaking pipe caused by a loose washer
Drip, drip, drip. Other than maybe a fly buzzing around your head in concentric circles, a leaky pipe is possibly the most annoying thing you can hear in the middle of the night when you're trying to get some sleep. Thankfully, though, a leaky pipe is one of the easiest plumbing problems to fix all by your onesies.
How To: Prune a rose tree (standard)
If you'd like to have a rose tree, or rose 'standard' as opposed to a rose bush, this video will show you what to do. You'll need some pruning shears and of course, a rose bush. This video is really helpful in instructing what to look for when you're trimming, and what branches to take and leave in order to avoid your rose treasure getting a disease. A rose tree by any other name would smell the same, but it would be called a rose standard. FYI.
How To: Fight Mildew Formation on Your Home's Exterior
Mildew can be the bane of a beautiful exterior paint job, marring its appearance even when the paint is otherwise in good shape. And while there’s no way to guarantee that mildew won’t eventually rear its ugly head on any home exterior, there are ways to fight it. Here are six steps you can take to combat the problem:
How To: Use a power drill to unlock a lock
Some locks are easier to drill through than to try and pick, especially if you need to get through them in a hurry! You will need one large power drill and an assortment of drill bits to be able to use this method. First, drill a 1/8 inch pilot hole just above the keyhole. Then follow through with a 1/4 inch or larger drill. After just a minute or so of drilling, you should be able to get through the lock!
How To: Pop a Car Lock with a Coat Hanger
You've done it, I've done it, almost everyone who owns a car has done it: they've gone an locked themselves out. Well, this good how-to shows how to get back into your older model car with nothing more than a coat hanger. It will requre some trial and error to get it done, but this video is a good primer.
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: Install the shower base and connect it to the drain
Before you whip out your iPhone and call your neighborhood plumber for a job that's sure to cost you a pretty penny, check out this video to learn how to do some impressive plumbing yourself. Using a few tools you probably already have lying around your house, you'll learn how to install a shower base in your shower unit and then connect it with the drain - effectively, you'll be setting up a plumbing system.
How To: Open a bedroom or bathroom door when you're locked out
Ahhh! You're locked out of your bedroom, or your bathroom! Well, watch this video and you won't be locked out for long. Fortunately, interior privacy locks are very simple to pick. There are essentially two kinds: one that requires a blade, or knife and the other which requires a long sharp "pin" like object to insert into the handle. Check out this video and never be locked out again! You'll need something like a flat head screw driver for locks with a "slot" in them, and something long and ...
How To: Open a locked bedroom or bathroom door
Getting locked out of a bedroom or bathroom can be a real bummer. Fortunately, these locks are easy to "pick" and get yourself in. This how to shows you clearly what to do to get yourself back inside so you don't feel frustrated all day long. This excellent video takes you step by step through the process. This video talks about 2 different types of locks and the two different types of tools you'll need.
How To: Build Your Own Strawberry Tower
This article details the step-by-step instructions on how you can make a strawberry tower that can be used for your hydroponics/aquaponics system. The water dripping through the system contains the nutrients, so soil is not used. The growing media is expanded shale, but you could also use expanded clay or gravel.
How To: Make a wood ring
A wooden ring can be a beautiful, handcrafted item of jewelry, rare and unquiet. This excellent how to will show you the steps necessary to turn your own wooden ring on a lathe and then finish it for wearing. The wood used in this video is Cocobolo, a lovely hardwood that will weather nicely over time. Check it out! You'll need a block of hardwood, a lathe, lathe tools, sand paper, bees wax and mineral oil. You'll also want to wear protective eye wear as well.
How To: Add a door In an exterior brick wall
If you've got a brick house and are looking to install a door in the brick, this how to will get you there. Be prepared, it's a big job and you'll need to be comfortable wielding several power tools. Are you ready to take the challenge?
How To: Install patio doors in a brick wall
If you've got a brick wall and you're thinking of installing a door, you may have thought you were out of luck. Not so! This helpful how-to walks you through the steps so you can see how it's done. First off, know that this is not a simple task, so be prepared to wield a brick cutter, which is a serious tool in itself. After that you'll be framing out the door, shimming it up, and installing the door. Go for it!
How To: Take a BIC lighter apart for recycling
For on-the-go lighting of birthday candles (those surprise birthday parties really get you), homemade explosives (because making stuff explode is fun), and cigarettes, a cheapo BIC lighter is a totally awesome fix. But most BIC lighters run out pretty quickly and get tossed without second thought.
How To: Mat a picture for framing and hanging
Matting a picture helps it look professional, and is a necessary step if you want to frame it yourself. If you have a frame that is too large for the picture, but you love it anyway, matting will help fill it all out.
How To: Hang a picture so it is perfectly straight and level
So you have a picture you're dying to get up on the wall, but don't want to risk hanging it crooked. This video is your answer! Learn a few tips and tricks to make sure that every picture you hang is perfectly straight and level.
How To: De-Ice Your Gutters (The Secrets of Ice Dam Removal)
I feel sorry for all of you homeowners stuck in snow right now. The snowy, blizzard conditions effecting most of the country is causing some serious headaches across our nation. And it's not just the cold weather I'm talking about. I'm talking about ice dams— something that more suitably should have been called ice damns, because they pretty much damn your roof to hell.
How To: Use a riding lawnmower to mow a large yard or lawn
One of the joys of having a large yard is the riding lawnmower! It's not that intimidating. This video shows you a few basic ways to use a riding lawnmower. Always make sure you wear close toed shoes and eye protection!
How To: Use a weed whacker to trim the weeds in your yard
You don't have to spend hours weeding your garden - just use a weed whacker! Always make sure you wear close toed shoes and eye protection when using a weed whacker. And make sure to keep your hands away from the strings!
How To: Mow a lawn using a gas powered push lawnmower
Make sure that you wear thick, close-toed shoes when you are mowing the lawn! This tutorial shows you how to use a gas-powered push lawn mower, and the most efficient way to mow your lawn. Make sure you understand how your model of mower works!
How To: Make an eco friendly trap for fruit flies with apple cider vinegar
Fruit flies suck, but the fruit fly traps you can get from a hardware store can sometimes be environmentally damaging. Here is how you can make a safe fruit fly trap out of a votive glass, plastic wrap and apple cider vinegar.
How To: Make a bed with perfectly square corners
Frustrated with blankets and sheets that bunch up around the corners? This tutorial shows you how to make perfectly square corners (or hospital corners) on your bed. It doesn't matter what size mattress or sheet you have, this technique will work on any bed.
How To: Get Rid of Stink Bugs Without Using Pesticides
Halyomorpha halys, squash bug, shield bug ... What's in a name? A pest is a pest and the brown marmorated stink bug is a pest par excellence. Though some home gardeners are content to use insecticides, you'll find that it's generally easier to work with nature than against it. And let's face it: trading noxious bugs for noxious chemicals isn't much of a victory. Particularly if you're growing food.
How To: Repair a tub and shower valve
Drip, drip, drip. Annoyed yet? YES! So, watch this video and find out how to repair that tub and shower valve that's been giving you such a headache. This clear how-to will walk you though the plumbing steps necessary to do it yourself.
How To: Replace or relocate your shower valve
If you need to move your shower or tub valve, this clear how-to will show you how it's done. Plumbing can be easy with the right info and this video is just what you need. Remember, turn off your water first!
How To: Make Cheap Solar Panels from Solar Cells (DIY Energy Savings)
Sputnik, Apollo and the Space Race. If you watched the State of the Union address last night, you probably heard President Barack Obama mention those three things.
How To: Construct your own accent bench for extra storage
This is a great DiY carpentry project! A comfortable place for people to sit outdoors, with three small cubbyholes for extra storage. A great project for the weekend DiY woodworker, this project is sure to impress visitors to your home.
How To: Put together your own clothes hamper at home
This video series is a complete tutorial, showing you how to construct your own wooden clothes hamper. This is a stylish and elegant way to keep your clothes - or store anything else you need a little extra room for!
How To: Install your own floating vinyl plank flooring in your home
Get the hardwood look in your home! Floating vinyl plank flooring is easy to install, easier than tile or carpet. It's also fairly inexpensive! This video shows you the best way to install this versatile flooring in any room in your house.
How To: Dress up a room by adding a wall decal to your home
Wallpaper is so retro, but what if you want to add a little bit of extra color to a room? Wall decals are the answer! They're a great idea for renters or people who cannot make other permanent changes to their home.
How To: Build, finish and paint your own accent table at home
An accent table is a great addition to any room, especially if storage is at a premium in your living space. This project won't take longer than a weekend to complete, and you can finish it in any color to match your decor.
How To: Build your own pub table and matching stools
This style of table is often only seen at restaurants, but you can easily build a set for your own home - a square, high-set pub table with four matching stools. A stylish addition to any kitchen or dining room.
How To: Install engineered wood siding on your home
Your home's siding will only last so long, so when it's time to replace it, what will you do? Well, calling a professional will cost you thousands, but this home video from Buildipedia will walk you through the steps to replace your home's siding yourself.
How To: Install a ceramic tile backsplash
Installing a ceramic tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can not only add a great new look, it can help prevent your walls from crumbling due to excess exposure to water. This simple little vid from buildipedia will walk you through the process.
How To: Refinish, maintain and waterproof a wood deck
Wood decks can be a wonderful thing, however they do require cleaning and maintainence. This DIY video gives you the info you'll need to clean, repair and refinish your wood deck, ensuring it's looking great when it's time for that backyard blow out.
How To: Install a brand new kitchen faucet in your house
Installing a new faucet in your kitchen or bathoom can be an easy DIY task if you follow this clear how-to. This is a great skill to know as it's only a matter of time before you're going to want, or need, to replace a faucet.
How To: Solder copper pipe together with this easy DIY
This simple how-to from Buildpedia shows every DIYer how to "sweat pipe", meaning, how to solder it together. This is a simple technique that's easy to get the hang of. You'll need a solder kit, the pipes want to solder, an aceteline torch and a few other things.
How To: Install door casement trim
A little trim can really add a nice look in your house or apartment. This DIY from Buildipedia gives you clear, easy instructions on this task that any home DIYer can do with a few tools. Give it a look and give it a try!
How To: Install an electrical outlet safely and easily
Installing an electrical outlet in your home or apartment may seem like a daunting task, but this simple DIY video from Buildipedia makes it a simple project. Whether your current outlet is broken, or you're just looking to add something new this video will show you how it's done.
How To: Replace a light fixture and spruce up your home
If you're looking for an easy spruce up to your house, try repacing the light fixture. This is an easy task you can do safely that will give your house or apartment and fresh new feel. Check out this DIY elctrical task today.