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HowTo: Dumpster Dive For Gold

Dumpsters make great swimming pools and skateboard ramps, but when they're full of trash, they're pretty valuable, too. You can get a surprising amount of free booty dumpster diving. If you're a penny pincher who values low cost (re: free) functionality, check out Apartment Therapy's guide to mastering the craft. Below, my three favorite insider tips.

How To: Install a toilet water inlet valve

In this video we learn how to install a toilet water inlet valve. First, turn the water off and flush the toilet to get rid of the water in the system. From here, pull out the flush valve by turning it clockwise and lifting it. Then, grab your new valve and replace it where the old one was. Clean around the area and replace any other parts that you need to inside the tank. Once finished, you can turn the water back on. Now try to flush your toilet to make sure that it works. It should be good...

How To: Deal with a hollow door when installing bath fixtures

This is a video tutorial in the Home & Garden category where you are going to learn how to deal with a hollow door when installing bath fixtures. Bob Schmidt shows you how to do this while installing bath accessories such as robe hooks, towel bars or towel rings. The product that you need to do this is called easy anchor. It is a metal anchor specifically designed for the right depth for a hollow core door. Take the anchor and drill it down the door until it is fairly close to going in fully....

How To: Build plumb walls

In this tutorial, we learn how to build plumb walls. A plumb bob is a weight that you can use to make sure your walls are plumb. This tool is the most accurate tool you can get to plumb up any wall. Your level is only good until it's dropped, this won't be ruined and will always be accurate. When using a plumb bob, you have to get up close and personal to the floor and the ceiling. You will need someone on the floor and someone on the ladder to make sure you get the bob exactly on the line. T...

How To: Use the Bosch PMF 180E multi-purpose saw and sander

In this tutorial, we learn how to use the Bosch PMF 180E multi-purpose saw and sander. First, lock the blade into the saw and then place the screw in using a screwdriver. After this, you will be able to use the saw to cut out what you need to on your type of material. Make sure it's plugged in and you have safety gloves on while you're doing this. To change the blade, wear your gloves and unplug the machine. Remove the bolt to get the blade out and then replace it with the blade that you need...

How To: Install cabinet knobs, handles & pulls

Bob Schmidt teaches us how to install cabinet knobs, handles & pulls in this video. You can easily spruce up a new cabinet or door my just changing out the handles or knobs. First, always take off your hardware and take it with you to the hardware store so you can grab a similar one to fit the right size. Once you find the right handles and screws you will be ready to install the new handles. Place the screw into the appropriate holes on the handles. After this, twist the screws into the hole...

How To: Install a locking hardwood floor with Lowe's

In this video, we learn how to install a locking hardwood floor with Lowe's. First, prepare the sub floor before you begin installing the floors. After this, grab all of the tools you need to install the flooring properly. Place spacers between the flooring and the walls and start to lay it down. Lock the planks together on the first row. Then, lock the sides to the next row and use weights to keep the floors from moving. The ends must be 6 inches apart on each row. For a locking floor, cut o...

How To: Use an electric tester to test wires

In this video we learn how to use an electric tester to test wires. You will first need to purchase a voltage tester that runs on double a batteries. When you press it the end will turn green and you are ready to use it. Test it out by pushing it into a plug you know works and see if it turns red and starts to beep. If you own a home or are renovating this can help you out a lot if you don't have switches around. You can place the tester on a wire to find out if it's on and then become safer ...

How To: Install crown moulding to your room

In this tutorial, we learn how to install crown molding to your room. First, choose the right size and style of molding for the room, then measure your room to find out how much you need. After this, you will need to buy a saw to cut the molding when you're ready to install. After you have the pieces cut, you will need to place these against the wall and then nail them in with a nail gun. Secure the molding to the joints in the ceiling and to the studs in the wall. To finish, putty the holes ...

How To: Cut crown molding perfectly for your home

In this tutorial, we learn how to cut crown molding perfectly for your home. First, you will need to determine what spring angle your crown molding is. It comes in 38 degrees, 45 degrees, and 52 degrees. If you buy the wrong kind, it will not match your crown molding and will look odd. Once you have figured out what you need, you will need to cut the molding on the side that is on the back side of the bottom. You will also need to drop your block next to it to get it cut at the right angle. W...

How To: Replace an electrical light switch

In this video we learn how to replace an electrical light switch. First, turn the power off in your home. Then, remove the screws around the switch exposing the wires. Confirm that they are dead with a tester, then you can get started removing. Wrap electrical tape around the wires and then label them with what they were connected to. Tear this out of the terminals, then replace the new one with the wires hanging out. Make sure you place the wires back into the same terminals as before, using...

How To: Use an Eco-san toilet

In this tutorial, we learn how to use an Eco-san toilet. These have been designed to protect and preserve the environment. The excrement are disposed of separately and do not use water for flushing. The structure is above the ground and has a concrete slab on the bottom. Platforms are constructed on top of this, then there is a room built above this. There are three parts, the shallow for urine, the middle for excrement, and the last part for cleaning. The user must know how to do use the toi...

How To: Use a table saw with Skil & Lowe's

In this video we learn how to use a table saw with Skil & Lowe's. The rip cut and the cross cut are two cuts that are most useful. A rip cut goes with the grain of the board to cut it to width. The cross cut goes against the grain and cuts it to length. First, position the board next to the blade and then raise the blade. The blade should be just above where the board is at. Slide the rip ends over to the dimensions you want and then lock it down. Put your safety glasses on, then turn on the ...

How To: Make a sign using a wood router

This is a video tutorial in the Home & Garden category where you are going to learn how to make a sign using a wood router free hand. For this you will need a router. The kind of router you use is not so very important. But, what is important is the router bit. It should be a “V” shaped bit for doing free hand work. There are lots of bits you can use. First you fix the depth of the cutter so that only a little bit of the router bit is exposed. You should not be seeing too much of the bit abov...

How To: Take accurate measurements in your home projects

In this video we learn how to take accurate measurements in your home projects. First, you need to pick up the right tape measure for your project. Once you have picked out the right tape measure, you'll be able to use it for what you are trying to do. Now, learn how to read the numbers that are listed on the tape measure and find the precise measurement of your project. Make sure you take down all of the inches so you build everything correctly and don't have to go back and fix anything that...

How To: Install a vanity and sink with Lowe's

In this video, we learn how to install a vanity and sink with Lowe's. A great way to give your bathroom a makeover is to give it a new vanity and sink. First, turn off the water from the water line, then take down the pipes from under the sink. Use a bucket to catch extra water that's falling out. Next, separate the top from the base and then remove the old vanity. Remove the old base unit from the bathroom and then install the new vanity. Measure out the area to make sure it will fit. Place ...

How To: Cut plastic push-fit pipe

In this video, we learn how to cut plastic push-fit pipe. Make sure you never use a hack saw to cut the push-fit pipe because it can damage the O-ring in the connector. What you need is a pair of dedicated plastic pipe cutters. Once you have this, put your pipe in the middle of the cutters and then push down on the handles. After this, your will cut the pipe and it will com out nice and clean. From here you will be able to fit a connector into the pipe and continue to use it rather than ruini...

How To: Frame a wall 16 inch out on a subwall

In this tutorial, we learn how to frame a wall 16 inch out on a subwall with Bob Schmidt. First, grab some straight plates for the top and bottom plates of the wall. Then, you will need a framing square as well. When doing a layout for the wall, you will first need to lay the plates next to each other. Then, find the red marks at the typical wall stud layout. Go ahead and make your first mark at 3 quarters back from every red stud mark. Then, place the framing square on the wood and line it u...

How To: Install carpets on stairs

In this video, we learn how to install carpets on stairs. First, install a tack strip along the back edge with a distance between the riser and where you place it. Then, you will place the pad down on the stairs, and then you will place the carpet down. Use trim to cover up the backs of the stairs and the underside of the bull nose. Use a nail gun with staple brads to fasten the carpet to the stairs. This is the easy way to do it, and you must make sure you have the right measurements to fit ...

How To: Solder copper water lines

In this tutorial, we learn how to solder copper water lines. First, take a sand cloth and thoroughly clean the outside of the tube. Then, take a cleaning brush and clean the inside cup of each side of the fitting. Apply flux to the inside of the fitting, then insert the tube inside. Make sure the tube is inserted into the bottom of the cup properly. Now, take a torch and apply the head to the cup of the fitting. Wait until the solder starts rolling and goes all the way around the fitting. Whe...

How To: Use an electrical box extension

This is a video tutorial in the Home & Garden category where you are going to learn how to use an electrical box extension. Bob Schmidt shows how to use an electrical box extension during remodeling; when adding drywall, tile or wood over existing surfaces. For this you will need a PVC box extension which is designed to fit over the box that is already embedded in the wall. It extends out of the wall which will be covered by the layer of tile or drywall. Disconnect the power source to the plu...

How To: Repair small cracks in wood projects

In this video, we learn how to repair small cracks in wood projects with Bob Schmidt. Even though the cracks are small, they may catch your eye when you walk into the room. You can minimize this with just a little bit of work with a screwdriver. First, grab your screwdriver and rub the middle of it on the corner of two pieces of wood. This will rub out the two pieces without changing the stain on the wood. If you have a missing crack on baseboard, you can do the same thing, which will lessen ...

How To: Change your toilet into a silent clocing toilet seat

In this video, we learn how to change your toilet into a silent toilet seat. A silent toilet seat will shut itself by going down slowly without the loud slam. To remove the old toilet seat, go to the back flaps and pop them up. Remove the plastic screws with a screwdriver and then set them aside. Replace this with your new toilet seat and screw the screws back into the back. Now, lift your seat and the lid up and tap them gently. After this, the toilet seat will slowly start to lower and clos...

How To: Drill through ceramic tile like a professional

In this video, we learn how to drill through ceramic tile like a professional. To do this you can use a normal bit that will drill through most tiles easily. Or, you can purchase a dedicated tile drill that will work the same way. First, find the area that you want to get started on and lay down some masking tape. Then, place the drill down on the area you want to drill through. Press on the drill power button doing small intervals at a time. Once you get into the hole, go full power and then...

How To: Makeover your mirror with accessories

In this video we learn how to makeover your mirror with accessories. First, grab lace, string, ribbon, fake flowers, and anything else decorative that you want to hang around on your mirror. Once you have all of your supplies, get to work! Use double sided tape to stick to the sides of the mirror so you can safely stick on all of your accessories. Start out by taping some lace or ribbon around the mirror. You can also tie some ribbons and place those as on as well. If you have fake flowers, t...

How To: Fit door handles to a door properly

This is a video tutorial in the Home & Garden category where you are going to learn how to fit door handles to a door properly. The first thing to do is to insert the spindle in the door and check if it is of correct length. Quite often it might be longer. So, cut it to the correct size with a hacksaw. Next fit the handle over the spindle and make sure it is straight. Take measurements to ensure this. Holding the handle in place with one hand, drill holes with an electric drill and insert the...

How To: Maintain your tools for extended usage

In this tutorial, we learn how to maintain your tools for extended usage. First, get a good sturdy brush to clean off all the crusted on dirt from your tool. The dirt will promote rust and deteriorate your tools. Once it's cleaned, also make sure it's dried off from anything that is wet. Also set the tool on a flat surface or table to remove rust off of the tool. You can also sharpen the sides of the tools or shovels so you are pulling out any kinks and making it sharp and more useful. Once f...

How To: Fit a toilet seat correctly

In this tutorial, we learn how to fit a toilet seat correctly. First, take your seat off of the hinges where it is at on your toilet. After this, take a look at the hinges that are on it and see how large they are compared to the ones that rest behind the seat. You will want to now replace the hinges with ones that fit more properly. Now, when you sit on the toilet seat you shouldn't have any more issues with it. Make sure you screw the bolts back in tightly so it doesn't come off when you mo...

How To: Prepare a wall for drilling

In this video we learn how to prepare a wall for drilling. First, check for pipes and cables in the wall using a digital detector. After this, it's a good idea to tape some masking tape with an envelope on the wall to catch and dust and debris that falls off while you are drilling. When you're finished drilling the hole, remove the envelope from the section you are on and continue on to the next part of the wall. It's just that easy to drill a hole in the wall once you know you won't be hitti...

How To: Build pet steps for your animals with Lowe's

In this tutorial we learn how to build pet steps for your animals with Lowe's. Start out with making the lines for the sides of our steps on a piece of ply wood. Cut these out with a circular saw and then start assembling the steps. Use wood glue, nails and a hammer to do this. After you have these assembled from the bottom up you can insert the steps for the inside of the stairs. Make sure all of this is secure and everything is nailed in properly. Then, add in padding to the steps for your ...

How To: Clean your oven effectively

Ovens get filthy pretty quickly, and that can stink up your kitchen and your food. Watch this video for an in-depth guide to cleaning your grill with cheap household products, restoring flavor to your food and a pleasant smell and appearance to your most important food cooker.

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...