Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Make a heart picture frame using red cedar wood
Nothing says 'I Love You' more than a gift that was made from scratch. Especially if that gift is shaped like a heart and is made from wood.
How To: Build a ceiling grid and add tiles to your home
If you have a basement that needs some remodeling, one area that you should focus on is the ceiling. A bare ceiling can reveal wires and other things that bring down the look of a space. But adding ceiling tiles to the space can do so much.
How To: Choose a drill
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to choose a drill. There are 3 types of drills: cordless drills, electric drills and rotary hammer drills. cordless drills run on batteries and have a hammer setting. cordless drills are able to drill into concrete with mason drill bits. Electric drills last much more longer than cordless drills, but are limited by the extension reach. Rotary hammer drills are only used to drill into concrete. Some drills require a chuck key. Others have a key-less ch...
How To: Make a box out of used plastic bottles
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a box out of used plastic bottles. This task is very simple, fast and easy to do. The materials required for this task are 2 plastic bottles and a zipper. Begin by cutting off the bottom of both plastic bottles. Now glue the zipper on both of the bottom pieces and glue the bottom pieces together. Then zip the bottom pieces together. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy making arts and crafts and recycling material, and would like to...
How To: Harvest herbs like basil, cilantro, dill, and chervil
In this tutorial, Susan Belsinger tells us how to harvest herbs. Don't let your basil flower because it's an annual herb and it will set seed if you do this. When you put the plant out, you have to cut the plant so it doesn't grow out to much. When you cut, more leaves will grow and it will get to a foot tall. Cut all of your basil like this, and cut it once a month. By cutting the seeds, you will get 20 cups of leaves per plant during a season. If you don't cut your plant back, you won't get...
How To: Prune climbing roses
In order to prune climbing roses, you will need the following: ties and pruning sheers.
How To: Install cabinet doors in your kitchen
If you want to renovate a kitchen easily, one of the best options is to keep your existing cabinets and either paint or stain them. This can save you a ton of money. But of course in order to do this, you'll have to remove the cabinet doors.
How To: Use a multimeter
This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, measure resistance and voltage and many more values. Multimeters are like the electrical engineer's Swiss army knife. Multimeters can be of digital or analog types. Before using the multimeter, make sure there is continuity between the two probes. When you connect the two probes with each other, it will beep indicating that there is continuity and then you can go ahead. To...
How To: Wrap a stainless steel foil around a bathroom vanity
If you're looking for your bathroom to be a bit more shiny, you might want to look into installing a stainless steel vanity. If you don't have the money to buy it, you can easily cover your existing one using a foil that gives off the look of stainless steel.
How To: Keep dust to a minimum in your home
In this video, we learn how to keep dust to a minimum in your home. First, keep an eye on your furnace and make sure that when you are doing home repairs, it doesn't get onto your furnace. Also, make sure your filters throughout the home are clean or replaced very often, especially while you are doing home projects. Also, keep windows closed, especially while it's windy outside, because this can let dust enter your home easily. You should also avoid extra aggressive sweeping, because this can...
How To: Read a ruler
Everyone has used a ruler at some point in their life, whether for art sizing, blueprint plans, or sizing up your widescreen television on your living room wall. But there's a lot of little ticks on the ruler that you may not be aware of. Your ruler shouldn’t be used only to draw a straight line. Make sense of all those little lines and take advantage of its intended use.
How To: Contain your sheep with hurdles
This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to contain your sheep with hurdles. For this project you will need thin and long wooden staffs. This can also be done with bamboo. Split the wooden staffs in half. Take a heavy piece of timber and make holes in it at regular intervals. Place the timber at the boundary of the area where you want to contain your sheep. Then drive one unsplit wooden staff through each hole in the timber so that the end of the staff gets...
How To: Fix a slack recoil starter on your chainsaw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to fix a slack recoil starter on a chainsaw. Begin by removing the bolts off of the side casing. If you leave the cord hanging out, it will make the saw much more difficult to start and can be caught onto things. To put more tension on the spring, wind the cord around the nylon spool and retract the cord. Make sure not to put too much tension in the spring or else the spring will break. This video will benefit hose viewers who have and use a chainsaw,...
How To: Easily remove wallpaper
In order to remove wallpaper easily, you will need the following: a scoring tool, liquid concentrate, and a putty knife.
How To: Root prune container plants
In this tutorial, we learn how to root prune container plants with Lee Reich. First, remove the plant from the pot then take a knife and slice the root ball back. Don't worry about hurting the plant while you're doing this. Trim the roots around the plant until they have become small enough to fit into the pot again. You can also use pruning sheers to cut back loose roots that are too long. Now, place the plant back into the plant and fill it up with brand new soil around the edges. Keep wate...
How To: Make your own Hello Kitty princess mirror
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a Hello Kitty princess mirror. The materials required for this project are: epoxy glue, tweezers, pendants, gems and a plain mirror. If the mirror has a logo, you can remove it by rubbing over it with some nail polish remover. Begin by mixing the epoxy. Then stick the Hello Kitty pendant and a pearl heart on the top cover of the mirror. Use a stick to apply the glue and tweezers to place the heart on the mirror cover. This video will benefit t...
How To: Make a floral arrangement
In this video, we learn how to make a floral arrangement. Start off with the biggest flower you are going to use, and build around that. If you have a white flower, pick a bright colored one to go next to it. Remember to use different flowers and colors to mix and match and make beautiful bouquets. You will also want to remove the bottoms of the stems and tuck smaller flowers in between the bigger ones. Creating color contrasts can help make an eye-popping floral arrangement. You can start bu...
How To: Sharpen your chainsaw
This video is how to sharpen your chainsaw
How To: Make a fall wreath
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a fall wreath for a door. First, find a basic wreath that has no decorations on it. Next, add leaves onto the wreath, around the entire circle, but don't fill it in the entire way. Now, add on fall leaves to the wreath with a hot glue gun or with pins if that is easier for you. If you need to cut the flowers, cut them from the base not from the stem, or you will have to purchase new flowers. After this, the final step is to add some fall flowers that mat...
How To: Make a Japanese screen
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Japanese screen. First, cut your wood out and sand it down. Then, use a corner clamp to drill a hole in and screw the different sides together. Also use wood glue to help stick the pieces of wood together. Once your frame is assembled, sand the corners of it. Next, you will stain the wood with black Japan wood stain. You will only have to put one or two coats of this on, because the color is so dark. Now score notches onto the wood to allow your screen...
How To: Use a woodland toilet or tree bog
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a woodland toilet or tree bog. To use a woodland toilet, it is the same as using a regular toilet except it does not involve flushing. The waste goes into the hole in the base. The woodland toilets are located in clear and open areas for easy access. Every hour, users will need to pour down sawdust to help decompose the waste and prevent the smell. Do not pour too much sawdust down the toilet at once. This video will benefit hose viewers who ar...
How To: Divide and transplant an agave
In this tutorial, Jeff Moore shows us how to divide and transplant an agave. First, lay the pot over and hit the side a couple times. Now, the roots and soil will fall out. Now, break the roots and take the pups (baby plants) up. If you don't remove these, they won't grow into larger plants. It may be difficult to pull them out, just wrestle with it a bit so you can pull it out. Now, replant these into a new pot with cactus soil onto the bottom and a drainage hole in the pot. Make sure to wat...
How To: Change the oil on a riding lawn mower
It is very important to change the oil on your lawn mower just as important as changing the oil in your car. The oil liberates, cools and cleans the engine. It is best to check your manufacturers information to know how often to change the oil. To change the oil you will need the following: a wrench, gloves, a drop cloth, a socket wrench, oil container, a brush, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench and fresh oil.
How To: Conserve at home to help the enviroment
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to conserve at home. One way to conserve at home is to have a recycling bin. Before throwing away a recyclable item, rinse it off first to avoid unpleasant odors. Change all the incandescent light bulbs in your home to fluorescent light bulbs to conserve the electricity. Fluorescent light bulbs consume 4 times less energy and lasts 8 times longer. Use home appliances that have the "Energy Star" label on them. Wash your clothing with cold water. Eat or...
How To: Finish a newly installed paver patio
If you've recently had someone or finished installing a paver pation in your front or backyard, the job may not be over. To make sure you get the job done right, you're going to have to add something that will make sure the paver will stand for a long time and will look good as well.
How To: Install ceiling panels and tiles in your home
If you already have a dropped ceiling in your basement, but it needs a bit of sprucing up, this tutorial should help. If you're looking to change up the ceiling that might resemble an office, then you can do so easily.
How To: Build a habitat garden in the woods
If you call the woods your backyard, then this next tutorial is for you. If you want to make something that all animals and insects can benefit from, then build a habitat garden. Not only can it offer food and nourishment, but it can also be a place that can be called home for many animals.
How To: Make a dial indicator holder for your lathe tailstock
If you need help with drilling holes and need a better way to know how far you are going in, this next tutorial should help. All you need is a couple of tools and about 30 minutes of your time and you have yourself a handy tool. This is great for getting correct and consistent depth when drilling holes. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Properly prune and trim your garden
Something that every gardener needs to know is how to prune and trim your plants properly.Being able to perform both of these functions is important for keeping your garden beautiful and making sure that they will last for a long time. When pruning or trimming plants, it's important to always use the right tools for the job.
How To: Remove unsightly moss from your roof
If you live in an area where moss or algae is a common theme on most people's roofs, it's important that you get this removed soon. Over time, the moss can grow larger and potentially damage certain parts of your home.
How To: Make your own easy garden lanterns
Michelle Gervais shows us how to make easy garden lanterns in this tutorial. First, grab an empty can and fill it with sand up to the top, then fill it with water. Put the can in the freezer and let it sit overnight. Next, grab a leaf template and place it on a piece of white paper, then put parchment paper over the leaf and trace the leaf. Now, grab the can and put it on a cushion and wrap your stencil on the can and secure with tape. Grab a sharp nail and hammer, and hammer the nail around ...
How To: Make your own resin tabletop
In order to make your own resin tabletop, you will need the following: a clean piece of wood (e.g. 2' x 2' piece of plywood, resin, gloves, objects to imbed in the table, and ultra seal.
How To: Install shelves for a more organized closet
In this tutorial, we learn how to install shelves in a closet. First, you want to map out your space and then get ready to install. You want to do something that is quick and easy to install. A regular closet should only take a few hours to install. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before you begin, so you know exactly what you are doing and know how to install. Now, purchase a wire shelving kit and all the accessories, a Lowe's employee can point to you exactly what you need. ...
How To: Pack lamp shades for storage or moving
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pack lampshades. Most lampshades are packed into 4 cu ft cartons. Begin by placing crushed paper into the bottom of the box. Then place clean sheets of packing paper over each side of the box, making sure that the flaps and inside wall of the box is covered. Now carefully place the lampshade top-down into the box. Then spread clean packing paper over the shade. Now gently place the smaller shade into the larger shade and pack in the remaining packi...
How To: Take an accurate soil sample and test for fertility
In order to accurately test a soil sample for fertility, the first thing that you will have to do is find soil that is representative of the entire area. Also, don't test the soil near a fence. The sample shouldn't be deeper than 6". Scoop up some soil samples. You can use a trowel. Take samples from several areas. Set it aside for a few days, in order to let it dry.
How To: Build your own backyard patio
In this tutorial, we learn how to build a backyard patio. First, determine the location keeping in mind other buildings and landscape features. There should be a retaining wall around the patio so measure out all the different dimensions. Position a cap block at the highest center location. Then, use a level to transfer the patio height over the proposed location. You will then have to figure out how many blocks you need. When you calculate your digging depth, take into account your foundatio...
How To: Make a simple combost bin
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a simple compost bin. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Users will need some galvanized wire that is about 5 ft high and 4 ft long. Begin by fastening the wire together in a cylinder shape. Then place a pile of leaved into the wire bin and allow them to compost. Make sure to only place in organic matter into the compost bin. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in gardening and helping the environment, and woul...
How To: Start a STIHL trimmer or brush cutter
In this tutorial, we learn the proper way to start a STIHL trimmer. Before you begin, make sure you are wearing the proper protection gear. Next, check the fuel level, throttle trigger, stop switch, cutting tool, and harness. Everything should be tightened and in good starting condition. Make sure you are away from any obstructions before you turn on the cutter. Pull the starter grip and guide it to rewind it properly. Pull the rope several times, then move the choke to the starter position. ...
How To: Prune floribunda roses
In order to prune your floribunda roses, in the spring, you will need the following: pruning shears/clippers.
How To: Sharpen your lathe tools using some helpful tips
If you're looking for some more tips on how to sharpen your lathe chisels, you have come to the right place. In this video tutorial, you'll find out some other helpful tips for making sure your tools are nice and sharp for when you need to carve pieces of wood for any kind of woodworking project. It's easy to follow and will make life easier on you. Enjoy!