Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Lay Masonry Blocks and Bricks
Build a concrete "footer".
How To: Restore and Sharpen Rusted Scissors
Leaving scissors wet or forgetting them outside can cause them to rust. Rusty scissors, if you can even open them, will leave brown marks on everything you attempt to cut through. Attempt is the truth—rust dulls the blades of the scissors making it virtually impossible to cut through any type of material, ranging from paper to fabric. But don't toss the scissors in the trash just yet. You can restore rusted scissors to a usable condition provided they are not completely covered and have rust ...
How To: Replace the washer in your shower faucet to stop a leak
Before you pull out your phone book (okay, pull up your laptop and start up Google) to find a number for a handyman, why not attempt to fix your broken shower faucet yourself? Yeah, we know it's kind of annoying to find your tool box and remove your entire shower faucet unit, but it's actually quite easy to fix a basic leak in your shower.
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 Laminate Flooring on Stairs
Installing Laminate Flooring on Stairs Laminate flooring can be installed on a flight of stairs, and this process can also be used when installing laminate on a floor and having to drop down a step to a sunken room.
How To: Grow lavender provence in a container
We know that spring seems ions away, but if you're a gardener then it's time to begin thinking about what flowers you'll be planting to bloom during the spring. If you don't have much garden space but would love a very fragrant bloom, check out this video to learn how to grow lavendr provence in a container.
How To: Cut a bolt and save the threads
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut a bolt and save the threads. The materials required for this task are: a hacksaw, steel bristle brush, bolt cutters, wrench, oil and a filer. Begin by putting some oil onto the threads of the bolt. Then place the saw on the desired groove and cut across through the thread. Now brush it with the steel bristle brush to remove the debris. Finish by removing the excess metal with the filer and unscrew the bolt(s). This video will benefit those view...
How To: Save Your Tomatoes From Rats And Rot
Every summer my husband and I plant a tomato plant. We do this to enjoy the plump red tomatoes right off of the vine.
How To: Remove A Very Tight Lid
How to... Remove A Very Tight Lid? Use Items You Have Around The House! Step 1Want to remove a very tight lid? Do you have a weak grip or arthritic pain in your hands? Have you already tried tapping the lid with a spoon? Thumping the bottom of the jar with the palm of your hand, and it still won‘t come off? An easy, quick way to remove a very tight lid is to put on rubber gloves! Yes. Ordinary household rubber gloves. Hold the jar in one hand, then use the other hand to twist the lid off. Thi...
How To: Set a GE oven range to Sabbath Mode when using arrows
You may not realize it, but many appiances that are sold today are equipped with a Sabbath Mode. This is a feature that many of the modern home appliances feature. It is intended to allow the appliances to be used by Shabbat observant Jews during Jewish holidays.
How To: Fix a GE oven that is not going over 100 degrees
If you're experiencing some problems with your GE oven, don't call a service person just yet. Sometimes the fix is so simple that when the homeowners realize it, it may already be too late and they'll need to fork over a ton of money.
How To: Make your own eco-friendly toilet cleaner
If you are in desperate need to clean your toilet, don't rush to the store just yet. What you might need to clean it, is probably already in your home. Most of the toilet cleaners out on the market contain harmful, toxic chemicals that are inhaled during the cleaning process.
How To: Build a PVC greenhouse
In this tutorial, we learn how to build a PVC greenhouse. The dimensions of this will be 12' x 18'. First, you will use 1/2" PVC pipe that is 12' long that crosses in the middle to make a "t" shape. The frame can be made of treated 2'x 4's. Once you have the frame up, you can use thick plastic to securely cover the pipe and wood and clamp it into place. Once you have this done, you can place your tables inside of the greenhouse and start growing your plants! If you notice the plastic not hold...
How To: Refill a butane lighter
In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to refill a butane lighter. For this you will need any kind of butane lighter that has an opening for refill and any kind of butane refill can. Shake the butane can properly. Then remove the cap and you will see the nozzle. Now hold the lighter upside down and insert the nozzle in to the refill hole. Now press the can down and hold for about four seconds. Repeat this for three to four times. Then replace the cap on the can and try out yo...
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: Fix a tangled load on a top load washing machine
If you own a top load washing machine, you may have a problem with tangles. This can be an annoying thing that happens on a regular basis. But there is a way to help make sure that whatever you put in the washer will stay untangled.
How To: Use a broken umbrella to make a tote bag
Broken umbrellas are all over the place. Blame it on the rain? Planned obsolescence is more like it—meaning the stuff is made to break. Carrying groceries never looked so good and reuseful. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started making your own custom broken-umbrella tote back, watch this crafter's guide.
How To: Check a washing machine pump for blockages
Ultimate Handyman demonstrates how to check a washing machine pump for blockages. First, disconnect the washing machine from the electricity source and remove the pump. The water sucks through the inlet and is pumped out of the outlet. Check to make sure that the pump doesn't have any open circuits by attaching the leads to the multimeter. Remove the screws to look inside the pump. Remove any debris that may be clogging the propellor. Make sure the O-ring around the edge creates the seal and ...
How To: Remove a threaded stud from a threaded hole
Ultimate Handyman demonstrates how to remove a threaded stud from a threaded hole. You will often find threaded studs when you are doing car repair. First, remove the nut from the stud. Then, spray it with lubricant. Next, screw the nut back on the stud. Screw another nut on top of the first nut. Grip the bottom nut with a wrench while tightening the top nut. Grip the bottom nut and turn it in a counter clockwise direction. The stud should then pull out of the threaded hole. It may be difficu...
How To: Remove marker from of a compact disc safely
This video shows viewers how to remove permanent marker from the top of a compact disc without damaging it. In order to do this, you will need some hand sanitizing gel and some facial tissues. Apply some gel onto the marks you want to remove by squeezing the gel out from the bottle. Rub the gel in a bit with your fingers. Take a facial tissue and wipe it gently around the CD, using it to remove the gel and the marker from the top of the CD. The marker will now be entirely removed from the top...
How To: Plant 100 tulip bulbs in 50 minutes
This video shows that it is possible to plant 100 tulip bulbs in less than 50 minutes, and it is easier and less expensive than you think.
How To: Build a simple beam bridge
Stuck on one side of a river or ditch? If you are stranded with no other way to get to your destination you will need to build a bridge! Without many supplies, your best bet is a beam bridge which can be made with just a single piece of wood. This video will show you how to get from one place to another.
How To: Make nylon stocking flowers
If you want a hobby that is fun and rewarding, cheap and easy, and fun, then handmade nylon flowers (stocking flowers) is an easy craft to learn. Do it yourself-- you will be so impressed by the result. See how to make nylon stocking flowers!
How To: Fill an outdoor planter with artificial flowers
The art of floral arrangement is a fun and valuable skill. Dana Plazyk of Flowers by Design lends useful tips and tricks on making simple flower arrangements.
How To: Clean a diamond ring with Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE
A diamond ring is probably one of your most prized possessions. Like most possessions, it requires care to keep it as good as new. Learn how to clean a diamond ring with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE. Diamonds are made to shine! But daily wearing can result in a less-than-sparkling stone. There's no need for a professional cleaning: Polish your gem at home using common household products.
How To: Cut masonry with a bolster chisel and club hammer
Interested in cutting masonry like concrete flags and bricks? This construction lesson will show you how, using a bolster chisel and club hammer. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on cutting your own masonry quickly and effectively using simple hand tools, watch this how-to.
How To: Install a Split Jamb Door
Let Home Depot show you what it takes to install a split jamb door and the tools needed for this relatively easy job. Go step-by-step in this straightforward project, from centering and leveling the new door to placing shims and where to drive the nails. For more, or to get started on your own split jamb door installation project, watch the video on Dailymotion.
How To: Remove a plant without digging
In this video tutorial, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to remove an unwanted rose, or any other unwanted plant, without digging it out of the ground and without the use of pesticides. For full instructions, watch this garden how-to.
How To: Build a playground slide
In this video tutorial, you'll find instructions for building a standard joist design playground slide, supported by 3-by-4 posts and secured with galvanized fasteners. All fasteners exposed to the outdoors must be weather-resistant, galvanized, zinc-coated brass or stainless steel. Standard homeowner tools are all you'll need to complete your slide—a tape measure, post-hole digger, circular saw, sawhorses and a level. A good drill/driver is a great tool if using decking screws as fasteners. ...
How To: Fit and replace a Neff oven grill element
Check out this home repair tutorial video that demonstrates how to fit and replace your grill oven element in a Bosch and Neff. Follow the step by step instructions in this domestic appliance repair video to remove your oven grill element. Please note that all work should be performed by a qualified person. Make sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe removal of the oven grill element.
How To: Install carpet transition trim between vinyl & carpet
Mark Donovan shows how to install carpet transition trim between vinyl and carpet flooring. A new transition strip can be placed over an existing strip to both dress up and freshen up the look of the doorway. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to install a carpet transition strip between vinyl and carpeted flooring.
How To: Deal with brown patches on Leylandii hedges
Over the past few years brown patches on leylandii hedges has been a real problem in some areas. These patches are caused by conifer aphids that feed by sucking the sap from the new shoots. In this gardening tutorial, Martin Fish from Garden News shows you how to deal with brown patches on your Leylandii hedges.
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: Install a window in a metal frame
A good way to install a window in a metal frame construction is to use some light gauge angle and screw it onto the sides of the window leaving a 10mm space for plaster. A flat head, self tapping screw is used to fix the window to the frame. Watch this video tutorial for a demonstration on how to install a window in a metal frame.
How To: Stop odors when a refrigerator is switched off
Fortunately, you do not have to face this horrible smell problem when you turn off the fridge. To easily stop it, simply put some crumbled-up newspaper inside before you have to turn off the fridge, or at least shortly afterward. Watch this video to learn more.
How To: Steam remove paint
John Leeke demonstrates using steam to remove heavy paint build up from wood surfaces in this five minute video. Steam paint removal softens the paint film so it can be more easily scraped away. It works well with the heavy paint buildup commonly found on the exterior of older buildings during house restoration and historic preservation projects.
How To: Make a box seat
Downing drinks while perched on the bed, the floor, and the arms of the couch is totally awesome!!! (If you're a college freshman.) Otherwise it sucks. Don't get us wrong; living small doesn't mean you can't party like a rock star, it just requires a little creativity. This project offers dual functionality: wall art on quiet evenings, and extra seating and side tables on nights when friends roll in to bring down the house.
How To: Use Dryer Sheets to Clean Soap Scum Off Shower Doors
How often do you fight with your shower doors? Maybe not literally (although my elbow has smacked the hard glass many times), but when it's time to clean the bathroom, getting a few weeks' worth of soap scum and grime off the shiny, clear surface becomes an insurmountable task. Whether you use a special cleaner and squeegee or a carefully selected wipe, chances are you still battle the streaks and grit left behind. Although it might not make sense to steal cleaning supplies from the laundry r...
How To: Build an Awesome Grind Box!
How to build a really easy, but AWESOME Grind Box.! A grind box, or a skate box is a must for any skater. The grind box in this video is not only very easy to build but it can be made in under a day and with minimal tools. This grind box also has wheels that makes it incredibly easy for the kids to move around. The coping is galvanized steel with a slightly rounded formed edge. This makes for an ultra smooth grind! The skate surface is thick plywood, which makes for a very solid and tough gri...
How To: Remove Damaged Stripped Rusty Bolt with Vise Grip Pliers
This video will show you how to remove a stubborn,stripped,damaged or rusty bolt using a set of alligator Vise Grip pliers. Usually this will do the trick and get a bolt with a stripped head out for you.