Hot Home & Garden How-Tos
How To: Prepare for installing laminate flooring
This video tutorial shows you the proper way to prepare for the installation of laminate flooring. One thing you need to do is maintain a temperature of a minimum of 65 degrees. You can install it practically anywhere, as long as there is no moisture or dampness. Concrete, ceramic, wood , and vinyl are all find for installation but the surface needs to be dry, flat and smooth. This video is a simple guide to give you some precautions before you begin your installation.
How To: Measure and install window and door blinds with Lowe's
Host Mike Kraft, a Lowe's home improvement expert, demonstrates how you measure windows and doors, so that you can properly install new window and door blinds. You will learn what tools and materials you need to complete this do-it-yourself home project, as well as how to decide whether you need to use inside or outside mounting blinds, and how to measure and lay out your measurements in both cases. Knowing how to correctly measure your windows and doors for new blinds will aid you in choosin...
How To: Install laminate flooring in a home
This video demonstrates the installation of laminate flooring. He shows which side of the board is the top, and shows how the tongue and groove enable the boards to snap together. The tools he uses are a tapping block, a metal pull bar, a hammer and a measuring tape. The flooring is installed by laying the boards down and tapping them into place. The video goes on to show two guys installing the floor in a living room in real time. This is a good do-it-yourself project that doesn't take very ...
How To: Install a dimmer switch for home lighting with Lowe's
A dimmer switch lighting system in your home can offer a relaxing midpoint to the standard on-off option and even cut down on energy costs. This video tutorial by Lowe’s shows how to install a single pole dimmer switch in your home lighting system. Depending on the total wattage of the lights to be controlled you’ll need to install a compatible dimmer switch. Before replacing the actual switch plate, check the power with a circuit tester to insure that the power is off.
How To: Replace or sharpen riding lawnmower blades with Lowe's
Back again with another great instructional video, Mike Kraft, a Lowe's home improvement expert, demonstrates how to properly sharpen or replace the lawnmower blades on a riding lawnmower. Mike provides tips on inspecting your worn lawnmower blades to determine whether or not your blades need to be replaced, or merely sharpened. This video will give you an idea of the tools you will need to complete this project, as well as the steps involved in both removing and re-installing the lawnmower d...
How To: Caulk a bathroom sink like a professional
Cut out the old caulk with a utility knife. Trim along the sink where the old caulk was located. Scrape out stubborn caulk with a putty knife or a paint scraper.
How To: Remove and replace a toilet
Changing a toilet is really not the dirty and difficult job that you would imagine. Start by turning the water off using the valve that is located on the wall. Empty the tank by flushing the toilet and holding up the drain valve. Soak up the excess water with a sponge. Disconnect the water line and loosen the bolts that hold the toilet down. Cut through the caulk seal at the bottom of the toilet. Remove the toilet and the wax ring that is around the opening of the drain. Remove the wax ring a...
How To: Use a circular saw and miter box with Lowe's
Lowe's teaches how to Use a Circular Saw and a Miter Box. You'll need to learn how to use a circular saw for this approach Learn how to guide the blade to make smooth cuts in your wood. You will also learn how to use a miter box to cut small wood pieces easily. Once you have mastered your wood cutting techniques you'll be able to put together some crafts at your home. This video help you to simplify projects around the home.
How To: Install a bifold door like a professional
This video is about installing a bifold door. This door opening is 54" so we will use a 30" and 24" door to fit. To align the door: Scribe a line on the ceiling which is the distance on either side of the door opening. Run the line down the bottom so the hooks are in the same position and the doors are vertical. Start at the bottom. Use a square on both sides of the wall which is set as half way point. Put the larger door on the right. Have the doors open inward. Place the tract on top of the...
How To: Replace washing machine hoses & why
This video explains to the viewer the advantages of replacing washing machine hoses. As well as, rather more importantly, explaining how to complete the process. According to the creator the rubber hoses that are standard to most washing machines are subjected to high pressure water for many years. As they are only made of rubber they are apt to break and start leaking. This can cause many thousands of dollars worth of water damage. The creator recommends replacing the rubber pipes with reinf...
How To: Replace and install a kitchen sink with Lowe's
In this do-it-yourself home improvement video, brought to you by Lowe's, home improvement expert, and host Mike Kraft will lead you through the process of replacing and installing a kitchen sink in your home. Mike lists all the tools and materials you will need to complete this project at home, as well as leads you through all the procedures, step by step, to get the job done right. He also provides some useful tips on how to do certain steps, eliminating the chances of creating an unnecessar...
How To: Replace and install an exterior door with Lowe's
To replace a door, refer to Lowe's do-it-yourself for a step by step guide. Replacement is not very difficult. To replace just the door, tools and material required are: a new door, hammer, screw driver, tape measure, pencil, combination square, saw horses, clamps, chisel, a door lock installation kit, a drill with bits, circular saw, level, work gloves, dust mask, safety glasses, plane, shims, cardboard, and a utility knife. Before removing the old door, take a few measurements like the widt...
How To: Repair a clogged garbage disposal
Is your garbage disposal clogged? Do you want to clean your garbage disposer without calling the handyman and your plumber? You can fix your garbage disposal yourself without the hefty repair costs easily just by following the instructions in this tutorial! This video will tell you everything you need to know about fixing your jammed or clogged garbage disposal. The greatest challenge in completing this simple repair is the patience required to clear out your garbage disposal and the definite...
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: 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,...