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Drilling out a 1-1/2 inch deadbolt hole to a new 2-1/8 inch hole
2 commentsI recently had to install a new 21/8 deadbolt in an old 11/2 inch hole. I was going to cut a plug with my 11/2 inch saw but I realized it would be sloppy in the hole. Instead, I just...
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Awning Window Operators - Use the Door Spinner - Best Price for Good Paint
1 commentDear Chuck, This has a couple of tips on cheap construction. Today I finished my rear deck's 4' x 8' potting shed, and the "There's a Better Way" has to be given credit for more...
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Easier installation of crown molding
1 commentHi Chuck What a great feature you have !! When installing crown molding alone or with help, the challenge is getting the floppy molding correctly positioned and hitting all the studs and joists with...
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Screeding concrete steps
1 commentAs I prepared to pour concrete steps it occurred to me that it would be difficult to screed these steps because, for each step, there were only two form edges: the riser form and the right end at...
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Painting balusters before installation
2 commentsIf you need to paint multiple balusters prior to installation, here's a simple solution that worked for me. I drove nails through a small piece of plywood so the nails were showing when I...
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almost free concrete anchor
I learned this quick, often free and easy anchor from and old cabinet installer and used it to fur out a block wall in my kitchen in order to run new electrical, and block for cabinet...
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Great Reuse of Spent Fein Tool Blades
As a remodeler nearly all of our work is in homes that have lath and plaster walls and the biggest challenge is making new openings in old lath and plaster walls. Unlike sheetrock, plaster...
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The best Nail / Screw Holders you can get for practically free.
3 commentsAfter reading the Screw Pick Up Tip, I figured I'd help you eliminate those pesky cheap cardboard containers that always seem to rip (at the worst time) leaving you to pick up 1000 screws or nailsI...
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Flashing Windows in Walls with Exterior XPS Insulating Sheathing
1 commentThe exterior insulation adds thermal efficiency. Perhaps even more important, in our marine climate, our code (Portland, OR) then allows us to omit the interior vapor barrier, and we can build...
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Quik and consistant Reveals
2 commentsA simple to make guide for marking you're reveals. Start with a 3" x 4" x 3/4" or 5/4" hardwood block, route or dado a 1/8" x 1/8" rabbit around the perimeter of one side of the block, on the other...
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Drywall Screw Pickup Tip
2 commentsEver spill a mess of drywall screws and prick your fingers picking up the sharp little suckers? Well, There's a Better Way...
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Snapping multiple chalk lines
1 commentIf you have to snap a lot of lines (screwing down sub-floor, etc.) and you're working with a partner; just thread the metal ring at the end of your chalkline through the ring on the end of hisher...
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Veneer iron for inside radius curves
Find out which simple ladies bathroom accessory comes in handy for applying iron-on veneer to the curved edge of plywood.
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An alternative to a ladder
3 commentsI love to work on our house. I don’t even mind working on the roof, but I have to admit, I really don’t like ladders very much. So before I started the dormer project to improve our...
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Building a Block wall using Joint Spacers
A simple device designed for the Handyman, Homeowner and Do-it-yourselfer to Lay Block and Brick like a PRO! I found them on their website: www.BlockandBrickSpacer.com
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Putting a Door Back In
Whenever you take a door out by pulling the hinge pins, putting it back is too often an awkward fumbling clown performance. Preparation is the secret to getting less laughter from the...
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picking up drywall screws the easy way
1 commentI hate digging into a bucket of drywall screws and removing a handful with a few extra screws hanging off of my hands that have poked into my skin, or worse, gotten between skin and fingernail. OK...
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Teach an Old low end Table saw, New life in high end use.
For those that have the old Table lower end Table Saw, make it work for you again. I got this Hand-me-down ruff construction Table Saw from my father-in-law, he had just spent almost $2000 on a new...
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Question: What is Causing This Black Mold?
4 commentsHelp me determine why this recently painted exterior section of my home is growing black mold
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Spray-painting screwheads
5 commentsIn response to Emma Kirk's innovative way of painting screw heads (FHB #206, Nov 2009), I'd like to offer the following method which I have used numerous times that I feel is easier and more...
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Laser Plumb Bob Helper
Truing up walls can be especially tricky using even a plate-to-plate level. This makes using a laser plumb bob a lot easier. The 2" offset from the front and sides allows the unit to be placed in a...
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caulking tool
2 commentsWhen I'm caulking I always need something to tool the caulk with besides my finger. It has to be bendable, but stiff enough to hold its shape, shapeable with my finger as I'm pulling the line...
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Sheetrock Over Foundation Insulation
A simple way to provide nailing surface behind sheetrock.
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WINNING ENTRY UPDATE: We're Giving Away a Miter Saw
4 commentsWe have a winner! See who's taking home a Milwaukee compound miter saw.
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