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1500 questions
25
votes
2 answers
How can I get rid of ants in an environmently friendly way?
Is it enough to pour boiling water in their mount?
txwikinger
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25
votes
4 answers
Why would two circuit breakers be connected inside the service panel?
I was trying to locate the circuit breaker for an outlet in my garage and found a truly baffling setup. Two breakers control the same outlet (both plugs). After some head scratching, I opened the breaker box and found (see pic) breaker 4 (20 amp)…
John Miele
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25
votes
6 answers
What is the proper 'per code' method for running nonmetallic sheathed cable above a ceiling in the attic?
Can the wiring be run over the top of the ceiling joist, or must it be run through bored holes when running perpendicular to the joists?
This is a non-habitable space, will have an attic entrance only for the purpose of blown-in insulation and is…
Tim
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25
votes
7 answers
What are framing dimensions like in the metric world?
I was always curious about this. In the states we have:
Lumber - Comes most commonly in 2 inch (2x4,6,8,10,12,16) and 4 inch (4x4,4x6) varieties.
Plywood - Almost always 4x8 feet
Drywall/Plasterboard - Various 4 foot varieties (4x8,10,12) and…
Eric Petroelje
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25
votes
7 answers
Should I release the pressure out of an air compressor when it is not in use?
Just got a new compressor and I wondering if I should be releasing all of the pressure out of the unit when it is not in use? Or is it better to leave the pressure in so that the unit does not have to work as hard to build up the pressure next…
Milos Petrovic
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25
votes
7 answers
Is this two-110-to-one-220 adaptor as fire-hazard as it looks?
I was browsing amazon and found this strange extension cord that takes two 110v circuits and combines them into one 220v circuit. I vaguely understand how two outlets can be on a different circuit/phase, but this still intuitively seems very 'fire…
Sidney
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25
votes
16 answers
Should drywall be hung horizontally or vertically?
For reasons including time, money, ease of installation, and structural strength, should drywall be installed horizontally or vertically.
DMoore
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25
votes
9 answers
Are integrated LEDs a riskier purchase than screw-in bulbs?
A lot of LEDs on the market these days are "integrated", meaning that the LEDs themselves and the housing is all bundled together. You screw the whole thing into the ceiling, and connect the wires to your circuit.
But what do you do when the lights…
gomennathan
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25
votes
3 answers
Why are 2x4s really 1.5"x3.5"?
Just curious as to the reasoning. Is it a spec, or is it simply for backwards compatibility?
esac
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25
votes
3 answers
Garage door suddenly really heavy, opener gives up
I just came back from a week out of town and noticed my garage door opener isn't working. When I press the button it moves about an inch then gives up.
I tried disconnecting the electric opener and opening it manually but it's suddenly incredibly…
peter
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25
votes
16 answers
How do I get over my fear of using power tools?
Circular saw, jointer and table saw scare the living $#1+ out of me.
How do I get rid of the fear? I've watched tons of safety videos and read all manuals cover to cover and still feel wary of using them.
I guess I can describe myself as a DIY'er…
Michael Kelso
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25
votes
8 answers
How to find electric device(s) driving a high electric bill?
The cabin electric bill came and I gave it what I thought would be a cursory glance and it looked unusually high. Not just for this cabin, but in my experience with our houses. Our main house is a 1965 crapshack in Northern Virginia, very poorly…
user122950
25
votes
13 answers
Do smart or programmable thermostats actually save money?
I am looking at replacing all the thermostats in my house. I have hot water baseboard heat and forced air A/C. Each room's baseboard heat is controlled by a thermostat in that room.
I tend to prefer simple mechanical interfaces to digital "smart"…
JoshuaD
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25
votes
2 answers
What type of lightbulb is this?
I need to replace a faulty lightbulb but it's not one I've come across before. It's being used in a light fixture in my washroom above the vanity. Can anyone here identify it? I'm hoping I can order one from Amazon or my local Home Depot.
(Loonie…
cornflakes24
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25
votes
21 answers
What is the advantage of PEX pinch clamp vs. crimp rings?
I just saw these for the first time today at Lowe's:
The advantages I can see over the crimp style are:
A single tool can work with multiple PEX sizes
That single tool is cheaper than a single-size crimp tool (~$40 vs ~$80)
The tool grabs and…
Mike Powell
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