Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
19
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2 answers

What size dowels to use for joints?

I'm comfortable with the process of creating and joining wood with dowels, but I'm not sure what size dowels to use in which cases? Specifically, I'm working with 1" thick stock (3/4" actual), what size should I use? What are the other sizes and…
Sparafusile
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19
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8 answers

What are the pros and cons of steel vs. aluminum metal roofing?

I'm considering a new roof for my suburban home. The home is about fourteen years old and the shingles are in so-so shape. We have had two leaks already and I've been told that means it is a good time to consider replacing the roof. Rather than…
Chris W. Rea
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Inch-long block-and-spring part came with drill - what is it?

A drill came with these parts. I've tried searching for them but I don't know what keywords to use. They are each a bit longer than an inch.
ispiro
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19
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3 answers

How should masking tape be used when multiple coats of paint are being applied?

When painting, sometimes mask-free cutting-in is impractical and masking tape must be used. The advice here is to remove masking tape before the paint has dried. That makes sense when a single coat is being applied. But what should be done with…
ArgentoSapiens
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19
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5 answers

What type of cable should I bury for a small utility shed?

I'm putting a 8x16 utility shed in my back yard. It will be 100 ft from the service panel. I want to run the supply line under ground. There will be one 4ft fluorescent light and two 120V receptacles. Which kind of wire would be best for this…
user110936
19
votes
3 answers

Multiple holes in exterior wall studs for electrical wiring

Our home in Toronto was built in the early 70s with aluminum wiring. Since we are doing a bunch of renovations we took the decision.to replace the existing aluminum wiring with copper wiring. The electrician has created multiple holes in the wall…
user105375
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19
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14 answers

What direction should laminate flooring be placed in?

I'm thinking of installing laminate flooring and have a question: If I'm installing laminate throughout the house, should ALL of it be going in the same direction? Say for example, let's say I have a hallway that is perpendicular to a large living…
Mike B
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19
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2 answers

What is this welding tool I found in my attic?

I believe this is used with welders because i found it inside a welding helmet.... Could somebody tell me what this is exactly?
Braden
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19
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2 answers

Do I need to be legally qualified to install a Hive smart thermostat?

As a competent DIY'er, am I legally allowed to install Hive myself? The reason for the question is I have been asked to provide a cert as I'm selling the house. If not, can someone point me in the direction of where it legally states I can.
Alan
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19
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3 answers

What happens to foam insulation board after you pour concrete slab?

I plan on making a garage out of a large carport, and I've watched and I understood how to properly insulate a new concrete slab. 4 inches of gravel, vapor barrier, 2 inch foam board, 2 inches of sand and then 4-6 inches of poured concrete with mesh…
Jeffyx
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19
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6 answers

Is Electric Central Heating worth it if using Solar Panels?

I understand that electric heating is less efficient and comparatively more expensive than gas heating (propane or natural gas), but considering I live in Texas (a lot of sunlight) and I intend to install solar panels, would it be cheaper and more…
MisterStrickland
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19
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4 answers

Is this saw blade faulty?

This may be the stupidest DIY question ever, but I want to make sure before I return it: is this non-ferrous metals saw blade faulty? In the picture, see where one of the titanium carbide teeth seems to be too large and to extend into the expansion…
RustyShackleford
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19
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7 answers

Caulking a corner instead of taping with joint compound?

Is it considered acceptable in drywall / sheetrock work to use caulk to finish an interior corner instead of using tape with joint compound? This is not my own DIY idea – this was suggested to me by a drywall contractor. In this specific instance…
StayOnTarget
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19
votes
5 answers

What's this plastic thing along my sidewalk pavers?

I just moved into a new house and am unable to close my gate because there is something nailed to the ground at the threshold that is sticking up too high for the gate the close. Any idea what this thing is? I'm trying to decide if I just remove it…
David Doria
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19
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7 answers

Alarms on Doors that have Access to a Pool

I am finishing up renovating my pool and I changed the configuration of the barrier fence I previously had. I now use my house itself as the 4th side to keep the pool deck open (since our kids are grown). The county/state code indicates I must…
JFar
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