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1500 questions
17
votes
3 answers
Fix drywall around outlets
I completed my first drywall project and I learned that I hate doing drywall. Apparently I'm not good at it either because when I finally screwed on the outlet covers it is obvious my measurements were off.
What is the best way to fix this? What…
Bob McNees
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17
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3 answers
Elegant method of punching a hole through a wall to run cables?
What is a clean method of running cables from one side of a wall to the other side, in a typical residential house? On one side of the wall will be a computer tower, and on the other side will the the user interface devices (monitor, keyboard,…
davidtgq
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17
votes
14 answers
What is the best technique for using a drill to insert screws?
It looks so easy on the DIY programs, but I battle to insert screws using my drill. The screwdriver bit keeps slipping out, and it damages the screw head.
Is there a neat trick for this?
Should I set the drill's speed to low / high?
Short bursts or…
rbrayb
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17
votes
5 answers
Exhaust fumes seeping into our 4th floor apartment at night through bathroom and shower vents/fans
This is our second fall/winter in our 4th floor apartment, and we've noticed that whenever the weather becomes cool, exhaust fumes which seem to come from the garage in the basement of the apartment building, seep into our apartment through the…
sheg
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17
votes
7 answers
How to sharpen a lawn mower blade?
Is it possible for a DIYer to sharpen the blade on their lawn mower?
If so, how would I sharpen the blade on my lawn mower? It is a reasonably basic push mower but it does have a 'mulching' blade.
Jack
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17
votes
3 answers
What is a multiwire branch circuit?
What is a multiwire branch circuit? (also known as "multiwire circuit", "multiwire branch circuit", "split phase shared neutral", "two circuits fed from one 12-3 or 14-3 NM-B cable", "shared neutral circuit", etc)
This question comes up from time…
Johnny
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17
votes
5 answers
How can I have a pond but prevent mosquitos from nesting there?
I would like to have a small waterfall leading into a small pond in my garden. Due to the West Nile virus, it is essential here to prevent mosquitoes from nesting.
What can I do to prevent mosquitoes from being able to nest in it?
txwikinger
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17
votes
6 answers
Why do I have shiny patches where I touched up paint on my walls?
We recently had some remodeling done and the walls were all freshly painted with Behr Premium Plus Ultra Matte paint. A lot of the walls got marked up from the workers still coming in and out, so I used the EXACT paint, from the SAME container that…
Mary
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17
votes
5 answers
What precautions should I take before moving my family into a pre-1978 (lead-paint-era) house?
I am about to sign a lease and move with my family, including a 3 mo old and 2 yr old, into a home that was built in 1944. The house is in good condition and has been repainted at least once in the last decade.
The lessors are required to inform me…
David LeBauer
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17
votes
4 answers
Which water heater types do you recommend?
I would like to upgrade my current water heater with one that
Is able to produce/store more heated water so I won't run out
Energy efficient
Inexpensive
What are the advantages/disadvantages to each different kind? What would you recommend and…
Joe Phillips
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17
votes
7 answers
How to tell if your locks are bump proof?
I was reading about lock "bumping" where burglars buy 'bump' keys and can open locks very quickly. I was also reading that some locks are bump proof (double chamber perhaps?). My question is: how can I tell, by looking at the locks currently on my…
themerlinproject
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17
votes
3 answers
What is my drill hitting and not penetrating when I hang curtains?
I'm living in an apartment. So far I've put up 2 sets of curtains and had the same troubles with both attempts.
One set was over a sliding mirrored closet door (tacky!) and the other set was over a window. What's happening is there's something…
OwenP
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17
votes
6 answers
Does voltage play any role in choosing the appropriate wire gauge?
Online, most household wiring guides suggest 14 gauge wire for 15 amp circuits, 12 for 20 amps, and 10 for 30 amps. Do these assume the voltage is 120, or does voltage not come into play when choosing wire gauge?
For example, I have an appliance…
trw
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17
votes
14 answers
How do I repair/prevent woodpecker holes in cedar siding?
What is the best way to patch woodpecker holes and deter the woodpeckers from returning?
I was thinking of filling the holes with Great Stuff, having the house sprayed inside/outside for insects and buying some fake owls. Thoughts?
themerlinproject
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17
votes
5 answers
How do I fix a sinkhole in my backyard?
I have a sinkhole in my backyard along the fence line which began expanding during the last few months. There's a slight depression in the ground about 6' in diameter centered around one of the fence posts which is set in concrete. The fence post at…
Doresoom
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