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1500 questions
17
votes
6 answers

How is my analog electric meter being read?

I am trying to figure out how the electric utility service reads my meter. We have an old electric meter, with a mechanical spinning disc and the analog faces above it. The meter has not been upgraded by the utility in many years (at least 10 for…
nuggethead
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17
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5 answers

How can I sharpen oscillating tool blades?

Is there any good method of sharpening these things?
Brock Neill
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17
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6 answers

Painted desk is still tacky after two months

I am admittedly new to DIY and especially painting furniture, this being my first project. I put together a custom desk two months ago using a laminate IKEA countertop. I followed the instructions most often repeated for painting laminate pieces…
user-2147482428
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17
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3 answers

Aiming to get electricity for my cabin via underground burial. Few questions

To introduce my situation, I'd like to preface by saying I built a 12x20 cabin on some family owned land for me. When trying to get electricity out here, the electric company said either A. They would have to set a new pole by the dirt road (100 ft.…
RedOak870
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17
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1 answer

What is this tool that looks like a prybar with tapered tines?

I found this tool in the middle of the road. Appears to be a pry bar of some sort, approximately 16" long. Can anyone identify it and its use?
Carl
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17
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4 answers

Is it safe to connect two air compressors together to increase the air flow output?

I have two air compressors with about 8 bar max. pressure and 150 liters per minute output at 2 bars. Now I need min. 220 liters per minute at 2 bars and think I need to connect the two compressors together. I've found several instructions on the…
marsh-wiggle
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17
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7 answers

Ok to put bleach in toilet tank?

My toilet's tank has a lot of dark brown scum growing on the walls. I assume it's some kind of mold or bacteria. The water itself isn't cloudy, but when you flush, some of the scum comes loose and gets dragged along. It then clings to the toilet…
Jessica
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17
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1 answer

Why does replacing this outlet cause a nearby light to stay on?

This one has me baffled. There is an outdoor receptacle I'm replacing. The top outlet has never worked, but the bottom outlet does work. I took everything out, marked all the cables, replaced the outlet, placed the cables exactly where they were…
Outdated Computer Tech
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17
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1 answer

Is my multi-switch lighting circuit plan valid?

Is this wiring valid? If not, please explain how it could be corrected? I replaced the original diagram with this one based on corrections and clarifications recommended in the comments.
Ken Smith
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17
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1 answer

What is the purpose of the notch at the end of the depth probe on callipers?

I have read this question about the shape of the jaws of callipers, but it didn't explain why there is a small notch at the end of the depth probe. You can see it on the far right of this image: It could be as simple as allowing it to go into a…
Daniel
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17
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4 answers

Do I need to spend extra for a special oven light bulb?

My oven light went out and I need a new bulb. That would be something like this one, which is over $20 for a single light bulb! I understand that the oven gets very hot and so maybe some kind of special bulb is needed, but surely it could be cheaper…
Joshua Frank
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17
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10 answers

How to ensure silicone gun products last as long as possible

Over time I have used many products that require a gun. The issue I have is I do not use these often. Meaning I will buy some silicone, apply to the silicone to an area in my bathroom and then return the tube with 95% of the silicone still inside.…
MyDaftQuestions
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17
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5 answers

Toilet bolt broke free from floor...recommendations?

I was recently tightening the nut on a loose toilet (it was rocking) when the bolt surprisingly broke free and came up. There was no real "breaking free" feeling...it just seemed to be floating there. What could cause this sort of thing to happen?…
jbwiv
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17
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2 answers

Is 3/16" plywood subfloor sufficient for a shower floor?

My contractor is installing a 3/16" plywood as a shower pan subfloor on 16" floor joists. It is for a curb-less shower. I think they did that because they built the floor too low to allow water drainage and now has to Cut into the joists for the…
manni
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17
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6 answers

Can you cut electrical cables cleanly with an angle grinder?

I need to cut a very small damaged section of a welding machine grounding 16mm² cable to remake the connection, but I only have those smaller pliers which likely won't work for cutting it. I was thinking about using an angle grinder to avoid buying…
IanC
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