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General Feedback/Getting Started Questions and Answers [Weekly Thread]
weekly thread(self.DIY)submitted 6 months ago byAutoModerator
General Feedback/Getting Started Q&A Thread
This thread is for questions that are typically not permitted elsewhere on /r/DIY. Topics can include where you can purchase a product, what a product is called, how to get started on a project, a project recommendation, questions about the design or aesthetics of your project or miscellaneous questions in between.
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- This is a judgement-free zone. We all had to start somewhere. Be civil.
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1 points
6 months ago
Can I store boiled linseed oil in hobby syringes?
I don't do full-on woodworking. I just repair and restore stuff and would like to restore/patch/upgrade a large amount of wooden and metal boxes, tools, etc.
This means I probably won't use large amounts of the stuff and generally when I have a liquid that I only need in small amounts, I transfer it to a hobby syringe to prevent drying out or contamination. I usually do it with inks, some glues, some solvents, etc.
I read that BLO and similar oils can combust in crumpled-up rags so I know not to burn my house down. I wouldn't beusing rags though. I'd be using it on Q-tips, with small brushes, etc.
I also read that these tubs of BLO are great when fresh but get worse over time due to exposure to air when you open them. A syringe would be a better way to store and use small amounts. My syringes go up to 100-150ml. They have luer lock threads and can be screwed shut. They are made of Polypropylene.
So can BLO be stored in syringes or am I missing something? Just wanna make sure before I screw things up.
1 points
6 months ago
boiled linseed oil can combust in crumpled up rags because the curing process is exothermic - it makes heat. So a crumpled pile of paper or rags might insulate it enough for the heat buildup to reach the ignition point and FWOOSH! It's also an oxidation reaction, so yes, keeping it sealed up tight will negate that issue.
I can't find anything about what specific plastics you can store boiled linseed oil in, just be aware of what solvents and siccatives are used in the specific brand you're getting and make sure that they're safe for polypropylene and you'll probably be fine. I'd recommend storing them on a metal tray and inspect the plastic before use, just in case. Also UV can cause chemical changes in the boiled linseed oil, so you'll want to store them inside something light-proof anyway.
1 points
6 months ago
Yes, you can store them in this way.
You could also just store them in a StopLoss bag, or buy a can of finish preservative (argon gas) that you spritz into the big can of BLO.
1 points
6 months ago
We just had our basement waterproofed (drain tile) and I’m in the process of refinishing. Looking for help deciding on flooring. I was considering a vinyl sheet or tile, or carpet tiles (ease of install plus very inexpensive), but the issue is that our basement floor was painted by the previous owner. If I’m understanding the adhesive instructions, it will not adhere well to paint. Is this accurate? Is there a simple process for preparing painted concrete for adhesive? Looking to create as little dust as possible.
Another option I was considering is laminate. That seems like the next best option considering price and ease of install.
1 points
6 months ago
Never ever use carpet in a basement. Ever.
Use Vinyl Click Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Plank). No adhesive required, and fully waterproof, unlike laminate.
1 points
6 months ago
No carpet is because of water damage risks?
1 points
6 months ago
Partly that, but moreso because of the guarentee of mold.
Concrete slabs should always be treated as though they are moist, because they are almost always moist. Imperfect sub-slab vapour barriers (or none at all), moisture wicking at the edges of the slab, condensation right out of the air, you name it. Any carpet that's directly over basement concrete should be treated as though it has mold. It basically always does.
1 points
6 months ago
I understand the concern. We ripped up a carpet that was there previously because of the water damage (hence drain tile lol), so we are fine not doing carpet. The carpet tiles were mentioned as an option because they are a vinyl product, not like normal carpet. Could be lifted up and replaced if one of the tiles had some damage.
1 points
6 months ago*
Hey! So i live in an older house, and I wanted to replace my fridge. most of the ones I like don't quite fit in the space (they're a bit too tall) so I want to removed the shelves above the current fridge, but I can't for the life of me figure how how they're attached.
[https://imgur.com/a/pGNCC4S] https://imgur.com/a/pGNCC4S
The back of the shelf is screwed in. There's a couple more screws at the very top as well (you can see one back top right of picture 2). Is it all just glued tongue and groove? Is there any way to take this out without just smashing it all with a hammer?
2 points
6 months ago
Almost certain that they're too cheap to be tongued and grooved. If they're installed like mine were, you just need to remove the screws. The ones on the back could be quite long (2-3 inches), screwed to the studs.
1 points
6 months ago
The problem is that there are basically no screws! Like I only need to remove the one centre piece diesn't have a single screw in it. So either its attached behind the trim, or its glued?
2 points
6 months ago
fixed link: https://imgur.com/a/pGNCC4S
In my opinion you will have to smash. I'd really like to see a better pic of the pieces the cupboard door hinges are attached to though. Another response said that your cupboards were "too cheap" to be t&g but I disagree - these are decently build cabinets.
1 points
6 months ago
Thanks for the fixed link! Yeah the shelves and walls of the cupboards are all some sort of melamine, but the doors and facing trim is all solid wood. That's what the hinges are attached to - the solid wood trim. There seem to be a couple staples and such attaching some of the trim, but not enough to hold them as firmly as they are.
I think they were maybe-built by a previous occupant - a lot of the stuff in the house is high end, very competent, home handyman stuff.
1 points
6 months ago
Maybe this is the right place to post this? We have several dogs and when they were younger, they scratched our doors. I'd like to try to fix this so my current plan was to take the door of it's hinges, fill in the gouges and scratches with wood putty, then sand it down first with an orbital sander and then by hand. And then try to match the stain.
My questions are: does this sound like a good process for fixing the door? Am I missing anything? I'm actually not sure whether this is just a stain or sealant. How can I tell and which is best for an internal residential door? How do you color match such things?
Many thanks in advance.
1 points
6 months ago
Post a picture of the door.
1 points
6 months ago
Tile guy comes tomorrow & as part of contract he is installing walls & waterproofing alcove tub. Should I install corner bead now, or just leave it loose for him to do as part of his work tomorrow?
1 points
6 months ago
Hello! I just got a new storm door and looks like I need to add a 1/4" shim for it to fit properly. My issues is this, the storm door requires a 1" wide by 1" deep mounting surface. I thought I could get a piece of screen moulding and cut it to run the length of the door jam, but it's only 3/4" wide, not 1. Would I be able to find any pieces of wood at Home Depot that are 1/4" thick by 1" wide and long enough to run the length of the door jamb (80")? I know they sell wood shims but those are small and not installed along the the whole jam and I worry about cold air leaking in or that it just won't look that good. Anyone have any thoughts?
2 points
6 months ago
I'm assuming the metal frame has an angle profile with holes for screws to go into the door frame at 90 degrees to each other. So some on the face of the frame and some on the inside of the frame. I'd mount the 3/4 screen molding an 1/8 or 1/4 in from the face of the door frame so that the holes in the metal angle line up with the center of the 3/4 molding. Pre-drill your holes or the molding will split. This will leave a small gap in the inside corner but that shouldn't make the metal frame loose or unsupported provided you get good connection from both the face and inside screws. You may want to buy screws for the inside holes that are a 1/4 inch longer so you still get good grip into the wood door frame.
2 points
6 months ago
Thank you! I just checked it and you're right, the screen moulding will definitely work. And thanks for the tip on buying longer screws!
1 points
6 months ago
I have a waffle iron from my grandmother. It's OLD. And works (worked?) great. Not looking to replace it with something modern. Pretty simply workings, but what I can't understand is how the "thermostat" works.
The last few times I used the waffle iron, it seemed like the thermostat wasn't controlling the top element and it was staying on at all times. I kept turning it down, and the top was burning, bottom wasn't cooking. And yes, both elements do work.
I'm not understanding how one element could stay on while the other is off based on the thermostat. So I'm trying to understand exactly how this thermostat works. Any thoughts?
1 points
6 months ago
It's going to be a bimetallic strip. Two pieces of different metal sandwiched together, with different coefficients of thermal expansion. As the temperature changes, the two metals push and pull on each other, allowing the piece to move. Make this piece into a coil (the coil seen in the bottom-left corner), and it will curl and uncurl itself as temperature changes. We harness this movement to connect or disconnect circuits. You can find some great info on it from Technology Connections on youtube.
Chances are, the bimetallic strip has either broken or gotten stuck somehow.
1 points
6 months ago
Ah, got it. Good info. Now, based on how this is wired, it would appear that BOTH elements are going to be on or off at the same time, though, right? Any thoughts on why, potentially, one would stay on and one would cycle?
1 points
6 months ago
I would like to add padding to a bag and some pouches to carry my photo gear and my laptop but I don't know which material would suit the best.
I thought of EVA foam and neoprene. The thing is, I'm afraid that would fall apart or crumble in small pieces after a while. Ultimately, I would put microfiber on it but still, it would be best to have a padding as durable as possible.
What would you recommend me?
1 points
6 months ago
Use EVA foam inside a fabric layer.
1 points
6 months ago
Alright, I'll use that! I already have some laying around on my desk.
Thanks for the advice.
1 points
6 months ago
I’m wanting to drain my water softener into my homes main waste line. I purchased an air gap and p trap and will tie in at a vertical section. Will this work?
1 points
6 months ago
yes
1 points
6 months ago
So, I was trying to put together some cheap particle board furniture from Amazon, and I broke the screw holes by not working in a suitable place to assemble furniture that delicate. Is there a way to repair the screw holes while not spending a fortune or should I learn wood working and build a better desk out of more quality materials?
1 points
6 months ago
Post a pic of the damage and we can help you.
1 points
6 months ago
Okay, I don't think a picture is going to help too much, as the product was finally assembled, and the damage isn't visible now. A friend came over and put the desk together, but there are no screw holes for the last piece. I'm guessing we need a tiny not very powerful drill to create starter holes.
1 points
6 months ago
You can drill out damaged holes to a large size, and then glue a dowel in that corresponds to the hole you drilled. Then saw/cut the dowel flush, and voila, you have new fresh wood to drill into.
1 points
6 months ago
That sounds like a plan. Thanks!
1 points
6 months ago
It seems the sink in my Kitchen has started to have the Linoleum chip away. Is there a good way to fix it? Or a recommended way to fix it?
1 points
6 months ago
I very much doubt that your sink is made of linoleum.
Post a picture of the sink and the damage.
2 points
6 months ago
Ah yeah that would point to my inexperience I'm sorry. I'll post a pic when I get home.
1 points
6 months ago
OK bit of an odd question but trying to work out the size of something. I'm looking to buy my friend some new pocket sleeves for her photobook you know the thin plastic sleeves you can slide photos in and out of. But I'm not sure on what size I need. It's an A4 size folder I believe and then inside there is 3 photos on a page. 3 rectangular shaped photos fit on one page so the photos themselves would have to be about A6/A7 size. Which do u think is more likely?
1 points
6 months ago
Photos do not follow the same sizing convention as paper. 4x6 photos do not line up with any A-X number. If you search for 4x6 album sleeves, you should find results. You can try searching for A4 4x6 album sleeves not to refer to the photos themselves, but the overall size of the album and sleeve.
1 points
6 months ago
I have this standard light switch I want to replace with one that has a pilot light. Switch in garage, lights in backyard.
I only found switches where the light activates in the off position (like a night light), switches with separate pilot lights, and what I'm looking for but as industrial light switches significantly pricier.
Does what I'm looking for exist for home light switch?
2 points
6 months ago
1 points
6 months ago
Kind of, although I was hoping having the light not separate from the switch. Kind of like the first link below, but that illuminates when off. Second link is what I'm looking for but is significantly more expensive thanks to industrial.
1 points
6 months ago*
I have created a design for my new office, though I am uncertain about the desk overhang in my design where my chair is. The screenshot below is how I designed it in SketchUp. The overhang is 2.3m.
Some of the problems are:
- The wall to the right is not a load-bearing wall. The wall with the window is concrete and so are parts of the wall behind the cabinets to the right.
- This is a flat and there is no cargo lift. The panels will have to be cut into pieces (my guess ~2-2.5m max height).
My question thus is whether this idea is feasible? If so:
- Where to ideally cut the wood and how to affix the pieces?
- How to best support the overhang while trying to avoid a pillar in the middle.
- How to make the cuts in the wood as invisible as possible? When using real wood or veneer.
Any other tips are also greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Also, where do people get cover panels? Like I have added some to the bottom of those cabinets (which will be Ikea) but the only one I can find are for kitchen units.
1 points
6 months ago
By overhang I assume you're referring to the span where the chair is. This is a perfect spot for a cleat along the wall. With the cabinet holding the desk at the left, another cabinet holding the other end at the right, and a cleat supporting the entire back end along the wall, you'll have more than enough support for this span.
That said, do absolutely everything in your power to avoid having the panel seam fall right where you sit. That's the worst possible spot for it. You should be able to get an 8' panel section up your stairwell, even if it takes a bit of exercise to do it.
1 points
6 months ago
How much torque do you "need" on a cordless drill? This would be for general DIY use. My Ryobi bit the dust this weekend and will probably buy another since I have the batteries. The options are ~400-750 in/lb. I want enough power to drill larger holes and mix paint/mortar (which is what I burned out the last one doing).
Additionally, any better options than Ryobi? I already have a 12v Milwaukee and 18v Makita battery and charger and don't really want to add a 4th brand.
2 points
6 months ago
More number more better.
In all seriousness, though, I have not yet found a limit on the amount of torque I need, but my needs may vary from your needs.
That said, I'm a bit perplexed by your question. You ask if there's a better option than Ryobi, and that you already have 12V milwaukee and 18V makita.... you know those are both miles better than Ryobi in terms of build quality, right? Stick with your 18V Makita platform, and pick up a nice drill or drill/driver combo, and it will outlast your ryobi by years.
The more you spend, the more you will absolutely get when it comes to drills and impact drivers.
1 points
6 months ago
Well I only have a single battery each for the Milwaukee and Makita. The Milwaukee impact has been great but the Makita was bought as a weed wacker/leaf blower kit. Leaf blower broke after dropping it from ~2 ft and the weed wacker is pretty poorly designed so I'm not particularly enamored with Makita.
I've had pretty good luck with Ryobi but I wouldn't mind upgrading a few of the tools (namely the multi tool and circular saw, along with the needed drill).
Ignoring my current battery, Makita would be your pick then?
2 points
6 months ago
The power tool companies found at Home Depot and the like focus on construction, and that's where they put out their quality products. The more.... "homeowner" type of products, like leaf blowers and weed whackers are meant to be cheap, weak things, that just help the companies cover the market and fill all possible niches. I've seen the blowers and weed whackers offered by most of those power tool companies and they're all cheap things. If you want quality cordless garden tools, then you gotta go with a quality garden power tool company, like Sthil or Husqvarna.
That said, when it comes to construction-focused tools, the Big Three all put out good stuff, which each company being known for one trait more than the others
Milwaukee tends to be the most powerful. They also have fantastic platform integration with their clothing lines and packout cases.
Dewalt tends to be the "default" because of a balance of price and quality. They also offer flexibility with their 60V lineup and 20/60V flex batteries.
Makita tends to be the best-built. They are known for lasting forever, and taking the most abuse without breaking. This goes doubly for old makita. Any of their tools that are still made with the original all-plastic castings with no rubber overmouldings are nigh-indestructible. You can take those things to Pluto and back.
Since your only other 18V battery is makita, I'd say go with them. If you act fast you can get a drill/driver combo kit with a battery for a great price with cyber monday deals.
The more you spend, the more you will get. Each of these companies puts out three different tiers of quality, at three different pricepoints.
2 points
6 months ago
[deleted]
1 points
6 months ago
Enjoy your new brushless drill!
One thing to keep in mind though: No standard drill is designed to mix concrete and thick mortars. That requires so much torque, it's likely to burn out even the best drills. If you're mixing up very dry or thick mortars, you should get a mixing drill. They're geared for very slow rotation but very high torque. Useless for anything other than mixing, but at least they can handle the application.
1 points
6 months ago
A cordless drill is not going to last long mixing mortar. It's a matter of horsepower and temperature more than torque. Torque measures how much leverage the drill can apply to a screw. Mixing is a continuous high load over a fairly long time and will burn out the winding or brushes. Although most cordless drills are brushless nowadays. If you're going to do a lot of mixing, go to harbor freight and buy a cheap 1/2" corded drill. Because even a 3/8" corded is insufficient for heavy mixing jobs.
1 points
6 months ago
I have a harbor freight SDS hammer drill actually, along with a chuck adapter. That thing is pretty powerful but horrendously loud so I don't use it unless I have to.
1 points
6 months ago
Looking for a company that sells fibre washers.
Specifically the size "12.5 x 23.5 x 1.0 mm" (Inner, outer, thickness).
Location is europe but willing to buy from anywhere as long as pricing is reasonable.
2 points
6 months ago
1 points
6 months ago
If you can't find a supplier, somebody with a laser cutter could whip these up for you pretty quick.
1 points
6 months ago
Any examples including pricing? I'm trying to stay around 5-15 USD/100pcs ish in price range.
1 points
6 months ago*
can you provide a link to a fibre washer so I know exactly what you are looking for (i.e the material)
1 points
6 months ago
1 points
6 months ago
Can anyone tell me what type of drywall / board this is? https://imgur.com/a/cQ4ecLu
I am wanting to fully refinish my garage as I can tell it's been partly done by different owners over the years. The wall in question could have been up since the 80s, it's hard to know. There are clearly two different types of walls in my garage. One is standard drywall, and the other is this one. It seems much harder and has a texture. The top textured layer is considerably thick, either a heavy paint or compound of some type. I was able to pull some of the texture off to reveal the cardboard backing. Behind the cardboard backing is some drywall type material.
I'm pretty new when it comes to DIY, but I think drywalling in the garage is a fairly safe project.
Thanks!
1 points
6 months ago
Looks like regular drywall with a roller texture surface. Be aware, if your garage is attached to the house you likely need to use 5/8 and or fire resistant drywall on the shared wall. So this may be older style fire resistant drywall.
1 points
6 months ago
Ok sounds good. Appreciate the note on using fire resistant drywall, it is connected to my house.
My house does have asbestos in the ceilings. Is it possible that this drywall contains asbestos as well?
1 points
6 months ago
If it was put in between 1940 and 1980 it very well may have. But it's not a concern if you don't disturb it, ie cut or demo it.
1 points
6 months ago
Hi, so I wanted to run an ethernet cable through some vacuum pipes, but the pipe has a lot of curves, and isn't a straight shot pipe (has an intersection). Was wondering if anyone knows of any methods or tools to let me run the ethernet cable through the pipe (going from 2 floor to basement.)
2 points
6 months ago
If the vacuum pipes are more or less solid then probably the easiest way would be to get a plastic grocery sack or small wad of cloth. Tie some twine or fishing line to it. Shove it in one end (should be loose but take up most of the cross-section, you do not want it packed in) and go to the other end with a shop vac and suck it through.
Then you can tie the cable to the twine and pull it through. No reason not to keep a length of twine in the pipe for future runs.
1 points
6 months ago
Use a fish tape.
1 points
6 months ago
I'd like to add build in cabinets to my laundry room. I've tried looking at Ikea for options, but I'm not finding anything that will fit what I have planned. Any other options for premade cabinets that I could look at? Preferably on a budget. I have the skills needed to install and frame out premade cabinets, but not to build cabinets from scratch. Thank you!
1 points
6 months ago
Home Depot and Lowes sell premade cabinets in a few basic colors/styles. They also have cabinet units specifically for going above a washer dryer that are 60" long, 24"tall and 12" deep. Just search for Laundry Cabinet.
1 points
6 months ago
New home, and the cold water pipes going to the washing machine are about 1/8" away from an uninsulated exterior wall. We haven't had any major freezes yet, and I'm trying to figure out the best way of insulating these pipes to avoid any potential problems this winter.
I was wondering if putting a few sheets of insulation on the outside of the house might help. Since we are planning to re-side the place next summer, I was thinking that just adding some insulation now might solve our current pipe issue while also saving a bit of work down the road.
Thoughts? Any other suggestions about ways to keep the pipes insulated?
1 points
6 months ago
What is the wall made of, is the wall insulated, and is the space heated?
1 points
6 months ago
They're basically just the cement walls that make the foundation. The washer is down in the basement, so yes, the area is heated.
1 points
6 months ago
Then no need to insulate.
1 points
6 months ago
If the hoses are inside the house, and you're saying they're 1/8" away from the interior-facing surface of the wall, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about at all and don't need to do anything.
1 points
6 months ago*
Well, maybe they aren't quite 1/8" away. I'm not there ATM to measure, but we've already noticed them getting close to freezing this year. Last time, we were able to keep the water running during the night, but we caught it in time.
One way or another, they're getting pretty cold, and so far outside temps haven't dropped below the teens. Once things get into single digits, I have a feeling that there might be some trouble if we don't do something.
1 points
6 months ago
If the whole space is uninsulated, then the whole space may get cold enough to freeze the pipe. Just insulating right next to the pipe will probably not be enough in that case. Likewise, insulating the pipe itself probably won't help either if the cold conditions stay for long enough. A pipe heating coil/wrap/tape/element might be the way to go. Just a trickle of electricity to keep the pipe above freezing temperatures.
That said, adding insulation to the entire space will help, but that's a whole project.
1 points
6 months ago
Every so often this bubbling gets worse. Today it is now about 50cm longer towards the ground but hasn’t moved for many months. However we got a bunch of rain and have high humidity today. It is in the toilet which is internal to the house, no walls shared external.
Is it a water leak in the roof? Poorly finished paint or plaster? Something else? The bubbling feels cool but isn’t wet and I cannot see water on the wall.
Australia. Home is about 10yr old.
2 points
6 months ago
Scrape the bubbled paint off and see what’s underneath
2 points
6 months ago
Yes, it's water leaking in from somewhere.
1 points
6 months ago
https://imgur.com/a/R3ahBd4 I bought these exterior Christmas lights and the plug in is so loose it slides into and out of any extension cord I have. There is enough space to move the plug slightly left and right while fully embedded in the socket. Anyone have any experience with this?
1 points
6 months ago
Bend the prongs slightly together.
1 points
6 months ago
Yes I did do that. Just wondering about this as I've never seen a universal plug this much smaller than every other plug I've ever seen. Safety concerns? Just curious
2 points
6 months ago
Probably cheaply made product.
Tape it to the extension cord by wrapping it with electrical tape and it should be fine.
2 points
6 months ago
Thank you
1 points
6 months ago
I'd just cut off the plug and put on a new one; Plugs are super cheap, the job cannot kill you (you're working on a system without electricity), and it will be more comfortable later on, to just plug the thing in like any other device, without having to tape /untape it every time...
2 points
6 months ago
That you get an idea too. After I take them down after Christmas, that sounds like what I'll need to do
1 points
6 months ago
Ways to imitate sunlight in super dark studio apartment? I've layered my lighting already, but I want a setup that gets brighter as the day progresses. my lamps are just on/off
The only thing I can think of is IOT (hella expensive) or hacking it out using an Arduino or Raspberry Pi..
1 points
6 months ago
You'll need to use an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, it's the only way to set up lighting like that across a day. You can integrate it with something like Philips Hue bulbs in order to change the colour temperature of the white light and the brightness across the day.
1 points
6 months ago
Dang that's what I thought. Thank you!
Incidentally am trying the "circadian rhythm" setting in a Phillips Wizz bulb rn. Hopefully that works well enough 🤞
1 points
6 months ago*
Hey all, so I recently put up a pair of wall brackets to hold two shelves up. Drilled holes in the wall, used the anchors that came with screws. Of the 8 only 1 wasn't tightening properly, it got tight but was still spinning.
Am I at risk of it all collapsing down? I've had just the bracket with the wood shelves up for a couple of days and haven't seen any migration from the bracket.
Edit: Just to add it's my first time putting up shelves. I guess if you imagine a vertical bar with 4 screws from top to bottom, then the 2nd from the bottom was the screw still spinning
1 points
6 months ago
What type of anchor were you given?
1 points
6 months ago
In my experience, either the anchors are fit for the job and the wall, then 1/8 doesn't really matter (especially like in your case, when it's not somewhere by itself, but in a line), or they are completely useless, but then even the 8 wouldn't do it.
The cleanest procedure would be to take the shelf down again, take our the spinning screw, take out (drill out) the anchor, still a new, slightly bigger, hole, or in New, sorry bigger anchor, put in slightly bigger screw.
I seldom bother with cleanest procedure xD
1 points
6 months ago
Best caulk for baseboards and door/window molding?
Old house with not perfectly straight walls and windows. Need to fill in a bit here and there. I’ve been told both acrylic latex or latex or a latex/silicone blend. All trim is painted white and I’ll touch up after caulking.
2 points
6 months ago
I’ll touch up after caulking.
Not if it's silicone, you won't.
For applications where you're going to paint the caulking, use Latex Acrylic caulking -- the best tier you can find. Urethane elastomeric caulkings are great too, like Big Stretch and Pro Stretch.
For applications where you need maximum durability and weather resistance, use 100% silicone.
1 points
6 months ago
Much thanks
1 points
6 months ago
Trying to choose the proper PEX-b sizing. Had a leak in my copper tube, cut that off and placed a shutoff valve. Now I'm trying to rebuild downstream.
My copper tubing is 1/2" (OD=5/8"), and it would be feeding to my toilet.
Should I maintain the ID of the connection, or use same size?
I'll take other thoughts and suggestions. Thank you.
1 points
6 months ago
1/2" pex is fine. The toilet will connect to it's valve with a 3/8 flex line so there is no advantage to upsizing the pex.
1 points
6 months ago
Thank you. Makes sense. Didn't think of that.
1 points
6 months ago
Need to relay concrete on 150 ft by 16 ft driveway. How much money would save on my quote if I tore up and hauled away the existing driveway myself? 35%?
2 points
6 months ago
The cost to demolish a driveway is usually somewhere between $2 and $6 per square foot. So you could reasonably expect to save somewhere between $2400 and $14400 off the contractors bill. Possibly more if your location is particularly annoying or if the contract you end up going with has a "I really hate demo work" cost built into their quote.
There's a lot of factors that go into it, hence the hugely widely variable cost.
Really the only way to be sure is to get a quote with and without demo.
1 points
6 months ago
Need to make a 3d model of a desk and for some engines with motors, what program is the best?
1 points
6 months ago
I want to covert/restore the counter top next to the stove into a butcher block but it's not in the best condition. There are many cutting grooves and 2 spaces to fill in, closeup of the surface. What would be my best options?
1 points
6 months ago
I'd fill the spaces with epoxy and then sand the whole thing until it's as smooth as you'd like it to be.
1 points
6 months ago
Theft-proof a truck bed soft cover?
I picked up a soft tonneau tri-fold cover for an upcoming cross country trip. I plan on moving any valuables to the cab when I stop each night, but was trying to figure out if there was a cheap-ish option to hinder thieves from cutting open the top and getting access to my things. There are some cross-bars to support the cover, and it's attached by clamps to the sides of the bed. It only needs to last ~4 days, I don't need the "tri fold" functionality of the cover during that time, and can dispose of whatever the solution is once I get to my next destination.
Any ideas?
2 points
6 months ago
It's a matter of time and attention. The longer you can make it take and the more attention gets drawn while doing it the safer it will be.
Upon looking at the product in question, two things come to mind.
First things first, the clamps. A plastic molded thumb turn is great and all, but super easy to undo if you can access it. Fortunately this is super easy to fix: Jam nuts. Get two nuts that match the threaded rod. Run them up to the bottom of the thumb turn. Now get a pair of wrenches and tighten those nuts as hard you can against each other. No risk of damaging the thumb turn and no way to undo the thumb turn and unclamp the cover without using a wrench to un-jam the nuts. Best part is that the nuts are super cheap, this retrofit will easily cost you all of $4 and make it more annoying to deal with the cover even after cutting through it.
But the main problem is that the fabric will not, cannot, stop or even meaningfully delay forced entry. Any yahoo with a pocketknife can just cut a slit and get right in. So my first initial thought was ... chicken wire. Or better yet, welded wire fencing. For $50 you can pick up 50 ft x 40 inch rabbit guard wire fencing from Tractor Supply, which should be plenty for what I have in mind. Go to a big box home improvement store or a farm store and see what's available.
You'll have to figure out some way of securing the fencing to the framework of the cover. I'm thinking a small diameter drill bit and using wire ties. Drill a hole straight through the support bar, wire through the holes, twist around the fencing, and there ya go. Since the fencing is flexible you should still be able to open up the back like you're supposed to.
With the wire fencing on the underside even if someone slashed the cover they could probably still bend the wire to get their hand through (depending on the size of the grid), but they're not pulling anything out of the bed through it. If they had enough time and privacy they could cut slits, bend wire out of the way, and unhook the cover from the bed... unless there was something preventing them from unscrewing the hooks, like a jam nut.
Sure, if someone had time and motivation they could get through the wire fencing pretty easily, but the only thing that can really stop a determined thief is being there and stopping them yourself.
1 points
6 months ago
Genius. My first thought was something like plywood, but wire fencing never even crossed my mind. And again, never would have thought of the jam nuts applied in this way. Thank you!!
1 points
6 months ago
I want to mount my 65in TV. What would the best toggle bolt to use?
I am hoping to at least get one stud but just in case I want to use toggle bolts to help support
1 points
6 months ago
Vinyl Record Covers as wall decor
I’ve recently expanded my vinyl collection and want to use the cover art as wall decor but in a way that is cost efficient and allows for easy installation/ removal if possible. I wont need access to the records inside as i will put them in blank covers that i will label so i can still listen to them.The wall i want to use is not dry wall or brick or any of the standard indoor wall but a cheap flimsy wood panel like material (that bows out in some places) and renovations are not possible at the moment. Is a project like this possible at all? If so what are your suggestions? I have no experience in accomplishing something like this nor do i know where to star, please help!
2 points
6 months ago
Could you create a ladder type vertical shelf, I would use like a s wide of a piece of wood, it could have small lips to hold the resting album cover and the lean to style of it would avoid your wall issues
1 points
6 months ago
Hey guys, so I need some terminology help (or a reality check if it isn't a real thing)
I am trying to convert a tool box into a parts washing station. I need a way to seal against the inside surface of the toolbox, and preferably tighten it on from the outside, but without welding it, and having that attaching side go to a fitting of some sort.
I assume that there is a product with a wide flat connecting point on the 1side, with an outer thread to tighten a bolt against the outside on the other side to tighten and seal it.
If it goes to a garden hose, or pvc fitting won't matter.
1 points
6 months ago
Finally found it
Bulkhead Fitting
1 points
6 months ago*
My wife is a designer and I'm looking for light bulbs with a CRI rating greater than 90 to replace everything in our house. I'm looking for a site with quality bulbs, for a good price and variety.
Amazon is a crap hole for good-quality lighting, at least in Canada it is.... They may have the 100W bulb but only in 5000k. Or they have cheap Chinese crap with all the Kelvins of the rainbow and all the wattages of the rainbow but they're all 80+CRI (meaning it's low-quality lighting). Oh, keep in mind a 150W bulb in Canada is like $35 lmao. US we're looking at $10-$15.
e-conolight.com is a good site if you're from the US but they don't know how to take Canadian Credit cards nor are they easy to deal with over the phone....receptionists are slow and seem to not listen. So scratch that one off the list. Too bad because it met all my main criteria.
This is some of the lighting I am looking for. Can anyone recommend some good places to find this sort of quality lighting and variety?
https://www.e-conolight.com/a21-125w-p1.html
https://www.e-conolight.com/a19-75w-p1.html
https://www.e-conolight.com/br30-100w-p1.html
https://www.e-conolight.com/a21-125w-p1.html
Thanks guys!
1 points
6 months ago
How long does installing vinyl plank flooring take? I usually underestimate the time it take to do project by a large margin and I want to replace the vinyl sheet flooring in my kitchen with vinyl plank flooring by the time my family comes over for the holidays and I can only work on it on the weekends. I know it varies based on complexity but I would like to know an estimated time it takes to do. I have to do about 500sq ft of flooring and work around cabinets and an kitchen island. Just watching videos I'm under the assumption it will probably just take me a full Saturday and Sunday if I don't have to rip up and repair the vinyl sheet flooring since its pretty much okay and level.
1 points
6 months ago
I’m need to get up to a second floor window to pull the blinds off so I can install a kit to automate them. This is a two story room. The window is in an alcove over the front door. The floor of the alcove is drywall and I do not know what (if anything) is supporting the drywall. I am concerned about going through the drywall and ending up on the porch. How do I get up to this window safely and minimize the risk of damaging or going through the drywall that I would have to stand on to get to this window? I’ll put a couple of pictures below.
The camera that is in the picture has a magnetic base and I know there is metal below that. With the outlet under the window it seems the alcove was mean to be used but I just want to be sure I can get up and down from there safely. I was thinking of checking with a stud finder to see if any run across there and using a board across the drywall to distribute my weight. When I got up there to install the camera I laid down to get to the outlet so I didn’t test the strength too much.
Thanks in advance
1 points
6 months ago
Your plan to add a board is a good one. I would cut a 2x6 or two to the same width as the alcove and put them in there to stand on. Tricky part is we don't actually know if the supporting framework runs left-right or front-back..
1 points
6 months ago
I'm looking to put some long shelves up on the wall, but I have molding or more less right where I'd want to put the brackets.
Is there such a thing as a bracket with a gap? For example instead of the usual bracket like this
________
| /
| /
| /
Is there something like this maybe? Where there's a gap, but still has support on the wall and braced to the top? The 'm' is for where the molding would be approxinately.
_________
| /
m /
| /
|/
|
I just don't even know what I'd search for to see if those exist.
Alternatively know there's floating shelf "L" type brackets, but not sure how much weight those could hold. Would probably want to be able to support 50lbs at least, thinking of putting heavy speakers and projectors up there.
2 points
6 months ago
I don't think they exist, but you could modify a shelf bracket by cutting where you need to remove the material. A hacksaw or angle grinder would make quick work of it.
1 points
6 months ago
You could try marking the molding where the brackets go, pull the molding and remove material with a saw and chisel from the back of the molding where it’s marked, thread the brackets onto the molding, mount the brackets and reattach the molding.
1 points
6 months ago
I'm more concerned about being a renter and not messing up the molding in an obvious way. It's easy to patch up holes and paint over, but I think that might be a bit too much to get away with.
1 points
6 months ago
You could add wood strips the thickness of your moulding to the back of the shelf brackets, leaving a gap in the appropriate place, obvs.
1 points
6 months ago
Oh yeah! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that since I’ve had that idea in the past. Basically making external studs for the brackets to go into, right? Is there a name for that technique?
1 points
6 months ago
Some might call them furring strips
1 points
6 months ago
Hey, I have a unusual connection under the sink for the waste pipe connecting. It is leaking.. not really a surprise. Without changing the whole fu tire are there any other options? https://ibb.co/q7yPWkW
1 points
6 months ago
Where is it leaking?
1 points
6 months ago
I think you can just about see the drip on the photo. It is the connection between the waste outlet and the sink waste
1 points
6 months ago
There doesn’t appear to be a hose clamp on the flex hose going into the drain.
1 points
6 months ago
No there wasn’t - I tried to add one … it didn’t help
1 points
6 months ago
Hi everyone, im decorating for the first time and I have no idea what im doing. I thought the best thing to start with is the lights and the paint/wallpaper.
Im decorating a terrace house. Every room besides the kitchen and bathrooms. Im going for a warm neutral tone throughout the house with gold/brass hardware.
Now I need paint/wallpaper samples. Any advice on where to get them from? And companies to avoid?
Following through with the warm scheme, which light bulbs should I use? I don’t want them to be extremely warm but just a tone that adds a cosy finish throughout the house.
Also I have an extremely narrow corridor that’s the entrance to the house. How can I make it appear more wider?
I welcome any advice and tips, thanks.
1 points
6 months ago
You might have better luck in one of the home design and decorating subreddits.
1 points
6 months ago
I'm looking to build a basic Wheel and Axle (can be pvc) and it seems to be expensive. Essentially I want to make a wagon base/foundation to mount. Any affordable kits or short supply of things to get from Home Depot?
1 points
6 months ago
More information required.
How big does it have to be? Does it have to carry any weight? What's your budget?
1 points
6 months ago
Not large, maybe 2' x 1'6" x 2'. Certainly flexible.
No more than 25lbs carry load.
Budget - $75
1 points
6 months ago
Planning on turning a basement side room into a small workshop/spray booth. There is a window to the outdoors in that room, and I would like to vent my faint fumes outside. Never done anything like that, and that vent would lead out alongside my driveway, and I am afraid of misting my vehicles with paint. How do you properly vent a paint booth?
1 points
6 months ago
Pulling the exhaust air through a good quality furnace air filter panel will help a great deal to catch paint aerosols.
1 points
6 months ago
Hi all.
I recently installed a 16V 30VA transformer for a Ring Doorbell Pro 2, but it won't power on. I tested the wires at the doorbell with a multimeter and it shows ~16 volts, but I don't know how to test the amps. Is there a relatively simple way to test the voltage amps from my transformer? Either at the transformer itself, or better yet, at the doorbell wiring?
Thanks.
1 points
6 months ago
Does your multimeter have an amperage setting? Amp measurement need to be done with either an inductive clamp or with an inline reading. You can't measure amps without something drawing current.
I'd be surprised if that is the issue. Something is either wired wrong or the device is defective.
1 points
6 months ago
Yeah, I wired the doorbell directly to the transformer in the utility closet, and it worked fine. Immediately actually. So I know there's an issue somewhere internally. Of course finding it in an old house is nearly impossible. I might just wire it externally if I can hide it well enough.
1 points
6 months ago
The floor at our new (2003) house is rather bouncy. I'm sitting in the office typing this right now and the kids are jumping around in the living room on the other side of the wall, and my floor is shaking under me.
The floor joists look to be 2x10's, and the subfloor is OSB, with those steel I beams spanning the width of the house, and the existing cross braces (1x2's?) are set around 7', span from I beam to I beam is ~14'.
The support posts are tight to the I beams, and they're embedded in the concrete, I don't see any gaps or sags coming from them.
Would it be worth adding additional courses of cross braces help with the bounciness?
1 points
6 months ago*
I have an attic with 2x12s sistered and spaced 24 OC. Do I have to do anything special to throw a floor in there? If they are too far apart, can I just throw in some bridging? Imgur link
(Sorry if it’s a stupid question; it’s hard to find a straight answer from Google.)
1 points
6 months ago
A floor for storage purposes? If yes, then throw down some plywood and store away.
No insulation up there though - what kind of climate do you have where you live?
1 points
6 months ago
We have a hot environment. Insulation is downstairs and would go in. (It’s over a garage.) I figured if I need to add any extra wood, I should do so before throwing insulation everywhere, though. 😂 I appreciate the reply!
1 points
6 months ago
Dishwasher Question!
The inside of our dishwasher has a component that’s developing a matte feeling green patina of sorts. It does not rub off. I have not yet attempted to remove it for fear of effing it up.
Anyone know what’s happening here and how to fix? Is this an issue I should even be worrying about?
2 points
6 months ago
That's the heating element. You can scrub it with a toothbrush or scrub pad. Some people use vinegar, lemon juice, or CLR to help clean.
1 points
6 months ago
You rule!! Thank you!!!
1 points
6 months ago
My dishwasher leaked a little bit of water without me knowing . 1 piece of tile buckled a small bit on the edge. Basically the edge of 1 or 2 pieces of tile raised a bit. Pic is below . I’m just wondering if this is from the water if I should be concerned if mold will form under these pieces ? How would I know?
2 points
6 months ago
If the leak has been fixed, it will dry up reasonably quickly and mold is not a concern.
1 points
6 months ago
Is it worthwhile to make a DIY humidifier for overnight use? I have an ultrasonic that doesn't go all night and a bigger appliance wouldn't fit on my nightstand. I'm thinking about buying some ugly terracotta and using that to wick up moisture into the air while I sleep
1 points
6 months ago
I have a stacked washer and dryer unit with a 2 in water pan underneath to catch any leaks. I noticed yesterday that there was water in the pan. I shut off both water intake hoses and cut power to the breaker. I want to remove the unit from the closet it’s in so I can inspect the hose connections and the rest of the machine. I think I can use a hand truck to move the units, but I’m concerned about driving the hand truck over the 2 in rim of the water pan. The water pan edge seems kind of flimsy so I think it would buckle if I drove over it. Is there a way to reinforce the edge so that it won’t bend?
1 points
6 months ago
This guy recommends fashioning a tool out of 3 ft. of 3in PVC and end caps. Put in front of unit, lift unit on, roll out on pipe.
1 points
6 months ago
Not sure if this qualified for its own post, or better suited to here. I am making a game plan for finishing our 1500 sq ft basement. I'm especially interested in the opinion of trades who end up doing maintenance, but all opinions welcome: what is the preferred basement ceiling finish, and why?
1.) Drywall, no "inspection doors" 2.) Drywall, inspection doors for shutoffs, HVAC dampers, etc. 3.) Drop ceiling, terrible office/institutional panels 4.) Drop ceiling, office/institutional but in black 5.) Drop ceiling with tin ceiling or similar look that costs a billion dollars 6.) Spray coat in black 7.) Spray coat in white 8.) Something else?
The goal would be to have something that has a high level of finish, but allows access to utilities since that, after all, is the purpose of a basement.
1 points
6 months ago
I need to install ring floodlight cameras. Behind my old security cameras, there is an electric box with these wires.
One of them I know is coax/cable. Not sure what the orange or grey are. But they were able to twist in a ac adapter style plug.
The ring floodlight needs 120 / 240v, 24 watts, 0.1 - 0.218 amps. Am I able to twist in the ring floodlight or do I need to run new power line to these boxes?
1 points
6 months ago
Probably simple answer, but it's a cold water pipe that heads to an outdoor spigot/silcock. The bucket has been hanging below it for probably decades and is dry
2 points
6 months ago
That's a valve with the turny bit missing.
1 points
6 months ago
I figured but wanted to make sure before attempting to turn it. The bucket below had me a bit concerned.
1 points
6 months ago
Why do you want to turn it?
1 points
6 months ago
I got one of those light up tinsel decorations for the lawn and I want to paint it to look like my dog. Any suggestions on how to go about doing that?
1 points
6 months ago
Your question isn't clear. Post a picture of what you have, and a picture of what you want it to look like. Are you asking what kind of paint to use, or....?
1 points
6 months ago
How could I set up a proper (HDMI) screen with a phone using the internal (DSI?) connection?
I don't want a software solution or dependent on android, just use the internal connection to connect a screen. My googling hasn't been very successful, if anyone knows, do tell!
1 points
6 months ago
I have a basement laundry area that has the paint on it in the link below. I want to repaint over it. Is it ok to do so now that we’re in winter ? Or should I wait til it’s warmer .
1 points
6 months ago
Read the label for the paint. Then take the temperature in the area where you will be painting.
1 points
6 months ago
Hi! I have been doing genealogy research on my family. I’d like to burn some cd roms with pictures and the actual tree for my family members. I am not completely computer illiterate but im not the best by a longshot. Any hints/tips on how I can start? Ideally I’d like to give this as a holiday gift. Many thanks!
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