Hot Construction & Repair How-Tos
How To: Patch a hole in the wall
A hole in your wall may in fact be easier to fix than is seems. After cutting a rectangular piece of drywall to patch up the hole, cut out another thin piece of drywall to use as a backing. By inflating a balloon and placing it in the back of your hole, the pressure caused by the balloon will allow you to put your backing and piece of drywall in place effectively, allowing you to cover up and sand over any holes in your wall. Using this innovative method, anyone will be able to fix holes in t...
How To: Remove and replace exterior caulk
In this how to video you learn how to remove and replace exterior caulk that has failed. The video suggests a putty knife and/or a utility knife. Once the caulk is removed the video suggests you use a dry clean paint brush to clear any left over. You then simply apply new caulk where needed and the job is complete. This video is about a minute and a half and is great for people learning how to maintain their homes.
How To: Repair sections of 4x8 wood home siding
Weather can really do some damage to the wood siding on your home. When your siding becomes worn and rotten due to the elements, it's time to break out the tools and install new wood. This instructional video walks you through the basic steps of repairing the wood siding on your home. Follow along with the tutorial and keep your home fortified.
How To: Install kitchen cabinets in your home
No kitchen is complete without hanging wall cabinets. Whether your kitchen started off bare, or you've decided to throw up some new cabinets, installation isn't that hard. Like any home project, it just takes time and dedication. This instructional video demonstrates how to find the studs and mark the cabinets. You'll need some standard tools too, but if you've decided to hang your own cabinets, this probably doesn't come as much of a surprise.
How To: Remove & replace a hardwood floor board
Need to replace or repair a single hardwood floor board? Don't want to pay people hundreds of dollars to do it? Well, if you have a circular saw and a straightedge. Then you can do-it-yourself by following this video. First of all, remove the old board by cutting a section of it using the saw and prying it out with the straightedge. Then, get your new floor board, which should be retrofitted, then apply some adhesive and fit the board back into the spot where the old board was. Hammer the new...
How To: Remove a fiberglass shower pan
To remove a fiberglass shower pan you will want to start by removing excess water in the drainpipe. Take a turkey baster and put it down in the drainpipe to siphon out the water. Use a knife and cut along the edge of the fiberglass panel where it meets the linoleum. Put a rag in the drainpipe to keep any sewer gas from coming up. Next you want to drill the rubber flange material that is around the drainpipe out so that you loosen it up and allow the fiberglass pan to come loose from the drain...
How To: Fill and touch-up a gouge on a table edge
To fill a gouge on a table edge you start by using auto body filler. Auto body filler is a two part substance. The catalyst is red and the resin is grey. When they are properly mixed it will be a uniform pink color. To keep the substance from spilling out of the damaged area put a piece of tape on the side of the table. Take some filler and force it down into the cavity formed by the tape along the side of the table. Let it dry for 3-4 minutes. Take the tape off and use a knife to trim off th...
How To: Clean an oil stained garage floor using kitty litter
This video shows you how to clean oil stains from a garage floor using cat litter. Use the cheapest kind you can find and pour it on the stain. Next crush the cat litter into the floor using your feet. For a bigger stain, use more oil and you should let it absorb first. Next use a broom to sweep up the cat litter and the stain should be gone. If it isn't completely removed, just repeat the steps and it should be removed.
How To: Install beaded plank paneling and molding with Lowe's
In this how-to video by Lowe's department store you are showed an intermediate do-it-yourself installation of beaded plank paneling and molding. He shows where you can get information on how to do this but then goes on to show the different paneling and molding you can make. He goes on to show how to measure and cut the paneling to your desired length. After describing how to measure and cut the panel he goes on to show how to prepare the paneling with the paint. He goes on to show the differ...
How To: Repair damaged molding
This video shows the viewer how to repair a section of damaged molding surrounding a door or window. The method shown uses WD40 and polyester resin. Firstly an undamaged section of the molding is sprayed with WD40 and then covered in resin. Once the resin has hardened the WD40 allows it to be removed and used as a mould. The mould is then sprayed with more WD40 and is filled with new resin. This is allowed to harden and then removed. The resin replica of the molding is then sanded and cut to ...
How To: Apply acid stain quick & easy
This video shows the viewer how to correctly use acid stain to stain a floor. In the video the acid stain is applied to a floor using in a spray. This is done using a device similar to one used to apply weed killer to plants; another suggestion would be with a watering can that has an adjustable nozzle. Basically the acid stain can be applied with any device that can be used to apply the acid in a thin and even layer. This stops the acid from staining the floor in an uneven manner and helps t...
How To: Remove and replace tile grout
Ron Hazelton from "Ron Hazelton's House Calls" brings us this quick and easy tutorial on how to take on the household project of removing and replacing our old mildewy tile grout. In under two minutes Ron shows us the tools we will need and techniques to make this do it yourself project at home a snap. If you are thinking about taking on a home project like this, this video will help you achieve the perfect results you are looking for.
How To: Replace your storm door screen with Lowe's
This how-to video from Lowe's demonstrates how to replace a damaged screen. The tools required are fiberglass screen, spline, tape measure, spline roller, screwdriver, and utility knife. He shows the different options in screen material, and suggests taking pieces of your old screen and spline along to match it. He removes the old spline and screen, lays the replacement screen over the frame and trims it. He uses a spline roller to roll the new spline into the groove and attach the screen. Th...
How To: Repair a dryer by replacing the support rollers
The drum support rollers are usually in the same spot on every dryer, no matter the brand. They will be below the drum. In order to remove the rollers, you need to open the dryer's cabinet and remove the drum. Perhaps you will notice that the left roller is more worn out than the right one. This is a common occurrence, but you need to replace both at the same time. Be sure to remove the nut before you remove the roller. Don't use more than one drop of oil on the hub as too much oil will aid t...
How To: Repair a leaky faucet
This how-to video is about how to repair a leaky faucet. One of the most common problems with the faucet is the replacement of the rubber washer, which is located on the bottom of the valve unit. First, stop the water supply by turning off the stop valve at the bottom of the sink. Then, turn on the faucet until the water stops flowing. Next, remove the handle. To do this, we first need to remove the decorative cap using a screw driver or sharp pointed knife to expose the screw. Then, remove t...
How To: Install a solid hardwood floor with Lowe's
A solid hardwood floor offers a clean and simple alternative to carpeting. This video tutorial demonstrates how to install solid hardwood flooring in your home. Once you’ve prepped the subfloor, let the wood planks acclimate to the room temperature for at least 72 hours. Check the boarding for unusual warping or defects before drilling nail holes in even increments down the wood siding. After countersinking each nail, fill in the holes with wood nail putty. Continue the process for each inter...
How To: Replace a door or window screen
Ron Hazelton describes how to replace a screen in a door or window. The screen is held in the frame by a vinyl cord that can be removed with a knife. Lift the old screen out of the frame. With the new screen on a flat surface, using the frame as a template, cut the new screen a half-inch larger than the frame all around. Cut 45-degree notches in the screen at each corner. Place the screen evenly on the frame. Press the cord back into the groove on the sides first, then the top and bottom. Fin...
How To: Install a shower wand and arm
This video will show you the advantages of a shower wand and how to install one easily. A shower wand can help you clean the shower and clean pets too. To remove the shower head you will need a strap wrench. You may want to change the shower arm if it has too many scratches; use the handle of a set of pliers. Use Teflon tape when reassembling the fixtures to ensure a watertight fit. The new bracket has a built in holder for the wand.
How To: Hold small nails when hammering
This video shows you how to hold small nails without hitting you fingers with a hammer. Get a piece of paper and push the nail through the paper. Position the nail where you want it and begin hammering it in. Before the nail is totally in, remove the paper and continuing the hammering. You can cut a little slit into a piece of cardboard putting the small nail into the slit before hammering. You can also put the small nail between the teeth in a comb before hammering.
How To: Install glue-down hardwood flooring with Lowe's
This Lowe's video shows you how add warmth and beauty to your home by installing hardwood floors step by step. First you must prepare the sub-floor. You will need engineered hardwood planks, transitions, and moldings. You will also need flooring adhesive, trowel, hardwood floor cleaner, circular saw and table saw, hammer, nylon tapping block, pry bar and pull bar, wood glue, pencil and tape measure, nails, knee pads, dust mask and safety glasses. You should read the instructions. It should ta...
How To: Prep your wood home exterior for painting with Lowe's
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a wood-sided house. But its what's underneath the paint that can really count. Doing the right prep work will make your painting efforts last longer and look better. The prep work will help make your paint job a success and much easier to accomplish. And taking the time to do it will pay off in the end. The five steps to the painting prep process include: scraping, cleaning, patching, masking and priming.
How To: Install solar window screens
Hub Kirkpatrick teaches the viewers how to save handyman bills by installing solar window screens by yourself. This video describes the step-by-step process of installing solar screens on windows. According to Hub, these screens are not only very easy to install using tools found in everyone's garage, they are also only about one-third of the price of the conventional roll-down screens. In addition, these screens, if properly installed, can drastically reduce air-conditioning bills by prevent...
How To: Replace washing machine hoses & why
This video explains to the viewer the advantages of replacing washing machine hoses. As well as, rather more importantly, explaining how to complete the process. According to the creator the rubber hoses that are standard to most washing machines are subjected to high pressure water for many years. As they are only made of rubber they are apt to break and start leaking. This can cause many thousands of dollars worth of water damage. The creator recommends replacing the rubber pipes with reinf...
How To: Replace and install an exterior door with Lowe's
To replace a door, refer to Lowe's do-it-yourself for a step by step guide. Replacement is not very difficult. To replace just the door, tools and material required are: a new door, hammer, screw driver, tape measure, pencil, combination square, saw horses, clamps, chisel, a door lock installation kit, a drill with bits, circular saw, level, work gloves, dust mask, safety glasses, plane, shims, cardboard, and a utility knife. Before removing the old door, take a few measurements like the widt...
How To: Repair a clogged garbage disposal
Is your garbage disposal clogged? Do you want to clean your garbage disposer without calling the handyman and your plumber? You can fix your garbage disposal yourself without the hefty repair costs easily just by following the instructions in this tutorial! This video will tell you everything you need to know about fixing your jammed or clogged garbage disposal. The greatest challenge in completing this simple repair is the patience required to clear out your garbage disposal and the definite...
How To: Properly unclog a toilet
Every has faced it at one time or another, a clogged toilet. The family handyman takes you through the process of unclogging a toilet in a step by step manner. Learn how to properly use a plunger, the importance of water to the flushing process and how to keep you bathroom dry and safe while plunging. For more difficult clogs an auger is needed to unclog the toilet. Once again the proper augering techniques are displayed. The working of the auger are also shown and the viewer learns how it wo...
How To: Install bifold doors with Lowe's
Let a Lowe's expert show you how to install bi-fold doors. Learn how to install bi-fold doors that you can add to you closets. Get your drill, doors, tape measure and other tools together so you can be ready to complete your project. Measure your closets so you know what kind of door you need to fit your projects. If you need to paint, paint before you add to the door. Mark all your spots and measure before you add your pieces.
How To: Build & stain concrete countertops
Paul Ryan of the DIY Network shows how to make concrete countertops for the kitchen. Concrete is now available in a wide range of colors and textures. First build forms out of 3/4-inch melamine (a waterproof smooth material for easy casting), according to the blueprints. Use caulk to fill the seams and create a rounded corner to the concrete. Clean the form with rubbing alcohol. Mix the concrete according to the instructions, then fill the form with the concrete. Rub a power sander on the edg...
How To: Install a deadbolt lock with Lowe's
This video from Lowe's will show you how to install a deadbolt lock in just a few easy steps. You can install a deadbolt lock on almost any exterior door, including those made from wood or steel. Deadbolt locks come in several types including the conventional ones requiring a key or the newer ones that have keypads. Whichever type you choose, the principles of installation are the same. This video will show how to a drill in your door and chisel out material in your door jam. Once this is don...
How To: Install shutters to your home exterior
Handyman teacher Hub Kirkpatrick gives a demonstration of how to install shutters to the exterior of one's home. These vinyl plastic shutters are meant to enhance the beauty of the exterior of a house without costing too much. Hub recommends using six 3-inch, hex-headed bolts for each shutter so that it is secured firmly in place. He also adds a cautionary note that one should take care not to over-tighten the bolts because that could result in dimpling and cracking of the plastic shutter.
How To: Unblock a toilet with dish soap, hot water and no plunger
This is a great video about how to unclog your toilet without a plunger. The author of this video explains which ways she tried to unclog her toilet initially, and how they failed without any results. She then tells you how you can unclog your toilet with dish soap and some hot water, which actually works. If you are facing the same problem with your toilet, just try the method explained in this video and see if it actually works or not. Also, use this method to unblock a sink without a plung...
How To: Remove ceramic wall tiles from a shower
In this video, Mark Donovan of Home Addition Plus shows you to remove ceramic tiles from a shower. Before you begin, remove the shower head and shower handle, leaving the walls bare. A lot of dust and debris will be produced so you should wear safety glasses and to protect the shower pan from damage, you should cover it up. Card board should suffice. Starting from the bottom, place the chisel on the edge of the tiles and tap it with a hammer. For the tiles in the middle, you can use a flat ba...
How To: Replace a medicine cabinet & light fixture with Lowe's
This video is presented by Lowe's. In this video the instructor shows us how to replace a medicine cabinet and a bathroom light. In every step of this video the importance of safety is stressed. In this video the viewer is taken on a step by step tutorial on how to do the installation. The viewer will receive a clear understanding on all the tools and parts needed to do this job. According to the video, most if not all of the tools for this project can be found at Lowe's. It is easy to see th...
How To: Remove wallpaper quickly & easily
Getting that wallpaper down is not near as bad as people think it is. Here is a four step process for getting that old wallpaper off quickly and easily. Use a wallpaper perforating tool to make hundreds of holes in the wallpaper. Just roll the tool over the wall and it will make little holes in the wallpaper. Next put a gallon and a half of hot water in a garden sprayer and add to it an enzyme based wallpaper stripper. Spray on the wallpaper stripper starting at the top of the wall. Make sure...
How To: Tape drywall seams
This video shows the viewer how to use paper tape to cover the joint between panels on a dry wall. The creator of the video does this using a 6-inch dry wall knife and a curved trowel. He first applies standard compound to the joint using the trowel. The compound should be applied evenly and the thickness shown is said to be around 1/8 inch. After applying the compound he then gently presses the tape over the joint. He then smoothes the tape on the wall, using a dry wall knife. While doing th...
How To: Drill a shank hole or clearance hole
Drywall screws were originally created specifically for drywall projects. But they have become increasing popular for woodworking projects because you can often screw them into a soft piece of wood without having to drill a pilot hole. But because they have threads all the way up to the head of the screw they will not pull two pieces of wood tightly together. So to get the drywall screw to hold two pieces of wood tightly together you have to drill a shank hole through the first piece of wood ...
How To: Replace a wall switch with a dimmer
You can very easily replace your normal light switch on the wall with a dimmer switch. The first step is to turn the power off at the circuit breaker. To prevent anyone from accidentally turning the circuit on put a piece of tape over the fuse switch so that it is clear that it is to stay turned off. Remove the screws that hold the switch plate and use a tester to make sure that none of the wires are still live with electricity. Remove the two screws that are holding the switch itself in plac...
How To: Paint screw heads without making a mess
If you need to paint the screw heads you can do it without making a mess. If you try to hold them in your fingers and paint them you will get paint all over your fingers. Now you don't have to do that. Take a plastic shopping bag and cut the bottom off of it. Take that bottom piece of bag and stretch it over a can like a drum. Tape the bag tightly to the can so that the bag is stretched tight. Take the screws and screw them into the plastic on top of the can so that they are standing up. Now ...
How To: Inspect a fireplace and chimney
To continue getting the enjoyment out of your fireplace you should inspect it regularly. Check the condition of the mortar in the firebox. If it is loose, missing, or crumbling it needs to be professionally repaired. Look for black deposits inside of the chimney or flue using a flashlight; presence of black deposits inside of the chimney or flue indicates the need for a licensed Chimney Sweep to clean the chimney in order to prevent a chimney fire. The chimney should be free of obstructions t...
How To: Install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
Ron Hazelton shows how to install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). First turn off the power to the electrical outlet at the circuit breaker or fuse box (check to make sure there's no power in the outlet!). Then remove the electric cover plate. Then gently remove the old outlet receptacle. Detach the wires from the old receptacle. Trim and re-strip the wires if necessary. Attach the wires to the GFCI receptacle per the instructions. Gently reassemble the receptacle and plate. Restore...