Construction & Repair How-Tos
How To: Sew a blind hem stitch to make Roman shades
This video demonstrates how to sew a blind hem stitch to make Roman shades. This stitch is very easy to do. You need a sewing machine that has a blind hem stitch already programmed in it and a blind hem foot. The video shows two different kinds of blind hem foot for two different sewing machines. The one for Viking machines is used here. Fold and pin a one inch hem on your panel, making sure that the pins are pointing off the edge of the panel. Lay your panel on the machine with the hem side ...
How To: Find a leak in the roof of your house
You might notice a brown water stain on a wall in your house and the source of the stain may be a leak in your roof. So, it's good to go up into the attic and look around to see if you can find the source of the leak. When you get up in the attic take a flashlight and look around at the boards that make up the roof. If you see any brown rings that is a sign that you have a roof leak. Water can leak through the roof and run down the rafter and into the wall. The best time to check for a roof l...
How To: Prep for painting
Expert Real Estate Tips and Andy Sjostrom with The Good Handyman demonstrate how to prep for painting. A good handyman will handle your items with care. Be sure to remove light fixtures. Before you begin to tape off an area, take a damp rag and clean the areas that will be taped so the tape will adhere to them. Use latex gloves to keep yourself clean during the painting process. Then, tape off the area needing painting and put down a drop cloth. If you get your paint from a big box store, mak...
How To: Install mosaic tiles in your bathroom vanity
In this Home and Garden video you will see how to install mosaic tiles in your bathroom vanity using mesh pack sheets of 1 inch mosaic tiles and cap edge tiles. Hold a cap tile against the edge of the vanity and draw a line along the edge of the vanity. This will be the first joint line. Lay off the mesh pack mosaic sheets over the vanity top. The edges should be aligned with the line you drew. Mark the line near the joint on the last full sheet near the back splash. Also draw reference lines...
How To: Repair a self-closing door
This video is about fixing self-closing doors. Doors close by themselves when they're not hung plumb, and gravity closes the door. The solution is to remove the hinge-pins and to roughen the bottom of the hinge-pins to create friction, keeping the door open. One removes the hinge-pin with a hammer and small screwdriver. Tap the bottom of the hinge-pin against a cinder block or rough, hard surface. If using this "friction-ized" hinge-pin does not solve your problem, try repeating this process ...
How To: Build a simple miter clamp
In this Home and Garden video tutorial you will learn how to build a simple miter clamp. Chuck Miller in this video explains how simple and easy it is. When you glue in two parts together, you need to hold them in place so they join firmly. A simple way of doing this is by a miter clamp. Take a spring clamp, remove the protective seals from the end of the clamp, put some oil and drill a hole through it. Using a wooden block hold the jaws apart and screw in a fine threaded screw on both the ja...
How To: Set up a generator for a home or business
This video details how to set up a generator to provide back-up power for a home or business. Generators are the ideal emergency power solution for a home or business, generators can automatically transfer the power load from the utility power line to the generator when an outage occurs. To make sure the generator is always ready, generators can self run weekly and perform self diagnostics so maintenance issues are minimized or eliminated. When planning to use a portable generator, it should ...
How To: Patch drywall on your own
Chuck Miller gives us a great tip for patching a small hole in drywall, such as a hole from an outlet box.
How To: Repair damage around wall elements such as outlets
This Home and Garden video tutorial is going to show you how to repair damage around wall elements such as outlets. The video demonstrates how to repair a gap around a socket that was created due to a miscalculation on the part of the mason. The simplest way of repairing this would be to take the cover off, get a patch which is pre cut to the correct dimensions, peel it off, place it correctly over the opening in the wall and press it on. You could paint the area with matching color. Then put...
How To: Seal your outdoor deck
This is the demo showing how to seal your deck. The first thing you should need to do is to wash the deck. Most people prefer to use a pressure washer for that. You should be careful while using a pressure washer. The components needed for this are Armor All E-Z Deck Wash. It’s a good bleach and a good cleaning product. You should be careful while using it because it can stain your clothes. Another product is the Sun Frog Deck Cleaner. This is a product which you should mix with water. Before...
How To: Turn an old door into a small computer desk
This step by step tutorial will show you how an old door can be turned into a beautiful desk. Danny Lipford explains how an old door can be used to make a headboard, room divider or even as art. He then gives you basic instructions on revamping your door to become a desk. He starts off by removing all the elements that make a door a door, like hinges and door knobs. By filling in the holes left from the missing hardware with bondo you are left with a smooth surface ready to be cut and shaped ...
How To: Inspect your roof
There are a number of things that users must check on their roof to insure safety and prevent any leaking. For example, users should check that the roof vent is fastened and ensure that there are washers or caulk under the nails. On the chimney, make sure the flashing is fastened tightly and downwards. Users should also inspect the condition of the chimney. Remove any tree branches and clean the roof. This video will benefit those viewers who want to learn how to secure their roof from proble...
How To: Fix a leaky toilet
FusionGuy09 tells us how to fix a leaky toilet. You should be able to hear the leaking toilet. First thing you want to do is turn the water off. You can do this by reaching behind toilet and turning a lever. Next, flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank. Remove the flapper and check for wear with your finger (don't worry about the water back here, it's sanitary). Look out for cracks or pieces coming off. Also check the valve seat for spots without a seal. If you find parts that are...
How To: Build a storage rack for muddy shoes out of buckets
If you have a lot of spare buckets lying around your home, it's time to finally put them to use. Join Danny Lipford from dannylipford.com as he walks us through a useful storage method. Danny will be teaching us how to create a simple rack for storing muddy or dirty shoes, using only spare buckets. In his walk through, you will learn how to cut and shape your buckets, as well as the kind of tools you will need to build your shoe rack. You'll definitely save a lot of money on storage supplies ...
How To: Remove an oil spill in your garage
Has your car recently had a leak and left your garage floor looking stained and grubby? Get your garage or driveway sparkling clean with this video from Danny Lipford.
How To: Cut a crown molding and coving scarf joint
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut a scarf joint in crown molding and coving. Scarf joint is simply two flat planes meeting on an angle relative to the axis of the stock being joined. Users will need a magic miter. The magic miter is a miter box for cutting miter joints at any angle in crown molding, baseboard, chair rails and more. Adjust the machine to a 45 degree angle and lock it. Put in the mold and cut it. Repeat the same step for the other side. This video will benefit th...
How To: Clean a dirty window screen
This video is a tutorial on how to clean a dirty window screen. The man in the video points out that most homeowners will take the screen off the window and spray it with a hose. This leaves the screen still somewhat dirty. To clean it properly, you need a wading pool filled with water and liquid detergent. Put the screen in the wading pool and soapy water. Let it soak for a minute or two. Then you will take a broom and gently sweep both sides of the screen. He recommends to use a soft bristl...
How To: Refurbish brass door furniture with cleaning polish
The video is a description of how to refurbish a brass door frame, and door knob that has gone dull due to the lacquer. Purchase lacquer and metal polish at a hardware store. Before beginning work, remove the circulate at the back of the door knob with circulate pliers. Take the component parts of the door knob apart and set the spring and clip aside to be replaced later. Take a clean cloth and put metal polish on it. Using the cloth, polish the knob. It may take a while to get all the grime ...
How To: Install a toilet for an RV
In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to install a toilet for an RV. Installing a toilet for the RV is a great idea because an RV is basically a mobile home, and having a bathroom in a home is mandatory. Users will need a mounting kit, gasket and some bolts. Make sure that before you begin, remove the old gasket and bolts. You may need to modify the water line. In this video, the plastic toilet is being upgraded to a porcelain toilet. This video will benefit those viewers who have an...
How To: Clean your gutters around your house
Maybe one of the hardest jobs you can do around the house is cleaning the gutters. When cleaning the gutters by hand, you have to constantly keep moving the ladder to get to the various spots of the gutter which contain a mess. If not done properly, the gutters can get clogged, which will not help the appeal of your home. This video explains a simple and easy way to clean the hassle-prone gutters. The powerful leaf blower makes cleaning the gutters simple and easy. Just make sure to keep your...
How To: Cut tile with a tile saw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut ceramic tiles with a tile cutter. Ceramic tile cutters are used to cut tiles to a required size or shape. The tile cutter does not require too much pressure when cutting. The tile cutter used in this video is for simple and basic tile cuts. As users cut the tile, they should hear a screeching sound. This tile cutter allows users to cut both wet and dry ceramic tiles. This video will benefit those viewers who want to learn how to cut tiles. This...
How To: Cut nested crown molding with a DEWALT miter saw
dewalttv teaches you how to cut nested crown molding with a DEWALT miter saw. The advantage of this position is that it doesn't require a bevel angle. The bottom of the molding should be placed against the fence. To cut the right piece, set the miter to 45 degrees to the left and make the cut. To cut the other piece, the left one, set the miter angle to 45 degrees to the right and cut. You are done. This technique is useful when you don't want to worry about setting up a level cut.
How To: Install a toilet with ease
First, apply wax to the toilet hole so it doesn't leak. Next install the supply line. Set the bolts on the flange and attach a wax ring onto the bottom of the toilet. Set the toilet over the bolts. Next, stick the gasket to the bottom of the tank and put the tank on the toilet. Tighten the bolts on either side of the tank. Then, hook the supply line up to the toilet. Attach the toilet seat to the toilet by screwing it into place. Finally, turn on the water supply. Your low flow toilet is now ...
How To: Cut crown molding using a ladder and sawhorse set up
This is a how to video that explains how to do the difficult task of cutting crown molding and how to do it with tools you have laying around, a ladder and a saw horse as a support, and a miter saw. The author of this video explains that if the molding sags then it will not cut straight and your seams will not line up properly. The author is using an extension ladder and explains that you can cut very long pieces using this process. He also explains that you will need more than one brace to s...
How To: Clean your clothes dryer & make it hot again
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a dryer machine produce heat to dry clothes. Sometimes the dryer machine doesn't produce enough heat to dry clothes. To begin, users should clean the filter if it's full of dust. Check the discharge tube and make sure it is clean and doesn't have anything inside. Users should also open the back of the dryer machine and clean up all the excess dust located in the machine. The build up of dust clocks up the passage way and prevents the machine f...
How To: Remove & replace warped vinyl siding on your home
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove and replace vinyl siding. Users will need a siding removal tool (zip tool). Insert this tool beneath the bottom edge of the overlap and pull down while sliding the tool horizontally. Remove the nails underneath and simply pull down the siding. Now measure the length of the siding. With the new siding, connect it on the exterior wall and reinforce it with some nails. This video will help those viewers who need to learn how to replace a vinyl ...
How To: Tile a diagonal cut tile
Tile RIGHT demonstrates how to tile a diagonally cut tile. First set the Measure Right Pro to the appropriate setting, extending it from corner to corner along your tile. Account for your grout line and the space up against the wall. Then, lock the tool. Next, place the tiles you're going to use on top of your set tiles. Slide the Measure Right Pro along the wall and mark the tiles. Place the sections in the appropriate place. Then, cut your tiles. Lay the tiles where you've previously marked...
How To: Remove Furniture Scratches with a Walnut
You’re munching away on walnuts and, oh no, you notice you have a scratch on your wood floor. You already have the solution in your hand. The oil in nuts will fill in and make scratches on a wood floor disappear.
How To: Cut tiles with a standard tile cutter
A standard tile cutter will cut ceramic and porcelain tiles but not natural stone tiles. To use the standard tile cutter adjust and lock the guide. Then, slide your tile into position in the tile cutter. Next, position your cutter on the edge of the tile. Push down on the cutter while sliding the cutter across the tile. When the cutter gets to the end of the tile, press down. The tile should then break into two smooth, clean pieces. Run a tile file over the edge of the tile to reduce the shar...
How To: Finish a basement layout and planning
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to finish a basement by laying out and planning. Planning the lay-out and design of the basement is an important part of finishing or remodeling a basement. Learn how to get new ideas as you design and lay-out your basement floor plan. Viewers will learn how to finish the basement space with expert tips and advice on home improvement. Make sure the basement is empty. Make measurements and mark them on the wall or floor. For a bathroom, there should be...
How To: Clean and seal a concrete patio
This is a video clip about "How to Seal a Concrete Patio " by Danny Lipford. This video depicts how to seal concrete by using mortar and cement. It will be sealed for more than 30 days. Use red bricks to seal it and wash it with concrete and masonry waterproof. Always make sure that we seal the concrete properly. Finally, clean and seal for more than 30 days. This seal is not breakable and works for more than 5 to 6 years. Be careful in choosing the waterproof.
How To: Cut the perfect inside corner with a miter saw
This video, from Superior Building Supplies, demonstrates the proper technique for cutting the inside corners of crown molding. The presenter suggests downloading several diagrams from the Superior Building Supplies website. These diagrams show the correct position of the miter for several different cuts. When using a miter saw think of the fence as the ceiling and the table as the wall. Cuts for inside corners will always be made using 45 degree angles on your miter saw. Using these techniqu...
How To: Tile a bathroom floor with Home Depot
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tile a bathroom floor with Home Depot. Home Depot is an American retailer of home improvement and construction products and services. Tiling a bathroom floor can be difficult and can look awful if installation is done incorrectly. In this video, users will learn how to tile a bathroom floor. Mosaic tiles can be installed individually or pre-mounted on mesh-backed sheets. In this video you will learn how to install 12 x 12 inch sheets mosaics on a b...
How To: Install tile like a pro
This video will describe the process of installing ceramic tile. The pro tilers suggest that you start with a very small area to put down the tile adhesive. Do not cover the entire area with adhesive and then start laying tile. Starting out one or two rows at a time will suffice. They stress there is no reason to rush a tiling job. You can certainly lay tile too fast, but if you only put down limited adhesive there is no way you can lay tile too slow. The lesson in this video is to take it sl...
How To: Build cornhole boards
If you want to play some beanbag games try making your own cornhole board. With wood and a few tools you and your friends can enjoy endless fun with your very own homemade cornhole board. Now all you need are some beanbags.
How To: Remove caulk
If you’re doing some spring cleaning and decide to throw in a little home improvement in as well you may want to remove old caulk. As we all know, old caulk is unattractive and will make areas look dirty or unfinished.
How To: Frame a wall for your house
Walls don’t last forever, be prepared. Building a house from scratch, a room add on or if it’s just time to turn one room into two you will need to make a sturdy wall frame to ensure the proper construction of your new wall.
How To: Make drawer dividers
Messy drawers getting you down? You no longer have to spend another day rummaging through unruly junk drawers. With some cardboard and character expressing contact paper you can turn any drawer into a neat and well organized one.
How To: Paint your house
This video describes how to prepare for and execute painting your home. To begin, you should power wash your house to remove any dirt, dust, cobwebs, etc. These would prevent the paint from setting properly, unless it was new wood. If it is new wood, you should put on a beige coat first. However you begin, you should let either method dry before moving to the next step. After it dries, you should apply a weatherproof and paint-over caulk to the cracks to keep out moisture and insects. After t...
How To: Install laminate flooring in your home
Laminate flooring is easy to clean and is a great way to spruce up a room. With yourlist of items in hand and a little bit of elbow grease you can have new floors in no time. Don't forget: measure twice, cut one.