Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Most Popular

more tags
1500 questions
23
votes
3 answers

Why don't I have ground wiring on any of my outlets?

My house in California was built in 1989 (I believe) And in the last 5 years I've replaced at least 20 outlets myself (successfully), and noticed there were never any ground wires to connect to the new outlet (Decora style). The old outlet are…
Outdated Computer Tech
  • 1,386
  • 2
  • 23
  • 42
23
votes
4 answers

Is it safe to re-use drill holes in a wall?

I've just mounted a 42" TV with a new wall mount that uses 3/16" bolts into some studs on the wall. I now want to use an articulating one, which means I'll need to replace the old mount. The new mount also uses the same size bolts. Is it safe to…
John Leehey
  • 353
  • 1
  • 3
  • 10
23
votes
6 answers

Is my plan to safely remove asbestos siding sound?

After reading a some other questions I haven't found an answer similar enough for what I'm thinking about doing. So here goes. Full disclosure up front. Before I even touch a single siding shingle, I'm going to check with local authorities to get…
Paul TIKI
  • 529
  • 5
  • 14
23
votes
4 answers

Are there any cordless power tool systems that offer a corded option?

Are there any cordless powertool systems (e.g., drills, drivers) that have a corded battery option (i.e., an adapter that fits where the battery would normally go that can be plugged in)? I've used other electrical equipment with this arrangement…
Anonymous Joe
  • 335
  • 1
  • 2
  • 6
23
votes
6 answers

Is it important not to scratch copper wire when removing insulation?

I use a small cutter made for max 14 gauge wires, but I'm bad at removing insulation, it takes me a bit of time to get it right, so I end up cutting and repeating, because I see scratches on copper wire were I cut the insulation. Should I ignore it?…
Altoban
  • 733
  • 5
  • 19
  • 31
23
votes
13 answers

What items in a house can potentially be damaged by shutting them off at the circuit breaker?

Are there certain items in a house (anything from a computer to a furnace) that can be damaged by shutting off its circuit at the electrical panel? If so, must one avoid turning off that circuit at all times, or should one simply take certain…
Fil
  • 791
  • 4
  • 15
  • 24
23
votes
7 answers

Ethernet cable instead of Thermostat wire?

I need to pull new wire from my furnace to my thermostat and was wondering if there would be any problems in using an Ethernet cable instead of standard thermostat wiring. The reason being is I have left over cat6 cable and figured the wire should…
Metro Smurf
  • 371
  • 1
  • 2
  • 10
23
votes
3 answers

Do I really need a special bulb in the oven?

My oven light burnt out recently. After dismantling it I found a 40W 130V "appliance" bulb with a standard Edison connector. The bulb is slightly smaller than a normal incandescent bulb. Looking for replacements at the local stores, all the…
cabbey
  • 960
  • 3
  • 8
  • 18
23
votes
1 answer

240v Outlet with 120v and 215v - How?

Ok this is a weird one and maybe I just don't understand how mains work (though I feel I have a good enough knowledge to stay safe and do basic breaker work & wiring). Buddy moved into a new shop and he called me to wire in a 240 plug into a closed…
Skinner927
  • 333
  • 2
  • 6
22
votes
11 answers

Would bullet proof glass help deter burglars? How does it compare to normal glass?

We consider buying an apartment, which has previously been used as a shop. Our only concern is that it has large windows (2,5 meters x 2,5 meters), which would function like an invitation to burglars. I am thinking that we could buy bullet-proof…
David
  • 425
  • 2
  • 4
  • 8
22
votes
2 answers

Why exactly is WD-40 not a true lubricant?

According to this answer WD-40 is not a true lubricant. I don't get it - even Wikipedia says The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile, viscous oil which remains on the surface, providing lubrication and protection from moisture. which…
sharptooth
  • 9,537
  • 20
  • 62
  • 87
22
votes
11 answers

How can I fix a garbage disposal with crushed glass in it?

I have a garbage disposal that had a shot glass fall in. It got ground up. The disposal got jammed; I unjammed it and now it makes a glass grinding noise because of the shards inside. How do I clear the glass? What do I need to do to fix this?
kacalapy
  • 835
  • 5
  • 12
  • 17
22
votes
11 answers

What is the proper way to install/paint baseboard?

I've installed some new baseboards, though I'm not really sure I have the right method down. Here's what I do: Paint baseboard Paint walls Cut and install baseboard (using brad nailer and/or liquid nails) Sand outside corners so they're not as…
gregmac
  • 28,910
  • 15
  • 84
  • 160
22
votes
2 answers

Lutron LED/CFL Dimmer switch turns lights off the wrong way, up is down and down is up. What's the problem?

I bought the $20 Lutron Dimmer Switch (TGCL-153PH-WH) from my local big box hardware store. It dims the Cree LED bulbs great. There is just one problem... no matter how I install the wires the switch always tuns off in wrong position. The dimmer is…
John
  • 341
  • 1
  • 3
  • 8
22
votes
4 answers

What are the different types of drywall anchors, and what are the advantages of each?

I recently put up wire shelving in my pantry, and spent forever figuring out what type of drywall anchor I should use. I even found several types that I didn't even know existed. It might be good to have a reference page for drywall anchors. So,…
Doresoom
  • 15,623
  • 30
  • 80
  • 118
1 2 3
…
99 100