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1500 questions
17
votes
4 answers

Do all wires on basement walls have to be in conduit?

I need to know if, when a basement is unfinished and an outlet is on the wall, is it required to put all wires in conduit?
Luigi Bautista
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10 answers

What is better for a roof, plywood or OSB?

While watching the builders next door do their thing, I became curious with their technique to install plywood on edges neighboring the next townhouse, and OSB for the rest (which for these narrow interior units is a single panel in the middle, but…
BMitch
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Can cable splice devices be concealed?

Devices exist that claim to be able to splice nonmetallic sheathed cables together outside of a box, and in concealed locations. Are these types of devices allowed by National Electrical Code? Here's one example device. Tyco Electronics Romex®…
Tester101
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17
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5 answers

How can I fix the issues I'm having with large double gates?

I have a privacy fence in my backyard that includes a large double gate. It was built maybe a year and half ago. The whole span is about a 11' 4" opening. The gates to meet in the middle with double hinges on each gate and a rod at the bottom of…
AMBER
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17
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9 answers

Should I run the tap while dumping boiling water?

It seems to be common advice to run the cold water while dumping boiling water down the drain (for example, when draining pasta). A variety of reasons are cited for this, one of which is that it is bad for your plumbing. I assume the reasoning is…
browly
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17
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3 answers

Fix drywall around outlets

I completed my first drywall project and I learned that I hate doing drywall. Apparently I'm not good at it either because when I finally screwed on the outlet covers it is obvious my measurements were off. What is the best way to fix this? What…
Bob McNees
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17
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3 answers

Elegant method of punching a hole through a wall to run cables?

What is a clean method of running cables from one side of a wall to the other side, in a typical residential house? On one side of the wall will be a computer tower, and on the other side will the the user interface devices (monitor, keyboard,…
davidtgq
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17
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4 answers

When to use holes instead of side terminals to wire an outlet

This question comes from Shirlock's comment on this GFCI wiring question. When and why should you use the holes on the back of an outlet rather than the side terminals? I always assumed the holes on the back were only for lazy electricians and…
BMitch
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17
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14 answers

What is the best technique for using a drill to insert screws?

It looks so easy on the DIY programs, but I battle to insert screws using my drill. The screwdriver bit keeps slipping out, and it damages the screw head. Is there a neat trick for this? Should I set the drill's speed to low / high? Short bursts or…
rbrayb
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17
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5 answers

Exhaust fumes seeping into our 4th floor apartment at night through bathroom and shower vents/fans

This is our second fall/winter in our 4th floor apartment, and we've noticed that whenever the weather becomes cool, exhaust fumes which seem to come from the garage in the basement of the apartment building, seep into our apartment through the…
sheg
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17
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7 answers

How to sharpen a lawn mower blade?

Is it possible for a DIYer to sharpen the blade on their lawn mower? If so, how would I sharpen the blade on my lawn mower? It is a reasonably basic push mower but it does have a 'mulching' blade.
Jack
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17
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5 answers

How can I have a pond but prevent mosquitos from nesting there?

I would like to have a small waterfall leading into a small pond in my garden. Due to the West Nile virus, it is essential here to prevent mosquitoes from nesting. What can I do to prevent mosquitoes from being able to nest in it?
txwikinger
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6 answers

Why do I have shiny patches where I touched up paint on my walls?

We recently had some remodeling done and the walls were all freshly painted with Behr Premium Plus Ultra Matte paint. A lot of the walls got marked up from the workers still coming in and out, so I used the EXACT paint, from the SAME container that…
Mary
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5 answers

What precautions should I take before moving my family into a pre-1978 (lead-paint-era) house?

I am about to sign a lease and move with my family, including a 3 mo old and 2 yr old, into a home that was built in 1944. The house is in good condition and has been repainted at least once in the last decade. The lessors are required to inform me…
David LeBauer
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4 answers

Which water heater types do you recommend?

I would like to upgrade my current water heater with one that Is able to produce/store more heated water so I won't run out Energy efficient Inexpensive What are the advantages/disadvantages to each different kind? What would you recommend and…
Joe Phillips
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