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1500 questions
14
votes
3 answers
Why did they hammer nails in half way and bent them over to secure supports?
In my 1950s house they hammered nails in half way and bent them over to secure the supports to the beam. Why was this technique used?
Jay Prall
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14
votes
4 answers
Does building insulation wear out and have to be replaced?
First, a little back-story. I've been having trouble with the air-conditioning system in my south-Texas apartment home for almost two months so far this summer. The apartment manager has been sending their "A/C Certified" (the certification a…
Vivian River
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14
votes
4 answers
What do I do with receptacles behind built-ins?
When installing built-in furniture, what should I do about the receptacles on the existing bare wall that will be covered up by the built-in? How would I handle a receptacle covered by a bookcase section? How would I handle a receptacle which will…
billoreid
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14
votes
4 answers
What are the qualities of a top end paint versus a low end paint?
I just purchased a home and it needs a good painting (interior). A little research led me to a thread stating that Benjamin Moore has the best paint. How does it compare to Lowe's and Home Depot paints?
Does the brand really matter?
What are the…
Chuck Conway
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14
votes
16 answers
What is the easiest way to remove a large root in a post hole I'm digging?
I'm digging a 36" deep post hole for a fence I'm putting up, and about 15" down I ran into a very large root. Since the root seems to be running almost directly in line with the fence, and there isn't a tree attached to said root, I'd like to get…
Dugan
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14
votes
1 answer
Which is better for deck flooring: 2x6 or 1x6 deck boards?
My current deck flooring is done with 2x6x10' boards, however they have degraded to the point now where they need to be replaced.
I'm wondering if there are any specific pros or cons for using the same 2x6x10' boards, vs. 1x6 deck boards? Of…
Wally Lawless
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14
votes
4 answers
How can I speed up the removal of stubborn tile?
I am trying to remove tile from the bathroom floor. It was installed in the 70s, and the pieces are tiny, 1 in x 1 in. I've been hammering away but they're not coming up very easily. Is there a product I can use to loosen them up?
Sara
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14
votes
9 answers
Can I use an LED bulb in a 3-Way fixture?
Is it possible to use an LED bulb in a 3-way light fixture? Will all three settings (low, medium and high) work?
user2676
14
votes
4 answers
How do I meet the 7 feet high ceiling requirement after finishing the basement?
My basement ceiling joists are exactly 7 feet above the concrete slab. The requirement for finished living space is 7 ft from the finished floor to the finished ceiling. Since I'll loose a couple of inches with the flooring (I'll have Delta-FL…
Peter Q
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14
votes
15 answers
What is your top tip for painting?
Simple really - add your best tips for painting (a room, that is). Ideally one tip per answer for ease of voting.
Moyersy
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14
votes
7 answers
Why do electricians prefer not to use the push-in connections on receptacles?
Why do electricians prefer not to use the back-stab or quick connect holes on switches and receptacles? If these were unreliable do you think they would be allowed by the NFPA and NEC?
Dave B
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14
votes
4 answers
Detecting cigar/cigarette smoke levels
I have a cigar lounge with a ventilation system, I would like to detect the "level" of cigar or cigarette smoke in the room. But I am not sure what sensor to go for, since these smokes contains a lot of different substances and I really want to…
Thomas Jensen
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14
votes
1 answer
How do I correctly install ceramic floor tile?
How do I correctly install ceramic floor tile? There's lots of talk about using backerboard and waterproofing membranes, what an acceptable floor deflection is, different grout and thinset additives, ect...
Starting from subfloor-less 16"oc joists,…
Mazura
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14
votes
1 answer
Can a GFCI receptacle protect other receptacles?
My contractor has wired one GFCI receptacle in the main bathroom on the same circuit as a normal receptacle in our en-suite bathroom (it is less than a foot from the sink). he says that since they are on the same circuit that the GFCI in the…
kers
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14
votes
6 answers
How to keep home automation complexity under control?
If you installed some form of home automation (lighting control for example), how did you keep the complexity manageable for your family members?
In many cases where friends have installed some form of home automation, I see that the person who…
Jan Fabry
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