Most Popular
1500 questions
25
votes
1 answer
Is my rapidly failing foundation dangerous?
I'll be succinct. I'm afraid we're having a full structural failure. Over the past week, crack after crack has been appearing in our plaster and walls. I'm honestly concerned for our safety.
Our home was built in 1890 and is a two-story brick and…
Slytherincess
- 363
- 1
- 3
- 7
25
votes
4 answers
How do I fix a hole in drywall?
There is a hole in my drywall from a doorknob repeatedly hitting it, is there a straightforward way to fix it?
Robert Greiner
- 455
- 5
- 9
25
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
- 353
- 3
- 6
25
votes
2 answers
How do you plan capacity for electrical circuits?
I'm finishing a section of my basement, which currently only has one bulb for bare light. In planning the electrical arrangement of things, how do I estimate the load of light fixtures or electrical outlets so I know if I need heavier gauge wire,…
Scivitri
- 2,158
- 10
- 26
- 28
25
votes
7 answers
How can I repair rusty tools?
Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust from the tools (e.g. Needle-nose pliers), or can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice?
Would I be better off just buying new tools (which can be an expensive choice for expensive tools)?
Larry Morries
- 495
- 3
- 8
- 14
25
votes
8 answers
Going to be away for 4 months, should we turn off the refrigerator or leave it on with water inside?
I have found people saying it's better to leave it on with water inside because then mould will not form. Is there any other downside except for electricity bill? It's a smallish refrigerator which will cost around 60$/year in electricity costs if…
user61237
- 353
- 1
- 3
- 7
24
votes
8 answers
Drilled into studs, light flickered momentarily but everything else seems fine now - should I be worried?
I was installing shelving in my closets, when drilled a hole into studs, the lights flickered momentarily for 2 seconds.
I stopped drilling, and everything else seems fine now. The circuit didn't break and the lights are no longer flickering.
There…
Vernon
- 241
- 1
- 2
- 3
24
votes
8 answers
What happens if I use vegetable oil instead of machine oil or grease?
It's kind of tempting to use vegetable oil for lubricating door hinges and other similar basic mechanisms around the house - vegetable oil is readily available in almost any household. However I always hear it's a bad idea, but could never find any…
sharptooth
- 9,717
- 20
- 65
- 89
24
votes
11 answers
What should we look for when buying a fixer-upper house?
My fiance and I are considering buying a fixer-upper house rather than an apartment when we get married.
Obviously things like location, neighbors etc. are important, but; what should we be looking for in terms of fixing it up ourselves? Neither of…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
- 3,544
- 10
- 38
- 60
24
votes
17 answers
When installing hardwood floors, should I use rosin paper, roofing felt, or nothing underneath? Why?
I've installed hardwood floors, over top of OSB subfloor with a layer of roofing felt in between. I copied this from the hardwood floor contractor who did a kitchen in my home once. He'd been in business for 20 years so I trusted him. I think he…
Cheeso
- 479
- 3
- 6
- 10
24
votes
5 answers
What types of electrical outlets are found in a typical home in the USA?
I do not live in the USA. If I were to buy a home in the USA, what are the key facts I should know about USA household electrical supply at outlets in homes? E.g. when buying a clothes dryer or other appliances.
I'm asking this question for a couple…
RedGrittyBrick
- 24,700
- 12
- 50
- 94
24
votes
6 answers
How do I stop the dripping noise from my gutters?
It has just recently started raining where I live, and I am new to this house. When the rain ceases and the water is dripping from the gutters through the drain, I can hear the dripping from inside the house. It is REALLY loud and is driving me…
Jeremy White
- 829
- 3
- 9
- 17
24
votes
10 answers
How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector?
I would like to reposition some pot lights - before drywalling the ceiling. They have been wired using push-in wire connectors. How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector ??
Jules
- 241
- 1
- 2
- 3
24
votes
4 answers
What is the use for this different threading near the head of a large screw?
I'm inquiring about the strange threading at the base of this screw:
These were used in somewhat heavy-duty outdoor construction. What is the purpose of that corkscrew, and is it safe to replace it with a similarly sized regular woodscrew?
I…
DarkLightA
- 473
- 2
- 4
- 9
24
votes
3 answers
Sudden Sulfur Smell from well water
We recently (about 8 months ago) had a 475 foot well dug drilled on our property. We are building a home slowly and are only just putting in a hot water heater this week, so we know it’s not an issue with a water heater. The water has always tasted…
RTown
- 241
- 1
- 2
- 5