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1500 questions
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5 answers

Can I run a 15A table saw on a 15A circuit if there are also shop lights on the same circuit?

I apologize if this is a tired question, but none of the other similar questions I found are close enough to what I really need to know. I am hoping to buy a DeWalt table saw for use in my garage. The only documentation I can find shows that the saw…
Pierce
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4 answers

Technique for driving hinge screws to minimize misalignment

When fitting hinge screws I've noticed that, unless the pilot holes are centered exactly on the holes in the hinge and at a precise (within 2-3 degrees) horizontal/lateral right angle to the hinge plate, the edge of the screw head is always…
Brybeck
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Which type of PVC for exposed outdoor use?

I'm looking at hooking up some rain barrels using PVC piping. Is there a certain type of PVC that would be best to use for this, considering that it will be exposed to sun/rain/heat/cold? Lots of people seem to use "regular" white PVC but I didn't…
Brad Mace
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5 answers

Can Teflon thread tape be reused?

I need to take off my shower head for cleaning and possible replacement. I can see there is Teflon tape on the fitting where the head connects to the arm. When I reconnect the head, can I reuse the existing tape? Do I wrap an extra layer around the…
Phillip
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2 answers

Scientifically speaking, how and why does sweating (soldering) copper pipes work?

A few years ago I remodeled my bathroom and learned how to sweat copper pipes. I've always been able to do it successfully since then, but I've always wondered exactly how and why it works. I've done some searching on the web but most of what I find…
Mike Willis
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6 answers

Should I hire an architect to design my house?

I am planning to build a house for my family. It's relatively simple and modest by modern American standards. I plan to do much of the work myself, and want to keep costs down. I have been working on some designs, but I wonder what a professional…
Jay Bazuzi
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6 answers

How do you push a cable through a standard conduit inside the wall?

I want to expand my network and transmit it wired through my home and office (in another floor). I know the IT part kind of well, but don't know how to push the network cable through a conduit (already know where's the entry and exit). Do you need a…
Anton Dylan
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9 answers

How do I "fix" a bad sweat (solder) joint?

I tried soldering some 1/2" copper (to make something like this) and some of my joints are horrible. I tested it with water and some of the joints leak. What is the best way to fix the joints? What is a quick and easy way that will work? These…
Tim
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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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6 answers

Can I connect ground to neutral in a 3 wire outlet?

I have a 3 wire outlet with the entrances for hot, neutral and ground. But I know that the ground entrance is not really grounded, so in effect useless. Now, since the neutral is grounded, could I connect the ground entrance with the neutral…
Mr. Roland
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1 answer

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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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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10 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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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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