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1500 questions
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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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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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In layman's terms how much pressure is 4000 psi?

4000 psi sounds like a lot. That's what some pressure washers can go up to. Just how much pressure is that? What are some real world examples that would help explain that kind of pressure?
Daniel Duckworth
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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
15
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How can I eliminate one 3-way switch to leave just one switch on the lighting circuit it's on?

I have two sets of lights in my kitchen. At one end of the kitchen, I have a 2 Gang light switch which operates both sets of lights, and at the other end I have a single light switch which operates the lights at that end of the kitchen. I want to…
Roy
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2 answers

Can I run a central air conditioner in the winter?

What happens if you run a central air conditioner when it's below freezing outside? Is this expected to work? I know, it sounds crazy, but that's because you don't live in an overheated New York apartment building built in 1904 where the whole…
Joel Spolsky
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Does a plumbing vent need to penetrate the roof? (Can it penetrate a wall?)

We're going to move our washer/dryer to the garage (the front loader needs to sit on concrete to keep it from shaking our house to the ground). I'll need to add a washer drain to the garage for the washer. Because this will need a p-trap, my…
DA01
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How do I fix seams that open up at the corners of walls during the winter?

Every winter, we get cracks like this where the walls meet the ceiling in certain rooms. We just got our bathroom redone, so it's most bothersome here. When springtime comes, they "seal" back up. Why does this happen and what's the best way to…
spalt
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What are the pros and cons of different types of windows?

I live in the North Eastern corner of US, and my house has 50 year old single-pane wooden windows. They held up not too bad, considering, but now I want to replace them all. Things that are important to me are: Decent energy efficiency (this,…
user76
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Putting together a tool set for children 8-11

One of the many hats I wear is the hat of Bagheera, assistant cub scout leader. I'd like to introduce a project where we build a wooden tool box. But I'd also like to provide the cub scouts with a minimal set of tools they can take home. What…
Chris Cudmore
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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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8 answers

Is there a wall outlet power meter that I can interface with from a computer?

I'm wondering if there is a wall outlet power meter that I can somehow interface with from a computer. I'm aware of all the google power meter products, but those are for an entire house. I'm trying to measure the electricity usage of a single…
wangburger
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5 answers

What is the relative importance of cut-retardant safety gloves when using a chainsaw?

I am evaluating some cut-retardant gloves for use with a chainsaw. At first the idea of protecting my hands appealed to me, but later I couldn't really justify to myself why that purchase would make sense if the rest of my torso was…
Anonymous
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What would cause excess CO2 in cellar

Question Update: We now know that the problem is Carbon Dioxide; any suggestions on what could be consuming oxygen and producing Carbon Dioxide would be great! We rent an old farm house that has recently been renovated, the cellar has been tanked,…
Dog Ears
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What are the pros and cons of adding a vapor barrier behind shower backer board?

After much research, I have a lot of conflicting advise about the need to add a vapor barrier before installing the backer (hardy / cement) board for my bathroom shower. The "expert" at Home Depot, and another guy on youtube seem to think this is a…
virtualxtc
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