Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
14
votes
7 answers

How can I trip a breaker from the outlet

One time at my job we had some electrical work that needed done. The electrician had a small homemade switch box with a 120v mains plug running out of it and a switch on the front. The device basically threw whatever breaker that plug was attached…
Brent1409
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7 answers

How do you sharpen a knife?

Just got done sharpening a few knives, and thought it could be useful to post a question about it here. So lets say I have one of these guys. With a coarse stone, a medium stone, and a fine stone. What is the proper way to sharpen a knife with a…
Tester101
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14
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4 answers

Does a bedroom have to have a closet?

I'm finishing my basement (actually its the second basement I've finished). And I've built what I think is a bedroom in the basement. I had the ELECTRICAL inspector in here the other day and as he's going through the inspection he says: "So this…
kasdega
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3 answers

Can I safely use a switch rated for "1A at 125V" with 240V, assuming I stay below 125W?

I recently purchased a foot switch for a standing lamp. The switch is rated for 1A at 125V. I would like to use this switch with a low energy lamp (typically 10W or below) but with a 240V supply. Is this safe?
James
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13
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5 answers

How to stop a wall from falling

My Beloved Barn roof has almost gone and, without the money to repair it, I had to let it go. This has meant the walls have started to go and, as you can see from the picture, half the front part has gone. I now have to protect the road from debris…
Jason K
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13
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6 answers

Why do I have to hold the handle down to flush the toilet?

I have to hold the handle down to flush my toilet completely. I took a look inside and I am wondering if it has something to do with the chain or the flapper. I am noticing that the flapper does not stay up unless the handle is being held down. Does…
Josh Pennington
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1 answer

How do lawnmower blade sizes work?

I went to my local big box store this past weekend to find a replacement for my lawnmower blade (it's a Craftsman Precision Plus if that makes a difference, but it shouldn't). When I got to the lawnmower blade section, I was impressed to find about…
smeeb
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10 answers

Does one need to be certified in order to do residential electrical work?

I have a Bachelor in electrical engineering, a lot of hands-on experience with electrical work, and I'm very familiar with NEC 2011 and electrical codes. Can I do residential electrical work without being certified? I heard that I only need to be…
Hussein
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13
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10 answers

Should I set wood fence posts in quikrete with no supplemental water?

Setting wood fence post---I've heard to set wood fence posts using quikrete dry, allowing it get moisture from the ground. Is this a good idea?
Bryan
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13
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5 answers

Drywall anchor won't hold

I have a baby gate on the top of the stair. The dry wall anchors used held up for a couple of months, but now it came out loose. What type of anchor do I need to use for this?
user21479
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10 answers

Is it safe to use an angle grinder with wood cutting blades?

Being a newbie to DIY and trying to get more and more jobs done myself, safety is a concern to me. I recently bought a Makita 5" angle grinder to cut some metal balustrades, job done. I considered buying some wood cutting discs for it, which I have…
Ray_Hack
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13
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2 answers

Is there a good rule of thumb for how many lights you need in a room?

I want to use ceiling recessed wall washers in a 13 ft by 24 ft room. Any advice on light spacing so I don't create dark spots? How far from the wall vs how far apart from each other should they be?
unusualhabit
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13
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6 answers

How high to raise water heater above floor?

I saw a water heater stand at Home Depot but it's about 15" high. That's a bit too high for my basement. Can I just make one with 2x4 and plywood that's only 4" tall, basically just enough to be able to drain water off the drain tray? Or does the…
amphibient
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13
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5 answers

Do I NEED to use correct colors when wiring always?

What I am wondering is if there is any code that is violated if the wrong colors are used in wiring outlets? For example, it is standard to use white as neutral and black as power but if I only had two blacks or some other color combination, does…
Eric F
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7 answers

What can one do with shower water?

A relative is rebuilding his bathroom. Since he has a garden and he is all about "thinking green" he was wondering if he could use the shower water (or any other) in any way, like water plants. I found the idea interesting when he told me and we…
nsn
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