Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
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5 answers

How can I fix a door that doesn't close because it doesn't fit the frame?

Two closet doors in my house won't close all the way. When they are about 85% closed, it stops because the top of the door is rubbing up against the frames. It looks like I need to move the door down about 3-6 inches a half inch. The doors are…
Mike Sherov
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Is it required for effectiveness to stretch interior window film?

Short version: I am using a Frost King window insulation kit on a window. Can I skip the hairdryer step and still get a good amount of insulating effect? Long version: I am using a Frost King window insulation kit on a window. The way these work is…
capet
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Is it ok to screw into a steel door?

I am looking to hang some blinds over the window on my front door. Is ok to screw the mounting hardware directly into the door?
Adam B
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1 answer

Why does a USA/Canada surge-protected extension lead (110V) trip my circuit breakers in the UK (220V)?

I moved from Canada to the UK and for convenience I would like to use some of my Canadian aquired extension leads (for light power items such as ethernet switches). Problem is that the surge-protected extension leads seem to always trip my circuit…
asoundmove
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6 answers

Toilet paper to the left or right?

I just repainted my bathroom, and at the same time decided to replace the toilet paper dispenser. I patched the holes from the previous TP holder, so I'm starting with a clean slate. I'm at the point where I'm ready to install the new dispenser,…
Tester101
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6 answers

Can a homeowner without a Section 608 EPA license legally connect his own gauges to his own air conditioner if the unit uses 410a refrigerant?

It has been suggested by at least one moderator on this site that EPA Section 608, which restricts who can purchase and handle refrigerant, including who can connect a set of manifold gauges to a unit, applies only to CFC and HCFC refrigerants …
user39367
12
votes
5 answers

Why did my installer install 1/4 round corners like this and how can I fix it?

We had a guy come by to finish some previous tile work we had done. The morning of finishing the tile, he called and said he couldn't get the grout to stick along the edges, and it was just going under the baseboards and not setting up. He suggested…
ctote
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How do I sound-proof a bathroom?

I think most people would agree that sound proofing a bathroom is a swell idea. Since bathrooms are special rooms (high humidity), what are some tips and techniques you can use to sound proof one without running into water/mold problems down the…
Joe Phillips
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4 answers

Why do my bulbs glow brighter when the microwave is running?

When I run the microwave oven in my rented apartment, the incandescent lights nearby glow much brighter. What sort of mis-wiring could cause this? EDIT: Suspecting a bad neutral connection, I measured the voltage between hot and neutral at a nearby…
nibot
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4 answers

How much water should I expect to be left in a dishwasher?

After every load there is always some water left in the bottom of the drain basket/filter. It's not up into the dishwasher itself, but when I reach into the filter to clean it, there's always water in it. I have a GE QuietPower 3. Is this…
Aaron - mostly inactive
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7 answers

Are there any restrictions on using crimped connections to electrical devices (receptacles, switches)?

As the title states, are there any code restrictions in general on using crimped spade and ring terminal connectors when wiring household electrical circuits? I've actually been doing this for a while, using 600V rated spade connectors from Home…
William S.
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6 answers

What wireless temperature monitoring systems should I look into?

I'd like to monitor and log temperature on few locations in my home. Wireless monitoring with normal consumer batteries etc would be preferable for the sensors. I have an Mac OSX server running at my home where I could log the temperatures and…
Mikko Tapionlinna
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8 answers

Can't replace hardwood floors, what are my options?

My house was built in 1929 and still has the original hardwood floors. And now some 85 years later they are in terrible shape. They squeak like crazy, many boards are broken and splintered, there are gaps, they are uneven, and there are several…
hokiewalrus
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6 answers

Can I tap into an exterior light in order to power a security camera?

I have an exterior light (shown below) that I was wondering if I could tap into, in order to power an outdoor IP cam. I understand I would have to pull appart some cables and potentially purchase connectors, etc. but I am up for the challenge if it…
Brian
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3 answers

How do I connect a new cooktop that has no white neutral wire?

My old cooktop which is being replaced connects to a j-box with black, red, white, and bare ground wires, which goes to a 40 amp circuit breaker (US here, noticed this site is popular with Europe too). We just bought a brand-new Bosch cooktop which…
mtjhax
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