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1500 questions
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2 answers

Are these drywall screws properly driven/countersunk?

Related to this question. Even though I might be cluttering up SE with questions about driving drywall screws, I feel they will ultimately be helpful since I have been unsuccessful in finding images of properly-driven drywall screws. Plus, it's a…
oscilatingcretin
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Is it possible to use a dryer vent as a heat source in the winter?

Is it possible to attach a diverter to an electric clothes dryer vent so it can help heat my house in the winter? Seems like such a waste to blow it all outside. I imagine you'd need some sort of filter or maybe a radiant heating option.
dotjoe
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4 answers

Should I run outlet circuits through the studs or up and along the top plates?

I have a great workshop (20 x 25 ft, 2 level) that was built with no power (previous owner). I'm installing a subpanel in the shop (90A) and need to install receptacles, lights, etc. as well. I've never organized a shop before so I'm unsure how to…
tnknepp
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How do I know if it is safe to remove a wall?

When looking at a wall, how can I tell if I can safely remove it?
Walker
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4 answers

Is this electrical junction up to code?

I was up in my attic a few days ago, and I noticed a pretty ugly electrical junction that wasn't in a junction box. Here's the pic: Is this up to code? FWIW I live in north Alabama, outside city limits. However I'm assuming there are general…
Doresoom
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3 answers

Is it safe to put a 120W equivalent LED bulb in a 100W max fixture?

I bought a 15W led bulb which is the equivalent of a 120W incandescent. But, I can't find a cord grip ceiling bulb holder rated higher than 100W. Is it safe to put the 120W equivalent bulb in a 100W ceiling socket?
Rodney Jones
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4 answers

Does it matter which 3-way switch I put a dimmer at on a 4-way circuit?

I was working a side job today and re-wired quite a few 3 and 4-way circuits. I have a good understanding on how each work, but when I hooked up a 3-way dimmer on a 4-way circuit, the light would come on only if I had a certain switch on. …
Brian
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7 answers

Is "don't mix data and power cables" and "don't loop power cables" still valid nowadays?

There are two sayings I keep hearing when talking about wiring e.g. home cinema or computer hardware; Don't wrap data/network cables and power cables up in the same loop because the power cables will mess up the streams of your data cables Don't…
F.P
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2 answers

Should there be insulation inside a light fixture?

I recently moved into a new home, and I was replacing a light bulb when I found this after removing the glass cover. Now, I don't know much about codes and regulations, and I'm new to working on my own home, but this screams "fire hazard" to me, so…
Graham Harper
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3 answers

Should I store my staple gun with the handle up or down?

How should I store my staple gun long term? Lever up like this: Or lever down, like this: I'm worried about the strength of the spring over time.
Gregor
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8 answers

In a light switch, how can I tell if the black wire is really hot and the white wire is really neutral?

I'm just a programmer who wants to add an outlet below my light switch. I did a bunch of research on this topic and decided I could tackle it. According to my research, the hot/line is the black wire going into the bottom of the switch and the load…
Jason Thompson
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1 answer

How to clean a burnt wall socket?

I had a dishwasher plugged into the wall. The dishwasher plug has always been a little iffy but we have never had a problem with it before. It shorted while the dishwasher was running and I caught it pretty fast but it scorched the wall a little and…
Feltope
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3 answers

Gas clothes dryer is venting into the crawl space

I have been living in a house in Southern California for 18 months and while crawling around under the far end of the house I found that there is about 2 inch deep lint over a 200 sq ft area where my gas clothes dryer vents into this crawl space. I…
Dave
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Install a new tub that has cracks?

first question here. We're having a bathroom remodeled. The first tub that was delivered had a huge crack in it, so we asked for a replacement. The second one took 2 weeks to arrive. It has two tiny cracks in the corner. One appears to be (shoddily)…
Seenu
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My 15 amp hair dryer has a 20 amp plug. Can I put a 15 amp plug on it?

I have a 14.85 amp portable air dryer with a 20 amp plug - vertical/horizontal prong. Can i replace this plug to standard 15 amp both vertical prongs, and use safely on a 15 amp circuit? Assuming it will be used continuously for no more than 10…
kevin wood
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