Archive for the ‘How to Fix’ Category
Stuck? We'll help get it unstuck!
There might be nothing quite as frustrating as trying to open a drawer, only to force it out through a good ten seconds of struggle. If you're sick of trying to pry open a sticky drawer, or having it fly out at you once you've pried it loose, it's time to get in there and fix it for the long term. There's a good chance that the drawer in question is a wooden one, so let's figure out how to work with a wooden drawer.
Why don't metal and plastic drawers stick? Easy: they are made of moving parts meant to slide. If they do end up sticking, usually some metal lubricant or a Teflon lubricant for the plastic should be able to get things slide again.
When it comes to your wooden drawer, the task isn't so simple. Some wood drawers are made with sliding mechanisms, and others are simply put into place, assuming they will slide because they're made of wood. The first thing you'll need to do is get in there and try and figure out exactly what's causing the drawer to stick. This might be a problem unique to wood - for example, wood can swell and expand, causing it to be trickier to open up.
Check your drawer for anything that seems out of the ordinary - especially as compared to the other functioning drawers. If everything seems to be in place, you might simply need to use a lubricant. On wood, soap and beeswax will function fine as lubricants, but make sure to apply them generously and to as many areas as you can reach. If you miss one key area, it might leave the drawer still sticky even though you've applied a lubricant.
Other problems like loose nails can be causing the obstruction. If your drawer opens partially but suddenly stops, there's a good chance that something hard like a nail is getting in the way. Other hard obstructions in the sliding mechanism might be the cause, as well. If you can, try to remove the nearby drawers so that you'll have better access to the sticky drawer. This should give you the ability to have a closer look at the inner workings of your drawer, which is where you might be better able to make a diagnosis.
A sticky drawer can be caused by one obstruction, but the problem can also be a little more difficult to ascertain. Try to stick with it until you find the problem, and you should have a much better idea where to go from there.
Photo Credits: kcolwell
Originally posted 2009-08-27 03:46:32.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on February 6, 2012 in
Furniture, Handyman, How to Fix
Gopher pokes head out.
Many of us are familiar with the work of Bill Murray in the film "Caddyshack" - the slow-witted groundskeeper waging a personal war against a gopher who's decided to make the golf course his home. But if you really have a gopher and/or mole problem around your lawn and garden, you don't want to go the Caddyshack route and plant plastic explosives in the ground. So what's a do-it-yourselfer like you to do? For starters, all you need to do is keep reading.
Your first option to consider is fencing. If you have an easy garden and lawn to fence in from the outside world, you should be able to fence it off relatively easily. You might even simply want to isolate your garden so that you have to do as little work and fence purchasing as possible - this isn't a bad idea. If your gophers start to realize that the work involved with getting in your garden isn't worth the food present, they'll probably stop trying to get in. Keep in mind that gophers can burrow quite deeply into the ground, so a surface fence probably isn't enough; and having a fence might not solve all of your problems.
Another option to consider will remind you of "Caddyshack": flooding. If you know where the gopher or mole has been gaining access to your garden, you can "flood" it out by spraying water in there through a hose. Some people don't like to do this to gophers or moles, so it will be a personal decision for you to make. If you choose not to flood the gopher out, remember that you have to be thorough in the other methods you use in order to solve the gopher problem.
You can also find "sonic spikes" that can be installed in the ground, though some people have found these devices bothersome; if you live very close to your neighbors, for instance, there's a good chance they might complain about them.
Keep in mind that you can ask around about gopher traps if you want to make sure that you've actually gotten a gopher from the ground and under your control.
A gopher problem isn't a fun thing, especially if you recently put in a lot of work into your lawn or garden. But if you're diligent, you should be able to get the gophers out of your turf.
Photo Credits: ingridtaylar
Originally posted 2010-01-07 03:01:07.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on February 5, 2012 in
Backyard, How to Fix, Landscaper, Lawn, pests
Grab your paintbrush!
Let's face it: using paint to cover up dings and scratches around the house doesn't exactly sound like advanced home improvement work. But the fact remains that you probably didn't learn how to use a paint brush properly in school, unless you were making watercolors! Using a paint brush around the house can be a very useful skill, particularly if you notice that there are areas of your home that can be fixed with a little "cosmetic surgery." So how do you become an ace surgeon? Simple. Keep reading.
When it comes to using a paint brush around the home, you might hear that it's "instinctive." Don't believe it. It might seem instinctive to people with a lot of home improvement experience, but unless you learn the proper techniques, you could end up wondering why your paint jobs look so different from everyone else's. With that in mind, here are some crucial tips and techniques to remember:
- "Load" the brush effectively. When you start painting (by the way, you made sure to cover surrounding areas, right?), you'll first have to "load" the brush with paint, which simply refers to dipping the paint brush into a bucket or puddle of paint so that you can apply it to the surface you want. There are some things to keep in mind here: first, only load the paint on the brush up to about a third on the bristles. Don't "scrape" the brushes on the side of the paint can, instead tapping it out to get rid of some of the dripping. Scraping the brush will lead to less paint being used on each application.
- As you apply the paint, try to work from side to side, starting on the left if you're right-handed, and vice versa for lefties. Try to cover the corners first so that you don't have to worry about them; one handy trick to remember is to have the dark edges cover the lighter-colored edges. This is because covering a dark edge with a light edge can mean that the dark coat of paint underneath shows, and it won't look very attractive.
Now that you've got a better understanding of how household paint works, you should find it easier to do the right job the first time. This means you won't have to worry about a poor paint job after your most recent coat dries. Remember that home improvement starts with self-improvement!
Photo Credits: FFX © florbelas fotographix
Originally posted 2009-10-05 03:59:58.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on February 3, 2012 in
Handyman, How to Fix, paint
The best kind of fix: prevention!
Many of home furniture problems can be solved before they happen, with a little something known as "prevention." The home improvement industry places a lot of emphasis on fixing things, but when you know how to prevent something from breaking down, you are essentially "fixing it before it breaks." In this article, we'll explore some popular ways you can keep your furniture protected and out of harm's way. After all, a well-maintained piece of furniture can often be better than a formerly broken one.
Understanding Moisture
Moisture is frequently a problem with furniture - whether you're talking about wicker chairs and tables, leather, or plain old wood, too much moisture can definitely wreak a lot of havoc. Even in very humid environments where there's condensation, wood furniture can be exposed to the possibility of swelling. So how do you prevent this?
Some pieces of furniture can stand to avoid total dryness, too. Remember that some moisture in the air might be good for your furniture, even if too much can cause it to warp. You don't want to micromanage your furniture based on the humidity level each day, but try to keep in mind that if it's too humid or if it's raining outdoors, you should probably move the outdoor furniture inside.
Understanding Sunlight
Now that we've addressed the problems rain can pose to your furniture, it's important to remember that sunshine can also cause problems. At least, too much sunshine. You wouldn't leave yourself out in the sun for an extended period of time without some shade or protection - you'd get a sunburn. Although wood isn't comparable to a human being, it's important to remember that sunlight over time can dry out and damage wood.
Sunshine is easy to protect against - dragging a tarp or large cloth over your furniture on a scorching hot summer day wouldn't be a bad idea. Even keeping your wood in the shade, such as on a porch, can protect against the sun.
Wood and Furniture Maintenance
It's important to regularly dust and clean your furniture, whether you have wicker, leather, wood, or a combination. Keeping your wood free of too much moisture and debris will help keep it clear and strong. To get a lot of life out of your wood, try not to expose it to too much water or sunshine.
Photo Credits: `Nicolas - designer
Originally posted 2009-08-21 03:58:38.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on February 2, 2012 in
Furniture, Handyman, How to Fix
Mulch. Mulch. Mulch.
Mulch. It doesn't sound like much, but there's a reason it's such a popular item to use around the home and garden. Mulch can help lock in temperature and moisture in soil, prevent weeds from going, keep unwanted critters out, decorate an area, and even improve the quality of the soil by enhancing nutrients (in the case of "organic" mulch). So if there's been something missing from your lawn or garden, there's a good chance that the answer to your problems is as simple as laying down some mulch. Here's how to do it.
First, mulching will depend on the kind of climate you live in. If you live in a cold-weather climate and your winters will see a thick layer of snow for months at a time, you'll want to apply cold-weather mulch before winter and make sure you replace it every year. If you live in a warm-weather area where temperatures are pretty stable year-round, you'll also want to annually replace mulch, but you probably won't need to apply it for the sake of the seasons.
Mulch can work in both temperatures, however, to keep the soil at a better temperature. In warm-weather areas, mulch can block out a lot of sunlight and keep the ground cooler - after all, you know how warm blacktop can get when it simply sits out in the sun all day. For cold-weather areas, mulch will have an insulating effect. For this reason, you'll want to apply mulch different: just a 1-2 inch layer in the warm weather areas, and more insulating mulch for colder areas, which means an even thicker layer.
You'll also want to plot out where you use your mulch. Mulch can make a great border between grass and garden; just remember that you probably won't be walking on it much. Take a look at your landscaping and ask yourself where the borders should go. Don't go overboard with them; simply realize that borders can really augment and improve the look of a great landscape design.
In general, the best idea for using mulch is to KISS, or "Keep It Simple, Stupid." Use mulch to help keep the soil protected and also provide a landscape border. Don't overdo it with the mulch; simply lay it, inspect it, and then leave it. You'll find that this approach will work just fine, and it will only take on Saturday afternoon of work.
Photo Credits: knitsteel
Originally posted 2010-01-05 03:57:13.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on February 1, 2012 in
Backyard, How to Fix, Landscaper, Lawn
Rusty and crusty? No problem!
For the beginning handy-man, it's pretty obvious that none of us were born knowing how to fix devices like lamp posts. But if you have a lamp post on your property that's been gathering rust for who knows how long, it might be time to take out the equipment and set to work. Which equipment will you want to bring out? Start with steel wool (or a wire brush), a rust inhibitor, metallic paint, a high-speed rotary (see details below), and safety glasses or goggles. It's time to finally fix that rusty lamp post.
Use your steel wool/wire brush (you can use both if you want to) to scrape away any debris or dust that won't be part of this job. You'll be working with the lamp post and its rust - before you try anything else, you're going to want to make sure all other debris is removed. Getting debris in the way can lead to a poor paint job once it's all done; the goal here is consistency.
A high-speed rotary with a #500 aluminum oxide grinding wheel will be important for removing the hardest rust. You can't exactly expect to scrape the rust away. Make sure you wear safety goggles, no matter how brave you're feeling.
Once you've scraped the rust down to size, apply a rust inhibitor so that the areas you've exposed won't begin to rust over themselves. This might not seem totally necessary, but it will help fix your lamp post for the long-term. After all, who wants to keep revisiting the same post year after year? Ask your hardware store for rust inhibitor. Apply it generously to the bare surface and joints of your lamp post.
After applying the inhibitor, it's time to put on the metallic paint. This will probably come in the form of a spray, since your lamp post will probably have hard-to-reach joints that you'll simply want to coat quickly. Try to get a color that matches your lamp post's color for the sake of uniformity. If this isn't possible, you might simply try applying another coat of paint - which is another article entirely!
It's easier than you think to fix what seems "unfixable," such as a rusty lamp post. You simply need the right knowledge and the right equipment. Don't be afraid to experiment - after all, the skill might come in handy some day.
Photo Credits: gingher
Originally posted 2009-08-26 03:41:55.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on January 30, 2012 in
Furniture, Handyman, How to Fix, light fixtures
Wicker Chair
One sure way of keeping your wicker furniture in good shape is to clean it from time to time. This will keep moisture from developing. If you have wicker furniture that needs some amount of repair, you can easily repair it yourself. Here’s how you do it…
Usually, people use wicker furniture in their patios. This introduces problems such as harsh and continuous daily sunlight, severe rain and extreme changes in temperature which could jointly affect the wicker. This is why you need to exercise great caution when taking in wicker furniture and clean it regularly to prolong its life.
Despite the best care you take, ultimately all wicker furniture needs repairs. By first examining the damage to your furniture, you can decide how to go about repairing it. If it’s just a basic problem of some loose fiber strands giving you a rough edge, all you need to do is to rub sandpaper over it very lightly. Finish with a coat of varnish or lacquer, if you prefer.
However, if the damage to your furniture extends to cracks caused due to overexposure to dryness, moisten your wicker furniture by rubbing linseed oil on it. Cover the entire area of the chair with this oil and make sure that the oil enters the cracks and weave. Leave it for a day or more to make sure that the wicker fully absorbs the oil. You could add a little more oil to see if it will absorb anymore or not. If it doesn’t but runs off down the legs of the furniture, wipe it away and allow the chair to dry completely.
If your wicker furniture’s weave shifts or is matted with age or by using in the sun, it needs to be wetted before reusing. When wet, wicker retains the shape it dries in. You do this by wetting the part of the furniture that is in need of repairs and adjust the weave on the strand at one time. Then, allow it to dry on its own and get its proper and natural shape. Being resilient, your wicker furniture will return to its original form.
If you want to repair the underside of your wicker chair, weave the new strand in and make sure that you follow the pattern from the original wicker chair. Pull he wicker as tightly as possible as you go along. When you finish, trim the new strand so it fits well and make sure that the ends of the new one abut the old one. Next, apply glue between the ends and clamp the ends with a spring clamp to give it an extra strong hold even as the glue dries.
If you want to replace a strand or part of your furniture, make sure that you already have a sample weave of the final weave as a guide. You can follow this to get the right pattern of weave. However, if one section of your furniture calls for a lot of effort, you might consider it better to hand it over to your local furniture shop.
Photo Credits: René Ehrhardt
Originally posted 2010-04-21 03:03:20.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on January 29, 2012 in
Furniture, Handyman, How to Fix
Storm windows.
When it comes to windows, people generally have one of three things in mind. Decor, energy savings, and protection from the elements. What if you could install windows that served up a dose of all three, saving you money on energy, protecting you from storms, and adding to the design of your home? Then you need to look no further: storm windows can handle each of those jobs.
But what about your current window situation? If you've never installed windows before, let alone storm windows, here are some quick tips that should help you find your bearings.
First, be clear about what you need. What do you need in order to install storm windows and replace your old windows? You'll need to take clear measurements and know exactly how many windows you're going to replace before you even think about acquiring the storm windows that work for you. If you're working with a contractor, then you need to make it clear to them that you have special needs, so communicate any of the special desires you might have.
Second, find the right storm windows. If you want this installation to be a one-and-done type deal, you're going to need to make sure that the storm windows you're installing will fit in with the decor around your home. It will help to get an outside opinion on this one, and this can be a great time to include your spouse in on the storm windows decisions. Some people are intimidated by the phrase "storm windows," but you'd be surprised to learn the variety of storm windows that are available.
Third, make sure the windows have a tight seal. If you've done your homework and know what kind of windows you're purchasing, there's a good chance your windows should fit nice and snug into your home. You want a snug fit, because a tight seal for your storm windows will help keep the elements (and temperature) outside. If you have a little extra space, you can caulk the small gaps, but make sure that the bottom edge of your storm window stays sealed and totally uncaulked so that no water gets through.
If you follow those three principles, you should have success with installing storm windows, even if it's your first time undertaking any kind of serious home improvement project. Now, enjoy the comfort that comes with energy-conserving, storm-resistant windows!
Photo Credits: Nieve44/La Luz
Originally posted 2009-12-31 03:51:08.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on January 28, 2012 in
Handyman, How to Fix, windows
Is your dishwasher acting up?
The dishwasher is one of the modern conveniences that we often take for granted - until it starts failing us and we realize how much easier it made our daily lives. If you have an annoying dishwasher, it's best not to put off the problem for the future. Instead, you can nip it in the bud by seeing if you can diagnose the problem and using some good old fashioned elbow grease. Here's how to fix an annoying dishwasher.
First it helps to understand how a dishwasher basically works. A dishwasher has a lot of water flowing in and out of it on a daily basis - first, it uses a heated water and detergent mix in order to complete a wash. This dirty water is then drained from the dishwasher. The dishes are then rinsed with water and a rinsing agent, and then this water is drained and the dishes are left to dry, often with heat added to the drying process. When you open up your dishwasher door again, you have a clean set of dishwasher and silverware waiting to be put away.
At least that's how it's supposed to work. If your dishwasher is having problems, empty it and take a look at some of the basic parts. For example, there is a water inlet valve which lets water in, a float that helps the dishwasher know when the water is high enough, and a motor which pushes water into a pump that sprays the dishes clean. If any of these parts look like they need to be replaced, replace them.
It helps to keep your dishwasher clean on a regular basis - dishwashers do have a lot of clean water going through them on a daily basis, but that doesn't mean the dishwasher itself will be clean; only your dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is clean and try another load to see if it cleared out whatever might have been causing the problem.
If you're still having trouble with your dishwasher, consult an owner's manual (it's best to keep your owners' manuals in the same secure spot) and see if there's anything you can do. Replace what needs to be replaced. If you're stuck, call in a repairman and see if they know what the problem is - as you do, be sure to have them explain the problem to you in case it ever comes up again. Chances are that you'll learn something about your dishwasher that just may come in handy in the future.
Photo Credits: zenobia_joy
Originally posted 2009-12-15 03:10:54.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on January 27, 2012 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, kitchen
Water damage.
Let's face it - with all of the economic and financial issues troubling us these days, the last thing most people need is another expense that will add more frown wrinkles to your face. So when you realize that you're paying way too much for your water usage, are you prepared to actually go ahead and fix it, or do you simply sigh and try to find the extra money for this month?
Sigh no more. Let's take a look at some ways you can fix those high water costs and bring them back down where they belong.
First, let's start with a simple trick. Your toilet fills with water during every flush, including in the toilet tank. But once your water gets up to a certain level, it stops. If you want to displace some of this water volume, fill up a water bottle and place it in the toilet tank. Since this displaces water, you'll start saving water after each and every flush. Just make sure that you know how a toilet works, or else you might end up doing more harm than you originally intended. (By the way, if you have a toilet flushing more than 1.6 gallons per flush, it's time for a new toilet).
Next, remember that a lot of the water you use in your house goes through your washing machine. You may think that you drink a lot of water, but it's nothing compared to the amount of water you might be using for clothes. You can cut down on this water by simply doing less loads of laundry. Don't be wasteful with this water, so only wash clothes that actually need to be washed - make sure that you wear some clean clothes more than once and that you don't end up washing too many clean clothes. This will cut down on the amount of loads of laundry you have to perform every week.
Also, be sure to monitor the water that you waste. If you keep a bucket of "greywater" around, you can dump the water you didn't drink from a glass in there and use it to water plants.
There's plenty more to learn about fixing your problem with high water costs. The most important thing is to look at your individual situation, find out where much of your water usage comes from, and work to optimize your own water expenses.
Photo Credits: thirteenthbat
Originally posted 2009-10-21 03:03:42.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on January 26, 2012 in
appliances, Handyman, How to Fix, toilet, water
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