Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-construct-hidden-shelf-supports
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Thursday, 31 March 2011
How to Construct Hidden Shelf Supports
Hidden shelf supports help you to attach a shelf to the wall, and make the shelf appear to float.
Childproofing Your Master Bathroom
Taking every precaution to keep your baby from harm with effective childproofing is practical and necessary.
Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/childproofing-your-master-bathroom
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Fireplace Repair Options
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Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/877_Fireplace_Repair_Options.shtml
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What You Need in Your First Tool Kit (and Why You Need It)
Filed under: Tools, Essential Skills, Know-How
Buying a pre-packaged tool set can lead to wasted money and unneeded tools. Instead, follow our writer's lead as she breaks down her first tool kit. 
Some of you already have tool kits that could put Bob Vila to shame. Friends, this article does not apply to you -- but we do recommend you email it to any college students/new apartment dwellers/friends who aren't as naturally handy as you are. This is for those who keep their tool kits in the depths of the closet or in the Narnia known as underneath the kitchen sink. Even if it's not used every day, it should still contain everything you need! Here's a list of the essentials everyone should have in their arsenal, and why it matters.
Your first tool kit should have... a measuring tape.
So you ordered a new piece of furniture, but you didn't measure the space you were planning to put it in. Now it doesn't fit, and you have the awesome pleasure of bumping into it every morning on your way to the bathroom. This is a fate that could have been avoided had you overcome your laziness and pulled out the old tape measure before you bought the furniture. Lesson learned.
Your first tool kit should have... needle-nosed pliers: Electricians use these for cutting wires that are shoved in tight spaces. You can use them on teeny wires poking out of a lampshade or non-electrical accessories. And yes, to fix the broken clasp on the cheap necklaces you bought.
Your first tool kit should have... a box cutter: Put down the butterknife -- you need to stop dulling out your kitchen knives by opening your mail with them. The boxcutter is a great tool to keep handy. We promise: Your stress level will go down when you easily cut into your next package, instead of hacking at the mailing tape.
Your first tool kit should have... screwdrivers: You probably already know there are two types of screwdrivers: Phillips head and flat head. You should have both on-hand because you never know what type of screw you'll encounter. Whether you're going to tighten a loose door knob or attempt to put together a bookshelf, the screwdriver is probably going to be the item in your tool kit you'll get the most use out of.
Your first tool kit should have... a hammer and nails: You're probably not going to be doing much carpentry work, so the main use of the hammer and nails is going to come when you decide to buy something new to hang on your walls. Framed movie poster? Come on now. There are plenty of better options for wall art.
Your first tool kit should have... a level: Remember that time you hung up a painting and you got into a fight with your roommate/spouse about whether it was straight or not? You're perched on a second-rate step ladder and they're telling you things like, "A little higher on the left," and then, "Maybe a little higher on the right," followed by, "Um, maybe you should move it down?" The painting is either crooked or they are blind. You can avoid these Sunday afternoon arguments by picking up a level. It'll tell you how low or high the painting is and the bonus is that you don't have to have a conversation with your loved ones at all.
Your first tool kit should have... wire cutters: Since you can barely set the sleep timer on your TV, you're probably not going to be taking on any rewiring projects any time soon. But you should pick them up anyway. Why? Because you should approach your tool kit like you approach your love life: It's good to keep your options open.
Your first tool kit should have... a wrench: We promise, the first time you notice a loose nut and tweak it into place with your wrench, you'll feel infinitely proud -- and yes, embolded to take out that tool kit more often.
Now that you've assembled the perfect tool kit, you shouldn't have to pawn off all of your projects on assorted friends and loved ones. And if you're feeling ambitious, check out the must-have tools for 2011.
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/23/first-tool-kit/
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Unclog Your Drain With A 2-Liter Bottle
One way to unclog your drain using a two liter bottle is to fill it with warm water and squeeze the bottle while pointing it down the drain. The pressure will swoosh light debris away. When that doesn't work, get out the scissors and head on over to the Dollar Store Crafts blog for instructions on how to make your own drain snake our of a two liter bottle. Just get ready for a disgusting surprise and the smell of death.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Diyhappy/~3/XhYA2yLxZZU/unclog-your-drain-with-a-2-liter-bottle
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7 Safety Features to Install in Trampolines for Kids
There is no denying that a trampoline for kids can provide them with hours of fun, exercise and enhanced body control.
Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/7-safety-features-to-install-in-trampolines-for-kids
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Part Selection Guide for Building a New Computer
Building a computer is a great way to save some money, or get a better computer for the price. It allows you to make the computer exactly the way you want it, whether it needs to fit into a certain size, or perform specific tasks. In this instructable I hope to guide you through the selection proc...By: killersquirel11
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Part-Selection-Guide-for-Building-a-New-Computer/
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Making a Minecraft Golden Apple Block
In Minecraft, the Golden Apple is a rare object which can restore all health. With that as an analogy, a Golden Apple quilt block can be used to create a pillow covering (shown here) or a quilt for someone who is ailing. tools and materials You will need: an enlarged printout of the Golde...By: sylrig
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-a-Minecraft-Golden-Apple-Block/
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Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Puzzle: Snowboarding Grand Prix
Though it's do�ne on powder like skiing, snowboarding owes more to skateboarding and surfing than to its partner on the slopes. That's why it's been described as surfing on snow. Can you piece together the snowboard puzzle?
Source: http://feeds.howstuffworks.com/~r/DailyStuff/~3/5JX-LVdYYsU/entertainment-puzzles.htm
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How to make potpourri
Hey guys! Here's a short tutorial on how to make potpourri, hope you like it! By: Ase0esA
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-potpourri/
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Central Vac
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Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/871_Central_Vac.shtml
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How long does mortar need to dry when installing tile around a toilet flange?
When replacing or repairing a toilet flange, you'll find that you'll need to apply mortar around the edges of the flange.
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13 Things You Can Clean With a Toothbrush
Filed under: in the kitchen, organization and storage, cleaning, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Living Spaces
One of the cheapest cleaning tools is also one of the most versatile. Do you know all the things your toothbrush is capable of?Mary Findley ("Mary Moppins" of GoClean.com) has been a career housekeeper for at least a dozen years. She's also the co-author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning" (2005) and wrote a follow-up four years later ("The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"). It's the move-outs for private residences that allow her to do the best work -- and remove every single speck of dirt. About every four to five months at each of her client's homes she arms herself with a toothbrush and does a deep clean.
Here's are some areas of your home -- make that, 13 -- where a toothbrush will come in handy. In most cases, your favorite cleaning products or simply warm, soapy water over the toothbrush bristles will be enough to do the job.
1. Edges of the kitchen and bathroom sinks
"It's those little crevices where dirt goes. Toothbrushes work a lot better than toothpicks, which break off all the time and then get stuck," says Findley.
2. Sink drain
To clean out the drain in your bathroom or kitchen sink, simply pour vinegar (which Findley likes as it's less toxic than most other options) down the drain. Next, take your toothbrush and scrub, scrub, scrub until you don't see any more grime lining the drain.
3. Stove and dishwasher knobs
If you've ever tried to take a sponge and swipe it over the knobs on your kitchen appliances, then you know this just does not work. The goal is to remove all of the dirt, not just some of it. That's where a toothbrush is your friend. It allows you to get under and behind those pesky little knobs, which is actually where dirt builds up, yes?
4. Faucet base
Mold and mildew can easily collect on the base of a faucet, says Findley. Gently brush the wet bristles of a toothbrush over the base and more will come off than you could have removed using a rag or a sponge.
5. Linoleum flooring
Put a blob of toothpaste onto a moist toothbrush and get down on all fours to get stubborn stains out, especially marks made from boots or high heels. "That's the only way I get heel marks off my client's floor," says Findley. Note: Do not try this with hardwood or ceramic-tile flooring, however. The toothpaste could stain and the scrubbing leave nasty-looking marks on the floor.
6. Lampshade
Getting dust off a lampshade might require just a swipe with a microfiber cloth, but what about keeping the color pristine? Grab a children's soft toothbrush and gently rub it against the lampshade. "They are wonderful for cleaning the pleats in a pleated lampshade," says Findley.
7. Framed pictures or art
Take a small piece of gauze and cover the bristles, says Findley. "That does a good job of cleaning the corners of framed pictures." If you don't cover the bristles you run the risk of scratching -- and forever damaging -- a beautiful frame.
8. Toilet-seat hinges
Another tight space that a toothbrush has no problem fitting into.
9. Wall sockets for light switches
You're probably already thoroughly cleaning the socket, but what about the little "off" and "on" areas? The bristles on a toothbrush can get the dirt out of those little letters, no problem.
10. Sliding glass doors
You know the runners on a shower area's sliding glass doors? They get pretty grimy and they're a pain to clean. Findley suggests that next time you tackle this task with a toothbrush. "Runners get moldy pretty quickly. A toothbrush gets in the corners," she says. "Man, a toothbrush just zips that stuff out of there."
11. Window frames
Just like the sliding glass doors, the insides of window frames are prime real estate for collecting mold. Take a toothbrush over the cracks and crevices to do a better cleaning job.
12. Microwave or stove vents
Findley takes a rag (she' s really good at chopping up her husband's old T-shirts into 5" by 5" pieces) and gets it slightly wet with a cleaner before throwing it over a toothbrush. This is perfect for cleaning out microwave or stove vents. "You can't spray a cleaner back there because it will burn out the fan," she says.
13. Refrigerator vents and coils
Ideally these should be cleaned twice a year. "With the slats in those vents, it's real hard to get a cloth down there," says Findley.
Read about more surprising ways to clean:
Weekly Cleaning Tips Put to the Test
Mint Robot Cleaner: We Tried It, You Win It
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/29/clean-with-a-toothbrush/
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Is panel or beadboard wainscoting easier to install?
One of the primary differences between beadboard wainscoting and paneling is that wainscoting tends to be thicker and more durable.
Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/is-panel-or-beadboard-wainscoting-easier-to-install
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Combo Blocks
Project by CU Boulder Thinks That Think students: Michelle Bourgeois, Charles Dietrich, and Ben Link Imagine having a safe in which the combo is any small object of your choosing. Perhaps it's your favorite coffee mug, or a bat man figurine. This project is based on this idea, using ...By: ComboBlocks
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Combo-Blocks/
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Are concrete driveways easier to stain than asphalt driveways?
Henry Ford might as well have been referring to asphalt driveways when he said, You can have any color as long as it is black.
Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/are-concrete-driveways-easier-to-stain-than-asphalt-driveways
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Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Creative Potato Storage: Try Pantyhose
Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Products & Materials, Storage & Organization, Essential Skills, Know-How
Fresher produce may just be a pair of pantyhose away. Really!One great way to help lengthen the life of fresh potatoes -- and creatively store them -- is to use pantyhose. Start with either a new or old, clean pair of pantyhose and clip off the toe end. Tie a simple, semi-loose knot where the toe used to be and insert one potato into one leg from the waistband end. Tie a knot directly above the potato and then insert another potato into the same leg. Tie a knot directly above the potato. Repeat process as needed.
Once you're ready to use the potatoes, simply untie the toe end knot and remove a potato. And if your spouse or kids look at you funny? No mashed potatoes for them.
Check out other great unusual uses:
New Ways to Recycle Phonebooks
12 Unusual Uses For Velcro
Cornstarch - Unusual Uses
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/22/potato-storage/
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Are whitewashed wood floors harder to clean than regular wood floors?
A whitewashed wood floor can give a bit of brightness to a dark room, as well as a rustic quality to your room.
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How to Install a Green Roof
Cut energy bills and reduce the strain on the environment with a roof covered in sedums
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisOldHouseLatest/~3/QJ2C-7-gsUQ/0,,20473692,00.html
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How to Flush Your Water System
Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How
One spring cleaning task you may not have thought of yet: Cleaning the water. Here's how to flush out your water systems throughout your home.Check out this story from our friends at Charles & Hudson:
Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You're probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home's water system?
Hot water faucets: Turn on all hot water faucets and allow to run for 15 minutes, unless your hot water tank is larger than 80 gallons--then run for 30 minutes.
Cold water faucets: Turn on the tap and run the water until it feels cold; keep running for at least a minute or two.
Dishwasher: After you've flushed your hot water faucets, run one cycle with an empty dishwasher. (Bonus: Your dishwasher will be cleaner, too!)Refrigerators: Flush your refrigerator's water dispenser with at least one quart of clean water.
These flushing tips are especially helpful if your area has recently been under a boil order. If you're trying to troubleshoot a noisy faucet, a more thorough faucet line flushing may be in order. And for that, you may want to consult your faucet manufacturer, whether at a retail location or via the Internet. Different faucets will require different flushing procedures, as well as a varying supply list.
What else is on your spring cleaning list?
Now -- check out these other great pieces from Charles & Hudson:
Best Way To Build Custom Window Screens
How To Get Rid Of Ground Moles
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/28/flush-water-system/
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Wood & Glass Greenhouse Kits Offer Attractive Gardening Solution
With the prices of food heading north, gardening is becoming increasingly popular for folks with enough space to grow some fruits and veggies. Even if you have a short growing season (of if your favorite vegetables usually grow in warmer...
Source: http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/archives/2009/01/wood_glass_gree.php
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Ice Dam Video
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Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/Ice_Dam_Video.shtml
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Make a House-Shaped Book Stand
Filed under: Bedrooms, Living Spaces
You keep your books in your house...but why not keep them on a house. A small, wooden one, that is. Here's how.Check out this creative DIY project from our friends at Curbly!
There are a few things that simply seem to belong on a bedside table: a lamp, alarm clock, perhaps a pair of glasses, and a few magazines or books. Then, once you add a few personal items (mine usually include a crossword puzzle or two and a glass of water), and there's not a lot of extra space for any accessories or "decor" items.
So, I wanted to make something to add a little bit of fun and style, but that doesn't take up too much prime nightstand real estate or interfere with the other items.And so, you see the results above: an alternative take on the bookmark (which I never seem to use anyway), in the form of a clean, Scandinavian-style wooden home. If using it to support your books isn't your thing, no worries. Who wouldn't want a tiny little wooden house to accessorize any space?
True, I do have a bunch of fancy woodworking tools, and I used them here, but everything here can be done with simple hand tools, like a $20 pull saw or coping saw.
Head over to Curbly to get the full step-by-step!
And check out other great DIY projects:
A Dramatic Hollow-Core Door Makeover
This Weekend: Projects to Keep You Outside!
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/24/book-stand/
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Duster: How to make the perfect grilled cheese
Sitting at home hungry? Want a quick but delicious meal? Well learn how to make the world's perfect grilled cheese! Materials: Materials needed: Skillet Butter Butter knife 2 pieces of bread 2-3 squares of craft (or preferred) cheese Spatula Hungry stomach Step 1: Turnin' up t...By: seniorhigh
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Source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Duster-How-to-make-the-perfect-grilled-cheese/
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Monday, 28 March 2011
Apron Sink Video Part 1
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Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/Apron_Sink_Video_Part_1.shtml
building a room addition building an addition building an extension building and remodeling
From Garage to Garden Shed
Filed under: Exteriors & Facades, Outdoors
No garden shed? No problem. With some re-organizing, you can turn your garage into a lovely, functional shed for all your gardening tools and accessories.Check out this great DIY project -- one of our favorites from the brand new April issue of Country Living!
Tools lined up in satisfying rows, scissors and twine within arm's reach, a sink just for arranging flowers-the potting area ranks up there with the mudroom as the ultimate country fantasy. Don't think you have space for one? You may want to think again. Connecticut contractor Arnold M. Karp devised this dream "garden shed" by taking full advantage of the wall space in a suburban garage-with shelves, cabinets, and peg rails. A poured concrete floor pleases the eye and provides a practical surface for parking cars. "My goal was to utilize every nook and cranny," Karp says. Mission accomplished.
Garage-to-Garden Shed Tip #1: Karp set up an inventive organizing scheme for outdoor essentials with three rows of Shaker-style peg rails. Underneath, familiar containers put dirt in its (attractive) place.
Make the most of multiples. In addition to single pegs, Karp doubled up to create spots for hanging tools, like the broom and rake above, by their heads. With three closely spaced pegs, even boots have a home. (For similar custom peg rails, $17.50 per foot; Shaker Workshops, 800-840-9121)
Rid your floor of plastic soil bags by pouring the contents into Ikea's indispens- able trash bins. Then gussy up the cans by downloading darling labels at countryliving .com/gardenlabels and printing them on sticky paper. Download the labels (sheet 1) and (sheet 2) here.
Where to buy: Bins, $24.99 each; ikea.com. Post-it craft paper, $10.74 for six sheets; amazon.com.
Garage-to-Garden Shed Tip #2: Karp borrowed from kitchen design, outfitting one corner of the garage with lower cabinets, a granite countertop, and an apron-front sink to create a zone for cutting blooms and washing muddy hands. Up top, ornate iron brackets give painted lumber shelves a lift.
Where to buy: For similar: sink, $408; amazon.com; faucet, $369.87; danzefaucetwarehouse.com; brackets, $22 each; anthropologie.com)
There's more than one way to recycle glass. Simply pop a cork in a beverage or condiment bottle and voila?-you have a spot for seeds or bird feed.
Give your stuff a stylish label- literally, with these supersweet zinc tags. ($15 for six; areohome.com)
Don't get locked into a long- term commitment. The chalkboard end panels on this rustic wooden carton free you up to change the contents as often as you'd like. ($94.99 for set of four; Hubert, 800-543-7374)
Garage-to-Garden Shed Tip #4: Karp refined the garage walls with classic beadboard and molding, painted Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage-but skipped fixed shelving. Instead, this reclaimed-wood piece here offers mobility and space for corralling everything from pot saucers to seeds. ($1,995; vintagetub.com)
Borrow from the library. A second- hand card catalog doubles as a brilliant filing system for seed packets. Want extra room? Any recipe box will fit the bill, too. (Card catalog, $58; etsy.com/shop/longbarnmercantile)
Want to see the rest of the tips? Check out the full piece on Country Living. Or take a look at ShelterPop's coverage of the Country Living "What's Country Now?" party.
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Source: http://www.diylife.com/2011/03/18/garden-garage/
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Central Vac
| |
Source: http://www.askthebuilder.com/871_Central_Vac.shtml
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