Does a 5 minute fan take 5 minutes to install? The Handyguys find out. Watch this video to see if Handyguy Brian can beat the clock while installing a Hunter 5 minute fan.

We picked up the ceiling fan and everything needed to install it at our local True Value.

We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Related shows:

1. Last Minute Christmas List ideas
2. Fall Home Improvement Checklist
3. LED Christmas Lights for Energy Savings

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast The Handyguys discuss granite care and granite counter-top maintenance

Granite Care

The Handyguys discuss:

1. Granite generally requires re-sealing every 1-3 yrs. Check with your installer to see what they recommend.
2. Topical vs Penetrating granite sealers (stripping/re-sealing/permanent/etc).
3. Granite should only be washed with dishwasher soap/water. No harsh cleansers. Exception is something like the Dupont product which is safe.
4. There are various tests you can perform to determine whether your current granite counter-top has been properly sealed.

Dupont Site FAQ

How can I tell if my granite or stone has already been sealed?

Apply a drop of water at least ½-inch in diameter to the top of the stone and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Cover with a glass to inhibit evaporation. If the stone did not darken then your stone is probably sealed against water-based stains. Testing for oil repellency is not as simple because if your stone is not sealed, you will have an oil stain.

Sealed Versus Unsealed Granite

1. You should avoid products with ingredients that include lemon, vinegar or other acids which can damage your counters.
2. The Handyguys try out a couple different granite sealers including DuPont™ Granite & Marble Countertop Sealer

We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing and productions about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, as always, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Related shows:

1. DIY Drama, Old Tractors And New Counters
2. Labor Day Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts
3. Installing A Co Detector

The Handyguys discuss doing a tile back-splash.

Preparations

You need to make sure your wall is smooth and clean. Measure and decide what areas of your back-splash you want to cover. When buying tile make sure you account for waste and bad cuts.

Layout

Decide on your layout. If you go horizontal you will have significantly fewer cuts. If you have a complicated pattern you should lay out each piece of tile on the floor so you can see how it will go on the wall.

Tile options

Decorative tiles can add a nice look to your project but can really add to the cost. When selecting a tile ensure that any bull-nose, inside corners, outside corners, etc are available. Some patterns and layouts wont need the pieces. They can add significantly to your budget depending on your tile choices.

Tools and Materials

Handyguy Paul set up an area in his garage to cut the tiles. He borrowed the saw. The plastic curtain kepts the mess contained.

Handyguy Paul found all the tools he needed at the local True Value. First decide on mastic or thinset. The Handyguys discuss the pros and cons of each choice and what applications are best for each.  You will need a trowel, a grout float, a tile saw (rent, borrow or buy one), spacers, grout, caulk, a bucket and a large sponge.

Application Techniques

Paul wraps up the show with some tips and encouragement for anyone considering doing a tile back-splash.

Looks great! Still needs grouting in this picture but the whole project turned out nicely. The design committee aproved.

Thanks

The Handyguys would like to Thank True Value for sponsoring several segments of The Handyguys Podcast over the past few months. Its supporters like True Value that make it possible for us to stay on the air.

Disclosure

Related shows:

1. Installing Cabinet Veneer And Fireplace Conversions
2. Installing A Co Detector
3. DIY Drama, Old Tractors And New Counters

In this episode The Handyguys discuss painting. Planning your painting project, materials and tools are discussed in this podcast.

Planning

Handyguy Brian originally intended to paint the entryway and foyer of his house. The foyer has 17 foot ceilings, a hall leading to the family room downstairs and a hallway upstairs connecting the bedrooms and hall bath. The current color is the builders choice called ‘linen’.  In Episode #2 of The Handyguys Podcast the Handyguys discussed the importance of putting some sample colors on the walls. The reason is the paint color never looks how you expect. The lighting in the store is different than in your home. Also, by putting up some test samples you can see how well, or how poorly, the color relates to colors in adjacent areas.

Well, Handyguy Brian didn’t follow his own advice! The Design Committee wanted the area painted on Saturday and Brian went to the True Value on Friday night to get the paint. Several shades of a taupe color were picked out on sample chips. Brian picked one, bought 3 gallons, and headed home. No samples, how hard is it to pick a shade of taupe? The color bought wasn’t really what was wanted. Yes, its what was picked out and mixed. It just didn’t look right in the space, it had too much of a pink hue to it.

Handyguy Brian's master bathroom ready for paint.

After deliberating with the design committee and also trying the color in the master bedroom it was decided to put the ‘pink’ paint in the master bathroom. Okay, move the painting operation out of the foyer and into the master bath! Don’t make the same mistake. Try out some samples. Fortunately our local True Value sells The Handyguys favorite paint, Benjamin Moore, and also the sample colors.

Materials

Here is a picture of Handyguy Brian's master bath. The new Benjamin Moore paint from True Value looks great. We will add a picture of the bathroom after cleanup and decorating soon.

There aren’t many different kinds of materials needed for painting. Of course paint is one of the most critical component of a quality job (after neatness). The Handyguys are very particular about their paint. Using a quality paint will make your job easier, faster, neater and, believe it or not, cheaper. Quality paint goes on smoother, levels out better, and doesn’t drip as much. This makes using quality paint easier. When you don’t have to do multiple coats and clean up drips and spatters your job progresses faster. Lastly, when your paint covers better and doesn’t take 3, 4 or even 5 coats to cover you use less paint, this saves you money.

Tools

The Handyguys are all about their tools. We love using power tools when we can. Unfortunately, a painting project is not an area where you have many practical choices for power tools. The Handyguys recently received a question about paint sprayers.

Gary wrote:

I’d really like your guidance on what paint sprayer you would suggest for an 1800 sq ft home where I need to paint exterior and interior walls, fences and even concrete.

The Handyguys discuss weather a sprayer is the right tool for the job and the conclusion is no. Sprayers require a lot of work just to clean. Also, for a decent job you will need to roll the paint out after spraying anyway. Masking off areas where you don’t want over-spray can be a considerable undertaking.

Frog Tape

Speaking of masking – In preparing for painting Handyguy Brian discovered an awesome new (new to The Handyguys) product at the True Value. Its called Frog Tape.  Frog Tape is a painters masking tape with one very special feature. It actually works! The frustration that everyone has with painters tape is that the edge it leaves is ragged and uneven. The Frog Tape fixes this problem. It has something to do with the same technology in baby diapers but you will have to research that yourself. Frog Tape is ideal for painting up against tile, cabinets, doors and windows. Anywhere you need to cut in when you don’t have a steady hand and want it to look perfect.

Other Tools

The Handyguys discuss other tools as well in the podcast. Brian, in his master bath, use a paint stick. Its a tool where you can store the paint in the handle and squeeze it out as you progress. It does speed up the process when you are doing a large area with one color. The problem with it is cleanup can take a half hour. Paul would just rather use a roller and tray. Brian likes the paint stick but will only use it sometimes. Essentially they agree that you want a decent brush, roller and paint. If you take your time and use quality materials your project will turn out great.

Related shows:

1. How To Pick Paint Colors
2. Wet Paint – painting tips
3. Tween Painting Party And Foamy Faucet Trouble

The Handyguys will be taking this week off to spend time with our families but we wanted to get a post up to let everyone know whats coming up.

Our contest – There is still time to enter our contest to win a great toolkit. We will pick and announce the winner on December 3rd. Check out episode 87 for details on the contest.

Future shows – In December we will have some information on tiling a kitchen back splash, some painting tips, and a few new gadgets just in time for Christmas. In 2010 we will be doing more videos as well as continuing to answer your questions in our regular podcast.

We would like to take time to thank our listeners and subscribers, those that have patronized our store, and those companies that have sponsored various episodes and parts of the site. Without all of us working together his site would not be possible. Thanks!

We will take this opportunity to provide a few tips for getting the most out of our site

Listener questions – The Handyguys Paul and Brian always respond as quickly as possible to listener questions. We may not use your question in an upcoming show but we will help you out regardless.

Call in number – You always have the ability to call in a question. Please leave your email address on the voicemail if you want a follow-up. We may use your voicemail on the air but we will keep your contact info private. You can click the call me link at the top of the home page and we pay for the call.

Our store – Purchases through our store help off-set the costs associated with producing this podcast. Many posts have links directly to the store or to Amazon. Amazon handles all of the billing and fulfillment for us.

Subscribing – At the top right of the page are links for you to subscribe. If you are an ipod user you click on the “via iTunes” button. If you use any other mp3 player you can subscribe with the “via RSS” button. You also have the option of supplying your email address so you can be emailed when we have a new show. Oh, and you can also follow us on Twitter if you are into that.

Images – When we have a thumbnail image, you can usually click on it to see a full sized version.

Sharing – At the bottom of each post are a series of buttons you can use to ’share’ the content. We appreciate it when you click these buttons. If you like a post, please click on your preferred site:  Digg, StumbleUpon, Mixx, Redit and/or others.

Comments - We welcome comments on our posts. Join the conversation by clicking on the comments link at the bottom of each show’s post.

Search – You can use the search box in the upper right part of the page to search for a show that may be of interest.

Sponsorships – If you have a company or product you would like featured at The Handyguys Podcast please let us know. We can be reached via email or with our contact form. For the benefit of our subscribers we are selective about what sponsorships we will accept where.

Thanks again and have a great Thanksgiving

Related shows:

1. Happy Thanksgiving
2. Using Leaf Blowers Vs Rakes And Repairing Leaky Showers
3. Fall Home Improvement Checklist

Leaf blowers, rakes and a question about leaky showers

The Handyguys discuss the contest to giveaway a great toolkit, some possible problems with a leaky shower valve and weather a rake or a leaf blower is the correct tool for collecting leaves. To enter the contest you just need to leave a comment on Episode 87 and let us know what you think a valid use of duct tape is. We will announce a winner during our first show in December. We will take Thanksgiving off so this show is the last show we will discuss the contest. Our next show will come out on December 3rd.

Leaky Shower Valves

Don't let a leaky shower drive you crazy. Listen to the podcast as Brian & Paul discuss some possible fixes for Albert's shower. Note - the picture is NOT Albert, its not Brian or Paul either!

We then address a question about a leaky shower valve. Albert called in and asked us about his leaky valve. He gets water leaking out the shower head all the time. He said it was replaced recently. How could this be? The Handyguys discuss what some of the issues could be. Albert – we have a question for you. Does it leak from the shower head when you are filling the tub or all the time, even when water is off? We discuss both scenarios in the podcast. Likely it drips all the time. If that’s the case the the washer(s) are likely bad. If the valve is new the washers could have been damaged during installation.

If it is new, contact the guy who installed it for you. He could come back and make it right. If you installed it then just replace the washers and you should be good to go.

How do you replace the washers? That will depend on what you have. We recommend you shut off the water and take the parts to your local True Value and they will help match up what you need.

Rakes versus Leaf Blowers

The Handyguys love their power tools. We found this video on YouTube and found it interesting. Is a leaf blower the best tool for the job of clearing leaves? Watch this video and listen to the podcast to get our thoughts.

This video clearly shows the rake beating the leaf blower. If this is true then why is the leaf blower so popular? We think both tools have their place depending on circumstances. Listen to the show for discussion of when you may want to use a rake versus when you want a leaf blower. You can get both rakes and leaf blowers at True Value.

Enter the contest to win this toolkit!

Win this toolkit. Click on the picture to learn how! Hint: Valid use of duct tape wins

Disclosure

Related shows:

1. Fall Home Improvement Checklist
2. Top 10 Essential Tools For DIY And Duct Tape Uses
3. Furnace Filters

How do you get your house ready for the Winter Season?

Win this toolkit. Click on the picture to learn how! Hint: valid use of duct tape wins!

Join the Handyguys in a not-so-methodical checklist for the winter season.  This is not your every day handyman (or not so handyperson) checklist.  We have some extras you may not see on other lists. Listen to the podcast as we discuss these items. True Value had all the supplies we needed to get our houses in order.

• As the days get shorter and darker, it is a good time to check all of your outdoor lights.  Make sure they work.
  

  Paul was able to discover these fancy CFLs at our local True Value. They look great don’t you think?

  Perhaps it is time to install a light with a motion detector to secure your outdoor entrances and windows.

• Also, you can now get some wife pleasing outdoor CFL lights.  You don’t have to settle on the curly cue CFL bulbs

• Watch out for leaks and/or water penetration.
  • gutters/downspouts
  • grade flowing toward house
  • clear insulation around soffit vents to avoid ice dams
• Bring in your outdoor furniture
• Replace the grates and flavor bars on your Grill.  True Value has the parts you need for this.
  

  Why not refresh your busted down grill and enjoy a few more cookouts this season. Paul picked up the new flavor bars and grate at True Value. The steaks came from the cow he bought.

• Winterize your yard tools
• Seal/weatherstrip and caulk around window and doors and latch those windows for the winter
• Insulate your unfinished basement.. especially around the rim joist
• Clean your Dryer Vent before it is too cold to work outside
• Install some heavy drapes on your windows to stop drafts.  That’ s what they did in the old days.
• Last chance for pre-winter fertilizer.
• Final chance for exterior touch up paint
• Is it time to stain the Deck in the fall?  Isn’t the sun closer to earth in the Winter?  Brian says no.  Paul says yes. Which is it?

Disclosure

Related shows:

1. Summer Home Improvement
2. DIY And Home Improvement Book Recommendations
3. Using Leaf Blowers Vs Rakes And Repairing Leaky Showers

Furnace filters are a critical component of your heating and cooling system.

Make sure they are changed regularly. We discuss the myriad of choices in furnace filters in this podcast.

The Handyguys group filters into three different categories, good, better and best. Whats best for one person may not be the best for another. The standard filters are good for most people. They permit the furnace to operate as it was designed. When selecting a filter you would typically replace with one equal in size and type to the filter already install on your furnace. This may be a a non-pleated fiber type filter. This type is also the least expensive, costing about $1.50 or $2.00 at the local True Value hardware store.

If you desire a replacement filter that has a higher MERV or MPR rating (see below for definitions) there are several choices at True Value. Go into the store with your measurements and pick one out. A higher rated filter will catch and filter more particulates from the air.

The high end filters will have electrostatic capabilities and can actually filter microscopic bacterias, smoke or other fine particulates from the air.

The industry provides ratings for filters.

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a number from 1 to 16 that is relative to an air filter’s efficiency. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. At the lower end of the efficiency spectrum a fiberglass panel filter may have a MERV of 4 or 5. At the higher end, a MERV 14 filter is available.

MPR is a term used by 3M and stands for Microparticle Performance Rating. It is actually part of the MERV rating, and measures how efficient an air filter is at capturing particles between 0.3 and 1 micron in size, which make up 99% of the air’s particulate matter. Smoke, bacteria, and smog particles fall within this size range, so if filtering these out of the air is important to you, MPR is a good standard to examine. MPR is used to compare furnace filters to one another, and cannot accurately predict how a furnace filter will actually perform in your particular home environment. The higher the MPR, the more efficient the filter is at capturing these small particles.

Lastly – Don’t forget about our contest. We are giving away this awesome toolkit. Check out the details on how you can win by listening to Episode 87 of The Handyguys Podcast.

Win this tool kit!

Disclosure

Related shows:

1. Fall Home Improvement Checklist
2. Using Leaf Blowers Vs Rakes And Repairing Leaky Showers
3. DIY Drama, Old Tractors And New Counters

In this show The Handyguys discuss their top 10 starter tools and announce a contest to win this toolkit!

Win this tool kit!

What is included in a first time home buyers tool kit? Screwdrivers of course!  But what else? The Handyguys went shopping at True Value to assemble a quality starter set of essential tools for the typical home owner.

Our Kit Includes:

The Handyguys will take your questions via the phone at (818) 804-TOOL. Leave an email address if you want an immediate and direct response.

• Tool Bag
• Carpenter’s Pencil
• Speed Square, Orange
• Pliers Set
• Screwdriver Set
• Pry Bar
• 16-Ounce Claw Hammer
• Tape Measure
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protection
• Utility Knife

In the podcast we discuss our rationale for each of the tools and why we picked them. There are certainly other tools that could be added to this list, but this would make a great starter kit.

How to win this toolkit!

To win this toolkit you must Listen to the podcast for details. Essentially all you need to do it help us come up with a LEGITIMATE use for duct tape. Give us your duct tape idea by commenting on this show post. In this podcast, we discuss some not so legitimate uses of this ubiquitous tape. We want our listeners to provide us with some valid users of duct tape and we will award the tool kit our favorite suggestion.

The winner will be announced December 3rd, 2009. Suggestions after December 3rd are still welcome of course but you will not be in the running for the toolkit.  So leave a comment below and be sure to provide an email address so we can contact you if your duct tape suggestion is our winner.

An illegitimate use of duct tape!

Photo Submitted by DJ Goodfellow

Disclosure

Related shows:

1. Using Leaf Blowers Vs Rakes And Repairing Leaky Showers
2. Fall Home Improvement Checklist
3. Furnace Filters

DIY Drama, Old Tractors and New Counters

You need to listen to the podcast to hear Paul's story about what happened to his nice laptop. Does this picture give you a clue? Click on the pic to see it bigger.

We start off by talking about the True Value DIY Drama contest. You can win $5000 if your story is chosen as a winner. Brian and Paul have both had some drama but Paul most recently. You MUST listen to Paul tell his drama story in the podcast. It was a very expensive story.

What are you working on lately?

Brian and Paul both discuss what recent projects they have been working on. First up, Brian.

Busted up old tractor

Brian was able to find an old tractor on freecycle. Well, nothing is ever free. The tractor needed a battery, a new fuel line and a fuel filter.  For good measure, Brian changed the oil filter and spark plug and sharpened the blades. After adding some fresh gas, the tractor started right up.  Not too shabby.

Over the past year and a half, Brian used this tractor for some pretty heavy duty mowing. Overgrown fields and campground trails were the typical terrain. In this time, the mower has required countless replacement belts plus a few hundred dollars worth of repairs for other busted parts due to its heavy abuse.

Brian and Paul discuss when is it time to cut the losses. Is it worth another $40 for a pulley assembly and another $25 for another belt?  A tractor that is designed and built for the uses Brian is putting this old thing through is just not in the cards at the moment.

New Counters

Paul’s project was new counter tops. The design committee (his wife) did all the legwork. In the podcast we discuss some of the options and considerations. The decision was made to go with Granite. Granite is a professional installation but there is still some work for the Handyguy. Paul removed the old laminate counters, installed the plumbing under the new sink and has the back splash to tile. Doing these chores yourself can save money even when you are having granite professionally installed.

Paul makes reference to a Fine Home building article on drain hookups.

Related shows:

1. Installing A Tile Back-splash For Your Kitchen
2. ZTR Mower Versus Tractor
3. Happy Thanksgiving

Cabinet Veneer and Fireplace Conversions

In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast we address two listener questions, one from voicemail about changing the look of a bathroom vanity and one through our contact form about converting a fireplace from gas to wood burning.

Refinishing a bathroom vanity

This question was left on our voicemail, listen to the podcast to hear the question in full. Essentially the caller, Susie, has a pine bathroom vanity with a whitewashed finish. She would like the look of a cherry vanity and wants to know her options short of replacing the vanity.

The Handyguys think that replacement would be the best option. We discuss some other options such as

• Refacing
• Refinishing
• Using a spray toner

Susie doesn’t want the mess of refinishing and doesn’t want to put a final finish on as required by using a refacing veneer. We don’t know of a pre-finished veneer. Contact paper comes to mind but that would look bad. That leaves a relatively simple and inexpensive option of using a spray toner. A spray toner is a top coat finish but with color built in. Its often used in furniture repairs. This would add the cherry color yet let the wood grain show through. We recommend to try it on some scrap wood first to see if she would like the look. Worst case Susie could try it and if it doesn’t look good then replace the cabinet.

Fireplace conversions

We received this question from Tyler:

I am wanting to put a wood burning stove into my gas fireplace. I am having a difficult time finding out what all is needed to be done so that the insert is installed and the flue is set up correctly. I have two chimney tubes one from the basement and the other from the upstairs, if it is practical doing both would be more beneficial than just one. If there is any information or help you can provide to assist me in this, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time, Tyler

This is an interesting question. It is fairly common to convert a wood burning fireplace into a gas burning setup. Its not so common to go from gas to wood. If the fireplace was originally wood then it would be simple to convert back to wood. Regardless, Tyler, its time to consult an expert. There are many great local fireplace shops that can help you assess the situation and provide you with the right product for your conversion. This is no place to take chances, bring in a pro.

An announcement

We will be participating in a new venture with True Value and some really great bloggers. True Value is calling this the Blog Squad. Us, along with four other bloggers, will be combing the isles of our local True Value stores (on True Value’s dime) to find some great projects we can showcase. We already have some great ideas. Do any of our listeners have ideas? How about a segment on setback thermostats and energy savings? Fall lawn care? Garage organization? We may also revisit the essential tool kit for every homeowner. We might even have a giveaway so make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already.

Who is the True Value DIY Blog Squad?

• John & Sherry with Young House Love
• Katie with All Bower Power
• Josh with Bungalow 23
• Layla & Kevin with Lettered Cottage

What else? True Value is also giving away a prize worth $5,000 to one lucky homeowner in their DIY Drama Contest! The contest is open to any homeowner who has gone through any type of home improvement drama- whether it’s a DIY project gone awry or a stressful project you just can’t seem to ever mark off your “Honey-Do” list.
To enter, visit StartRightStartHere.com for a chance to win $5,000 to use at a local True Value store and an in-person project consultation with a knowledgeable True Value employee.

“I was one of five bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program and my DIY project as well as my posts about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

Related shows:

1. Installing A Co Detector
2. Installing A Tile Back-splash For Your Kitchen
3. Installing Wood Floors On Concrete, Dripping Faucets And Finding Stains