The Handyguys Podcast » DIY

GE Refrigerator Not Cooling Troubleshooting and Repair

The Handyguys — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:49:01 +0000

The Handyguys discuss modern refrigerator troubleshooting. Many of these tips apply regardless of who makes your refrigerator.

Paul’s GE side by side refrigerator is not cooling correctly (model gss25tsre.ss). In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss how to track down the issues.

Some common problems with modern refrigerators include:

Ice maker does not work
Water line for ice dispenser freezes up
Water line or water tank leaks
Water valve unit on back of refrigerator can go bad
The main control board can go bad or just do dumb things.

Paul’s Ge refrigerator stopped cooling correctly. His freezer temperature rose a little above freezing and his refrigerator was not keeping the milk cool. Paul looked to the back inside wall of his freezer for a solution. A panel can be removed to expose the evaporator coil. When his refrigerator was not working well he noticed that these coils were frozen which prevents the fan properly cooling the freezer (and therefore the refrigerator as well).

The initial fix was to melt the ice on the evaporator coil to allow the unit to operate. This fix lasted about a month before it froze up again. The reason the defrost unit fails is usually the result of a bad defrost heater, defrost thermostat or thermistor. Some older models also have a defrost timer but this feature is handled by the main control board on his model (at least he thinks it is…he’s just a handyguy!).

Paul tested the heater for continuity and it appeared to be working fine. He also tested and replaced his thermistor. He has a new thermostat if needed but could not wait for this problem to occur again so he just went ahead and replaced the entire control board. Time will tell if this fix worked (it has been about 3 weeks).

Paul highly recommends the forums at http://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/ for advice and feedback on your appliance repairs.

Listen to the podcast for all the gory details.

Please keep in mind, The Handyguys are NOT appliance repairmen, we don’t have schematics for your appliance, and we can’t come out and repair your fridge. We just share what we know with out listeners. Good luck on your repair.

Related shows:

Replacing water tank and lines on GE side by side refrigerator

The Handyguys — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:54:51 +0000

In this video episode of The Handyguys Podcast Handyguy Paul replaces the water tank on his GE Side By Side refrigerator. His tank was leaking so he found the part and replaced it. This repair will be similar for many different makes and models of refrigerators. Related shows: GE Refrigerator Not Cooling Troubleshooting and Repair [...] Related shows:

Lightbulb bans, government intervention and personal choice

The Handyguys — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:01 +0000

The Handyguys discuss the government involvement in banning traditional light bulbs.

Yup – The government has ‘outlawed’ the tried and true light bulb. Even after this podcast was recorded some representatives in congress have attempted to delay the enforcement of the ban. Despite their efforts it seems the ‘ban’ will be move forward.

Its not really a ban on incandescent – Its a requirement that by certain dates, certain types of bulbs need to meet certain energy efficiency standards. January 2010 will be 100 watt bulbs and other to follow after that.

The edison base incandescent may soon become a piece of history.

Listen to the podcast as The Handyguys discuss the alternatives, pros and cons as well as discuss personal freedoms and its relationship to community stewardship.

Bottom line – CFLs can save you money in the long run and the newest breed of CFL bulbs have nice color, turn on to full brightness much faster and may also last longer. You can find every type, size and style of the CFL bulbs over at your local True Value hardware store.

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:

Last Minute Christmas List ideas

The Handyguys — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:19:23 +0000

The Handyguys did a bit of virtual perusing of the isles of our local True Value. Each of us made a Christmas shopping list and then compared our choices in this entertaining podcast. We selected some excellent practical gift ideas for the handyguy, handygirl or anyone else. You must listen to the full podcast for our explanation of why these items belong on your Christmas list. And Merry Christmas!

Alan wrench set
Leatherman
LED Christmas lights
Porter Cable Oscillating Multitool
Frost King electric heat cable
Grill/Smoker/Fryer
Lodge Cookware
screwdrivers/all in one screw driver
Fire pit
Mouse traps
Carbon-monoxide detector

Listen to the podcast for all the discussion and why we selected these items.

Related shows:

LED Christmas Lights for Energy Savings

The Handyguys — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:33:26 +0000

Can you save some money using LED Christmas Lights? The Handyguys discuss LED, mini-incandescent and C9 and C7 Christmas lights.

LED Energy Savings

This podcast was inspired by an article Handyguy Brian read on the Fox News Website entitled Good Return on Investment: LED Holiday Lights. Are they really a good investment? Perhaps, perhaps not! Do the Handyguys dare to disagree with Fox New reporting? In the name of fair and balanced the Handyguys discuss the energy savings of LED Christmas lights.

Yes – LED Christmas lights save energy. According to the article you will save about 71.4 cents per 100 light string per season.

How about return on investment? You Decide. Handyguy Brian went by the True Value and picked up a 300 light set for $39. That is a projected savings of $2.14 per season. Assuming Brian needed to buy new incandescent strings every 3 years due to failure, assuming $15 each time, and assuming that the LEDs lasted the advertised 20,000 hours (129 years at 155 hours per season), the ROI would 5 years. If ROI was calculated only on energy savings the ROI would be more like 18 years!

Bottom line, buy quality, name brand, LED lights with a warranty. Save the info about how to file a warranty claim for your LEDs.

The Colored and the Whites

What about white lights versus colored lights? The Handyguys discuss an old article by a radio talk show host Michael Smerconish. Michael has said

White lights are boring.
White lights are sedate.
White lights are pretentious.
White lights are for fakers
White lights are un-Christmas.

Wow Michael, tell us how you really feel! Read Micheal’s articles Enough with the white Christmas, already! and The Coloreds and The Whites

Also discussed are the older style C9 and C7 lights.

Listen to the podcast for all the lively discussion.

Related shows:

Does a 5 minute fan take 5 minutes to install?

The Handyguys — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:34:42 +0000

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.

Related shows:

Hardscaping Options – Concrete, pavers or stamped concrete

The Handyguys — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:59:45 +0000

Hardscaping options

The Handyguys discuss some hardscaping options under consideration for Brian’s fathers house – concrete, stamped concrete and pavers.

Concrete Ideas and Tips

Plain old concrete is the cheapest and fastest option for a front stoop. A small stoop can be done in a day with the following day to remove forms and clean up any dirt around the area. Brian’s fathers project (front patio, walkway, side walkway and rear patio slab) came in at about $3500 for plain concrete.

Image thanks to http://www.landbergconcrete.com

Stamped Concrete and Hardscaping Help

Stamped concrete is the process where a texture is places in the concrete to emulate the look of stone or brick. Stamped concrete also is typically colored. It’s a less expensive option than pavers, installs quickly and has a nice look. Brian’s fathers project (front patio, walkway, side walkway and rear patio slab) came in at about $4500 for plain concrete.

Thanks to http://www.morrisonscustomconcrete.com/ for the image.

Pavers or Stamped Concrete

Pavers are bricks made from concrete. They come in many different shapes and colors that can be mixed and matched to come up with an interesting and unique look. They are usually more costly than concrete. Pavers also require much more attention to detail in terms of preparation and they are more labor intensive to install. The entire job takes longer than concrete. Brian’s fathers project (front patio, walkway, side walkway and rear patio slab) came in at about $9000 for pavers.

Image thanks to http://www.ephenry.com/

Listen to the podcast for a full discussion on each of the options.

Related shows:

Stink Bug Prevention, Control, Removal and Elimination

The Handyguys — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:12:05 +0000

Stink Bugs! Perhaps we wouldn’t hate them sooooo much if they had a better name. Perhaps if Stink Bugs were called Smiley Bugs, Fun Bugs, Sweet Bugs or something else it would make them a bit more likeable. Unfortunately, Stink Bugs are a real issue. Stink bugs come into our houses when the weather cools off, they also can devastate certain crops.

Stink Bugs are yet another invasive species that are currently impacting 33 states in the US.

Stink Bug invasion in the USA. Thanks to http://www.rescue.com for letting us use their info-graphic.

Preventing, Controlling and Eliminating Stink Bugs

Stink Bug traps can be effective inside or outside the house to control and eliminate infestations. Prevention is another good approach to keep them out of the house. A Key preventative measure for keeping Stink Bugs out of the house is to caulk and seal up cracks around your doors and windows. Leave your porch lights off so when you come inside you wont let as many Stink Bugs in with you.

Bottom line for Stink Bug Control – Trap them before they get inside, Trap them if they do get inside and seal up the house so ones that the traps don’t get can’t get inside.

In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss the Stink Bug and how to eliminate them from your home. We discuss the Rescue! trap that is available at True Value.

Related shows:

Freestanding Ipe deck features and best practices

The Handyguys — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:29:16 +0000

In this video episode of The Handyguys Podcast we showcase some of the features of a freestanding Ipe deck such as lighting, hidden fasteners, Ipe plugs and aluminum balusters.

Some of the things show in this video are

Ipe Deck completed construction
Use of beam and joist flashing
Use of low voltage lighting with concealed wire
Using a boulder for a landing
Use of hidden Ipe fasteners
Use of Ipe Plugs

Related shows:

Wasp Killer

Handyguy Paul — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:07:29 +0000

How to kill wasps around the home

Our neighborhood has a lot of wasps. They build small nests and find their way into all the protective hideouts provided by vinyl siding, drip edges, gutters and flashing. I don’t usually pay a lot of attention to the wasps unless they are building a nest very close to people such as on my deck or front porch. While two of my children were stung last year, the wasps are generally not aggressive and stay out of our way. They are also supposed to eat other insects which is a good thing.

This is a dead wasp that fell from the roof onto this flower

Perhaps my permissive “live and let live” policy went a little far. These creatures began building more nests around the home and bothering my wife and kids who were trying to enjoy the outdoors. It was time to address the problem and eliminate the nests.

First, I used binoculars to observed the swarming wasps during the day when they are most active so I could see them flying in of out of their disguised homes. I then crept out one of our second story windows during the evening to get a closer look and access to their nests. This method can be very dangerous if you have a steep roof. You can either slip off the roof on your own or with the aid of angry wasps.

While on the roof, I used an Ortho Home Defense product which I purchased at True Value Hardware. It works great and does not seem to stain the siding. It has the ability to spray at areas that are 12-15 feet away and its foam prevents the wasps from making a counter attack.

I identified nests in many areas including those shown here:

The largest nest was in the rain downspout. I could not believe Wasps could survive the water runoff but the nest was cleverly built on the inside of the spout away from the water which washes down the outside of the spout. If you look closely you can see the nest in the down spout:

When I was at the True Value store I picked up a Rescue WHY trap for wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. I was a little nervous about using the chemical spray in first floor areas outside where people like to hang out so I hung up this trap above the porch. After about a week of it being ignored, the Wasps finally started climbing in (perhaps because they no longer had other homes to return to…). I am going to keep using the Rescue trap and see if it continues to eliminate the remaining Wasps.

No related shows.

Dust Collection and Resiential Sprinkler Systems

The Handyguys — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:19:24 +0000

How should the do-it-yourselfer handle dust?

When the handyman moves inside to cut and sand wood, a major hazard exists with all the dust that is accumulated in the air and potentially in your lungs. The Handyguys talk about how to control dust from ruining your day and potentially your life.

In order to protect yourself from dust, consider these strategies:

Take into account the dust created by a tool before you use it.
Purchase tools which incorporate dust collection as part of the tool design.
Install a dedicated dust collector and an air cleaner.
Work outside
Wear respirator

The Handyguys discuss these tips and their own dust collection and mitigation strategies in this episode.

Residential Sprinkler Systems

The Handyguys discuss a somewhat controversial issue regarding residential fire suppression systems or sprinkler systems. The controversy isnt regarding the benefits of such a system, yes, they do save lives and property. The controversy is if governments should require them to be installed in new construction or major remodels.

Handyguy Brian thinks it should be an individuals choice and such an expensive option should not be mandated. Pennsylvania recently repealed the requirement after only a few months in effect. In times when builders are hurting for business and customers are trying to save every dollar they can, it’s not wise to put additional costs on the industry. Listen to the discussion.

Typical utility room configuration from a residential sprinkler system install

Oh, and please no nasty emails if you don’t agree with us. Disagreeing comments are welcome if they are respectful and tasteful.

Related shows:

Husqvarna’s North American R&D Facility in Charlotte, NC part 1

The Handyguys — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:48:27 +0000

The Handyguys Test Husqvarna Tools at their North American R&D facility.

We just got back from visiting Husqvarna and had an adventure playing with power tools and riding the rapids at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. We hacked away at trees (already dead), brush and grass with Husqvarna chain saws, mowers, trimmers and other specialty outdoor products.

Husqvarna provided the proper safety gear for our in-the-field testing. Brian is seen here adjusting his protective mask with integrated ear protection. Those are chainsaw chaps covering his Handyguys work pants. They protect his legs from an out-of-control chainsaw blade. As you can see from the video above, both Brian and Paul have full control of those saws.

The Husqvarna R&D facility was full of outdoor power equipment. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to see it both in the showroom

and on the field.

Did you know that Husqvarna also makes Poulan, Weedeater and Dixon? You have several colors to choose from! We did not get a chance to play with these brands in the field…outside everything was Husqvarna orange.

We came away impressed at the power and design of both the residential and commercial product line of Husqvarna. Paul had a blast giving this hover trimmer a workout on the corporate park turf. The hover trimmer does not float like you may expect; it requires some force to move it around. However, it does work on steep hills which is much safer then using a push mower. It is probably not for the typical home owner but rather for the large landscaper or greens keeper.

The hedge trimmers were so powerful, they could cut right through a fence! Great for escaping from prison…

We plan to share some more information about our favorite Husqvarna tools in a future podcast. Also, look for the short video we have produced of this visit.

Note: This is a text, photo and youtube only post from the Handyguys. There is no audio podcast.

DISCLOSURE: Husqvarna provided all travel expenses so that The Handyguys could give these tools a workout. Please use proper safety gear and follow all instructions when operating any dangerous power or non-powered tools.

Also, we got this cool hat. Don’t you like the Husqvarna hats?

Related shows:

The True Value experience and Delta Faucets 2011

The Handyguys — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:00:45 +0000

In this audio episode The Handyguys discuss the advantages of a local True Value store and the latest line of Delta faucets.

Not Your Grandmother’s Faucet. Handyguy Fan correspondent visits Delta Faucet

Mike from “thediygeek” went on a media tour of Delta Faucet in Indianapolis, IN. He reports in on this episode of the Podcast. You can find a detailed report of his trip here. Also discussed is Brian’s installation of a new Delta Kitchen faucet he picked up at True Value. Oh, and Paul, Handyguy Brian’s wife loves it!

Listen to the Handyguys discuss the Delta line of faucets on this podcast!

Related shows:

Should You Build Your Own Drawers for a Custom Closet?

The Handyguys — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:57:13 +0000

Custom Closet Drawers

This is part of an ongoing series on building your own custom closet shelving.

A custom closet does not require drawers. You can simply design adjustable shelving using plywood, mdf, melamine or wire shelving. If you want a closet with more functionality and a sophisticated look, you will either need to purchase drawers or craft them yourself. You benefit from a DIY build because you get to select the materials and joint methods. However, expect this phase of the project to take the bulk of your customedesign closet building time. Here are some pros and cons of constructing drawers for a custom closet:

Pros

You can use 3/4″ thick material. When you buy drawers as part of a custom solution at your local home center, the wood used is often 1/2″ or less! A 3/4″ drawer is much stronger.
You decide on the joint methods. The factory made drawers for assembly break down hardware which does not always hold up to rugged use. You can often find failed drawers on display at the home center (drawers out of alignment, falling apart, etc.).
You can custom size your drawers.

Cons

Building your own drawers requires a lot of time
If you decide to build drawers using melamine, there are design challenges.

Alternative Strategies:

One strategy is to build your own boxes but mail order false drawer fronts on the internet. If you are making drawers for a melamine based closet, you can purchase thermofoil drawer fronts in the style you prefer.

In a future post I will discuss how I made the drawers pictured in this post.

Note: This is a text only post from the Handyguys. There is no audio.

homemade custom closet drawers installed

Related shows:

Audio podcasting gear we use (to do the show) and True Value Blog Squad

The Handyguys — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:35:41 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we answer a question we get a lot – What gear do we use to make our show? We also announce our participation in the True Value Blog Squad.

Sponsor: Protect your Home with ADT Security Services! Call 1-866-778-3127

Podcasting Audio Gear

Sorry, no home improvement topics this week. We get asked a lot questions like these:

What kind of microphones do you use?
What do you use to record the show?
Where did you get the booms for your mics?
Do you use a mixer?

In this show we try to answer the questions and now we will have a post we can refer people to whom want to know.

Here is a list of the gear:

In the podcast you can hear use discuss why we chose what we did.

Blog Squad

We will be participating in the True Value Blog Squad again this year. We will be joined by several other great bloggers, make sure you check them out.

“Veteran” Blog Squad Members

Katie with All Bower Power: http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/
Josh with Bungalow 23: http://bungalow23.com
Kate with Centsational Girl: http://www.centsationalgirl.com/
Brian & Paul with Handyguys Podcast: www.handyguyspodcast.com
Layla & Kevin with Lettered Cottage: www.theletteredcottage.net
Roeshel with The DIY Show Off: http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/
Sarah with ThriftyDecorChick: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/

“New” Blog Squad Members

Bruno with ManMade DIY: http://manmadediy.com/
Taylor with Mary Janes and Galoshes: http://www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com/
Marian with Miss Mustard Seed: http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com/

We look forward to this years activities as well as seeing what the other bloggers have in store.

Related shows:

Home Inspection and Selecting Plywood

The Handyguys — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:50:33 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we honor Home Inspection Month by talking home inspections and discussing our DIY Home Inspection Checklist, we also talk about selecting plywood.

Home inspection month

April was Home Inspection Month. See http://www.ashi.org/media/psalist.asp

Click to download the .pdf of our DIY Home Inspection Checklist

That reminded us to discuss our DIY Home Inspection Checklist. It’s easy to do and will help you reduce repair costs by identifying potential problems early. You can download the checklist by clicking on the picture to the right.

Also, you may want to listen to a previous show where we discuss most of the items on our checklist.

Plywood

Lots of project use plywood, from construction to fine furniture. learn how to spot decent plywood and how to avoid junk.

The Handyguys discuss:

projects: furniture vs garage shelving
what makes one type better than others
Types: including Baltic birch
Where to locate good plywood (home center, lumberyard, specialties supply houses)
How to transport plywood

Related shows:

Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles

The Handyguys — Fri, 20 May 2011 20:54:12 +0000

On this audio podcast the Handyguys discuss Brian’s free-standing deck and Paul’s Vole problems.

How to Build Freestanding Decks

A freestanding deck will have an additional beam near the house and no ledger board. Free-standing was chosen here due to only a small area next to the deck with no cantilever.

There are several advantages to building a deck freestanding, not attached to your house, and few disadvantages. In the podcast we discuss a few points to consider when deciding to build freestanding or not.

Potential for deck failure

The most common point of failure of a deck is the connection to your house. Building a freestanding deck eliminates this potential problem connection.

Deck water damage

When building a deck attached to your house a board, called a ledger board, is attached to the the house to hold up one side of the deck. This board needs to be flashed properly to prevent water from entering the house

House structure

A ledger board cant be attached to some types of house construction. You shouldn’t attach a ledger board to a section of house that is not supported by foundation (called a cantilever). This includes bay windows, bump-outs, fireplace or chimney chases. Deck ledger boards shouldn’t be attached to some types of building materials like stucco, SIPs, i-joists or veneers without special considerations. Sometimes you just want you deck somewhere away from your house, such as next to an above ground pool or spa.

Deck Fasteners When Building a Freestanding Deck

Some types of fasteners, nails, lags, bolts, hardware, hangars, etc will react poorly with some types of pressure treated lumber. The hardware can fail in just a few years. When building freestanding you are not relying on hardware to hold up one end of the deck.

Access

Some codes may require the ledger to be bolted through the house’s rim joist. Sometimes its not possible to gain access to this area due to a finished basement or tight crawl space.

Deck Costs

The cost of building a freestanding may be a wash, or only slightly more expensive. A freestanding deck will require additional footings, an additional beam and additional bracing. When attaching to the house you will need the ledger board, joist hangers and flashing materials. In Handyguy Brian’s case four additional footers and posts were needed and one additional beam.

Deck Codes

When building any deck you should check with your code enforcement officials to determine if a freestanding deck is allowed. Most jurisdictions it is allowed but you should check first.

Deck Performance

“doesn’t it wiggle?” Handyguy Brian’s freestanding deck is still under construction. The framing inspection passed, the deck boards are going down and the cross bracing is installed. There is virtually zero movement of the deck which is about 16′x27′. When the deck boards are installed it will be even more solid.

Check out Brian’s completed freestanding Deck here:

Voles

Paul had a pesky lawn problem this winter. When the snow cover thawed one winter day, Paul noticed that he had a maze of tunnels all over his yard. It look like he had a mole problem. Or was it a vole? Listen to the podcast for details.

Related shows:

Got Voles? Voles in Lawn Can Cause Lawn Damage

Handyguy Paul — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:09:08 +0000

Voles in the Yard or Lawn?

If your lawn looked like this after the winter thaw, you may have a vole problem. The Handyguys will discuss this pest on our next podcast.

Voles are rodents that spend most of their time under ground. They venture from their tunnels under the cover of snow and do the sort of damage you see here. I was able to take care of my vole with a snap mouse trap and a shovel. The mole did damage to about a 8′ x 8′ section of my lawn. I repaired the damage in the spring with some soil and grass seed.

Note: This is a text only post from the Handyguys. There is no audio.

Related shows:

Replacing Water Heater Expansion Tanks and Ipe Decking

The Handyguys — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:34:20 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast, Paul continues his discussion about his leaky hot water heater and Brian reveals what material he chose for his deck project.

Temperature and Pressure T&P valves and Expansion tanks

Water Heater, T&P Valve, Expansion Tank

Water heaters all have Temperature and Pressure (T&P) valves, many also have expansion tanks. When a T&P valve leaks, there is a good chance that the expansion tank has failed. Paul presents a simple method for checking your expansion tank to prevent future water leakage. Your expansion tank may not need to be replaced, just recharged. Paul tells us how he recharged his in the podcast.

Ipe Decking

Ipe decking ready to be installed

Brian discusses why he chose Ipe for his deck material, including costs and installation considerations. Ipe is a premium, natural, renewable deck material that is harvested mostly in Brazil and other tropical regions of South America. If you decide to go with Ipe make sure it is responsibly harvested (FSC Certified). Ipe can last, by some reports, 40 years without treatment and 100 years with some maintenance. It is fire resistant, rot resistant, termite resistant and mold resistant! Listen to the podcast for discussion about why Brian chose it.

Check out podcast for further details.

Related shows:

A DIY custom closet – Build Your Own Custom Closet

Handyguy Paul — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:52:36 +0000

Custom Handyman Closet

There are many custom closet companies eager to install a quick and easy (if not expensive) closet system for storing all of your belongings. I decided to save some money by building a closet using the modern marvel called melamine. This is the same material that most custom closet manufacturers use and it is available at your local home center. Be sure to look for the 15 3/4″ wide variety with pre-drilled holes. I will provide more pictures of the finished project when it is complete. For a basic DIY design of a custom closet, check out Gary Katz ‘s article.

Note: This is a text only post from the Handyguys. There is no audio.

Related shows:

Should You Build Your Own Drawers for a Custom Closet?

Repair a leaking water heater T&P and planning for a new deck

The Handyguys — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:35:29 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast The Handyguys discuss their recent projects; repairing a leaky hot water heater and preparing for a new back yard deck.

Water Heater Leaky T&P – Temperature and Pressure valve

Leaks coming from the hot water heater’s T&P valve are very common. Some folks just overlook the problem but water leaking from a water heater can create mold problems or other water related damage. Address the issue as soon as you see it. Paul and Brian begin a two-part series on repairing this problem.

Planning for a deck project

Brian also discusses the challenges of designing a deck and getting plans approved with the local building inspector. Issues discussed include deck design software and when to solicit outside help.

Listen to the podcast for all the details.

Related shows:

Installing Recessed Lighting

The Handyguys — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:22:53 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast Brian and Paul discuss a listeners question about recessed lighting.

How to Install Recessed lighting

We got the following question from Rob:

I recently discovered your podcast and I love it. I’m working my way through the archives, but I don’t see an episode on adding recessed lighting to a room. I know that there are many ways to go about this, but my home does not have an attic. It does have crawl space for the lights, but not one that I can access from above. I would need to cut holes into the ceiling and place the lights in the ceiling from below. I know that there are different types of lights based on new construction versus not, and I know that I would need to run wires, which could prove difficult since I don’t have access to the crawl space. I will be having my roof replaced shortly. Would it make sense to cut the holes and then as soon as the room is off, drop a lot of wire? Also, what are the appropriate types of lights, how many, and how far apart should they be in the room, etc. It’s a family room, so there will be tv watching, reading, kids playing, etc.

Thank you again for a great podcast. Rob

The Handyguys initially responded via email to Rob but decided to dedicate a show to the topic. Listen to the show!

Retrofitting recessed lights

The hardest part of retrofitting lighting is running the wires. You typically would cut into the drywall at every point where you needed to drill through a joist to enable fishing the wires back to your electrical panel. In the podcast we discuss some other options.

Lights per circuit

As for the number of lights, pick up a good electrical book to help determine how many lights per circuit is possible (it will depend on the light used, other loading on the circuit, the wire and codes).

Placement

Try and pick areas where they wont glare on the TV or in your eyes and provide the light where you need it. Dedicated lighting stores sometimes have lighting designers that can help you.

True value stores will have everything you need to do this project. Check them out, they are a great resource for local advice and supplies.

Types of Recessed lighting

As always, listen to the podcast for all the discussion.

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:

Tiny Houses discussed

The Handyguys — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:22:25 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast tiny houses are discussed as well as the announcement of office hours on Facebook.

Tiny Houses

Handy guy Brian read an article about small houses which prompted the discussion. The original article is here. The article talks about how the market for tiny houses is thriving due to people concerns about sustainability, job security and the housing market bust.

The Handyguys discuss the pros and cons of living in a smaller house. Brian isn’t willing to give up his garage shop. It sure would make you re-think all the ‘stuff’ that has accumulated. Listen to the podcast for the lively discussion.

If you are interested in learning more about tiny houses you may want to check out the Tiny House Blog that we mention in the podcast.

Facebook Office Hours

Announcement - The Handyguys will be holding “Office Hours” all next week on Facebook. Make sure you visit the True Value Facebook page where The Handyguys will be fielding questions from anyone who happens by.

Related shows:

Repair, cleaning and refinishing old hardwood floors

The Handyguys — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:44:15 +0000

In this audio episode The Handyguys address a listener question about how to rejuvenate the hardwood floors in his new old house.

The question from Jeremy:

Hi guys, just found your podcast and I love it. working through the archives right now. I’m planning to refinish the original hardwood floors in the 1950s ranch house that I just bought as my first home. I will be pulling all the base trim off and want to go to a dark color to help hide any flaws in the flooring as well as future dirt. Can you please give me any advise regarding: proper prep work, proper tools, recommend a good stain (from what I read product quality can vary significantly), as well as any tips to make the job go smoothly. Lastly, could you please go over any basic wood repair techniques that would be helpful. i.e. filling gaps with stainable wood filler, patching gouges, etc. There are many projects I’m planning and I’m sure I’ll get some great tips in the archives! Thanks Guys.

The Handyguys respond:

Changing hardwood floors to a dark color

I wouldn’t go dark for the reasons you mentioned. Go dark if you like the look. Flaws can usually be fixed, dirt can be cleaned and dark stained hardwood may actually look dirtier faster than a neutral color.

Preparation of hardwood floors

Prep work will vary depending on the current condition of the floor. If they are in bad shape then all the old finish is usually sanded off, the floors repaired and cleaned before staining and finishing.

Tools for hardwood floor finishing

Again, this will vary based upon what the condition is. Sometimes a floor only needs a light sanding and then a fresh coat of poly. In a case like that a vibrating sander is ideal. If many heavy coats of old finish and some wood need to be removed then a drum sander is called for. Drum sanders can do a lot of damage if not used properly. You may want to hire that part out unless you are super careful and maybe have an inconspicuous place to practice. Your True Value may have a rental store attached that can guide you on sanders.

Hardwood Floor Stains

Again, only stain if you want to change from the natural color. Some oil based polyurethane will impart a bit of a yellow color. The stain itself doesn’t mater too much, it’s really the top coat that is most critical. I have even know people to make their own stains from coffee! Stain is all about the look you want. If you can get some wood of the same species you can try some different stains to see how you like the look. There is also something called a sanding sealer or preconditioner. Those will affect how the stains absorb and effect the look. Softer woods are more likely to benefit from a preconditioner or sanding sealer.With any of those products make sure you follow the manufacturers recommendations on the can.

Tips for hardwood floor finishing

You don’t ask about the floor finish itself. You have the stain which changes the look/color. You then top-coat it with a polyurethane floor finish. The top coat is the most important. It effects the longevity and durability of the job. For a DIY project I definitely recommend a water based poly floor finish. Why? They dry fast (less time for dust to settle in the finish), they do not change the color (they are perfectly clear), they are easy to apply and easy clean up. The folks at True Value will help you select a good finish. Whatever finish you use make sure it is designed for floors. Again, follow the directions on the can.

Jeremy sent us this picture in a follow-up email

Floor rejuvenation steps

The Handyguys recommend the following steps to Jeremy and anyone else who wants to rejuvenate their floors without completely removing the old finish.

Jeremy – Those floors do not look like they are in that bad of shape. As you do your other projects take care to not damage them.

Sand lightly with a vibrating type floor sander. Don’t expect this to remove all the old finish. You are just touching up scuffs in the existing finish.
Do not apply a stain – You cant stain without completely removing the old finish.
Clean, clean, clean. You want to remove any dust. Use a damp rag or a tack cloth to make sure you do not leave any dust on the floor.
Apply 3 or 4 coats of water based poly floor finish. Sand with a fine grit paper between coats. Follow the manufactures recommendations here. You could sand in one day and if your water based poly drys fast enough you could get your 3 or 4 coats on in another day.

As always, listen to the podcast for all the discussion.

Related shows:

How To Remove Wallpaper and Wallpaper Border Removal Tips

The Handyguys — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:32:16 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we answer a listener question about wallpaper removal and discuss our own experiences with wallpaper removal.

The question:

…we recently moved into my wife’s grandmothers house. And well it was grandma’s in every way. Wallpaper: now some of the wall paper was put up very well, would it be possible to paint over these? And some of the wall paper, not so well, best ideas for removal, and would I then have to replace the drywall underneath?

Painting Wallpaper

Don’t do it! It rarely looks right, the paper can peel, you can see the seams. Its best to remove the paper. The next homeowner will thank you.

Get wallpaper stripper to the glue

The key to wallpaper removal is to loosen the glue. The glue can be softened by using products such a DIF® Wallpaper Stripper (available at True Value). You can also use warm water with some vinegar. The commercial products are more effective and comes in a gel which clings to the wall better.

The issue is how to get the stripper to the glue. Some wallpaper is vinyl. Vinyl wallpaper is great in that its easy to clean, that also makes it harder to remove.

First try to just peel it off. You may find that the paper or vinyl facing comes off. That’s fine. Once that is off the stripper can do its job.

Wallpaper can add a touch of class to any room. This is a picture of Handyguy Brian's powder room with mahogany wainscoting and wallpaper above.

If the vinyl facing does not peel off you will need to score it with a wallpaper stripping tool. These tools perforate the wallpaper face yet leave the wall board or plaster undamaged.

Wallpaper steamer versus stripper

If you have a large area you may want to consider buying, or renting, a wall paper steamer. Wagner has one at True Value that is effective and doesn’t cost much more than a weekends rental.

Once all the paper is off and the walls have been cleaned of any glue residue you are then ready for painting or new wallpaper.

Handyguys Tip

If you are considering hanging wallpaper – Please prime the wall first. Wallpaper attached to un-primed drywall is nearly impossible to remove without causing damage.

Related shows:

Troubleshooting Ice Maker Not Making Ice And Lawn Aeration

The Handyguys — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:26:37 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we start by discussing a question about ice makers not making ice and then get into some recent projects in our “What are ya doing lately” segment.

Ice maker machine not making ice

We received this question from a fan named Mary

Do you have any recommendations on getting the ice machine on our Kenmore side-by-side working again?

Well, when we recorded this episode we didn’t have any more details.

Mary – The problem is often that the defrost cycle doesn’t defrost enough to sufficiently melt ice buildup in the water inlet tube. I have heard some people recommend to put all your stuff from the refrigerator and freezer, put it into coolers, unplug the appliance, and then let it warm up, above freezing, for a couple of hours or over night. This thawing process will fix your ice maker IF the problem is a frozen supply line. Some others will use a hair dryer to warm up just the frozen spot. The problem with the hair dryer is you need to figure out where the freeze is! The manual defrost process is pretty simple and it doesn’t cost you anything to try. If everything mechanically and electrically seems sound then give it a shot.

What else could it be? There is an arm that shuts the ice maker on and off. That arm could be stuck in the off position, push it down and you may be in business. Other problems may be more involved such as bad motors or circuitry.

Mary – send us some more information on your problem (comment on this post) and we will try to help you troubleshoot further.

This project involved "building a box" around some pipes for a radiator on the floor above. A traditional 2x wall was built, drywall and then trim.

What are you doing lately?

Brian

Brian recently completed an aeration project. Renting an aerator is a great way to improve the health of your lawn. When done in conjunction with over seeding you give your lawn a great jump on a healthy next growing season.

Paul

Paul also did some aeration and over seeding. The Handyguys then discussed a project they did for a local pre-school. It involved boxing in unsightly pipes and matching new trim to old in a 100-year-old Victorian.

Related shows:

Landscape Lighting Options, Solar And Low Voltage

The Handyguys — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:08:28 +0000

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we discuss solar and low voltage landscape lighting.

Pros and Cons of Solar versus Low Voltage landscape lighting

Solar Pros

Easy to install
You don’t need an outlet or transformer
Long lasting bulbs
Safe

Solar Cons

Price can be higher than low voltage
Limited selection of light styles
Limited brightness
May not illuminate all night

Low Voltage Pros

Safe
Large selection of light fixtures
High output illumination possible
Easy to install

Low Voltage Cons

Requires a transformer and a place to connect it
Bulbs can burn out more quickly
Uses more energy than solar

Lighting a Flag

Handyguy Brian wanted to light a flag attached to his front porch. He has used a porch light to comply with the code but wanted to do something a bit nicer.

US Flag Code, Title 4, § 6., (a)
…when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

The solution was a set of solar spotlights from True Value. The set Brian chose had three spots that are connected to a remote solar panel.

Remote Solar panel advantages

You can position it in a location that gets the most direct sunlight
The lights are not encumbered with an awkward looking panel on top
The photovoltaic panel is larger than what a single light can accommodate

Line Voltage or AC landscape lighting

Some landscape lighting uses regular house current. The requirements for this are beyond the scope of what can be discussed safely in a podcast and is not generally a DIY endeavor.

Listen to the podcast for discussion of this topic.

Thanks to Atlanta Landscape Lighting for allowing us to use some images of their landscape lighting designs.

Related shows:

How To Care For Granite

The Handyguys — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:02:03 +0000

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

Granite Care

The Handyguys discuss:

Granite generally requires re-sealing every 1-3 yrs. Check with your installer to see what they recommend.
Topical vs Penetrating granite sealers (stripping/re-sealing/permanent/etc).
Granite should only be washed with dishwasher soap/water. No harsh cleansers. Exception is something like the Dupont product which is safe.
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

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

Related shows:

Tractor and Mower Maintenance Video – Oil, Fuel, Air, Grease and Spark

The Handyguys — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:17:47 +0000

In this video episode of The Handyguys we discuss some common tractor and mower maintenance for your John Deere.

We discuss changing oil, checking air filters, the location of spark plugs, grease points and fuel filters.

John Deere sells a Home maintenance kit specifically for your tractor. It contains most of the items you will want for DIY maintenance of your tractor. One thing the kit does NOT contain is a grease gun and grease. This Grease Gun from Amazon is similar to the one used by The Handyguys in the video and works nicely. .

Make sure you follow all the manufacturer provided instructions and recommendations for maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your tractor.

John Deere has provided The Handyguys the products used in this evaluation. However, the opinions of The Handyguys are entirely our own and we have not been paid to make positive comments.

Related shows:

Hurricane Preparedness

The Handyguys — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:47:18 +0000

In this audio podcast we comment on the most common tips for hurricane preparedness, add a few of our own, and then interview a Handyguys Podcast fan and hurricane veteran.

Hurricane Earl from the ISS, click to enlarge

For complete preparedness tips please check out these resources:
www.nhc.noaa.gov
www.fema.gov
www.ready.gov
wikipedia.org

Here are some tips The Handyguys discuss:

Check gutters and downspouts, make sure they are functional and well attached.
Put things like lawn chairs, garbage cans, recycling bins, and anything that could blow away in a secure location. Look around at your neighbors property too. Help them get cleaned up. Their stuff could blow into your windows.
Trim dead limbs from trees
Ensure your sump-pump is operational, consider a water powered or battery backup sump pump
Ensure you have a working flashlight and that you know where it is
Make sure your vehicle(s) are filled with gas
If you have a generator - make sure its in working condition, test it. Make sure you have a supply of fresh gas and that you know how to use it (and how you shouldn’t use it)
If you have a chainsaw – make sure your blades are sharp and you have gas/oil, etc.
Make sure you have a battery or hand crank operated radio so you can get storm updates in the event of a power failure
Make sure your garage door is latched closed (helps keep water out and secures somewhat better against wind). Don’t close the garage door if you are running a generator in the garage
Make sure you have supplies of medications, water, food, etc. (If you loose power frequently how long is it usually out?)
Make sure your cell phones are fully charged.
Identify the safest room in your house. It would be a room with no windows or exterior doors.
Turn your refrigerator to its COLDEST setting a few hours before the storm.

These aren’t all the things you need to do. That will depend on the severity of the hit in your area. Make sure you keep safe and follow all emergency instructions and evacuations if necessary.
Make sure you subscribe to the podcasts or videos, our email newsletter, twitter or follow us on facebook.

You can also track hurricanes in real-time with the map below:

Related shows: