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

Wood Floors on Concrete, Plumbing Repair and Finding Carpet Stains

This is a very full show covering many different topics. We start off commenting on a article in Fine Home Building magazine about wood floors over concrete, address two listener questions (one on leaky faucets and one on garbage disposals), and then we wrap up the show with a tip from Brian about how to find pet stains in carpet.

Wood floors on concrete

Can this be done? Sure it can. Brian and Paul comment on an article in Fine Homebuilding. The Author, Charles Peterson, discusses a technique that uses two layers of plywood and a vapor barrier to create a stable, floating, subfloor for installation of your finished floor. Check it out and listen to The Handyguys comments in the podcast.

Drippy faucets

The Handyguys love getting questions where the answer is simple and inexpensive. We received this question from Cheryl

I have a leaky bathtub faucet, it started dripping and it has gotten worse, do I need to replace the entire faucet? My house was built in 1953 and I’m guessing the faucet is probably that old too! It consists of two knobs, one of hot and cold and the spigot of course. I think both the hot and cold are leaking, I can’t really determine which one it is! Thanks for any help you can provide.

Cheryl – Thanks for your question. NO, you do not need to replace the faucet. The fix is pretty simple. We assume you mean the drip is coming from the spout, not from behind the handles. Our friends over at hammer zone have put together some instructions. I’ll let you read them instead of my recreating the steps here. Check out HammerZone’s how to replace a washer article and listen to our podcast for details.

There could be a few other issues. Give the washer replacement a try first, its easy to do.

Some possible pitfalls

• The washer screw is broken off
• The seat (what the washer presses against) is damaged
• Parts are corroded preventing removal
• The handle you have may remove differently than in the pictures at hammerzone

If you have trouble please let us know. You can hear our discussion of the issue in the podcast.

Garbage Disposal Smells

This stinky issue keeps generating interest. We have received many tips and tricks. We thought we would answer Dave’s question and pass along his tip.

I always shut off the circuit breaker to the disposal anytime I am going to stick my hand in there. Just to be sure that it will not turn off.

Have you guys used Draino? I had a problem where soft foods weren’t getting shredded enough to go down the drain so I started getting an odor. I poured draino down there and after it sat for awhile I ran it again and the food and smell were gone. Do you know of any problems in using draino in a disposal. ex corrosion or other problems?

Good tip about the circuit breaker Dave, better safe than sorry. As for Draino. Yes and No. It depends on which draino product you are considering. Check the label. The crystals are not recommended for garbage disposers, the gel is fine according to the manufacture. Bottom line, check the label.

Related shows:

1. Deck Stains And Tub Glazing
2. Hardscaping Options – Concrete, pavers or stamped concrete
3. Repair, cleaning and refinishing old hardwood floors

The Handyguys answers some questions and then discuss Garbage Disposals

First of all, please watch our videos from Episode #52 and  take our survey.  We would love some  more feedback!

A garbage disposal is something most of us have but the troubleshooting  instructions are probably missing..  The Handyguys discuss ways to fix these little beasts when they are no cooperating.  But first… the Handyguys answer some listener questions.

Hammer Drill Chuck Problems

Nathan writes to Handyguy Paul:

Paul, I had a question about the Makita HP1621FK that you bought for finishing your basement.  Did you ever have problems with drill bits spinning inside the chuck?  It seems with these keyless chuck drills I can never get the chuck tight enough to stop bits from spinning when drilling into hard objects such as concrete.  Do you guys have any tips for possibly reducing this problem in these keyless chuck drills? – Nathan

Thanks for he question Nathan.  Indeed Paul did experience this problem with this particular drill.  His solution was to hold the chuck tight while he ran the drill slowly to get the chuck good and tight.  He also pushed in the bit as far as he could — in some cases all the way to the base of the chuck — so that the bit would not slip.

Paul typically had a different problem with this drill, namely, removing the bit after using it to drill into concrete.  Listen to the podcast for more details and solutions.  This is a great drill for the price so hopefully we can get this issue resolved.

This isn't Larry. We're not sure this guy is going to get his mower started like this!

Reviving an Unused Lawnmower

The Handyguys also received a call-in question from Larry who is trying to save money in this down economy and wants to begin mowing his lawn himself.  Unfortunately, his lawnmower has been sitting unused for a few years and he wants to get it working again.  The Handyguys provide some tips in the podcast and also refer Larry to our show from last spring on prepping your mower for the mowing season.

That brings us to the big issue at hand…

Garbage Disposal Problems

Picture thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike-burns/8907417/

A garbage disposal is an appliance that most of us have and yet it is still a mystery to most.  The garbage disposal is a great tool and when it works you don’t give it a second thought.  However, if you experience problems with clogs or poor performance, there is no set of troubleshooting tips printed under your sink.  The Handyguys discuss some methods for treating the typical problems you can experience with a disposal. Listen to the podcast for details.

The Handyguys then have a discussion about the best way to clean our disposal.

Check out the podcast for details and get your disposal unclogged!

Related shows:

1. Deck Material And Design Part 2
2. Installing Wood Floors On Concrete, Dripping Faucets And Finding Stains
3. How To Choose A Drill, Drill Type Comparisons