The Handyguys Podcast - Working Together on that Honey Do List Home Energy Savings Tool tests

home improvement

Handyguys Visit Spooky Abandoned Railroad Tunnel

In the lost tunnel

The Spooky Abandoned Railroad Tunnel The Handyguys took a day off to discover a long lost Railroad tunnel. The big reason that few people have found the tunnel is due to the rough terrain. Brian and Paul fight through the thickets and make it to the tunnel. We had a lot of fun on our [...]

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Stink Bug Prevention, Control, Removal and Elimination

Stink Bugs

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 [...]

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Freestanding Ipe deck features and best practices

Use of Ipe plugs for concealed fasteners on your Ipe deck

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 [...]

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Repairing Plaster Walls and Attaching Things to Plaster Walls

Plaster and Lath wall

Repairing plaster walls and attaching things to plaster walls are discussed in this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast. The Handyguys received this question from a listener: Would you please talk in detail about homes with plaster walls? I have never lived in a home with plaster walls until now and have only heard horror [...]

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Dust Collection and Resiential Sprinkler Systems

sawdust

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 [...]

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Preventing and repairing thatch and those purple triangle thingys in trees

Emerald Ash Borer Trap

In this audio episode The Handyguys discuss thatch in your lawn as well as discuss those purple kite looking things that are showing up in trees around many states in the Midwest and Northeast. Thatch The Handyguys discuss thatch in your lawn and dispel many myths regarding thatch. What causes it and what doesn’t cause [...]

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

True Value DIY Blog Squad and The Handyguys

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 [...]

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Home Inspection and Selecting Plywood

DIY Home Inspection Checklist Download (PDF)

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 That reminded us to discuss our DIY Home Inspection Checklist. It’s easy to do and [...]

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No display on the thermostat and no AC

White-Rodgers 1F86-241 Thermostat

Handyguy Brian had the following conversation, via instant messaging, with his lovely wife (or so he thought) about how to troubleshoot a no display issue with a thermostat and no Air Conditioning (AC). No audio here. Some steps for troubleshooting your AC, thermostat or heat. Below is an actual conversation. The initial assumption was bad [...]

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Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles

Freestanding Deck

On this audio podcast the Handyguys discuss Brian’s free-standing deck and Paul’s Vole problems. How to Build Freestanding Decks 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 [...]

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Replacing Water Heater Expansion Tanks and Ipe Decking

Load of Ipe for Brian's Deck

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 heaters all have Temperature and Pressure (T&P) valves, many also have expansion tanks. When a T&P valve [...]

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

Leaky T&P Tempature and Pressure valve

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 [...]

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Installing Recessed Lighting

Remodel Style Recessed Light

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 [...]

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Tiny Houses discussed

Tiny house's can save you money

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 [...]

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Repair, cleaning and refinishing old hardwood floors

These floors are a candidate for rejuvenation, not complete refinishing

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 [...]

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Foamy faucets, cloudy dishes, frog tape giveaway, toilet troubles and bad gas cans

Frog Tape giveaway

The Handyguys revisit some old issues and discuss some new ones – foamy faucets, cloudy dishes, frog tape giveaway, toilet troubles and bad gas caps on this audio episode. Topic 1:  The Moen Faucet with foamy smelly water. Paul discusses his Moen faucet with the pull out braided hose and how it still produces smelly [...]

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How To Remove Wallpaper and Wallpaper Border Removal Tips

Paper Tiger Wallpaper Scoring Tool

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 [...]

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Troubleshooting Ice Maker Not Making Ice And Lawn Aeration

Ice

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 [...]

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Landscape Lighting Options, Solar And Low Voltage

Atlanta Landscape Lighting

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 [...]

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How To Care For Granite

Sealed Versus Unsealed Granite

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. [...]

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

Deere Oil Change

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 [...]

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Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Earl from the ISS

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. 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 [...]

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Labor Day Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts

Mowing tips

Our friends over at John Deere sent us some great lawn care information that we wanted to share with everyone before Labor Day. There is no audio or video with this post. A survey with Harris Interactive found out that 79% of homeowners and renters in the U.S. are planning to mow their lawns …

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Tween Painting Party And Foamy Faucet Trouble

pre-teen painting

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we discuss if giving a pre-teen free rein on painting her room with her friends is a good idea, we then discuss a vexing issue with Paul’s kitchen sink faucet. Pre-teen Painting She is 12, she wanted her room painted. She wanted to DIY. It was her [...]

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Upgrading Door Security And A DIY Flowchart

Door Devil Anti-Kick and Door Frame Repair Kit

In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss how to upgrade the entry doors in your house, with a Door Devil™, for increased security and then discuss a flowchart for determining if DIY projects are right for you. Door Security The Handyguys have discussed home security in the past but it usually involves systems that alert [...]

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John Deere LA115 Lawn Tractor Controls Overview Video

John Deere Controls

In this video we give or viewers a brief overview of the controls of the LA115 lawn tractor from John Deere. Controls Overview This video is a follow-up to our audio show Episode #118 – Controls, Maintenance and Cutting Techniques of a John Deere LA115 Lawn Tractor. Many of the controls are identical to other [...]

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