The Handyguys received a distraught email from one of our listeners regarding a DIY disaster. It seems that Leroy has the challenge of fixing a hack job from the previous homeowner.

Hi guys, I recently purchased a house. The home was built in 1990. In the master bedroom there is an 8 inch paper boarder up high on the walls. Instead of taking the boarder off, the person who lived here prior apparently used some sort of mud to (poorly) blend the lower portion of the boarder to the rest of the sheet rock then used what looks like spray texture to try and match the knockdown texture currently on the wall and then painted the entire room. At a distance you can kinda see the patchwork but up close it is very unattractive. My question is how would you go about removing the boarder and making the wall look uniform being that there is knockdown texture on the wall. Thank you so much. Love the podcast and fyi I wrote a review on Itunes.

The Handyguys make an effort to rescue Leroy from this potential mess. In summary, there are three choices that the handyguy can make to fix the funny looking walls:

1. Just tear down that drywall and install new! Obviously this is a drastic solution but it would work.
2. Try to create a texture over the wallpaper boarder that matches the rest of the wall. The Handyguys discuss the texture options.
3. Camouflage the problem. Either use another wallpaper border that is thicker then the one used previously or repaint the room with a faux paint process that hides the problem.

Water Pressure in the Home

Is your home water pressure to high? Many newer homes have pressure regulators which reduce the water pressure coming into the home. However, if these regulators are not set correctly or are faulty, you could have high water pressure which may cause a plumbing disaster. A typical home water pressure is measured at 70psi or below.

You can use this affordable pressure gauge available in our store. The Handyguys discuss how to use it in the podcast.

However, Handyguy Paul has heard from Neighbors with readings above 100psi. This high pressure can raise the chance of having a plumbing failure, particularly with one of the many fittings to toilets and sinks. If you think you may have high water pressure, get it checked.

If you want to check your water pressure yourself you may want to consider picking up a water pressure gauge. They are not too expensive and could save you some trouble by identifying if your pressure is too high before it causes a problem.

Channel Lock

Channellock sent us their newly released tool: the 6.5″ V-Jaw tongue and groove pliers to check out. They look useful and more versatile than regular pliers. The Handyguys discuss some possible uses, keep them handy and report back when we use them on a future project. We love that they are made in the USA! Thanks Channellock. You can get Channellock Products at Amazon by clicking this link

Related shows:

1. Exploding Water Heaters And Home Networking
2. Repair a leaking water heater T&P and planning for a new deck
3. How To Cut Metal, CFL Safety And Water Saving Flush Valves

First up the electrical tool kit we talk about some key tools for doing electrical work and comment on an article in Fine Homebuilding called An Electrical Tool Kit by Brian Walo.
Fine Homebuilding says (About Brian Walo’s article):

He recommends three electrical testers, a variety of drivers (Phillips head, flat head, nut driver, and Robertson drivers), pliers (side-cutting, crimpers, strippers, end cut, and needle nose), and materials (electrical tape, wire nuts, crimping sleeves, bonding screws, cable clamps, staples, and screws).

Well we discuss what a typical handyguy may want to have and share some of our own favorites in the podcast.
Below are some must haves.

Testers

Well, we think there should be several types of testers. Some simple, some fancier, depending on what you are testing. The three types each have different purposes.
First – A non-contact voltage Tester. This type of tester can tell you if you if a wire is “hot” without needing to remove a wire nut. Its a good first check but many recommend that you also use a true voltage meter to be positive the electric is off before you work on something.
Second – A tester that checks for correct wiring. These are simple devices that you plug into a receptacle and indicator lights tell you if its wired correctly. The one in our kit below also can test GFCIs.
Lastly – A voltage meter – A voltage meter is used to measure the voltage on a particular wire or for testing continuity. It can also test batteries and other low voltage circuits.
This kit from Greenlee includes all three at a good price.

http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000FCIMFS

Drivers

Screwdrivers are needed. For electrical work a number of different sizes and styles are needed. The Handyguys and the author of the Fine Homebuilding article all despise “standard” or slotted screwdrivers but they are a necessary part of the process. You couldn’t install a faceplate without one. Many of the older devices only have slotted screw heads. You will need two sizes of slotted, small and medium. Philips is pretty common these days and a decent #2 Philips is probably your most used size. Many of the newest devices use square drive or robertson tips. They give very good positive grip on the screw heads.
This set from Klein http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000MKMIH6 is top of the line and wont break the bank. It includes all the sizes you would need except the square drive

The square drive http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B00093D6YU can be bought separately. This square drive screwdriver also has a little hook right below the handle for bending wire. It really speeds up the job of putting in outlets and switches because you do not need to reach for your pliers to put the bend on the end of a wire you are going to terminate.

Pliers

Get the best pair of “linemans pliers” http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B0000302W6 you can buy. Cheap ones will dull, chip and generally frustrate you . They are used for many things from cutting, twisting, crimping and pulling.

Strippers – You can strip wire with a pocket knife or even your linemans pliers. A tool dedicated to the task will be easier and faster. http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B00080DPNQ

Miscellaneous

In the podcast we also go into a lot of other items such as wire nuts, screws, crimps, clamps, staples and so forth. If you want links to any of that just use our contact form and we will get them for you.

Tips

• Have some extra screws handy. 8/32 and 6/32 will be the most common size.
• For fishing wire the author uses a 10′ piece of pex tubing. Read the article for how that works.

When the power goes out.

The music provided at the beginning of this segment is from Mevio’s Music Alley. Check it out at music.mevio.com

When would you use a portable generator and when would you want a standby generator? The Handyguys discuss the options and pros and cons of different types.

Bottom line – when using a portable generator make sure you follow all of the safety rules provided in the owners manual.

Related shows:

1. Monitoring Your Power Consumption

The Handyguys upgrade their faucet hardware and provide videos to prove it!

Paul installed the Grohe Arden

Many weeks ago we promised to talk about faucet installation. Brian recently installed a great Price Pfister Ashfield for his powder room.  Paul installed a Grohe Arden mini set in his master bathroom.

But  before we can talk about basic plumbing and installing fixtures, we have some other matters to address.

Handyguys Video?

Both Brian and Paul filmed their installation to provide an overview of a faucet upgrade.  If you have not installed a faucet before, we hope these videos will be helpful.  We are going to include links to both videos.  While the videos are similar, we produced them in slightly different ways.  The intent of both videos is to quickly show each step of the process.  In Handyguy Brian’s video, he narrates each step,  but in Paul’s video we just use text to explain the steps.

These are really just sample videos.  Neither sound or video quality is very good. We are looking for your feedback. We would like to know if you value videos like this and how you might view and utilize such media.  Remember, these videos are just prototypes.  If we decide to continue with regular video, we will probably upgrade the quality.  So please let us know what you think, after watching both videos, by answering the questions in our short survey. Thanks.

Grohe Faucet Installation from Handyguys Podcast on Vimeo

Price Pfister Faucet Installation from Handyguys Podcast on Vimeo.

After watching the two videos, please take our survey.

Grohe and Price Pfister Installation

Brian installed the Price Pfister Ashfield in his powder room.

In this week’s podcast, The Handyguys discuss the process of upgrading faucet hardware. Brian talks about his beautiful and stylish Price Pfister Ashfield faucet in rustic bronze. It is a faucet that looks like an old well pump.  Not only is it stylish, but it is solid and works great with just one hand! In addition, this is a a “watersense” faucet which means that it saves 30% water which protects the environment and saves you money!

The Handyguys talk about the water sense program.  You can find more info here:   http://www.epa.gov/watersense/ The bottom line is that a home with watersense faucets can save a significant amount of water. The Handyguys hope to analyze this water savings in a future show to find out exactly how much is actually saved in their homes with watersense faucets.

Paul also installed a water sense faucet, but his faucet comes from Grohe.  His Grohe Arden faucet is a solid and sleek addition to his master bathroom.  You can learn about Grohe’s amazing line of products at http://www.groheamerica.com/.  Don’t expect to see their products at the big box store though as they are only sold at local plumbing distributors or through special order. Fortunately, it seems that many plumbing suppliers carry Grohe and you can also find their parts on the Internet. Check out Grohe’s site for local distributors.

Brian and Paul determine that most handyguys can handle this project with only a few tools and a few supplies. You will need an adjustable wrench, channel lock pliers and possibly a basin wrench.  You will also need some supplies such as plumbers putty or pipe dope and some braided hose. Listen to the podcast for more details.

The faucet upgrade is not a difficult job but it does require some patience and some agility to work with all the connections on the drain, stopper and supply lines.  Hopefully the Handyguys’ discussion of their installs will give you the confidence to upgrade your sinks as well!

Survey

Click HERE to take the survey or alternatively, copy and paste the following URL into any web browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jtaPUTKWr2N_2fg0wGqcMEUQ_3d_3d

For other shows on saving energy click here

Related shows:

1. Phased Remodeling, Vinyl Siding Installation And Landscape Grading
2. Tween Painting Party And Foamy Faucet Trouble
3. Home Improvement Tips, Rapid Fire

In this show, The Handyguys detail the basic Handyguy Toolkit that every homeowner should have. We also have our first free giveaway contest. Listen to the podcast for details.

But first The Handyguys discuss a new Mantis Cordless Reel Mower. This new battery-powered mower weighs only 25 pounds and is powered by a 24-volt NiCad battery, which provides enough power to mow up to 2,500 square feet of lawn. This mower runs quietly and is environmentally friendly, according to the company.

But what do The Handyguys think of this product? We have to be honest, we haven’t used it and aren’t exactly sure how it works. However, when he was a kid, Brian used a traditional reel mower to mow almost an acre of grass at his grandmother’s house. Sure it was hard work, but he did not do any damage to the environment with it. (But what about those chemicals you spread on the lawn Brian?)

Check out the Mantis Cordless Reel Mower before spring, or check out this no-carbon producing reel mower to satisfy even the pickiest environmentalist requirements.

Since the grass is dormant in most parts of the country, we should be discussing tools, not mowers. The Handyguys tackle the job of listing the essential tools that should be in every homeowners toolbox.

Listen to the podcast for details.

The Handyguys starter toolbox:

1. Assortment of Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers
2. 16oz hammer
3. Bosch drill
4. Adjustable wrench
5. Pliers (needle nose, diagonal cut, regular)
6. Vice grips (Made in USA)
   
7. Alan wrench set
8. Tape measure (25′ )
9. Utility Knife
10. 2′ Level
11. Wonder bar crowbar
12. Leather gloves
13. Stud finder (Electronic) or (Magnetic)
    
14. WD-40
15. Flashlight
16. Bucket Boss
17. Duct tape!!! (or is it duck tape?)

Let us know what you recommend for the basic Handyguy Toolkit. We may mention it on our show.

Finally, the Handyguys have their first contest. We will be giving away something for free. All you need to do is listen to this podcast to find out what it is and how to enter our contest to win.

Related shows:

1. Top 10 Essential Tools For DIY And Duct Tape Uses
2. Ideal Water Pressure, Fixing A Damaged Wall And V-Jaw Pliers
3. Fall Home Improvement Checklist