Earthquake Safety Tips

There was an earthquake on the east coast today (8-23-2011) which prevented the Handyguys from delivering their weekly audio webcast. It is not completely uncommon for earthquakes to hit the mid-atlantic states*, including our own Pennsylvania, so we decided to feature important east cost earthquake safety tips:

Run and Scream after minor east coast quake

1. When building shakes, run immediately for exits.  Scream if able.
2. Panic.
3. Drive around city looking for new cracks in the road. Add to traffic gridlock.
4. Call every family member and tie up cell phone network for hours.
5. Go home from work early to see if loved ones felt the quake.
6. Bring local commerce to halt (see #2 through #4 above)
7. Blame earthquake on Obama’s vacation.
8. Speak to your children about unexpected events that could cause the usual media panic and alarm.
9. Call your friends in California to inquire about aftershocks.
10. Order Pizza.
11. Listen to Handyguys podcast on hurricane preparedness. Get ready for coming hurricane.
12. Dig out old CB scanner and listen to emergency operations.
13. Check Liberty Bell for new cracks.
    

    Did Earthquake cause crack to expand?

14. Find Duct Tape.

East Coast Quake Damage:

Washington, D.C.:

Capital Building After August Quake. Is there a crack on top?

Philadelphia:

Philadelphia's Independence is Still standing after all these years.

*While this earthquake was reported at 5.9 magnatude, there have been other earthquakes in PA according to the USGS:

• 1984 04 23 – Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – M 4.4
• 1994 01 16 – Pennsylvania – M 4.6
• 1998 09 25 – Pennsylvania – M 5.2

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. .

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.

In this video The Handyguys demonstrate the potential dangers of a nail gun’s power by taking it to a gun range and shooting a target at about 25 yards.

Please do not try this at home, or anywhere, ever.

It took a bit of practice, some fenagling with the right combination of nail guns, pressure settings, trajectory, choice of nails and other factors but we made the shot! Yeah, we were at the range for a while.

The target is a ‘clay pigeon’ held in front of a paper target with some thumbtacks. The backboard of the target was made of deteriorated strand board which enabled the flying nail to easily penetrate from 25 yards. We will not tell you what pressures we used. We wont tell you how we tricked out the nail gun to fire through the air.

For those of you looking at the video closely you may wonder about the black mark on the paper target after the hit. That was just black dust from the breaking clay target.

This isn’t a typical Handyguys TV video. We did this for fun. Please do not try to reproduce our results. We took many safety precautions including eye and ear protection and used a private facility set up for target practice.

We would LOVE your comments or feedback on this. Pass it around to your friends.

Thanks for watching!

The Handygys discuss three topics on this audio podcast – what tools are used to cut metal, are CFLs safe in kids rooms and are water saving flush valves a good investment.

Cutting metal

From time to time homeowners need to cut metal. What do you use to cut metal? Paul grills Brian on what tools he would use.

It will depend on several factors such as:

• What the metal is
• Quality of the cut
• How quickly you need to cut
• How easily you need the cut

Some possible tools are:

• Hacksaws
• Angle grinder
• Cutting torch
• Cut-off saw
• Jigsaw
• Reciprocating saws
• Snips
• bolt cutters
• Rebar cutters
• pipe cutters

CFLs in a kids room

CFLs in a kids room? What is the issue? Handyguy Paul has several young kids and is concerned that if a lamp gets knoced over he will have to deal with mercury contained inside a typical CFL bulb is the bulb breaks. Is this a valid concern? What are people doing? Is LED a viable option? Are there mercury free CFL bulbs? Rugged CFL bulbs?

Water Saving flush valves

Handyguy Brian came across a discussion regarding “water saving fill valves” for your toilet. The principle is they do a half flush (.8 gallons of water) when you do not have solids and a normal 1.6 gallon flush when you need it. In areas where water is scarce this is important, if you have a well that runs dry its extremely important to conserve every drop. The question is – Do these devices make sense for people who are in areas of the country where there are not water restrictions, there are not scarcity issues, and water is plentiful? If you are on your own well then no. How about those that pay for “city water”?

Doing the math

A toilet like this one doesn't use ANY water!

If you pay for water and, like we said, you are in an area where water isn’t scarce, these devices do not make sense. Here is why:

These fill valves cost about $25

The average cost of city water in the US is $1.50 per 1000 gallons or $0.0015 per gallon

That equates to an average cost per flush in the US of $0.0024

If you round the numbers that is about four flushes for one penny or $0.0096

If half the flushes required a full flush and half could use a half flush and the toilet is used 10 times per day you would save half a penny a day!

The savings would be about $2.19 per year. You would need to use the product for 11 years before you can see a return on investment (ROI).

Okay – we rounded the numbers and made some assumptions but the point is the same. If you don’t live in an area where you don’t have water restrictions or shortages you do not need a product like this.

Make sure you listen to the podcast for all the riveting discussion!

There are dangers lurking around around your home!

The Handyguys guys discuss some safety precautions that every homeowner and every Handyguy should consider when working around the home. We can’t cover every aspect of home safety in this podcast but we can provide a quick overview. If you are new homeowner or a handyguy, please pay attention to this podcast.

Fire Protection

In general, every home is required to have smoke alarms and many homes will be required to have sprinkler systems as well (this is being added to future building codes). However you should also have fire extinguishers in key locations like the kitchen and garage (or other work areas). Many people have fire extinguishers but don’t know how to use them or even forget where they are. Find your fire extinguisher and read the instructions.

Electrical Safety

Use voltage testers! Make sure you are not working on hot wires. Stop and Think before doing anything dumb.

Plumbing Safety

Watch out for fires when you are soldering copper.

General Carpentry Safety

Every tool is a safety hazard, especially power tools. Don’t wear loose clothing around them and be sure that you spend time reading the manual on those shiny new tools.

Lawn Work Safety

Eye and ear protection is a must and watch out for flying debris from the mower and other lawn tools.

Furniture Finishing Work Safely

You always hear about how you need “good ventilation” when you are working with solvents, but another danger is spontaneous combustion. When you dip rags into a solvent such as linseed oil, they can spontaneously catch on fire when they are crumpled up and disposed into a trash can.

Blood in the garage???

There are so many dangers around the home. The Handyguys should film a “blood in the Garage” video to convey those dangers. Anyone know a special effects guru?

The Handyguys talk to Wayne Gilchrist from http://www.ezdiyelectricity.com.

How does a homeowner get started working with electricity?

The Handyguys of been involved in electrical projects since they were youngsters.  Handyguy Paul stuck his finger in a light socket when he was in Kindergarten and learned firsthand about household AC!   Both of the Handyguys have done a lot wiring over the years, whether on their family home or as volunteer work for someone in need.

While we both understand the basics of home wiring, we are not experts in the field (as a matter of fact, we are not experts in most fields).  Since electricity is more dangerous then seeding your lawn, we thought it would be nice to have a master electrician on the podcast to give us his perspective on the handyguy and home wiring.

The Homeowner starting out with electrical work

Please listen to the podcast to get Wayne Gilchrist’ take on the following topics:

1. Know your limitations!
   • Do your research.
   • Do not tackle major projects such as connecting your service panel.
2. Follow these recommendations:
   • Use voltage meter.
   • Always, Always, Always, Always turn off the power before working.
   • Use Common Sense.
   • Respect electricity!

Wayne from EZ DIY Electricity

Some Questions for Wayne:

We asked Wayne about  the use of cheap outlets with back stab connections.  We also also asked about questions our listeners had regarding dimmers switches and 3-way switches.

Listen to the podcast to get all of Wayne’s answers to our questions and to learn more about his services. We did this interview because Wayne offers a great service. This is not a sponsored show and we were not compensated in any way.

The Handyguys discuss what nailer you use when. A pneumatic nailer takes much of the work or of driving nails and saves you time. With one pull of the trigger the nail is set flush or below the surface of the work. Nailers allow for one handed operation which frees up your other hand for positioning the work. A nailer can also get into tight or awkward locations where it would be virtually impossible to swing a hammer. There are nailers for interior trim, crown molding, chair rail, craft projects, woodworking, framing, building a deck or roofing. There are many many specialty nailers designed for specific jobs.

In this show we address a few questions about nailers from one of our fans Eddie. Eddie wrote us and asked.

I am doing a complete kitchen remodel as you may remember. To help me in this I got a set of 4 Campbell Hausfeld nail guns from Lowe’s. Now my dad owned nail guns and I saw him use them. But I was never allowed to use them very much and don’t know much about them. ( I know they are dangerous and that you have to oil them, usually with an oiler place in line on the air hose)

I need a resource for learning about these machines and the finer points of using them. What kind of maintenance etc. what kind of nails they are capable of using ( are there just one or two sizes per gun?) When do I choose which gun? I have some common sense but don’t have enough experience or education to know what question to ask.

This is quite a question! Eddie, we have dedicated this entire show to your questions. You asked the right questions.

First a run down of the most common nailguns

Maintenance

Most pneumatic nail guns need to be oiled. You mention an in-line oiler. This option probably didn’t come with your kit. They can be added to facilitate automatic oiling of your tools. The disadvantage is you will have oil in your hose which is really bad if you are going to use the compressor for spraying paint. Most people will usually just add a few drips of tool oil in the air inlet before using the tool.

Safety

Be sure to read an follow all the instructions that came with your kit. Safety glasses are a must.

Tip!!

Paul had a really random tip to wrap up the show. Door stoppers, get the spring loaded ones, not the solid ones. You have to listen to the show to understand why.

The Handyguys begin their show discussing some new green lawn tools. Their conversation was prompted by an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding some new “green” lawn tools written by Gwendolyn (Wendy) Bounds. She even tested out a new battery operated riding mower. Her video is a must view if you are considering one of these.

Certificate of Use Requirements

The Handyguys then discuss the topic of “Certificate of Use”. What’s that? In many townships across the country they are requiring certain safety items to be present in a home before a sale can proceed. Sometimes the upgrades can be difficult, expensive or just a pain.

The Handyguys discuss many of the common elements in a Certificate of Use inspection. This inspection is not to be confused with a code inspection that may be required during a major remodel. Below is some language from a typical requirements document from a local township.

Minimum Life Safety Requirements

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (G.F.C.I’s) receptacles are required for receptacles located in bathrooms, powder rooms, garages, outside receptacles, vicinity of pools, saunas etc. and in kitchens where the receptacles are within six (6) feet of the waters edge of the sink. A receptacle with a single yolk that is dedicated for an appliance need not have a GFCI installed.
2. Smoke detectors are to be installed, in working order, in each bedroom, in the vicinity of the bedrooms and each floor of the dwelling including basements. In a split-level dwelling without an intervening door between adjacent levels, smoke detectors are required in the vicinity of the bedrooms and the lower level that is one story below the upper level. If an intervening door exists between adjacent levels, a smoke detector shall be installed on each level.
3. At least one operable carbon monoxide detector shall be installed in the hallway in the vicinity of the bedroom area of the dwelling.
4. For dwellings equipped with a fire suppression or sprinkler system, the applicant shall provide documentation that the system has been inspected and certified within the past 12 months by a certified inspection agency.
5. Sidewalks, driveway aprons and curbs must be in good condition. Out of level, fragmented or otherwise deteriorated sidewalks, driveway aprons and curbs must be removed and replaced. Patching shall not be permitted.
6. House numbers must be affixed on the outside of the dwelling so that they are visible from the street. The house numbers must be three and one half (3 ½) inches in height.

Sanitary Sewer Infiltration Prevention

1. Sump pumps and floor drains are to be discharged to the exterior of the dwelling. Sump pumps and floor drains connected to the sanitary sewer are illegal and must be corrected.
2. Roof drains and yard drains shall not be connected to the sanitary sewer.
3. The sewer lateral curb trap vent pipe must be six (6) inches above grade and have a secure vent cap or box. If the curb trap vent pipe is not exposed, the vent pipe must be located, raised and installed with a Philadelphia Regulation vent box. In the event that t curb trap vent cannot be located, the applicant shall obtain a registered plumber to provide documentation that the curb trap vent could not be located.

The Handyguys Discuss DIY Home Safety Tips

Much of the safety information discussed here is courtesy of www.homesafetycouncil.org. The Handyguys use this as the basis for discussion. Listen to the podcast for our thoughts on these safety items.

This show was made possible by the support of Handi-Ramp, manufacturers of the unique, dimpled aluminum Non-Skid Treads. Don’t let slippery steps get you down. Do something before winter sets in. Check out the Non-Skid Treads at http://www.handiramp.com/.

Taking on home improvement projects can be fun and appealing. However, being handy around the home could lead to serious injury if you don’t take appropriate safety precautions. The State of Home Safety in America^TM report (2002) found that emergency departments reported more than 330,000 visits due to injuries with home workshop equipment in a single year.

Safety practices will shield you and your loved ones from injuries related to home improvement projects:

	Keep a stocked First Aid Kit in every location that an injury may occur. First aid may make the difference between a quick recovery and permanent injury.
	Post emergency numbers, including the national Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) by each phone.
	If you decide to install a fire extinguisher in your workshop, contact your fire department to learn how to select the proper type of extinguisher and when to use it.
	Keep hazardous materials out of children’s reach.
	When working with any product, check warnings and content labels to identify hazards.
	Follow manufacturer’s instructions and heed warning labels.
	Use gasoline as a motor fuel only. Gasoline must never be used indoors, because its flammable vapors can be ignited by even a tiny spark. Store gasoline in an outdoor shed or garage, out of children’s reach, in a vented container approved for gasoline storage.
	Use caution with other flammable and combustible products. Properly dispose of oily rags after use and hang them outside to dry.
	Falling and flying objects, especially when working in tight spaces, can pose a hazard to your head, face and eyes. Consider wearing hard hats, safety vests, protective eye wear and ear plugs while working. If you allow someone to watch you work, make sure they wear protective gear too.
	Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products.
	Wear safety glasses with side shields when using power tools.
	Designate your work area as a “kid free zone” to keep young children out of harm’s way and out of the reach of tools and equipment.
	Do not wear any loose or dangling clothing or jewelry that could become caught in moving parts. Check out our sharp dressed Handyguy episode.
	Keep your work area clean and free from clutter.
	Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and warnings on tools, power equipment and building materials.
	Use heavy duty extension cords for tools such as trimmers and edgers listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for outdoor use.
	Keep power equipment in good condition. Repair or replace damaged tools. Unplug the power cord before you do any trouble-shooting on a tool that is jammed or won’t start, and never walk away from a plugged-in-power tool — even for a few minutes.
	Follow basic ladder safety rules whenever climbing.

Stay tuned – Next week we will have our Stocking Stuffer episode. We will discuss a unique collection of inexpensive gift ideas for DIYers.