Everyone in your household should know where the main water shutoff valve is, The Handyguys discuss why.

Avert Disaster

Disaster averted. One of the Handyguys got a call from someone at home about water leaking out from the cabinet under the kitchen sink. Obviously this isn’t normal. With no handyguy around do the members of your household know where to shut off the water? Some valves are hard to turn, some may be blocked by junk. Would the person at home even know which valve to shut off?

Remember, lefty loosey, righty tighty. That confuses some people but is easy to remember. When looking at a valve its counter clockwise to turn it on and clockwise to turn it off.

Ball Valves

The best kind of valves only require a quarter turn to shut them off and have a handle indicating the direction. Another good tip with ball valves, when the handle is parallel to the pipe its on, when perpendicular to the pipe the valve is off.

Listen to the show to hear how disaster was avoided by knowing where to shut off the water and then what the simple fix was for the leak.

Road salt can damage lawns, concrete and sidewalks. The Handyguys answer a question about rock salt and lawns then discuss different types of de-icers.

De-icing salts and your lawn

The Handyguys answer the following question from Mike:

I live in Michigan and the snow plows push the snow (AND SALT) up on my yard. what can I do to negate the effects the salt will have on my newly planted grass, once the snow leaves?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/izik/ CC BY 2.0

Great question Mike. The bottom line is that road salt raises the PH in the soil. You need to neutralize it. Neutralize the damage with an application of dolopril style limestone or granular gypsum. Spread thinly and water. Follow the instructions and safety precautions on the package.

De-icing salt and concrete

There is a lot more research on the effects of de-icers and their effects on concrete. Brian and Paul make reference to a study performed by Iowa State University. The article has a lot of techno jargon in it that chemists may like. We gleaned that different types of de-icers had differing effects on the deterioration of concrete.

We will list the different de-icers used in the study and summarize the results

NaCl – also known as rock salt or sodium chloride. This is the most common de-icer. Its effectiveness is good to about 15 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  Its also usually the least expensive.

CaCl₂ - also known as calcium chloride. Its effectiveness is good for below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Calcium chloride was the second most destructive de-icer in the Iowa State University tests.

MgCl₂ – also known as magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride will cut through ice at sub zero temperatures, will not damage lawns as much, reduces steel corrosion and groundwater chloride contamination. The downside is that magnesium chloride was found to be the MOST destructive to concrete, especially low quality concrete.

The University of Iowa study concludes:

There is considerable interest in new deicers, especially magnesium chloride because of its anti-icing properties and its effectiveness at lower temperatures than rock salt, and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) because it reduces steel corrosion and groundwater chloride contamination. Our experiments document that the substitution of magnesium and/or calcium deicers for rock salt may have unintended consequences in accelerating concrete deterioration. Long-term, carefully controlled field experiments with magnesium and calcium deicers are essential in order to fully determine the effects of long-term use of these deicers under highway conditions and to determine if they are suitable substitutes for rock salt.

The Handyguys conclusions

The Handyguys discuss why modern appliances suck stink and briefly discuss how to fix a whirlpool GS6SHEXNL00 side by side refrigerator.

The Handyguys are NOT appliance repairmen

First off – The Handyuys are NOT appliance repair guys. We are just a couple of handy homeowners who have attempted a couple appliance repairs ourselves. Please don’t call us to come out and repair your appliances. We don’t know everything about all appliances. If its a common issue we have have seen it and can give you some advice but generally we will tell you to continue your research elsewhere. Google is your friend. Try googling a model number. If you got here because of a google search then maybe this info will be useful.

Ranting about modern appliances

The Handyguys rant about whats wrong with modern appliances. So, why do modern appliances stink? More water cleans dishes better, more water gets cloths cleaner, more powerful motors last longer but use a little more energy.  Does it really use less water and energy when you need to run your dishwasher twice because it didn’t get your dishes clean the first time? Same with your clothes washer. If your clothes smell musty and you need to do that extra rinse or a full second wash does that really contribute to being green? It certainly contributes to frustration.

Brian then discusses his front loading clothes washer. It vibrates like crazy. Yes its level and balanced. The repair guys has been out three or four times to replace parts that have been broken due to the vibration but he cant fix the cause of the vibration. The manufacture says my house isn’t build strong enough!!! Hmm, the house is built above code and the floor has been reinforced just to prove its not the house. The manufacture says it should be on concrete and I should move it to the basement or garage and out of the laundry room. Crazyness. This was a very expensive washer from a top manufacturer. Bosch, if you are reading this feel free to respond and prove to us that new appliances DON’T suck stink.

Repairing a Whirlpool Gold GS6SHEXNL00 refrigerator

The Handyguys discuss how to fix a Whirlpool Gold side by side GS6SHEXNL00 side by side refrigerator. We will be posting a video soon. What were the symptoms? No controls, light wouldn’t work. When the bulb was removed everything worked. Some other people have similar issues with this series of refrigerators. Fortunately its an easy fix. Essentially it involves replacing a circuit board. The board is in the bottom of the fridge and accessed from the back. We describe the process in the podcast but the video will show you all the steps.

Defrost or not to defrost

Does it ever make sense to not buy a frost free freezer? YES. Yet another modern “convenience” that causes freezer burn and hard ice cream. Listen to the podcast to find out why.

One Hundred Episodes of The Handyguys Podcast. Wow! The Handyguys discuss some of their favorite shows, talk about what is in store for the future and have a special guest, Marc Spagnuolo, aka “The Wood Whisperer“.

Looking Back

Brian & Paul reminisce about some of our favorite shows.  We had fun trying out riding mowers in episode 71. The dishwasher episode was great because it gets a ton of plays every day. Talking about snow blowers with The Wall Street journal was great last year and has recently been popular again due to all the snow. An who would have thought that the how to build a trellis show would get so many hits?

As I’m writing this I’m thinking about what is a common element in our shows about mowers, snow blowers, dishwashers and trellises. The common element is they all have something extra beyond the podcast. That extra is usually a video, a download or some special images. Expect much more of this in the year ahead.

The Wood Whisperer

Marc was able to call in to the show to congratulate us on show number 100. Marc runs The Wood Whisperer website. We didn’t ask him how he came up with the name but it works. Marc has a ton of information for woodworkers. The Wood Whisperer website teaches fine woodworking, techniques and finishes. He engages his audience and provides valuable content. If you want to learn about woodworking make sure you visit The Wood Whisperer. In this podcast we talk about each of our websites and our strategies for the future.

Looking forward

Marc gave us a great segue into our future plans. For our regular listeners you have heard us mention video before. We have posted a few short video clips already. We are in the process of refining our techniques and delivery mechanisms. We expect to deliver quality beyond the generic youtube video. Think High Definition. We intend to make our regular weekly show available on video as well as audio only. Video subscribers will have the added benefit of some additional content and visuals. We will also be interspersing short how to videos. You will be able to watch The Handyguys online, on a Roku, Tivo, AppleTV, iTouch, iPad, other portable video players or on the big screen in your living room. This will be fun so stay tuned, make sure you subscribe to either iTunes, RSS, email or twitter. You don’t want to miss the official launch of Handyguys TV.

Exploding water heaters and home networking are discussed on this episode of The Handyguys Podcast.

Can a hot water heater really explode? The Handyguys address a comment on their website regarding a hot water heater that has expanded and caused the pipes above to leak. Fortunately, there were no explosions. The Handyguys also tackle the family handyperson and home networking. That’s right, if you are the handyperson in your house, you should have some understanding of basic networking.

Water Heaters

The Handyguys received this comment from Sandra:

My hot water heater bowed at the bottom of the tank and forced the tank upward which caused the pipes to leak. Could you tell me what would cause this?

Brian and Paul address potential causes of this hot water heater failure. Fortunately, disaster was avoided but the tank should not expand like that. It seems that there is an important safety element missing from that heater. You can also get more information on water heaters from Episode 13. Sandra, replace the water heater immediately.

You can see what The MythBusters were able to achieve with water heaters with disabled safety devices in this video.

Home Networking

In part 2 of the episode, Paul explains how the family handyman can improve the home networking configuration. In Paul’s opinion, wireless networking technology is just not reliable enough for many of today’s home electronics and entertainment devices. The Handyguys are big fans of running Ethernet cabling throughout the house and specifically to home offices and entertainment centers. More and more television and movies are being delivered via the internet so it is good to have reliable connectivity. Listen to the podcast for more information, especially listen as to The Handyguys are interested in high quality video delivery via the Internet.

The Handyguys take two fan questions on very different topics. Destructive squirrels and carpeting options for a basement.

Squirrels

The Handyguys received the following question from Larry, a listener of the show:

Hi, I have squirrels eating away at the lead pipe flashing (roof jack). that surround the PVC vent pipes that extend out of the roof and along some fascia boards. In searching for a solution, one person said they may be missing a mineral in their diet. Another said they chew to keep their teeth from growing to long.

1. Any truth to these?
2. Any idea why they eat lead pipe flashing (roof jack)?
3. How can I stop them permanently from eating the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) and fascia boards?
4. How can I repair the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) with buying entirely new pipe flashing and lifting shingles?

Larry – We aren’t completely sure why the squirrels are trying to get into your house. Brian’s guess is they want to come in out of the cold.  Regardless you don’t want the squirrels destroying your house. We suggest you begin an agressive relocation program. You can get a trap and easily relocate the squirrels. Check out this one from Havahart.

As for repair – You should just replace the boot on the pipe vent through your roof. You can use Bondo for the Fascia. We discuss some other options in the podcast. Make sure you give it a listen.

Carpet for your basement

The Handyguys then take a question from Eric about carpet for his basement:

First, off just wanted to say great site and great information.

Here is my situation. Carpet and the basement. My wife and I are nearly done with our basement and ready to pick out and put in some nice carpet. But we have no idea how to buy carpet or what sort of padding is best to put under the carpet. Our basement is a solid poured concrete floor and walls. We have no water or any moisture to really mention a small dehumidifier runs occasionally and the basement seems dry.

We have 3 young kids and one big dog and would like a carpet and padding that would be able to hold up.

Thanks

Eric

The Handyguys discuss some different carpet options. Both Brian & Paul are in agreement that a decent pad that is not absorbent is a must. Also, you may want to consider commercial carpet as well.

Loop Berber	Commercial
Twist pile Mohawk SmartStrand	Padding

What are you doing lately?

We wrap up the show with a discussion about some cabinets that are pulling off the wall because they are overloaded. These are a decent brand of cabinets. Brian was able to add some screws into the soffit to hold them until the cabinets are repaired.

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

In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast we take a question on garage heaters and have some follow-up thoughts on the CarMD product we discussed in episode 91.

Garage Heaters

We received a great question from Captain Kent about heating his garage so he can work on his honey do list. Its excerpted here:

Hi guys! I have a question for you. Last year I purchased a home built in the 80’s and I’m slowly morphing into this Handy-Guy-Do-It-Yourselfer-Inspector-Gadget kind of guy.

I figure my garage being 800 square feet that I can utilize this space in the cold months to do projects out there. In any case, I ripped all the sheet rock off the walls and am about 60% deep in the project of fully insulating the garage. I’m installing Champion windows, a new back door from Lowes, and even insulating the inside of the 20 foot main garage door with a neat Owens Corning garage door insulation kit. I’m doing everything myself accept the walk out door and windows…so far anyway.

I’m a pilot by day and a Handy Guy Podcast Warrior by night. We battle our garages on our days off and then compare notes at 41,000 feet. We decided we are probably both going to go with a hanging natural gas type heater but here comes our question. We thought about just breaking through the wall and piping one of our main house heater ducts into the garage for heat. When the garages are all insulated and sealed up it shouldn’t take a lot of heat to keep them warm, or warm enough to work out there. We were not familiar with any homes that have done this before and figured there must be a good reason for us NOT to do this. We decided to ask you guys if you know of any reason why we would NOT want to simply tap off and route one of our main house ducts into our garages for heat?

Thanks Brian and Paul, keep the podcast coming! I’d be in the poor house if I had to hire somebody to do all the jobs this house needs!

Captain Kent

Utilizing house heat

You need to maintain separation between the house and the garage to prevent easy penetration of flames and fumes. The building codes in your area likely prohibit any garage connection to a forced air central system. Of course, the story would be different if the garage were converted into living space.  In this case, a critical factor is the size of the current hvac system. If your house heat is hot water it might be possible to add a zone from your boiler for in-floor radiant heat.

Permanent installed heat

If you want a permanently installed heat source the best method is using a ceiling mounted heater. These beasts provide the most heat without interfering with handyguy duties or parking a car. The ceiling mounts provide a choice of  gas or electric. Lennox has one that looks nice.

Portable temporary heat

Portable heat will be much less expensive to purchase. You have several options such as portable electric, kerosene or propane. Paul has a portable propane and Brian has a kerosene heater. In Brian’s uninsulated garage the kerosene heater barely does the trick when its cold out and is useless when its fridged out.  Each kind of heater has its pros and cons.  We discuss these in the podcast.

CarMD Revisit

We talked about the CarMD scanner for your car back in Episode 91. The scanner is used to read errors in your vehicles computer to help you diagnose problems. When The Handygusy checked out the units they were impressed but they didn’t have any error codes on their vehicles at the time.  Things of changed and now both Brian and Paul both coincidently have their dreaded “check engine” brightly lit. The CarMD scanner read the error code *and* provided likely solutions with cost estimates for repairs! Well done CarMD, very cool.

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 discuss the the energy saving task of caulking windows.

Announcements

Before we discuss caulking windows we would like to remind our listeners and viewers of our recent video production on replacing a flush valve.  In addition, we will be re-doing our “Fixing a Dishwasher” video in High Definition for additional clarity on the repair process. We hope to do a video showing some caulking techniques in the near future too.

Window Caulking

Handyguy Paul was asked by a friend “where do you caulk a window?”. That’s a pretty broad question. Is the window wood, vinyl or aluminum? Do You want to caulk it for aesthetics or because of drafts? We will assume drafts. Also, what is the siding material? new replacement windows in old frames? There are a lot of variables. We ramble on in the podcast discussing different places we caulk.

Vinyl windows and vinyl siding

Click to see a full sized image. Image © Andersen Corporation

Vinyl windows, if installed correctly shouldn’t need to be caulked in too many places. Caulking on the interior is mainly for aesthetics. You will caulk where the drywall meets the frame or the casing meets the frame. You can use some painters caulk on the inside where the window meets the casing or the drywall. If it was installed correctly there shouldn’t be a draft coming from this area.

Wood windows with wood siding

Click to see full sized image

These windows require a lot more maintenance. All gaps should be re-caulked. If caulking after painting or if you have natural wood, you use a clear caulk. If caulking before painting you should use paintable caulk rated for exterior use.

Replacement windows

Click to see a full sized image. Thanks to Champion Windows for providing this image.

Replacement windows are installed in existing wood frames. The windows come as a unit and should be caulked properly when installed. In situations with replacement windows, you have the area between the new window and the existing frame to keep caulk maintained as well as around any old trim.

Handyguy Tips

During a new segment to the show, the Handyguys each provide an important tip for the typical homeowner.

Thanks

The Handyguys have a new video! Toilet fill valves are the second most common toilet repair after flapper replacements. We put this short video together to take some of the mystery out of the process. We hope you find it useful. As always, comments are welcome.

We will be back after the first of the year with our regular podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a future episode.

Happy New Year

The Handyguys

As a little Christmas gift we thought we would share this video.

In this video a guy apparently cuts through a 2×4 by throwing a saw-blade at it. Oh, and it looks like he cuts it on the line too. Really? A hoax? It doesn’t seem possible. What do you all think? I have watched this video several times to figure if it was a trick or not.

Carpenter Throws Sawblade Through 2×4 – Watch more Funny Videos

Again, Merry Christmas. We will be back after the first of the year with another episode of The Handyguys Podcast.
If anyone has any suggestions of something fun and different we could do for episode #100 feel free to let us know. Thanks

The Handyguys discuss doing a tile back-splash.

Preparations

You need to make sure your wall is smooth and clean. Measure and decide what areas of your back-splash you want to cover. When buying tile make sure you account for waste and bad cuts.

Layout

Decide on your layout. If you go horizontal you will have significantly fewer cuts. If you have a complicated pattern you should lay out each piece of tile on the floor so you can see how it will go on the wall.

Tile options

Decorative tiles can add a nice look to your project but can really add to the cost. When selecting a tile ensure that any bull-nose, inside corners, outside corners, etc are available. Some patterns and layouts wont need the pieces. They can add significantly to your budget depending on your tile choices.

Tools and Materials

Handyguy Paul set up an area in his garage to cut the tiles. He borrowed the saw. The plastic curtain kepts the mess contained.

Handyguy Paul found all the tools he needed at the local True Value. First decide on mastic or thinset. The Handyguys discuss the pros and cons of each choice and what applications are best for each.  You will need a trowel, a grout float, a tile saw (rent, borrow or buy one), spacers, grout, caulk, a bucket and a large sponge.

Application Techniques

Paul wraps up the show with some tips and encouragement for anyone considering doing a tile back-splash.

Looks great! Still needs grouting in this picture but the whole project turned out nicely. The design committee aproved.

Thanks

The Handyguys would like to Thank True Value for sponsoring several segments of The Handyguys Podcast over the past few months. Its supporters like True Value that make it possible for us to stay on the air.

Disclosure

In this episode The Handyguys discuss painting. Planning your painting project, materials and tools are discussed in this podcast.

Planning

Handyguy Brian originally intended to paint the entryway and foyer of his house. The foyer has 17 foot ceilings, a hall leading to the family room downstairs and a hallway upstairs connecting the bedrooms and hall bath. The current color is the builders choice called ‘linen’.  In Episode #2 of The Handyguys Podcast the Handyguys discussed the importance of putting some sample colors on the walls. The reason is the paint color never looks how you expect. The lighting in the store is different than in your home. Also, by putting up some test samples you can see how well, or how poorly, the color relates to colors in adjacent areas.

Well, Handyguy Brian didn’t follow his own advice! The Design Committee wanted the area painted on Saturday and Brian went to the True Value on Friday night to get the paint. Several shades of a taupe color were picked out on sample chips. Brian picked one, bought 3 gallons, and headed home. No samples, how hard is it to pick a shade of taupe? The color bought wasn’t really what was wanted. Yes, its what was picked out and mixed. It just didn’t look right in the space, it had too much of a pink hue to it.

Handyguy Brian's master bathroom ready for paint.

After deliberating with the design committee and also trying the color in the master bedroom it was decided to put the ‘pink’ paint in the master bathroom. Okay, move the painting operation out of the foyer and into the master bath! Don’t make the same mistake. Try out some samples. Fortunately our local True Value sells The Handyguys favorite paint, Benjamin Moore, and also the sample colors.

Materials

Here is a picture of Handyguy Brian's master bath. The new Benjamin Moore paint from True Value looks great. We will add a picture of the bathroom after cleanup and decorating soon.

There aren’t many different kinds of materials needed for painting. Of course paint is one of the most critical component of a quality job (after neatness). The Handyguys are very particular about their paint. Using a quality paint will make your job easier, faster, neater and, believe it or not, cheaper. Quality paint goes on smoother, levels out better, and doesn’t drip as much. This makes using quality paint easier. When you don’t have to do multiple coats and clean up drips and spatters your job progresses faster. Lastly, when your paint covers better and doesn’t take 3, 4 or even 5 coats to cover you use less paint, this saves you money.

Tools

The Handyguys are all about their tools. We love using power tools when we can. Unfortunately, a painting project is not an area where you have many practical choices for power tools. The Handyguys recently received a question about paint sprayers.

Gary wrote:

I’d really like your guidance on what paint sprayer you would suggest for an 1800 sq ft home where I need to paint exterior and interior walls, fences and even concrete.

The Handyguys discuss weather a sprayer is the right tool for the job and the conclusion is no. Sprayers require a lot of work just to clean. Also, for a decent job you will need to roll the paint out after spraying anyway. Masking off areas where you don’t want over-spray can be a considerable undertaking.

Frog Tape

Speaking of masking – In preparing for painting Handyguy Brian discovered an awesome new (new to The Handyguys) product at the True Value. Its called Frog Tape.  Frog Tape is a painters masking tape with one very special feature. It actually works! The frustration that everyone has with painters tape is that the edge it leaves is ragged and uneven. The Frog Tape fixes this problem. It has something to do with the same technology in baby diapers but you will have to research that yourself. Frog Tape is ideal for painting up against tile, cabinets, doors and windows. Anywhere you need to cut in when you don’t have a steady hand and want it to look perfect.

Other Tools

The Handyguys discuss other tools as well in the podcast. Brian, in his master bath, use a paint stick. Its a tool where you can store the paint in the handle and squeeze it out as you progress. It does speed up the process when you are doing a large area with one color. The problem with it is cleanup can take a half hour. Paul would just rather use a roller and tray. Brian likes the paint stick but will only use it sometimes. Essentially they agree that you want a decent brush, roller and paint. If you take your time and use quality materials your project will turn out great.

In this Episode of The Handyguys Podcast we announce the winner of our toolkit contest and discuss some innovative products from Magnogrip, CarMD and PermaFLOW.

Winner

Congrats Andrew. Your toolkit is in the mail. We had a lot of awesome entries so it was difficult to pick our winner. You can read Andrews winning entry here. This duct tape Tie idea put him over the top and it is much cheaper then a Brooks Brothers classic tie. We are going to produce a future podcast that reviews all the great “valid” duct tape submissions. Thanks to True Value for picking up the tab on the toolkit!

Innovative Products

We often get requests to review products on the show. We only want to discuss stuff we think brings value to the listeners of the show without all the unneeded junk. We turn away many product pushers. If we do receive a product to review and it turns out to be junk we absolutely will not discuss it in a positive light during the show.  In fact we try not to even receive products that look like a waste of time.  However, this year we picked three items to discuss. You can decide if they make appropriate Christmas gifts for the Handyguy in your life.

Magnogrip

Magnogrip makes toolbelts, belt clips, wrist bands and other products with magnets built in. Why magnets? When you are working on a project and you have lots of little parts such as screws, nuts, and bolts, you can stick them to the magnets to prevent you from losing them.  Instead of having to continually dig through pockets, they will be handy for when you need them!

Check them out in the Handyguys Amazon Store

• Carpenters tool belt
• Builders tool belt
• Wrist band

CarMD

The Handyguys haven’t talked much about car maintenance. There is only so much information we can cram into our brains. When we look at car problems we want to make diagnosis as easy as possible. When CarMD asked us to check out their diagnostic computer we were intrigued. This product is extremely easy to use.

What does it do? It plugs into your 1996 or newer vehicle and reads the vehicles on-board computer. The computer in your vehicle stores information about what those idiot lights on the dashboard represent. There are a lot of devices on the market to read your computer. Some vehicles you can actually go through a process where your vehicle can blink a series of lights on your dash to tell you what the trouble is. An old reader Brian has gives you a cryptic code you need to look up in a book.

The CarMD plugs in, reads the computer then connects to your home computer, or laptop, via a supplied USB cable. This connection will then synchronize your vehicles details with the CarMD website. On the website you can see details of your vehicle, what may be wrong, etc. You can also then pull up safety recall information or purchase Technical Service Bulletins. You can buy these directly from CarMD.

PermaFLOW

The PermaFLOW is a clear plastic P-Trap for under your sinks and includes a knob to push away any clogs.  We were a little skeptical about this product at first but it works as advertised. If you are handy you may ask yourself why not just disconnect the trap or snake a clog. Well, not everyone is handy. Install something like this for someone who has a p-trap that clogs often and cant, or doesn’t want to, go to the trouble of unclogging the drain themselves. No more harsh chemical drain cleaners if the clog is in the trap. The clear plastic makes it easy to figure where the problem is too. You can pick one of these up at The Handyguys Store.

Disclosure

The Handyguys will be taking this week off to spend time with our families but we wanted to get a post up to let everyone know whats coming up.

Our contest – There is still time to enter our contest to win a great toolkit. We will pick and announce the winner on December 3rd. Check out episode 87 for details on the contest.

Future shows – In December we will have some information on tiling a kitchen back splash, some painting tips, and a few new gadgets just in time for Christmas. In 2010 we will be doing more videos as well as continuing to answer your questions in our regular podcast.

We would like to take time to thank our listeners and subscribers, those that have patronized our store, and those companies that have sponsored various episodes and parts of the site. Without all of us working together his site would not be possible. Thanks!

We will take this opportunity to provide a few tips for getting the most out of our site

Listener questions – The Handyguys Paul and Brian always respond as quickly as possible to listener questions. We may not use your question in an upcoming show but we will help you out regardless.

Call in number – You always have the ability to call in a question. Please leave your email address on the voicemail if you want a follow-up. We may use your voicemail on the air but we will keep your contact info private. You can click the call me link at the top of the home page and we pay for the call.

Our store – Purchases through our store help off-set the costs associated with producing this podcast. Many posts have links directly to the store or to Amazon. Amazon handles all of the billing and fulfillment for us.

Subscribing – At the top right of the page are links for you to subscribe. If you are an ipod user you click on the “via iTunes” button. If you use any other mp3 player you can subscribe with the “via RSS” button. You also have the option of supplying your email address so you can be emailed when we have a new show. Oh, and you can also follow us on Twitter if you are into that.

Images – When we have a thumbnail image, you can usually click on it to see a full sized version.

Sharing – At the bottom of each post are a series of buttons you can use to ’share’ the content. We appreciate it when you click these buttons. If you like a post, please click on your preferred site:  Digg, StumbleUpon, Mixx, Redit and/or others.

Comments - We welcome comments on our posts. Join the conversation by clicking on the comments link at the bottom of each show’s post.

Search – You can use the search box in the upper right part of the page to search for a show that may be of interest.

Sponsorships – If you have a company or product you would like featured at The Handyguys Podcast please let us know. We can be reached via email or with our contact form. For the benefit of our subscribers we are selective about what sponsorships we will accept where.

Thanks again and have a great Thanksgiving

Leaf blowers, rakes and a question about leaky showers

The Handyguys discuss the contest to giveaway a great toolkit, some possible problems with a leaky shower valve and weather a rake or a leaf blower is the correct tool for collecting leaves. To enter the contest you just need to leave a comment on Episode 87 and let us know what you think a valid use of duct tape is. We will announce a winner during our first show in December. We will take Thanksgiving off so this show is the last show we will discuss the contest. Our next show will come out on December 3rd.

Leaky Shower Valves

Don't let a leaky shower drive you crazy. Listen to the podcast as Brian & Paul discuss some possible fixes for Albert's shower. Note - the picture is NOT Albert, its not Brian or Paul either!

We then address a question about a leaky shower valve. Albert called in and asked us about his leaky valve. He gets water leaking out the shower head all the time. He said it was replaced recently. How could this be? The Handyguys discuss what some of the issues could be. Albert – we have a question for you. Does it leak from the shower head when you are filling the tub or all the time, even when water is off? We discuss both scenarios in the podcast. Likely it drips all the time. If that’s the case the the washer(s) are likely bad. If the valve is new the washers could have been damaged during installation.

If it is new, contact the guy who installed it for you. He could come back and make it right. If you installed it then just replace the washers and you should be good to go.

How do you replace the washers? That will depend on what you have. We recommend you shut off the water and take the parts to your local True Value and they will help match up what you need.

Rakes versus Leaf Blowers

The Handyguys love their power tools. We found this video on YouTube and found it interesting. Is a leaf blower the best tool for the job of clearing leaves? Watch this video and listen to the podcast to get our thoughts.

This video clearly shows the rake beating the leaf blower. If this is true then why is the leaf blower so popular? We think both tools have their place depending on circumstances. Listen to the show for discussion of when you may want to use a rake versus when you want a leaf blower. You can get both rakes and leaf blowers at True Value.

Enter the contest to win this toolkit!

Win this toolkit. Click on the picture to learn how! Hint: Valid use of duct tape wins

Disclosure

How do you get your house ready for the Winter Season?

Win this toolkit. Click on the picture to learn how! Hint: valid use of duct tape wins!

Join the Handyguys in a not-so-methodical checklist for the winter season.  This is not your every day handyman (or not so handyperson) checklist.  We have some extras you may not see on other lists. Listen to the podcast as we discuss these items. True Value had all the supplies we needed to get our houses in order.

• As the days get shorter and darker, it is a good time to check all of your outdoor lights.  Make sure they work.
  

  Paul was able to discover these fancy CFLs at our local True Value. They look great don’t you think?

  Perhaps it is time to install a light with a motion detector to secure your outdoor entrances and windows.

• Also, you can now get some wife pleasing outdoor CFL lights.  You don’t have to settle on the curly cue CFL bulbs

• Watch out for leaks and/or water penetration.
  • gutters/downspouts
  • grade flowing toward house
  • clear insulation around soffit vents to avoid ice dams
• Bring in your outdoor furniture
• Replace the grates and flavor bars on your Grill.  True Value has the parts you need for this.
  

  Why not refresh your busted down grill and enjoy a few more cookouts this season. Paul picked up the new flavor bars and grate at True Value. The steaks came from the cow he bought.

• Winterize your yard tools
• Seal/weatherstrip and caulk around window and doors and latch those windows for the winter
• Insulate your unfinished basement.. especially around the rim joist
• Clean your Dryer Vent before it is too cold to work outside
• Install some heavy drapes on your windows to stop drafts.  That’ s what they did in the old days.
• Last chance for pre-winter fertilizer.
• Final chance for exterior touch up paint
• Is it time to stain the Deck in the fall?  Isn’t the sun closer to earth in the Winter?  Brian says no.  Paul says yes. Which is it?

Disclosure

Furnace filters are a critical component of your heating and cooling system.

Make sure they are changed regularly. We discuss the myriad of choices in furnace filters in this podcast.

The Handyguys group filters into three different categories, good, better and best. Whats best for one person may not be the best for another. The standard filters are good for most people. They permit the furnace to operate as it was designed. When selecting a filter you would typically replace with one equal in size and type to the filter already install on your furnace. This may be a a non-pleated fiber type filter. This type is also the least expensive, costing about $1.50 or $2.00 at the local True Value hardware store.

If you desire a replacement filter that has a higher MERV or MPR rating (see below for definitions) there are several choices at True Value. Go into the store with your measurements and pick one out. A higher rated filter will catch and filter more particulates from the air.

The high end filters will have electrostatic capabilities and can actually filter microscopic bacterias, smoke or other fine particulates from the air.

The industry provides ratings for filters.

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a number from 1 to 16 that is relative to an air filter’s efficiency. The higher the MERV, the more efficient the air filter is at removing particles. At the lower end of the efficiency spectrum a fiberglass panel filter may have a MERV of 4 or 5. At the higher end, a MERV 14 filter is available.

MPR is a term used by 3M and stands for Microparticle Performance Rating. It is actually part of the MERV rating, and measures how efficient an air filter is at capturing particles between 0.3 and 1 micron in size, which make up 99% of the air’s particulate matter. Smoke, bacteria, and smog particles fall within this size range, so if filtering these out of the air is important to you, MPR is a good standard to examine. MPR is used to compare furnace filters to one another, and cannot accurately predict how a furnace filter will actually perform in your particular home environment. The higher the MPR, the more efficient the filter is at capturing these small particles.

Lastly – Don’t forget about our contest. We are giving away this awesome toolkit. Check out the details on how you can win by listening to Episode 87 of The Handyguys Podcast.

Win this tool kit!

Disclosure

In this show The Handyguys discuss their top 10 starter tools and announce a contest to win this toolkit!

Win this tool kit!

What is included in a first time home buyers tool kit? Screwdrivers of course!  But what else? The Handyguys went shopping at True Value to assemble a quality starter set of essential tools for the typical home owner.

Our Kit Includes:

The Handyguys will take your questions via the phone at (818) 804-TOOL. Leave an email address if you want an immediate and direct response.

• Tool Bag
• Carpenter’s Pencil
• Speed Square, Orange
• Pliers Set
• Screwdriver Set
• Pry Bar
• 16-Ounce Claw Hammer
• Tape Measure
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protection
• Utility Knife

In the podcast we discuss our rationale for each of the tools and why we picked them. There are certainly other tools that could be added to this list, but this would make a great starter kit.

How to win this toolkit!

To win this toolkit you must Listen to the podcast for details. Essentially all you need to do it help us come up with a LEGITIMATE use for duct tape. Give us your duct tape idea by commenting on this show post. In this podcast, we discuss some not so legitimate uses of this ubiquitous tape. We want our listeners to provide us with some valid users of duct tape and we will award the tool kit our favorite suggestion.

The winner will be announced December 3rd, 2009. Suggestions after December 3rd are still welcome of course but you will not be in the running for the toolkit.  So leave a comment below and be sure to provide an email address so we can contact you if your duct tape suggestion is our winner.

An illegitimate use of duct tape!

Photo Submitted by DJ Goodfellow

Disclosure

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.

Water powered backup sump pumps

Never have water in your basement again due to a failed sump pump or a power outage. Water powered sump pumps do not require any electricity to operate.

Our listener had to remove new carpet from his finished basement due to heavy rains and a failed primary sump pump.

In this episode we address backup sump pumps, in particular water powered sump pumps. We were contacted by a listener via twitter and asked if we had recommendations for a backup pump. We knew of a few brands and types but our question was specifically about water powered pumps. After a little bit of research we found Base Products Corporation makes just such a system called the Basepump. They were gracious enough to send a pump to our listener so we could interview him about the install and the product. Thanks. The pump mark was sent can be purchased through Amazon by following this link Basepump

If you have a backup sump pump you wont need to pull out stinky carpets due to a flood caused by a failed primary pump.

In this show we discuss how the pump operates, how its installed, how to choose a pump, and most importantly why you would want to install something like this if you are finishing a basement. Listen to the podcast for all the details.

If you are considering finishing your basement water control is one of the most critical things to think about. Check out our other shows related to finishing your basement by clicking on the Basement Series button.

Cabinet Veneer and Fireplace Conversions

In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast we address two listener questions, one from voicemail about changing the look of a bathroom vanity and one through our contact form about converting a fireplace from gas to wood burning.

Refinishing a bathroom vanity

This question was left on our voicemail, listen to the podcast to hear the question in full. Essentially the caller, Susie, has a pine bathroom vanity with a whitewashed finish. She would like the look of a cherry vanity and wants to know her options short of replacing the vanity.

The Handyguys think that replacement would be the best option. We discuss some other options such as

• Refacing
• Refinishing
• Using a spray toner

Susie doesn’t want the mess of refinishing and doesn’t want to put a final finish on as required by using a refacing veneer. We don’t know of a pre-finished veneer. Contact paper comes to mind but that would look bad. That leaves a relatively simple and inexpensive option of using a spray toner. A spray toner is a top coat finish but with color built in. Its often used in furniture repairs. This would add the cherry color yet let the wood grain show through. We recommend to try it on some scrap wood first to see if she would like the look. Worst case Susie could try it and if it doesn’t look good then replace the cabinet.

Fireplace conversions

We received this question from Tyler:

I am wanting to put a wood burning stove into my gas fireplace. I am having a difficult time finding out what all is needed to be done so that the insert is installed and the flue is set up correctly. I have two chimney tubes one from the basement and the other from the upstairs, if it is practical doing both would be more beneficial than just one. If there is any information or help you can provide to assist me in this, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time, Tyler

This is an interesting question. It is fairly common to convert a wood burning fireplace into a gas burning setup. Its not so common to go from gas to wood. If the fireplace was originally wood then it would be simple to convert back to wood. Regardless, Tyler, its time to consult an expert. There are many great local fireplace shops that can help you assess the situation and provide you with the right product for your conversion. This is no place to take chances, bring in a pro.

An announcement

We will be participating in a new venture with True Value and some really great bloggers. True Value is calling this the Blog Squad. Us, along with four other bloggers, will be combing the isles of our local True Value stores (on True Value’s dime) to find some great projects we can showcase. We already have some great ideas. Do any of our listeners have ideas? How about a segment on setback thermostats and energy savings? Fall lawn care? Garage organization? We may also revisit the essential tool kit for every homeowner. We might even have a giveaway so make sure you subscribe if you haven’t already.

Who is the True Value DIY Blog Squad?

• John & Sherry with Young House Love
• Katie with All Bower Power
• Josh with Bungalow 23
• Layla & Kevin with Lettered Cottage

What else? True Value is also giving away a prize worth $5,000 to one lucky homeowner in their DIY Drama Contest! The contest is open to any homeowner who has gone through any type of home improvement drama- whether it’s a DIY project gone awry or a stressful project you just can’t seem to ever mark off your “Honey-Do” list.
To enter, visit StartRightStartHere.com for a chance to win $5,000 to use at a local True Value store and an in-person project consultation with a knowledgeable True Value employee.

“I was one of five bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program and my DIY project as well as my posts about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

Phased Remodeling, Vinyl Siding and Grading

Phased Remodeling

Painting is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to change the look of a room.

In this episode The Handyguys start off discussing Phased remodeling inspired by an article in a recent “Home Improvement Times”. What is phased, or serial remodeling? Are there advantages to this approach in tough economic times? What are the disadvantages? We then address two listener questions, one on what should be included in a vinyl siding job and one about grading, moisture and stucco. Listen to the podcast for a discussion by The Handyguys Brian & Paul.

Vinyl Siding

We then address a question from a listener about vinyl siding, Lou Ann writes:

I really enjoy your podcast, and I have a question for you. We are getting our 60 + years old house resided with vinyl siding. They will be replacing the existing aluminum siding. My question is…what can I expect? I’ve gone to website that tell you to take down all your framed artwork from the walls. What happens to all the stuff already cut into the siding, dryer vents, water pipes and such?

Hope this isn’t a stupid question. Thanks for your help.

Lou Ann – No, that’s not a stupid question at all. It is standard practice that all the penetrations through the siding are properly flashed and trimmed out when the siding is installed. It couldn’t hurt to ask your contractor though. This may be specified in your agreement but it doesn’t hurt to make a call. Do not let them charge extra after you ask. We discuss this and talk about some of the things the siding contractor will need to deal with in the podcast. Thanks for your question Lou Ann.

Grading

Gary writes us, concerned about an inspection on a new house.

I bought a house 6 weeks ago , one of the comments on the inspection report was the grading by the bedroom needed attention as it was to close to the stucco and would allow moisture to pass , this section is a new addition to the house and is built on a concrete foundation , at the front of the house however ( built in 1947 ) the stucco goes all the way under the soil as such clearly built with a different code . How do you prevent moisture ingress here ? Is the stucco sealed ? How do I know if its still effective?

Thanks for the great show

Gary – Thanks for the pictures. You do not need to be concerned with the stucco or sealing it, your bigger concern is the relationship of the grading to the wall and floor behind the stucco. Your grade dirt and mulch should be below the level of the bottom of the wall. You are lucky, you have a window. Measure from the windowsill to the floor, on the inside, then measure on the outside down. This will give you an idea if the grade is too high. For our listeners and readers – we followed up with Gary and his grade is low enough.

That’s it for this weeks show. Make sure you subscribe and tell your friends.

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.

Handyguy Vehicles, Air Conditioning and Mower Repair

We cover a lot of topics in this show. Should Handyguy Paul Trade in his pickup, why does a listener’s air conditioner leak and doing carborator work on your mower.

First up – Brian and Paul discuss if a handyguy needs a pickup truck. Brian says yes. Paul isn’t so sure. We all agree they are handy. They aren’t so practical when they get too old and repairs are costing you as much as a new car payment. Oh, and the fuel costs. So, Handyguy Paul is going to trade in his pickup for a sedan. Fortunately he can call Brian, who is keeping his truck, if he needs help hauling something.

Air conditioning leaks

The Handyguys then discuss a question posted as a response to our air conditioning troubleshooting show, episode 69.

My inside handler unit is constantly leaking water inside the closet. I’ve cleaned the lines that lead to the outside and also cleaned the pan and removed all the gunk that was accumulated. I even sprayed an a/c cleaner on the coils, which did not really look that dirty. After all that work, the a/c began to leak again thirty minutes later. The house is cool and the system seems to be working fine however the closet and filter are soaked. I’m frustrated and don’t want to call a company just to discover that it was something simple that I was not aware of. Please help.

Thanks, Nelson

Nelson, thanks for your comments and questions. The Handyguys discuss the situation in the podcast. Bottom line, Nelson, you will need to closely inspect to determine where the leak is coming from. Once you determine that you can fix the problem. Most likely you have a leak in the drain, a bad pump (if you have one) or a clogged line causing the pan to overflow. once you find the source let us know, we may be able to help you fix it.

Mower safety and carburetor repair

Lastly, The Handyguys address a question about mowers, carbs on mowers in particular.

I am really enjoying these podcasts, some really great tips. Just recently found this site and will eventually get caught up to your recent podcasts. One thing I would like to add to this podcast however is when you are working under the mower near the blade to remove clumped grass or to sharpen the blade (I use an angle grinder), disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. You can actually start the mower by moving the blade out of the way. I am not missing any digits, but I know a few who have had close calls.

One question that I have is with the carb. I am working on a mower and did the standard tune-ups, plug, oil and air filter. I have a situation where the mower is idling really rough almost to the point of cutting itself off. Since my first go round with the tune up did not fix the problem, I am planning on removing the carb to attempt to clean it. Do you guys have any suggestions on cleaning the carb before I go out and buy a new one? I’ve replaced carbs on mowers before just never cleaned one. Thanks and keep up the good work.

David, Thanks for the kudos and the safety tip. As for your carburetor. Yes, clean it first. The Handyguys have heard great things about a product called Sea Foam for carb cleaning. Cleaning the carb is a great thing to try before going deeper into a repair.  If cleaning the carb doesn’t work then you will want to see if a rebuild kit is available. This will be cheaper than a replacement.

Handyguy Paul installs some new porch posts

In this show we discuss installing new porch posts and the many choices beyond the traditional wood posts.

Some materials:

• Wood
• PVC
• FRP (Fiberglass-reinforced Polymer)

The Handyguys discuss some advantages and dis-advantages of each. We then discuss some things to consider when installing new porch posts. Paul installed the FRP posts. Listen to the podcast for all the details.

Home centers and door to door security sales

It seems that the Handyguys are in a bad mood this week due to terrible service at the local home center.  The poor service, coupled with traveling security salesmen offering “free installations,” created some cranky Handyguys.

First up are the stupid self check-out registers at the home center. Both Lowes and Home Depot the major US home center chains deserve blame. This cost cutting trend supposedly frees up personnel to help you load your car. But if you need help loading product in your car, you probably can’t navigate it through self checkout (let alone getting it on one of those scanners!). It is not as though the “displaced” cashiers are out on the floor helping you with that crazy plumbing problem in your house.

Brian shares a story about visiting a home center near his office with a simple purchase and NO human cashiers in sight.  The 4 self checkout stations were slowly processing the customers who had smaller goods to scan. The machines were scanning but with bill acceptors rejecting bills, machines balking about what is and isn’t in the bagging area, there was an increasingly long line. When Brian finally had his turn to scan his long boards, there was no one to help when the scanner began nagging about unexpected items  in the bagging area. All four stations had people grumbling, the lost attendant was grumbling and trying, unsuccessfully, to help someone out. The whole experience was so frustrating that Brian just left and went to a different home center! As a goodbye, the attendant yelled for Brian to put the items back on the shelves!

Well, wouldn’t you know, the other home center chain that Brian went to has just installed self checkout too!!! Wake up Home Depot and Lowes. Customer service will win you loyal customers. The Handyguys would welcome anyone from either chain who would like to come on the show and discuss improvements you are making that are beneficial to customers .

And what is Menards doing? We have never been to one.

Home security hassles

Both Paul and Brian were recently visited by door to door vendor pushing “Free” security systems. Every high pressure tactic in the book was attempted. The catch? About $45 per month. Paul did some research and the system can be bought and installed DIY for a couple hundred dollars. Monitoring can be had for under $10 a month for DIY systems.  Check out Paul’s recommendations for web sites where you can purchase these systems.

The Handyguys Discuss the “Leatherman” for your yard.

Handyguy Paul wonders if there is an all-in-one tool that can edge, trim, prune, blow leaves and shovel your snow.  Well, with the exception of the snow, there is such a tool.  In fact several manufacturers make such a tool.  Stihl calls theirs the “Kombi” because it is truly a master combination tool for  your yard.

But first, the Handyguys answer a listener question about cedar siding:

I just bought a house with Cedar siding.  I live in Northern IL.  According to the pre-purchase inspector the siding is in fair condition.  It needs some sealant and to be retreated or painted.  What kind of sealant and paint or treatment would you recommend? I want to keep the current color of the wood as best as possible.
Thanks
Jas

Thanks for the question Jas.  Brian used to have Cedar siding on his old house so he has a definite opinion on the matter.  Listen to the podcast for his response.

Combination yard tools

Now on to the combination yard tools.  Brian owns and operates one of the Stihl Kombi tools and has found it very useful.  The main benefit is that you only have to maintain one engine for several different yard tools

But Paul is not convinced.  Can this single tool really do a good job with each task or does it have to make compromises?  And are there other manufacturers of these tools?

Brian explains why he likes his Stihl KombiSystem, but there are certainly other comparable tools: Ryobi, Echo, Husqvarna, Troybilt, John Deere.

Listen to the full podcast for Brian’s opinion on the tool and for the Handyguy’s overall opinions on this tool category.

The Handyguys take a detour this week to interview Craig Smith from http://www.servicemagic.com/ to discuss a recent survey on home maintenance costs.

Do you know how much you spend each year to maintain your home?  Are you spending too much?  The servicemagic.com survey summarizes the actual cost of maintaining a home. While some homes are slow drains on your income, others are more like a sink hole that will suck your bank account dry.  A quantitative look at the data may help you determine whether you should keep fixing your home or think about planting roots in another neighborhood.

Check out the Podcast for the full interview and let the Handyguys know if you have a question about your home.