Fixing something after it gets damaged or broken.
3
votes
1answer
251 views
How can I repair a dining room table with folding ends?
If so, I've got a nice old dining room table that folds down quite small (seats 2) but also can be pulled out with leaves to seat ~8. The ends of the table are supported by swing-out arms that are ...
3
votes
1answer
314 views
How can I fix/polish a slate tile imperfection after it has been laid down and grouted?
Our contractor laid down a tile on our renovated bathroom and somehow did not realized that it was defective (see picture). The defect is some sort of metal mineral (kind of rough) the kind that ...
0
votes
0answers
36 views
What are suction-type automatic pool cleaners made of?
The lead ballast on my aquabot finally wore through the plastic belly that held it, so it dropped out and the bot floated to the surface, chomping away at the waves instead of smooching the pool ...
3
votes
1answer
334 views
How do I fix an uneven cement floor prior to hard wood flooring install?
I have recently ripped up carpet and padding on a cement floor for a sixth floor condo unit. I plan on installing 3/4" Bella, 3' wide flooring on it. The problem is that there is a ridge, about 1/8", ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I fix a faucet that turns all the way around?
The hot water faucet in my bathroom sink turns in circles instead of stopping at the fully closed/open positions. It gives slight resistance at some points.
This annoying as I can't tell where the ...
3
votes
2answers
322 views
How can I repair laminate floor boards with damaged edges?
I noticed that two panels of my laminate floor board have not joined well: there is a small gap between them. Now, it seems that constant wear is damaging the edges of the board.
Is there any way ...
10
votes
2answers
906 views
How to fix small holes in a wall caused by throwing darts?
I can think of a few ways of fixing these marks on the wall but I don't want to try anything without first getting some advice.
I have a dart board on a painted wall and as is inevitable with darts, ...
3
votes
1answer
197 views
How to seam new stucco to old stucco when patching large areas
Our city inspector wants us to break out the edge of old stucco to expose the wire then tie that back into the new mesh. But when we did that, it became obvious to everyone (inspector included) that ...
4
votes
5answers
5k views
How can I fix a stripped hole in an aluminum piece?
I have a tripod head that is made of aluminum. In the head there is a small hole that houses a small screw that secures a quick-release plate. After some time the hole stripped and the screw no longer ...
1
vote
1answer
340 views
How to rehang vertical blinds on a damaged bay ceiling?
My vertical blind has lost two of its four brackets. It was fixed to the ceiling of my bay window and the plugs and screws have pulled away. Is it possible to fill and replug in the same place and ...
0
votes
1answer
153 views
Can I repair the floor in the water heater closet with an old street sign?
Can I use an old aluminum road sign as a replacement floor for my hot water heater closet? The old floor is rotten and has some give to it right where a portion of my hot water heater sits, and my dad ...
5
votes
1answer
215 views
Can drywall be installed over lath?
We removed the plaster from several walls because they were friable and bulging, but chose to leave the lath attached to save time/work. We will screw 1/2 inch drywall onto the walls, but upon further ...
7
votes
1answer
2k views
Is there a way to 'remove' blackened water-stain from hardwood floor?
We have several large (3' x 6') blackened areas on our hardwood floor where water damage occurred. This discoloration goes deep. Our goal is to sand the floors and apply a clear coat, but we first ...
1
vote
0answers
178 views
How can I repair scratches on a coated stainless steel surface?
I have a coated stainless steel refrigerator that unfortunately was scratched. Every tip I've found for removing scratches says the coated ones cannot be fixed once scratched. Any suggestions?
2
votes
0answers
77 views
How to reveal a mural that was painted over [closed]
A mural I painted years ago was recently painted over by 'accident' and the owners would like it restored. I painted it in latex and acrylics. Looks like they used white enamel. Is it possible to ...
0
votes
2answers
248 views
What could be wrong with my A/C unit?
I just installed a new compressor fan on my outdoor A/C unit. Before the fan went bad, it was working fine and had just had its annual service check (the service guy said the freon was fine, ...
4
votes
1answer
138 views
Can I attach Trex handrail to wooden balusters?
The steps to my front porch are exposed. The treated and stained handrails have started to rot (one out of 4 rails at this time). I am not prepared to replace all the porch and stair railings right ...
1
vote
3answers
618 views
How do I patch this hole in my vinyl window frame?
Not sure what the previous homeowner was thinking when he drilled this hole, but what would be the best material to patch it with?
As you can see in the picture, it's a purely aesthetic fix but I'm ...
3
votes
3answers
165 views
Stain-grade wood repair for door mullion?
One of our dogs apparently had a teething problem while we were out working in the garden, and decided to work it out on the wooden door's mullion. The mullion has been rather decreased in the ...
2
votes
2answers
177 views
How can I attach a security gate where there are no studs?
I installed a Munchkin MK004 security gate in drywall (no studs were available at the location) using the supplied screws and plastic anchors. The gate hinges on one side of the opening and opens at ...
3
votes
1answer
320 views
Can I repair hairline cracks in a solid wood exterior door with clear silicone caulk?
My front doors have several small hairline cracks around the door panels. I would like to seal them. Can I use clear silicone caulking without damage to the stained surface? Do I need to clean or prep ...
3
votes
1answer
215 views
How can I fix a scratch on a mirror?
I designed a wardrobe for my new house with mirrors on the doors. The project was executed, and after that I see a scratch on one mirror.
The mirrors have 5mm thickness. The scratch is like a line ...
0
votes
1answer
212 views
After repointing a fieldstone foundation, should I backfill with gravel?
I've repointed a fieldstone foundation wall, but now I'm not sure how to backfill around the wall. Everyone I've asked has said I should now backfill with 3/4 gravel, so water drains quickly down ...
5
votes
4answers
238 views
How to choose the correct bit for a screwdriver
I'm constantly using a screw driver for small electronics and around the house, but I find that multiple bits seem to work. Of course, something bigger or something small requires diferrent amounts of ...
0
votes
0answers
590 views
Is a roofing company responsible for fixing a leak and water damage 2 1/2 years after roof replacement? [closed]
I bought a new home two and a half years ago. The previous owners has the roof replaced before we closed as a condition of the sale.
Now, at the corner of the screen porch, there is a place where ...
4
votes
1answer
989 views
How can I further diagnose my central air conditioning compressor fan motor and capacitor?
I have a 15 year old Bryant Central Air unit in my house. Yesterday it stopped working. Here is what I have checked.
The breaker in the basement is not tripped.
The furnace works fine from the ...
4
votes
1answer
843 views
How can I temporarily fix a cracked bathroom sink?
Last night I managed to drop something onto my bathroom sink, which now has a large crack in it and is obviously leaking when I turn the tap on. I know I will have to replace the sink, but I cant ...
5
votes
5answers
323 views
What is a good tutorial on the use of a multimeter?
I am ashamed to admit, that despite my many electrical (mis?)adventures.. I have no idea how to use a multimeter. I have installed automobile sound systems, central air air-conditioners, and every ...
5
votes
3answers
4k views
How do I fix a hole in a hollow door?
My son sometimes has a temper, and has been known to hit his door when sent to his room. He has actually done so enough to punch a bit of a hole in it. I'm trying to figure out what might be doable to ...
3
votes
2answers
161 views
Why do I have spots showing through on stained pine?
I had a chest of drawers made of pine that had crayon marks on it. I sanded it down really well and applied a coat of golden oak stain after puttying the holes. Now there are light and dark spots ...
1
vote
0answers
35 views
Can I repair water damage under the kitchen sink with a sintra panel? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can I repair water damage under the kitchen sink?
I found out that our kitchen water connection had somehow loosened up and was leaking water on the floor undernieth ...
4
votes
1answer
329 views
How do I repair this broken pipe?
We just bought a house and while digging in the yard using a pick axe, I broke a pipe. Per my research, I need to put a joint there. The broken part is right next to the joint, so not sure how can I ...
2
votes
2answers
111 views
How can I repair a big gash in my kitchen floor?
How can I repair this big gash in kitchen floor (I can see wood)
I was cleaning my kitchen floor, and moved the fridge out of the way. Problem is we have our microwave on it with a short cord. ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
How can I repair cracked stairs treads?
I have a ~100 year old stairway that has a couple treads cracked down the middle. One of them has a little give to it when stepping on it. They would be difficult to replace entirely, and I am ...
1
vote
1answer
147 views
How do I best build up concrete driveway where it meets the basement foundation of house?
Our driveway slightly slopes into our basement foundation wall, causing water to stand in that area. We don't want to simply add cement to this area to elevate it one or two inches because of our ...
2
votes
2answers
355 views
My washing machine stopped working. Should I replace, repair or call a technician? [closed]
I have a Whirlpool front-loading washing machine (not sure about the model at this moment - I'm slacking off at work right now ;P). A month ago the torque transmitting belt went off. I put it back on ...
5
votes
4answers
957 views
How do I know if a firewall and mortar contain asbestos?
I want to remove a rock wall behind my pellet stove that was put in in 1980.
I have already removed some of the rock and cement that holds the rocks together where the pellet stove is sitting. Then ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
How can I repair my concrete porch?
I have a concrete porch upfront which has 2 pillars supporting a roof. The concrete is showing cracks and spalling. To repair can I resurface this? A friend suggested tigercrete (concrete with ...
1
vote
0answers
106 views
How can I tell if I've got Cool Deck installed?
I have coping around my pool that I thought was Cool Deck. When I started researching "How to repair cool deck", I noticed I do not have the uneven (up and down) pattern) my coping is smooth and ...
3
votes
2answers
187 views
What tools and techniques are required for moving & re-sloping a cement slab walkway?
My next "shape up" project for my house is moving and re-sloping the concrete slab walkway that goes around my house.
I am wondering what tools would be handy for this job.
I'll need to get a pry ...
2
votes
1answer
322 views
Can we use both caulk and Durabond to fill in hairline cracks in old plaster walls?
Our end goal is to mud over the existing plaster walls/texture to create a smooth finish. Before this we want to repair several hairline cracks to prevent them from recurring. After scraping open the ...
2
votes
2answers
132 views
Can salt be used to create a slip resistance surface in concrete?
Is it true that salt can be used to put a slip resistant surface in fresh concrete?
2
votes
3answers
882 views
How can I repair my damaged kitchen counter?
I made a stupid mistake and placed a hot pan on the kitchen counter top directly, which made a small burn and a bigger bump filled with air that cracked after a little while. Here's a picture:
I ...
0
votes
2answers
290 views
Is my Kenmore HE4T Washer repairable for a reasonable price?
Kenmore HE4T Washer
Is this repairable?
Here are a couple of videos I took of it happening...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfog6-36fdg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
...
1
vote
1answer
204 views
How can I restore the waterproofing behind a shower/bath mixer/diverter?
After install a new shower/bath mixer, I am proceeding to restore waterproofing behind the mixer follow by the tiles.
Originally between the water pipes and the tiles there is a layer of gyprock ...
0
votes
0answers
73 views
What are the best online resources for DIY and DIY communities? [closed]
I've done some general searches for specific projects, but what are some of the best forums for DIY discussions and project showcases? Most of the sites I've found are generally outdated, or too ...
0
votes
0answers
158 views
Help identify this electric clothes dryer part from an Asko T701 dryer?
I just replaced the drum rollers on my Asko T701 electric clothes dryer. As I was removing the front frame to access the rollers, this metal part fell out (the Sharpie is just there for scale):
I ...
1
vote
1answer
152 views
Why does my oven temperature keep rising?
I have an old gas oven that is having a temperature problem. When it's turned on, the temperature keeps rising and rising, not stopping at the set temperature. It gets up to 500+ degrees.
This ...
4
votes
1answer
443 views
How should I use a plumber's snake?
How should I use a plumber's snake if my kitchen sink drain got clogged? Are there any suggestions on when this device is applicable and how to use it?
5
votes
1answer
589 views
How to fix a through hole in a concrete step?
Here're two photos of a through hole in a step in an enforced concrete staircase in an apartment building. The step is about one inch thick, the hole is about three inches wide and appeared many years ...
