BMitch

26,545 reputation

13284

bio	website	stackoverflow.com
	location	Fairfax, VA
	age	36
visits	member for	2 years, 2 months
	seen	3 hours ago
stats	profile views	823

Trained in C, familiar with C++ and Java, spent the last 10 or so years mostly in scripting (perl, shell, etc) with a little php/ajax/js on the side. I've been running linux on just about all my systems for over 5 years, and at least partially using it since '95, mostly with Debian and now Ubuntu. Lately I'm getting back into a project using C, maybe Lua, front end with php/ajax/js, and who knows what else.

Outside of the techie stuff, I enjoy photography as a hobby and do a lot of home repair both on my own home and with the local Habitat chapter. For fun, I strap the bare necessities onto my back and enjoy a weekend of backpacking.

	26,545 reputation	bio	website	stackoverflow.com	visits	member for	2 years, 2 months
13284 badges		location	Fairfax, VA		seen	3 hours ago

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14h	comment	How can I repair blown plaster on walls? Have you checked for structural damage that may be causing this?
18h	comment	How can I remove wax from a wooden counter so I can resurface it with Danish oil? You should provide some detail on how to apply the finish and why one finish is better than the other. Also, the OP is asking about removing the existing finish.
1d	comment	Is it OK that the frame of my house doesn't line up with the slab? I think there are reasons you might do it (foundation insulation on the exterior, siding overlap, etc) but I don't think this is one of them, especially with what looks like a 2x4 and some pretty odd framing. I don't disagree with your conclusion, just wanted to point out that straps are valid in some locations.
1d	comment	Is it OK that the frame of my house doesn't line up with the slab? I'm still trying to figure out why that bottom plate on the right doesn't have any studs and why there isn't any structure in the corner. Typically walls are built on the ground and raised up with the studs already nailed in at the proper location. We also pre-attach the exterior sheathing to keep the walls square without using so many diagonal braces.
1d	comment	Is it OK that the frame of my house doesn't line up with the slab? The metal bands sticking out between the framing and concrete serve a similar purpose to bolts. They aren't as good as a bolt every 18", but they are embedded in the cement, get wrapped around the framing and nailed in, and should pass code in many locations (unless the codes have changed lately). If you have earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes frequently in your location, then bolts will likely be required, in addition to strapping between the floors and holding down the roof.
1d	comment	How long can a refrigerator be stored without being used? I'm not sure what you're asking. Can you use a refrigerator which cannot be used? Can you wait more than 8 months for what?
Jun 15	comment	How do I wire this bathroom fan? The slow beep may be from the neutral, could indicate a short, or could be a charge from running near other live wires.
Jun 15	comment	How do I wire this bathroom fan? @user13477 that disproves my first guess. I've updated with a second guess. You'll still want to verify each of the switched wires and whether you have a non-switched hot, determine which one is the neutral, and determine where the load connection is going so you know if it needs to be switched.
Jun 14	comment	Does water dripping through my soffit indicate a problem? Welcome to the site, Andy. When you get enough rep, you'll be able to comment on any question. But until then, you can post a follow up question/comment as an answer and flag it for us to convert for your. It's a bit difficult to for us to do in this case, since this is half "answer" and half "follow up question" and I don't want to convert the entire thing.
Jun 14	comment	How do I wire this bathroom fan? Answers shouldn't have so many question marks. Can you rewrite this as a step by step procedure on how to test and what to do in various scenarios, or trim it down to 500 or so characters so we can convert it into a comment?
Jun 14	comment	How do I wire this bathroom fan? Wire colors vary by location, so it would be helpful if you included your location in your question.
Jun 13	comment	How can I test my drill and batteries for faults? Batteries die, a lot more often than drills do. I would reverse your default assumption. Typically, people get rid of old cordless tools when the batteries go, because the cost of replacement batteries quickly approaches that of buying a new tool.
Jun 13	comment	What type of dryer best handles long exhaust vents? Brand specific advice is off topic here. I've edited the question to try to save it, but it's a fairly drastic edit. If what you really want is brand specific advice, then this should be closed and you're welcome to drop by the chat room where we don't mind getting a bit off topic.
Jun 13	comment	How do I mount my TV on my wall with poor stud location? Is your question whether you can mount your TV to drywall? No. That's been addressed here already. Quite a few times.
Jun 11	comment	How can I wire multiple recessed lights and multiple dimmers? @DMoore, I believe you mean a 15A circuit. And that assumes there isn't anything else connected to that circuit. If it's an existing circuit that's being expanded, it may already be near capacity.
Jun 10	comment	How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector? See also: diy.stackexchange.com/q/20155/2196
Jun 10	comment	How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector? If you're referring to the push in connector on the back of a switch/receptacle then this is another possible duplicate: What kind of electrical outlet is this, and how do I replace it?
Jun 10	comment	How do you release the wires from a push-in wire connector? Possible duplicate: What type of connector is this and how do I remove it?
Jun 9	comment	How do I fix leaking sprinkler line from this valve? @HerrBag, pretty sure the OP does have a ball valve, I didn't explain it very well (gate valve comment was about how other valve types have this issue more often). Thanks for clarifying and for your fix.
Jun 9	comment	How do I fix leaking sprinkler line from this valve? FYI, a "union" is a piece of threaded pipe that has a slip joint in the middle to allow you to unscrew one side without rotating your entire house around the other side. It may look like two nuts in close succession. They're very convenient for those of us with homes that don't easily flip over. :)