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How to Fix Vertical Blinds Cheap and Easy
Have you ever been harmlessly walking by your patio door and one of your vertical blinds just happens to pop off, you hurry to pick it up just to find that the part it should hang by is actually...
How to Replace an Electrical Outlet With a GFCI
When replacing an electrical outlet with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter), certain tools are required, such as needle-nose pliers, voltage testers and screwdrivers. Replace an electrical...
How to Strip & Splice Wire
Using wire strippers, cut the exterior wire and then use a 10 gage to splice the wire in half. Find out how to strip and splice wire with expert tips from a general contractor in this free home...
Where Is the Water Shut-Off Valve for a Bathtub?
To shut off the bathtub's water, go outside to locate the main water shut-off valve. Learn more about how to shut off bathtub water with expert tips from a general contractor in this free home...
How to Use a Paintbrush
To properly use a paintbrush, don't coat the entire paintbrush with paint, apply paint with even pressure along the grain and move brush back and forth. Find out more about using paintbrushes with...
How to Swap a Faulty Light Switch
Basic tools are required to swap a faulty light switch, such as screwdrivers, needle nose pliers and a voltage meter. Learn to swap a faulty light switch with tips from a general contractor in...
How to Use a Volt-Ohm Meter Safely
To safely use a volt-ohm meter, make sure the right settings are in place and pay attention to the black and red colors. Learn more about using a volt-ohm meter safely with tips from a general...
How to Solder Copper Pipes
When soldering copper pipes, apply heat for about 30 seconds and touch the solder to the pipe to see if it melts and is ready. Solder copper pipes to ensure a clean and proper fit with tips from a...
Repairing Wooden Fences
Repair wooden fences by using a crowbar and a hammer to remove the old existing fence pickets. Learn to repair wooden fences with tips from a handyman in this free video on home repair and...
How to Drill Through Stainless Steel
Drill through stainless steel by setting the tool to a low speed in order to prevent overheating and dulling the bit. Discover how to drill through stainless steel with tips from a handyman in...
Operating a Jigsaw
Safely use a jigsaw at low speeds to make an accurate cut in place of a regular circular saw. Operate a jigsaw safely with tips from a handyman in this free video on home repair and maintenance.
Operating a Planer
Power planers are used to remove large areas of wood faster than sanding by cutting wood directly off the surface. Operate a planer safely with tips from a handyman in this free video on home...
Operating an Orbital Sander
When using an orbital sander, use 220 grit sandpaper to leave a smooth finish on the wood. Operate an orbital sander in order to get a nice even surface with tips from a handyman in this free...
How to Use a Miter Saw
When using a miter saw, check the measurements and alignment of the wood in order to ensure a clean and accurate initial cut. Wear safety glasses and operate a miter saw with tips from a handyman...
How to Troubleshoot Electrical Problems
Troubleshoot electrical problems around the house by using a voltage detector or by contacting your local handyman. Detect electrical problems with tips from a handyman in this free video on home...
How to Troubleshoot Fluorescent Lighting
When troubleshooting and replacing fluorescent light bulbs, use pliers, an electrical tester and a multi-screwdriver to remove the fixture. Troubleshoot fluorescent lighting with tips from a...
How to Cement PVC Pipe
When cementing PVC pipe, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and cover the floor in order to avoid damage. Cement PVC pipe using basic materials with tips from a handyman in this free...
How to Change a Ballast in a Fluorescent Light
Change a ballast in a fluorescent light using an electrical tester to check for safety, and by twisting it 30 degrees to loosen the light fixture. Find out how to change a ballast with tips from a...
How to Choose the Right Picture Hangers or Wall Fasteners
Choosing the right picture hangers or wall fasteners depends on the weight of the item and texture of the wall. Learn some tips for selecting picture hangers with tips from a handyman in this free...
How to Troubleshoot a Heating System
Troubleshooting a heat system differs for a gas or electric ignition. To fix problems in a heating system, check the pilot light, safety switch and gas valve. Discover how often a heating system...
How to Drain a Water Heater
When draining a hot water heater, attach a garden hose to the unit, turn the vent line and lead the water outside the home. Learn important safety tips when draining water heaters, such as never...
How to Change an Air Conditioner Filter
Change an air conditioner filter by locating the return air shaft, opening the grill up and pulling the old filter out. Learn about the different kinds of air filters to use for an air conditioner...
How to "Green" Clean Your Drains
Clean drains using a green household cleaner that's made with baking soda, salt and clear vinegar; then, pour the mixture down the drain and follow it with a pot of boiling brine. Discover how...
Cleaning Clogged Water Pipes
Clean clogged water pipes by using commercial cleaning products or making a homemade, natural cleaning product with baking soda and boiling water. After pouring mixtures down drain, find out how...
Carpentry Safety
When working in carpentry, safety equipment is required such as glasses, dust masks and gloves. Work safely with carpentry tools, such as table saws and blades, with the help of this free video...
How Do Faucets Work?
There are three types of faucets: compression, valve and stem, which all work in different ways. Find out how temperature is regulated on each type of faucet in this free video from a home repair...
How to Load & Run a Dishwasher
Load a dishwasher by putting the glasses and bowls on the top rack and placing the plates, flatware, pots and pans on the bottom rack. Run a dishwasher by inserting detergent and pressing the "on"...
How to Troubleshoot Your Microwave
When troubleshooting a microwave, check the electrical system, rotating tray and air vents. Find out when it's time to contact a professional service technician for microwave issues in this free...
How to Use a Garbage Disposal
To use a garbage disposal, place only organic food in the unit, such as fruits and vegetables; and when removing unwanted items from a disposal, make sure to use a specific tool. Add ice to a...
How to Quiet a Garage Door
Quiet a garage door by tightening the rollers, securing the door panels and spraying the door with WD40. Learn when to call a professional to quiet a garage door in this free video from a home...
How to Remove Odors From a Refrigerator
Remove odors from a refrigerator by wiping doors and shelves with a disinfectant or keeping baking soda in the fridge. Find out how baking soda removes odors from a refrigerator in this free video...
How to Fix a Washing Machine That ""Walks"" Across the Floor
A walking washing machine is caused by an unbalanced load in the top or bottom part of the machine. To fix a washing machine that walks, adjust the feet of the machine or re-distribute the clothes...
How to Troubleshoot Your Dryer
Troubleshoot a dryer by cleaning the vents and checking the temperature settings. Find air circulation problems in a dryer with the help of this free video from a home repair specialist on...
How to Troubleshoot Your Dishwasher
To troubleshoot a dishwasher, remove the lower basket to make sure the machine is clean, draining and that the wash arm is rotating correctly. Check the drain line on your dishwasher with the help...
How to Troubleshoot Your Water Heater
When troubleshooting a hot water heater, first identify if it's a gas or electric heater; then, check the pilot light on a gas water heater and the circuit breakers on an electric heater. Fix...
How to Troubleshoot a Vacuum Cleaner
Common problems on a vacuum cleaner are clogged filters or bags. To troubleshoot more technical problems, such as a vacuum light or belt, remove the screws to look inside the machine. Disassemble...
How to Troubleshoot Your Refrigerator
Troubleshoot a refrigerator by checking the breakers, power cords, temperature sensors and filters. Find out how to defrost a refrigerator for troubleshooting in this free video from a home repair...
How to Troubleshoot Your Electric Range
Troubleshoot a electric range by swapping the elements, turning the burners on high heat and identifying any usual colors. Troubleshoot an electric stove top range with more tips in this free...
How to Troubleshoot Your Washing Machine
Troubleshoot a washing machine by checking breakers, power cords, drainage hoses and knobs. Run multiple loads in a washing machine to troubleshoot the problem with the help of this free video...
How to Use a Dishwasher
To use a dishwasher, place cups, glasses and small items on the top rack, and keep pots, pans and plates on the bottom rack. Find out how to load silverware and bowls into a dishwater, place...
How to Defrost the Freezer
Depending on the type of freezer, defrost a freezer by removing all items, opening door and thoroughly wiping moisture from the sides, ceiling and floor. Defrost chest freezers or refrigerator...
How to Clean Paint Rollers
Clean a paint roller by running it under water, scrapping off hard paint and brushing the roller with an attachment tool. Learn to get paint out of a roller by using a specific attachment found at...
How to Patch a Hole in Drywall
After purchasing a drywall kit from a home improvement store, use a drywall saw to remove the hole, and then, attach a new piece of drywall with screws. Tape, mud and sand drywall to patch the...
How to Clean Shag Carpet
Cleaning shag carpet requires adjusting the vacuum setting to the highest possible setting to avoid getting the fibers tangled in the rollers. Keep a shag carpet clean, careful never to scrub the...
How to Measure for Cabinet Hardware
Measuring for cabinet hardware requires measuring the distance between the screw holes, from the center of one hole to the center of the other, in order to purchase hardware that will fit...
Fixing Kitchen Faucet Problems
Fixing kitchen faucet problems begins by turning off the hot and cold water supply, using an Allen wrench to disassemble the fixture and checking for leaks. Deal with kitchen faucet issues, making...
How to Measure the Amount of Carpet for Stairs
Measuring stairs to install carpet requires adding two inches to the width of the stairs to account for folded edges, or subtracting six inches from the width to account for a carpeted runner....
How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Cleaning a dryer vent after every load of laundry helps keep it stay clean on a daily basis, and using a static duster to get inside the dryer vent trap helps maintain proper airflow. Keep a dryer...
How to Clean a Hot Tub
Cleaning a hot tub requires draining it and using a mild detergent to clean the surface of the tub, avoiding chlorine products if it is not a chlorine-based hot tub. Keep a hot tub clean, making...
How to Balance HVAC Air Flow
To balance HVAC air flow, adjust the diffuser blades to close off seldom-used rooms and open up main living spaces. Maximize the cool air in the summer and the warm air in the winter with...