Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
14
votes
5 answers

I tripped a 20amp breaker but didn't feel a shock - why?

I was stripping a hot ungrounded conductor while a 20A breaker was on by accident. When my wire strippers pierced the sheathing, a large spark blew out and tripped a breaker, but yet I felt nothing. There's a possibility that somehow that the hot…
Tony DiNitto
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1 answer

Can't find a garden hose that fits

Just moved into a new house and the spigot the in backyard is too big for the hose I bought. Is there an adapter or a special hose that can fit this?
Mishelle
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What is the purpose of a bathroom exhaust fan?

Okay I actually do understand the purpose of the bathroom fan; it gets the steam out of the bathroom after a super hot shower, right? Well turns out I never turn it on. I suppose I don't shower in sauna temperatures. Also we tend to shower with…
Trout
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Should I extend a drain vent that terminates in my attic?

Recently I removed an old water heater stovepipe coming through my roof, because we moved our water heater. Right next to it was my plumbing vent pipe that I thought was associated with venting for the water heater, so I cut it off below the roof…
Ian
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14
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6 answers

Best way to keep a PEX run in an attic (above a foyer) from freezing?

I plan on running PEX pipes both hot and cold across 16 feet of unheated attic space above a foyer. The foyer is 16' long and is off the kitchen, it isn't heated directly but is part of the house; it is usually colder than the rest of the house,…
Jeremy
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14
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7 answers

How can I trip a breaker from the outlet

One time at my job we had some electrical work that needed done. The electrician had a small homemade switch box with a 120v mains plug running out of it and a switch on the front. The device basically threw whatever breaker that plug was attached…
Brent1409
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14
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7 answers

How do you sharpen a knife?

Just got done sharpening a few knives, and thought it could be useful to post a question about it here. So lets say I have one of these guys. With a coarse stone, a medium stone, and a fine stone. What is the proper way to sharpen a knife with a…
Tester101
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Does a bedroom have to have a closet?

I'm finishing my basement (actually its the second basement I've finished). And I've built what I think is a bedroom in the basement. I had the ELECTRICAL inspector in here the other day and as he's going through the inspection he says: "So this…
kasdega
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Can I safely use a switch rated for "1A at 125V" with 240V, assuming I stay below 125W?

I recently purchased a foot switch for a standing lamp. The switch is rated for 1A at 125V. I would like to use this switch with a low energy lamp (typically 10W or below) but with a 240V supply. Is this safe?
James
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5 answers

How to stop a wall from falling

My Beloved Barn roof has almost gone and, without the money to repair it, I had to let it go. This has meant the walls have started to go and, as you can see from the picture, half the front part has gone. I now have to protect the road from debris…
Jason K
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13
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4 answers

What are the pros and cons of UV window film?

I have just finished renovating my house and am now considering adding UV film to some of my windows (those that catch the most sun). On paper, they sound like a great solution as they reduce the heat entering the house and furniture fading but I…
dave
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Why would a door be installed without all the hinge screws?

Our contractor installed this door without using all the screws (or perhaps the door came without enough screws). Every hinge on each side of these double doors is missing one screw on the frame side. Is there some hidden wisdom here?
jelder
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Does one need to be certified in order to do residential electrical work?

I have a Bachelor in electrical engineering, a lot of hands-on experience with electrical work, and I'm very familiar with NEC 2011 and electrical codes. Can I do residential electrical work without being certified? I heard that I only need to be…
Hussein
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9 answers

Should I set wood fence posts in quikrete with no supplemental water?

Setting wood fence post---I've heard to set wood fence posts using quikrete dry, allowing it get moisture from the ground. Is this a good idea?
Bryan
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5 answers

Drywall anchor won't hold

I have a baby gate on the top of the stair. The dry wall anchors used held up for a couple of months, but now it came out loose. What type of anchor do I need to use for this?
user21479
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