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1500 questions
12
votes
1 answer
Is there a more rugged finish than Polyurethane for a heavy use table?
A few years go I sanded a stained table we had. Upon doing so, we discovered that it had really nice wood underneath. So instead of restaining, I applied about 4 coats of satin polyurethane. It looked nice.
Since that time, a few small spots have…
DA01
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12
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1 answer
How exactly does a 3-way switch work?
I just finished replacing all of the switches and outlets in my apartment, after fighting a long war with a weird 3-way switch. Needless to say, I won, but I'm still trying to grasp the concept of how it works. I know how a single pole switch works,…
Naftuli Kay
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12
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2 answers
What are the pros and cons of different types of smart switches (that are on the US market) ?
When putting in a new switch for a light it is often less work to put in a smart switch than run the mains cables.
However, how do you choose the type of smart switch to use?
See also "What are the pros and cons of different types of smart…
Walker
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12
votes
5 answers
What kind of wall switch is needed for a natural gas fireplace to ignite consistently?
When we moved in, our natural gas fireplace worked well: Flick the switch & it would ignite.
Years later, it started acting erratically: Sometimes, the switch worked, other times, no luck. We'd try turning the switch off & on again a few times…
Chris W. Rea
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12
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3 answers
How do I handle significant snow and ice dams on a 4/12 gable roof with ridge vents?
It is our first winter in a new-to-us house, that has a pretty flat roof (3/12-to-4/12 pitch), and a ridge vent along the entire top of the roof. We just had the snowiest December on record (Minnesota), which put a good 36" of snow on the roof,…
MarkD
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12
votes
3 answers
Are extension cords safe for permanent use?
I recently learned (via a rant from an electrician's son and some internet research) that the standard buy-anywhere cheapo extension cords are a big cause of electrical fires and are not recommended to be left plugged in.
So say I DO want to leave…
George Mauer
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12
votes
2 answers
Can I change a 1-gang electrical box to a 2-gang electrical box?
I live in a house built in the 50's in Maryland, US. Each bedroom contains 4 electrical outlets - configured in two 1-gang electrical boxes on opposing walls. However, with all the modern appliances, we really need more electrical outlets…
ChrisP
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12
votes
5 answers
How can I paint over a ceiling after there's been a leak?
We had a leak in our upstairs bathroom, about 2 weeks after we had a new ceiling put up and painted in the room below. It wasn't a major leak, but it caused quite a wide line to show up on the ceiling.
I've painted over the line 3 times now, but it…
Jaymz
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votes
2 answers
How do I identify the C terminal on my HVAC?
How do I identify the C terminal on an HVAC, furnace, or boiler? If the terminals don't have a screw labeled C what should I look for on the wiring diagram? What steps should I take if a wiring diagram cannot be found or if it indicates that a C…
BMitch
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12
votes
8 answers
Can a locksmith open a deadbolt lock?
I wonder how secure my deadbolt lock is.
How difficult is it for a professional to open such a lock?
TCL
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12
votes
5 answers
Which communication bus systems for home automation?
Many communication systems have been proposed for home automation (e.g., HVAC control, alarms, access control, light control, and entertainment), including 1-Wire and X10. Which system is best suitable for a beginning home automation DIYer,…
Vebjorn Ljosa
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12
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4 answers
When painting a house exterior, do you need to scrape and sand the entire house or just the peeling parts?
I'm repainting my house and everything I've read on the subject suggests scraping the old paint before applying new, but it isn't clear if you're only supposed to scrape just the peeling parts or the entire house. My wife thinks I'm crazy for…
rob
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12
votes
11 answers
How do I prevent masking tape on paintwork from pulling off paint?
When painting, I often use masking tape, however, when I pull it off paintwork it sometimes pulls off some of the paint with it. Is there a way to prevent this?
EDIT:
A few people have said: "make sure you take the tape of after painting". But…
Paul Michaels
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12
votes
3 answers
What type of cordless tool battery chemistry should I purchase?
I'm about to buy a cordless tool set in which the tools all operate off the same form-factor battery. The batteries come in several different chemistries and I'm wondering which type is better for the type of short duration, impulsive discharging…
Joel B
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12
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6 answers
Devices that can slowly lower and raise 200 pounds ~2 feet?
What are some devices that could slowly lower and raise roughly 200 pounds roughly 2 feet?
I have been looking at hydraulic equipment, but they are all designed for tons and i do not need the ability to lift that much. I would like the device to be…
prolink007
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