Original Joist Hanger
Original Joist Hanger - No Steel Involved What do you think was the original joist hanger? You might be surprised to know that the master carpenters of old figured out how to hang joist using no metal whatsoever. Watch and see:
Author Archives: Tim Carter
Klein Tools Stainless Steel 20oz Tumbler
Klein Tool Stainless Steel 20oz Tumbler - My Favorite! I have tested so many stainless-steel tumblers that come to me as swag that I've lost count. I almost declined the request to test the Klein Tumbler because I couldn't believe you could improve on what I had seen. I was WRONG! What Do You Like […]
How to Draw Plumbing Plans
How to Draw Plumbing Plans - It's Not Easy to Get Them Right You may want to know how to draw plumbing plans because: you need a plumbing permit you plan to install the pipes yourself your plumber needs the drawing and can't do it There are other reasons to draw plumbing plans, but those […]
July 11, 2021 AsktheBuilder Newsletter
Weight of Rain | Bat Story Follow-up | Clean Wooden Spoons You're a new subscriber, aren't you? That explains why you're sitting next to Daphne, Dolly, Doug, Jenny, Marney, Betty, Ken, Shatasha, and a boatload of others that entered the room since last Sunday. Welcome! I think you're going to like the newsletter. But you, […]
How Much Does Rain Weigh
How Much Does Rain Weigh? - For 2 Inches Per Square Mile I like to do arithmetic problems the way I was taught in grade school. I still use a pencil and paper. The goal is to keep my brain sharp. It's one of the reasons I like doing Morse code too. My favorite pencils […]
Tim Carter DIY Coaching
Tim Carter DIY Coaching - Phone or Video Call Do you need DIY coaching? Are you stuck with a: carpentry problem plumbing issue roof leak ceramic tile install or grout question repair conundrum bid comparison scenario ANY problem around your home or small business Ask the Builder founder Tim Carter will call you on the […]
July 7, 2021 Product Highlight
Are you going to be pouring a concrete sidewalk, driveway, patio or apron slab soon? Do you know you get ONE CHANCE to get it right? Is your contractor going to botch the job and your new concrete spall or develop ugly random cracks? How do you know it's going to be done right? Are […]
Surfside City Condo Collapse, Rusty Rebar, and Your Home
Surfside City Condo Collapse - My Early Guess: Rusty Rebar Fractures and Weakened Concrete Columns This past weekend, my wife asked me all sorts of questions about the tragic sudden collapse of the 40-year-old condominium building near Miami, Florida. We’ve dated since high school and she knows I’ve got a geology degree instead of one […]
July 4, 2021 AsktheBuilder Newsletter
If you're a new subscriber and you speak Greek, I'd say "Teekanis" to you right now. You'd probably reply, "Cala!" Yes, yes, I know I butchered both words, but it's what my Greek bosses would say to me when I came to work each day at Skyline Chili in Cincinnati. Bottom Line: Hello! Bring more […]
Build a Cardboard Boat
Build a Cardboard Boat - Sears Editors Conference 1999 I was lucky to be part of the team that was destined to build a cardboard boat that set a Florida state record. The year, I believe, was 1999. Mike Mangan, the public relations manager for Sears, invited me to my first ever Sears Editors Conference […]