Installing a Door Hinge Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Start by marking the area to be cut. Screw the hinge in place with a couple of screws. Use a razor knife, instead of a pencil, to mark the outline. Tilt the blade in and carefully scribe a line around the door hinge. Don't cut too deeply, but just enough to provide a guideline.

After removing the hinge, use a wood chisel to cut the wood. Be careful using and handling the wood chisel. The edge is very sharp. The beveled edge should point down when using the chisel. Carefully use a hammer to tap the head of the chisel to start cutting. Don't cut too deep. The hinge is not that thick.

Once the recess is cut, put the door hinge in place to check the fit. By cutting to the razor blade line, you will have a perfect fit for the hinge. A screwdriver, utility knife and wood chisel are the only tools required for this project.

Basement OSB Subfloor Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A typical basement floor is just concrete, which is a tough surface to work with. Need a wood subfloor to make that basement remodeling project easier? Install these OSB squares designed for installing over concrete. They have a special plastic mat backing to help drain water. The squares interlock with a tongue and groove for easy installation.

Most basement floors are not level. No problem with this product. There are special leveling shims that snap right onto the backing. Add as many spacers as required to level the floor.

This provides a great subfloor to help your basement remodeling. Cover it with carpeting, tiles or any other finished floor surface.

Wood Putty Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Wood Putty

To make the nail hole disappear, be sure to use a countersink tool to recess the nail head. Some plastic wood filler, or other types of compounds, contain resins and other chemicals which can create marks in your wood. By staining the wood or applying the urethane first, then filling the hole, you will avoid the discoloration.

Wood putty comes in different colors and you can mix them to get the correct color match. Fill the hole only part way to check the color match.

Once the hole is filled, put one additional layer of stain on the entire piece and you won't be able to see where the holes were.

This was the Mystery Column Link in the March 26, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Brick Cleaning Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Brick Cleaning - Beware Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are not necessarily the best method. A pressure washer can erode the mortar between the bricks or remove the cement paste off concrete. A better method of patio cleaning is with the use of oxygen bleach. Do not use chlorine bleach that is toxic to the environment. Oxygen bleach is safe to use and it removes the mildew and algae built up on the brick.

CLICK or TAP HERE for the best oxygen bleach AND the correct mixing instructions.

Mix the oxygen bleach with warm water and let it dissolve completely in the water. Then just pour the cleaning solution on the patio and let the bubbles work. After a short wait, use a street broom or scrub brush to work the liquid into the brick. Then, rinse with a garden hose.

The results will be great. You will have a clean patio to enjoy this season.

Message from Tim:

Years ago while researching a column about cleaning decks, I discovered the wonders of Oxygen Bleach. It is perhaps the 'greenest' cleaner I know of as it uses oxygen ions to break apart stains, dirt and odor molecules. There are no harsh chemicals, and it works on just about anything that is water washable.

I decided to create my own special blend using ingredients made in the USA. In fact, the raw materials in the active ingredient are food-grade quality registered with the FDA. I call my product Stain Solver. I urge you to use it to help with cleaning your brick patio. You will be amazed at the results!

Wheelbarrow Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

There is a wheelbarrow with steel handles and a steel body featuring a handbrake on the handle. This can be important when you are going down a hill with a heavy load. You can control the wheelbarrow so it doesn't get out of control.

Another wheelbarrow has a very large plastic tub. This model also has two wheels in front which makes it more stable. The wheelbarrow is harder to turn over with the added stability.

A third type of wheelbarrows is different from the rest because it has the location of the wheel further back. This puts the cargo weight on the wheel instead of in your hands.

Research wheelbarrows to get the model which meets your project's needs. Tim even uses it for a quick break on the project.

Wiring Box Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

The wiring box has different type junction boxes to handle the various types of wiring. Then the wiring to all of the various locations in the house are run from this distribution panel.

Wireless systems can have their distribution point running from this panel. But running cable to all the locations will allow faster data transfer.

This is designed for use with your low voltage wiring distribution. It will simplify you wiring when you use a central wiring panel.

Utility Sink Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A few measurements are needed to hang the wall mount utility sink bracket. Use a level to mark the proper height for the mounting bracket. The weight of the utility sink, full of water, will be hundreds of pounds. The use of stud anchors is recommended to prevent the tub mounting from failing. Be sure to put the hex nut on before hammering the stud into the wall.

Once the bracket is mounted on the wall, hang the utility sink and you will ready to run the water lines.

This was the Tip Of The Week in the November 11, 2014 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

Toolboxes Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A new light weight plastic toolbox has storage compartments on top of the lid for small items, such as screws, nails, wire nuts, hardware, drill bits and/or screw bits. Inside is a lift out tray and a large storage area below the tray.

There are other tool storage options. An example is a large piece of canvas which fits inside and over a crate. There are pockets inside for storing tools, plus the center crate area holds large tools, extension cords and supplies. Then more pockets outside the crate for organizing your smaller items. The best part of this storage crate is that it is on wheels and has a folding handle. You don't have to carry your tools around, just roll it to the worksite with this rolling tool box.

For smaller projects, consider a tool pouch. This is smaller and holds a few small tools and clips onto your belt. Great for electrical work and holding your needle nose pliers, screw drivers and electrical tape.

There are many choices of tool boxes out there depending on what your needs are. Shop around and find the one that will work for you.

Tim’s Favorite Tools Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

A wood rasp allows you to make cuts in wood or plastic or non-ferrous material. It is rounded on one side and flat on the other. Each side has both fine and coarse teeth.

A special Phillips screw drill bit has a countersink drill bit built right into it. You can drill the countersink, then drive the screw without changing the bit in the drill chuck.

Ever drop a nail, screw or other metal part down behind an object and you can't reach it? Carry a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool. Extend it out to full length and reach down to retrieve that fastener.

Tim carries a mini tubing cutter. It is small in size but still able to cut the copper tubing located in a small area. If the full size tubing cutter won't fit, try this mini cutter.

A plumb bob is powered by Mother Nature. It does not get out of adjustment like bubble levels or laser levels. The plumb bob gives that vertical line every time.

Try these tools in your toolbelt or tool box. Very helpful.

Read my December 15, 2013 AsktheBuilder Newsletter to see how you can help AsktheBuilder.com when purchasing some of Tim's Favorite Tools.

Sprinkler Systems Video

Posted on by Tim Carter

Automatic fire sprinklers can be installed in a new home or your existing home. Smoke detectors are good, but fire sprinklers, along with the a smoke detector, are better. These sprinklers can protect you and your family from fires, which can be extremely destructive.

A fire can strike at any time and without notice. House fires are very destructive and dangerous. What can you do to protect my home? Smoke detectors are a good start, but they don't do anything if you are not at home.

A home sprinkler system can be installed during the construction of a new home or added to your existing house. If the temperature in the room reaches the level to activate the sprinkler head, the glass vial breaks and the water starts to flow. Unlike the movies, only the sprinkler head in the area of the fire will activate. Not all of them at once. Typically, a fire can be extinguished with a hundred gallons of water. A lot less than the fire department will pump into your house. This will cut back on water damage to the house.

New fire sprinkler heads recess into your ceiling. All that is seen is the round flat cap. The sprinkler components are located above the ceiling. If a fire occurs, the spring load sprinkler head will pop out of the ceiling and start spraying water. The sprinkler heads simply get soldered into the copper water lines.