Get A Low House Repair Bid

Evaluate House Repair Bids Carefully

When it comes to renovations and repair jobs, homeowners often struggle to find a contractor who can perform the work at a low price. Because of the complexity of many projects, homeowners may also have difficulty comparing contractor's prices to one another. Fortunately, finding a low house repair bid is possible even if you know nothing about construction itself. By managing the bidding process correctly, you can find the lowest qualified bidder and get your home repair project completed according to your budget. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Get at least three bids. By having more than one bid, you'll be able to get a fairly accurate idea of what the work should cost. If the three prices are relatively close, you can usually feel safe taking the lowest bid. If one of the prices is much lower than the others however, it's important to evaluate the contractor carefully before blindly accepting the lowest bid. Suspiciously low bids usually mean inexperienced contractors, or may mean that he or she will use inferior materials.

2. Provide a detailed scope of work. This helps your bidders understand exactly what items should be included in the price. For instance, if you want outdoor lights added to your backyard, the scope of work may include laying wires from the panel to the lights, obtaining applicable permits, digging holes for installation, purchasing the lights, then testing them to make sure they work. By giving a detailed scope, you take the guesswork out of bidding. This allows contractors to provide the lowest and most accurate bid possible. It also allows you to compare various bids more easily, knowing they all include the same work.

3. Allow bidders to view the project site. If a contractor is bidding on a job without building plans, he or she may include quite a bit of contingency money in the price. This is done to protect the contractor from unknown conditions. Rather than requesting bids by phone or fax, find contractors willing to come look at the project or your home before providing a price. This may also help alert you to potential budgeting issues in the event the contractor spots a problem.

4. Get all bids in writing. Ask that contractor's provide not only pricing, but a list of specific inclusions and exclusions. When comparing various bids, look for items that may be shown on one bid and not referenced on others. Call you contractors and ask about these items to find out whether it's something you may need or not need. Ask that any changes or clarifications are added in writing in the form of a revised bid.

5. Negotiate. If you find a contractor you really like, but he or she isn't the lowest bidder, ask them to take a second look at their price. Let them know you'd like to hire them, and tell them what your budget is. In many cases, the contractor will work with you, and may cut their price a bit to get the job.

6. Ask for value engineering options. This is a popular concept in the building industry, and simply means having the contractors suggest ways to modify your project scope to bring down the budget. Because they are more familiar with material and labor costs, they are usually able to offer suggestions that make only minor changes to the finished project, but may dramatically effect the price. For instance, if you've received three bids for adding hardwood flooring to your home, and all are way out of your budget, the contractors could provide pricing to use reclaimed or engineered flooring instead. This would give you the look of hardwood at a fraction of the price.

Tags: your budget, your home, detailed scope, find contractor, price instance, price This

Replace A Sink Faucet In A Mobile Home

Replacing a sink faucet in a mobile home is not much different from any other sink faucet. Many mobile home manufacturers use a stiff plastic line to supply water to the faucets. It is a good idea to replace these lines when replacing the faucet. The ends of the lines can crack which will leak when installing a new faucet. Take the old faucet off first, and take it to the store when purchasing the replacement. Often the distance between the faucet stems are narrower than standard faucets. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find the water supply cut-off valves under the sink. The valves are on each house water line coming from the wall or bottom of the cabinet. Turn the egg-shape valve handle clockwise to shut off the water to the faucet. Look at the water supply hoses from the cut-off valves to the faucet. If you have the typical plastic hose, replace both hoses with flex line hoses when replacing the faucet. Remove the compression nut connecting the plastic hoses to the cut-off valves with a wrench. Remove the hose connection where it connects to the water faucet handles threaded stems with a wrench, if you already have the flex hoses.

2. Remove the two plastic nuts securing the faucet to the sink. The nuts secure around the faucet handle threaded stems. The nuts have four notches that enable you to turn them counterclockwise by hand to remove them. If necessary, use a pair of slip joint pliers to remove the nuts.

3. Go to the top of the sink and pull the faucet off the sink. If you disconnected the plastic hoses from the cut-off valves, the hoses will still be attached to the faucet. Take the faucet to the home improvement store for a replacement. The faucet handle stems must be the same distance apart on the new faucet as the old one. Pick up two flex water supply lines at the store, if replacing the plastic lines.

4. Wrap plumber's tape around the threads on each of the cut-off valves, if replacing the water lines. Thread one end of the new water supply lines onto the cut-off valve until hand tight. Turn the connection another three-quarters turn with a wrench.

5. Place the plastic bottom cover over the threaded faucet handle stems, and fit the cover against the bottom of the faucet body. Insert the faucet handle stems into the holes in the top of the sink until the faucet sits flush on the sink.

6. Thread the securing nuts over each faucet handle stem under the sink until the nuts are hand tight. Turn each nut another half turn with a pair of slip joint pliers. Wrap plumber's tape around the threads of each faucet handle stem.

7. Thread the water supply lines to the faucet handle stems. Tighten another three-quarters turn with a wrench.

Tags: faucet handle, cut-off valves, water supply, faucet handle stems, handle stems

Adjust A Craftsman Garage Door

If you have a garage door that uses a Craftsman garage door opener, you may occasionally need to adjust the door so that it opens and closes properly. In some instances, however, the opener may need no adjustment -- rather, the doors may simply need some minor, tender loving care. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tighten the door hardware. Before you even touch the garage door opener, go over your door hardware and make sure that the bolts on the door are all tight. If you find one that's loose, tighten it down with a socket wrench. Doors typically have one-half-inch bolts, but this can vary, so have several sockets ready.

2. Open and close the door using the opener. This will help you diagnosis the problem and figure out if you simply need more or less torsion or travel.

3. Adjust the travel dial using your flathead screwdriver. The back of the garage door control unit should have two dials that are inset in to the units case. The dial on the right hand side will reduce or lengthen the amount of travel the door has, based on which way you turn it. If the door isn't closing all the way, adjust to the left. Adjust a one-half turn and open and close the door. Adjust either way as necessary.

4. Adjust the torsion dial with the screwdriver. The torsion dial is on the left hand side on the back of the control panel and regulates how much pressure the door has when opening and closing. If you can't get the door to go up when it's down, you may have to raise the torsion by turning the dial to the right. If the door closes and then starts back up, you might have too much torsion.

5. Open and close the garage door and continue to adjust the dials as needed. You may not get it on the first try. The key is continued, small adjustments to either the torsion or the travel dial until the garage door performs as it's designed.

Tags: garage door, close door, dial right, door hardware, door opener, door that, door when

Lay St Augustine Sod In Texas

Lay St. Augustine Sod in Texas

St. Augustine grass is a popular grass in Texas due to its preference for growing in tropical regions that are similar to the climate of the state. St. Augustine grass has been native to the Gulf of Mexico since the exploration of the region, but this particular warm-season grass is able to thrive in a variety of soil types. Many gardeners enjoy its coarse texture and ability to survive cold temperatures. Lay St. Augustine sod in your Texas lawn for a durable green expanse all summer long. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Conduct a soil pH test on your lawn to find out what soil amendments you need to make prior to laying down the sod. Purchase a soil pH testing kit from your local county extension office. Dig ten 6-inch holes throughout your yard. Collect soil samples and place in a bucket. Mix the soil together and collect roughly half a quart. Mail the samples off to the address provided on the kit and wait for the results.

2. Make any suggested soil amendments according to the results. St. Augustine grass prefers to grow in a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5. When the pH range is too alkaline, the grass will take on a yellow appearance. Apply lime to acidic soil and sulfur to soil that is too alkaline.

3. Remove any rocks, debris, vegetation and weeds from the lawn. Till the lawn to break up any clumps that are larger than half a dollar. Water the lawn for three days prior to the delivery of your sod.

4. Lay down your sod in the morning of your delivery, because sod tends to dry out quickly--especially in the warm Texas sun. Stagger the pre-cut strips of sod like you are laying down bricks. Use a utility knife for cutting the strips of sod to fit next to driveways, garden beds or sidewalks.

5. Roll a grass roller over the strips of sod to help the sod establish in the soil. Water the lawn thoroughly. Keep a watering routine of twice a day until the grass grows an inch.

6. Fertilize your St. Augustine grass each month during its first three months of establishing with a balanced fertilizer with an NPK amount of 20-20-20. In the late fall, apply a fertilizer high in nitrogen to keep it healthy for when it comes out of dormancy in the spring.

Tags: Augustine grass, Augustine Texas, laying down, soil amendments, Water lawn

Adjust A Chevy Torsion Bar For Front End Lift

Adjust a Chevy Torsion Bar for Front End Lift

Chevrolet cars and trucks use torsion bars where normal coil or leaf springs will not fit. The bars have the added advantage of being adjustable. The torsion bar suspension has become popular in Chevy's 4WD truck line, in which the switch to independent front suspension (IFS) leaves little room for a standard coil spring. The average backyard mechanic can adjust the torsion bars on a Chevrolet in about 20 minutes.

Instructions

1. Lift the Chevy with the floor jack, placing the jack head underneath a frame rail and pumping the lever until the desired wheel is in the air. This relieves the torsion bar of the weight, and makes it easier to turn the adjustment bolt. Place a jack stand near the jack head on the same frame rail, for support.

2. Crawl underneath the vehicle and locate the rear torsion bar mount, attached to the frame. On most Chevrolet models, it is just behind the brake assembly on the frame rail. By viewing the mount from the bottom, the adjustment bolt is visible, nestled into the mount's twin supports.

3. Turn the adjustment bolt clockwise with a socket wrench to increase the spring rate of the torsion bar, and lift the vehicle's suspension. Most Chevrolet and GMC trucks will use an 18mm socket head. Every half turn of the bolt head is about an 1/8 of an inch of lift, so be sure to remember the number of turns for the bolt on the opposite side; both front torsion bars should be adjusted an equal number of turns, to keep the ride level. Adding spring rate will also make the suspension harder on bumps, and firmer around corners.

4. Remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle. Repeat the procedure on the opposite wheel.

Tags: adjustment bolt, frame rail, torsion bars, Adjust Chevy, Adjust Chevy Torsion

Set Up A Computer Business

Set up a computer business by deciding what types of services your business will offer.

Computers are essential in today's life, and as such the need for experienced computer technicians is growing. Conflicts arise everyday with business and personal computers and networks. Each computer needs diagnosed and repaired by a computer professional. This has made computer service businesses vital and profitable.

Instructions

1. Decide the types of services your business will offer, such as part replacement and virus removal. Consider selling new, used or customized computers. Determine how much to charge for the services your company offers and create a price list that is easily accessible by customers.

2. Find a reliable dealer from which to buy computer parts. Locate a reliable dealer from which to purchase wholesale parts for assembling computers yourself. Purchase enough cables, monitors, keyboards, power cords, routers and virus protection and removal software to get you started. You don't want to overdo it but you need enough to do business.

3. Create a name for your computer business and begin advertising. Create a professional website that makes a good impression. Create business cards and pass them out to organizations that many individuals have access to and that rely on computers such as your local tax office and insurance companies. Advertise with local newspapers, television and Internet to gain exposure for your computer business.

4. Complete all the legal steps necessary in order to set up your computer business. Get your computer business financed through low-interest loans and government-issued grants. Determine what type of business you are opening such as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Register your computer business with your state government. Get a tax identification number from the IRS and your state revenue agency. Register for state and local taxes and obtain the necessary business licenses and permits you will need to set up your computer business.

5. Keep your computer skills up to date with training from technical colleges. Learn to use new operating systems when they are released, or in beta (test) versions so you stay ahead of the learning curve. Visit computer industry websites--such as magazines, blogs and software companies--to learn about new computer technology and access computer resources. Attend technology webinars and watch computer television programs to gain knowledge on computers for setting up your business.

Tags: your computer, your computer business, computer business, services your, your business

Restore An Old Log House

The building of log cabins came from Europe to America, and they became the ubiquitous frontier home. Ever since, Americans have been charmed and inspired by log homes. Restored log houses become family homes, as well as offices, shops, lodging, restaurants and places of worship. Log home restoration recycles old buildings for a second life and provides a glimpse back into history. The preservation process varies for each historic log house depending on the age, condition and intended use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the type of restoration you intend to undertake with your old, historic log home. Historically accurate restoration involves maintaining close adherence to the original construction techniques and materials. Less accurate restoration blends historically accurate restoration for some aspects of the project with many modern renovations. For owners applying for historic preservation grants, various federal, state and local preservation requirements will guide the project.

2. Inspect and treat any potential problems relating to the foundation. Settling of the foundation is typical of old homes. Check, however, to see if any settling has affected structural elements, causing stress on walls or support beams. When possible, restrict foundational repairs just to the areas needing work, rather than attempting to rebuild the entire foundation.

3. Examine the condition of the logs and provide restoration, if required. Supporting logs, resting on the foundation, along with logs connected to windows and doors, are especially susceptible to damage and decay. Check logs throughout the home for deterioration, rot and bug infestation. For any degraded areas, replace, treat or chink the logs as needed.

4. Evaluate the roof, fireplace and windows, checking for leaks, cracks and decay. Over time, moisture, stress or extreme weather may cause deterioration of these aspects of your log home. Complete repairs or replacements as needed.

5. Look carefully and address any electrical and plumbing concerns. If the historic log home is fairly new, the plumbing and electric wiring may be up to date. For older structures, complete re-wiring and plumbing may be required. New wiring and plumbing done for historically accurate restoration projects should balance modern technology with the use of historically appropriate fixtures.

6. Restore the interior. Consider flooring, wallpaper, paint, built-in cabinets, furniture, lighting and accessories. Like the exterior, the level of historical accuracy desired guides the interior restoration. A combination of antiques and reproduction products will recreate the interior of a historic log house. On the other hand, the interior might include just a few historic touches.

Tags: accurate restoration, historic home, historic house, historically accurate

Repair An Ipad Touchscreen

repair the glass panel on your iPad.

Unfortunately, Apple doesn't provide a warranty that covers accidental damages, so if the glass panel is broken on your Apple iPad, you will need to purchase a replacement part for it. Shop online for the best prices, and look for a reputable retailer that guarantees their parts with a warranty. You will also need to purchase an iPad toolkit, if you don't already have the right tools for opening the case.

Instructions

1. Place your Apple iPad on a flat surface, such as a rubber mat or soft cloth. Use the flat-head prying tool that came with your iPad toolkit, and insert it between the top-left edge of the front and back panel.

2. Rotate the prying tool away from you to release the tabs near the edge of the display. Insert another flat-head prying tool between the top-left edge and rear panel, to prevent the front panel from snapping back into place.

3. Move one of the flat-head prying tools along the right edge of your iPad, until you have released all the tabs. Lift the front panel away for the back panel, but don't remove it, because the ribbon cables underneath are still attached to the rear panel.

4. Disconnect the cables that are attached to the logic board. You will need to unplug the digitizer, ambient-light sensor, and display data cables. Use the iPad prying tool to flip up the retaining flaps for the digitizer. Gently pull the cables out of the sockets. Use the prying tool again, and remove the ambient light sensor from its socket. Detach the display data cable from the logic board. Pull on the black plastic tab to disconnect the cable from its socket.

5. Lift the front panel of the iPad from the back panel. Pry the ambient-light sensor board off the adhesive that's holding it to the display frame. Then, peel back the tape that's holding the digitizer to the display frame.

6. Remove the three T4-Torx screws that are holding the display clips and LCD brackets into place. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws. Peel the display clips and tape from the display frame. Remove the remaining Torx screws from the display frame.

7. Remove the LCD panel from the display frame. Use the flat-head prying tool to remove the LCD from the adhesive that is securing it to front glass panel. Or, you can leave it installed to prevent it from getting bent or breaking from too much pressure from trying to remove it.

8. Remove and transfer the EMI tape near the top edge of the front glass panel to your new iPad glass panel. Remove the two Torx screws for the home-button switch.

9. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive that's holding the plastic frame to the front glass panel and remove it. Next, heat and remove the plastic frame near the digitizer cable from the front glass panel.

10. Install the new iPad glass panel, and reassemble your iPad.

Tags: glass panel, prying tool, display frame, your iPad, flat-head prying, front glass, front glass panel

Troubleshoot A Crosley Washer

While not a well-known brand of washers and dryers, Crosley manufactures just over a dozen clothes washers ranging from super-capacity top loaders to Energy Star-certified front-load models. Since the washer is easily one of the most used appliances in the modern home, it is likely you will encounter problems with your Crosley washing machine at some time. There are some items you can check to troubleshoot your Crosley. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Confirm the power supply is working and securely attached. The plug should fit securely in the electrical outlet. Check that the power is on, the circuit breaker has not been tripped and that no fuses have blown in the fuse box. Reset the circuit breaker if it has been tripped and replace any damaged fuses.

2. Confirm that the water hoses are tightly attached to the hot and cold water faucets and that they are turned all the way on.

3. Close the door or lid, depending on your model. Check to make sure nothing is hindering the lid or door from closing firmly. As a safety feature, the washer will not operate if the door or lid isn't closed securely.

4. Allow the washer to cool for 30 minutes if it has suddenly stopped mid-cycle. If a Crosley washer motor overheats, it will automatically turn off and cool down before resuming the wash cycle.

5. Move the washer or adjust the leveling legs to keep it firmly on the floor to prevent thumping and vibrating.

Tags: been tripped, breaker been, breaker been tripped, circuit breaker, circuit breaker been, your Crosley

Repair My Own Motorcycle In An Insurance Claim

If you own your motorcycle outright, you may make repairs on it yourself.

If you're handy with tools and know about motorcycle maintenance, body work and engine repair, it's likely you already performed minor repairs -- or even a full restoration -- on your motorcycle before it was damaged in an accident. When an insurance company provides coverage for repair work, it's certainly cheaper to do it yourself and pocket the claim check. Depending upon the ownership of the motorcycle, you may be allowed to perform the repair work yourself.

Motorcycles with Liens

If you're financing your motorcycle, the lender places a lien on your bike until you repay your loan. This lien primarily ensures that you don't sell the motorcycle without repaying the lender, but it also creates an obligation for insurance companies. Insurers must also guarantee to the lien holder that the motorcycle retains its value and receives proper repair work. Because of this, the insurance company may require you to have a garage or body shop perform the work to meet quality standards, and pay the garage directly to ensure this happens. However, you still have the legal right to choose the garage you wish to perform the work.

Paid Off Motorcycles

If you own your motorcycle outright, the insurance company's responsibility is only to see that you were made whole, minus your deductible, following the accident. Meaning, its financial responsibility is to ensure that your motorcycle returns to the same state it was before the accident. It becomes your responsibility to have that work performed. While many insurers frown on owners performing their own repairs, who performs the work doesn't matter -- whether it's you, a garage you chose or the insurer's recommended shop.

Advantages of Insurer-Recommended Repairs

Many insurance companies develop relationships with garages and body shops to perform work on motorcycles at a reduced rate in exchange for referrals. Because of this, you're likely to receive less than the full value to repair the motorcycle at another shop if you choose to do it yourself. Additionally, if the insurer-recommended shop doesn't perform the repair correctly, the insurer will stand behind the work and require it's fixed properly. You won't receive additional claims to fix a motorcycle you didn't correctly repair the first time.

Advantages of Self-Performed Repairs

In many cases, labor costs to repair a motorcycle may be as high as the price to replace its damaged parts, and you'll be able to pocket those additional costs for doing the work yourself. In addition, many policies dictate the type of parts that may be used in repair work when it's handled by a garage. If you perform the work yourself using a claims check to fund the repairs, you can choose the quality of parts you want placed back on the bike.

Tags: your motorcycle, perform work, repair work, insurance company, work yourself, Because this

Pay For Foundation Repair With No Home Equity

No equity? Find other options to pay for home foundation repairs.

Foundation repairs can cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size of the home and the nature of the work. Homeowners who have equity in their home can take out a home equity loan to pay for the repairs. But homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth cannot borrow against the home and must find another way to pay for foundation repairs.

Instructions

1. Review the bids you received for the foundation repairs and figure out exactly how much money you'll need. Discuss the bids with the contractors and ask which of the repairs are necessary and which are cosmetic or optional. Ask about payment options: Does the contractor accept credit cards or offer financing arrangements?

2. Review your other financial accounts. Do you have enough money in your emergency savings account to pay for the foundation repairs? Do you have other financial assets (for example, stocks or bonds) that you could sell to get the money? Do you have a retirement account that allows you to borrow against or withdraw funds for an emergency? If you're married, you may want to discuss these options with your spouse before you make a decision.

3. Consider other more sources of money to pay for the foundation repairs. Could you borrow the money from your employer, your parents or your adult children? Do you have personal property, such as an extra car or valuable collectibles, that you could sell to pay for the repairs?

Tags: foundation repairs, borrow against, could sell, other financial, repairs Foundation, that could

Job Description For A Home Repair Person

Painting can be part of a home repair person's job.

Home repair persons provide residential maintenance services and fix household appliances and structures. According to PayScale.com, a home repair person in 2010 in the United States earned an annual salary of between $29,955 and $55,534. Does this Spark an idea?

Job Duties

A home repair worker repairs and maintains residential structures and systems. Analyzing structural, plumbing, electrical and ventilation malfunctions and correcting them are significant parts of the job. Preparing bids and estimates for customers is required.

Skill Requirements

A general knowledge of basic home repairs and solutions is necessary. Analytical abilities help the repair person quickly assess problems and devise practical solutions. Time management skills enable completion of multiple jobs in defined time periods. Skills in using hand and small power tools are helpful.

Preferred Background

No formal educational requirements exist for the job. Letters of reference from satisfied customers help build the credibility of home repair persons. A background in home maintenance or repair is an asset.

Tags: repair person, home repair, home repair person, repair persons

Repair A Hole In A Trampoline

A well-repaired trampoline will ensure that everyone is safe when jumping.

Trampolines are an effective source of exercise for everyone no matter their age. A hole can make your trampoline dangerous to jump on, especially for young children. Knowing repair a trampoline can save you money and will keep you and your little ones safe.

Instructions

1. Take the trampoline mat off its metal ring before making any repairs. Spread the trampoline mat on an even surface.

2. Measure the size of the hole and write down the measurement on a piece of scrap paper. Go to a trampoline repair shop or an outdoor shop and purchase the right size patch.

3. Place the patch on the underside of the hole. Get your heavy duty thread and needle and sew the patch over the hole. Reinforce the patch by going over it multiple times with your needle and thread.

4. Add a patch to the top of the trampoline for additional reinforcement. Sew it over the same place, the same way you did on the bottom. Go over it a few times to make sure that the patch is secured.

5. Rehang the trampoline when you're finished with the repair. Have an adult test the trampoline after you're finished with the repairs to make sure that the patch holds.

6. Check on the repair periodically to ensure that the stitching is holding well and that there is no fraying.

Tags: ensure that, finished with, make sure, make sure that, sure that, sure that patch, that patch

Home Stereo Speaker Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting your home stereo speakers is the first step to resolving what may turn out to be a simple problem. It's always a good idea to run a few basic diagnostic checks on electronic equipment before hauling it off to a repair center or a landfill. Speakers by definition create a fair amount of noise and vibration, which can eventually lead to minor problems. You might not be hearing sound from one of your speakers, but a quick check may show a loose wire as the culprit. Follow this guide to troubleshooting home speaker systems.

Check the sound levels throughout the system

For many people, their home stereo doubles as a home theater setup, so the equipment gets an extra workout by playing music and movies. Fortunately, the amplifiers and receivers used for home theater are almost always equipped with a test feature that allows you to check speaker performance and set the volume levels all from the remote control. If you are having speaker troubles, there's the first place to start. From the remote control for your amp or receiver, press the TEST button under the audio section. You will hear a "white noise" test signal starting with the left front speaker, moving on to the center speaker, the right speaker, and back to the rear speakers. If you have an extra set of stereo speakers connected to the Speaker 2 outputs, be sure to test them as well. If you hear no sound from a particular speaker, try adjusting the volume on the amp or receiver during the test phase. If this doesn't resolve the problem, continue to section 2.

Check the connections

If you enjoy loud music or a vigorous home theater experience with the sounds of powerful explosions, roaring dinosaurs and aircraft screeching through space, chances are your speakers are getting quite a workout. Speakers produce vibrations as part of creating the audio, and sufficient vibration can work loose a speaker wire. Check the connections, making sure the left and right speaker wires are firmly seated in the connectors on the back of each speaker. One loose wire, and the speaker will fall silent.

A word of caution: be sure the power is turned off while you check speaker connections. If a loose wire accidentally crosses another bare wire, which is quite possible where the wires connect to your speakers, you run a high risk of blowing one of the speaker cones or shorting-out the amp that powers your speaker.

Next, check the speaker wire connections to the back of your amp or receiver. Again, make sure the power is turned off. Reattach and secure any loose wires, making sure no bare wire can touch another.

If this doesn't resolve your problem, proceed to section 3.

Check the wires, fuses, and circuit reset buttons

Unless you have speaker wires threaded behind your walls, inspect all speaker wires for kinks, twists or a possible break. Walking over wires beneath carpet, or vacuuming against wires running along the wall over time can crack and break a speaker wire. Replace with new speaker wire if necessary. If you have wires installed behind the wall, disconnect the speaker, attach a piece of speaker wire and connect the other end to the appropriate channel on your amp, then test to see if the old wire was the problem.

If your speakers or amp are equipped with replaceable fuses, check the fuses to see if one or more may have blown.

If your speakers or amp have a circuit breaker reset button, press the button to reset the speaker and test.

If all of these measures fail, connect your speakers one at a time to an amplifier you know to be working. The problem could be a blown circuit in your old amplifier or receiver.

Continue to section 4 if you still cannot find the problem.

Inspect the speaker cones for damage

Carefully remove the grille or cover from each speaker and make a visual inspection of the speaker cones -- the woofer, mid-range and tweeter, if you have three-way speakers, or a tweeter and woofer for smaller or less expensive speakers. Any rips, splits or tears in the cone material is an obvious sign of a problem. If the speaker has been making a buzzing or humming sound underneath the main audio, your problem is almost certainly a torn speaker cone. Electronics stores sell speaker cone repair kits that consist mainly of a liquid adhesive that you paint onto the rip in an effort to reseal the cone. This may not always work, depending on the severity of the damage.

If these troubleshooting efforts fail to isolate the problem, you may have internal electronics damage in your amplifier or a speaker. Then it's time to take the equipment to a repair center or shop for a replacement.

Tags: your speakers, speaker wire, check speaker, home theater, loose wire, speaker cones

House Cleaning Price Guide

Hiring someone to clean your house is often well worth the expense.

Many working professionals do not have time in their busy schedules to clean their houses as thoroughly as they would like. With work and family time commitments stretching you in different directions, it is often difficult to find several hours each week to devote to house cleaning. Hiring an individual or professional cleaning service to clean your house can save you considerable time and will often result in a much cleaner house. Pricing for house cleaning will depend on a number of factors. Does this Spark an idea?

Home size

The first factor that will determine the price for house cleaning is the size of your home. The price will take into account square footage, number of rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as special considerations such as outdoor patios or a lot of large windows. An average cleaning service will charge $75 to $150 as of March 2011 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Some cleaning services charge per hour, with the national average at $30 per hour per person.

Children and Pets

Homes with small children and more than one pet are more difficult to clean and will often incur extra charges, whether you hire a cleaning service or an individual. If you have a large dog that sheds, such as a golden retriever, expect to pay a little more for someone to remove the dog hair. Likewise, professional cleaners may charge more if you have small children with many toys littered about the house.

Additional Services

Some cleaning professionals, especially individuals, will often be willing to perform additional services at little or no additional cost. These services might include washing dishes, laundry, ironing, taking out the trash and more. However, most house cleaners will not run errands for you, such as grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning.

Cleaning Service vs. Individual Cleaner

When investigating prices for house cleaning, you can research professional cleaning services as well as individual cleaning people. Cleaning services are insured and bonded, but are also usually more expensive and will not do additional services, such as laundry. Cleaning people can be paid either hourly or by the house. Many individuals who clean will gladly perform the additional services mentioned in Section 3, especially if they are being paid hourly. However, they are usually not insured and will not take responsibility for any items they may break while cleaning. If you decide to use an individual cleaning person, you should ask your family and friends for strong referrals and pay your cleaning person the way you would any other employee.

Regular vs. Sporadic Cleaning

Both cleaning services and cleaning people will usually give you a better price if you commit to hiring them on a regular basis, whether it's weekly, biweekly or even monthly. A one-time, once-in-a-while cleaning will generally cost more than a regular cleaning service.

Tags: cleaning service, additional services, house cleaning, will often, clean will, clean your

Repair Drywall Paper Tears

It's possible to repair outer paper tears and other drywall problems.

A material found in residential and commercial structures, drywall is a type of wallboard that contains multiple layers and is repairable. The wallboard is also durable, inexpensive and contains an outer paper covering that accepts joint compound and paint. The outer paper is susceptible to tears and rips, especially when removing wallpaper, adhesive-backed pictures, cellophane tape and other objects from the drywall. It's possible to repair the drywall's outer paper without having to replace the piece of drywall. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a piece of plastic sheeting or a drop cloth below the area of drywall you need to repair. Use a utility knife to cut any loose, jagged or torn pieces of outer paper from the drywall. Wear safety goggles and a nose mask to keep any drywall particles from entering your eyes or nose.

Dispose of the pieces of outer paper in a trash bag or can.

2. Sand the outer paper area with a piece of 80-grit sandpaper until the area is smooth. Wipe the area with a soft cloth or rag to remove any sanding dust.

3. Use a medium-size paintbrush to apply one coat of a latex primer/sealer to the outer paper area. The latex primer/sealer will seal down and protect the area and the drywall's second layer. Let the primer/sealer dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Cut pieces of self-adhesive drywall joint tape (mesh tape) to fit the area needing repair. Cover the entire area with tape, if you're repairing a large tear. If you're repairing a small tear, place the tape so the areas needing repair are centered beneath the tape.

5. Use a taping knife, at a 45-degree angle, to apply three coats of drywall joint compound to the tape. Let the compound dry between coats and remove any excess joint compound before it dries. The compound must cover the drywall joint tape completely.

6. Sand the repaired area with a piece of 200-grit sandpaper until the area is smooth. Wipe the area with a soft cloth or rag to remove any sanding dust.

7. Use a medium-size paintbrush to apply one coat of a latex primer/sealer to the repaired area. Let the primer/sealer dry for the time recommended on its container before applying paint or another finish.

Tags: outer paper, area with, primer sealer, drywall joint, joint compound

Understand Different Household Wire Types

Understand household wiring

In every home, there is an electric panel. In every electric panel, there are a number of circuit breakers. Connected to each of these circuit breakers are wires. Most homeowners may be surprised to discover that the wires need to be a certain gauge when connected to a certain breaker. You just cannot make your connections randomly. Electrical wire can be broken down into three subcategories: the wire type, the wire size and the wire color. Here is understand the different household wire types. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Know Wire Types

1. In most American homes there are typically four types of wires that are used. These include flexible metal-covered wire (BX), plastic sheathed nonmetallic (NM) cable (also commonly called electrical wire), lamp cord and low voltage wire.

2. Metal-covered wire, or BX, is not commonly found in homes, although it can be used in some cases. It is more common in industrial or commercial applications. However, it is found on recessed lights in the home where it delivers the wires from the mounted junction box to the socket. It has a spiraled metal sheath which allows the wire to remain somewhat flexible. Inside there are regular insulated wires (gauge and number of conductors as needed) which are contained in a paper wrapping.

3. Plastic sheathed wire (or NM cable) is another type of wire. Commonly called electrical wire, NM cable is what is most commonly found inside the home. It is extremely flexible which makes it ideal for interior applications. While most NM cable is sheathed in white plastic, other colors are available to help identify dedicated circuits. Just like BX, NM cable is available in a variety of gauges and conductors.

4. The next type of wire found in homes is lamp cord. Lamp cord is made up of two insulated lengths of stranded wire and is never to be used for fixed applications like wiring a light fixture or receptacle. It is very thin wire and should only be used for repairing lamps.

5. Low voltage wire is another popular wire found in American homes, as it is used to supply power to things such as doorbells, alarm systems, telephones and thermostats. This wire is extremely thin (usually 24-gauge) and can come in a wide range of application-ready designs.

Know Wire Sizes

6. The rule of thumb for wire gauge (size) is that the lower the gauge, the bigger the wire. Instead of listing the wire by diameter size, the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system expresses the size as a whole number. For instance, instead of listing a wire as 0.0064 inches in diameter, the wire is listed as No. 14 wire, or 14-gauge wire.

7. The smaller the gauge, the more power the wire can handle. For example, 12-gauge wire can deliver more power than 14-gauge wire. This is because the wire's diameter is larger and offers more room for the current to move. The National Electric Code (NEC) requires a minimum of 14-gauge wire to be used for most home wiring, but that is also dictated by breaker size.

8. Simply put, you cannot connect a 14-gauge wire to a 30-amp breaker. Sure, the circuit will work if you do, but, if there is a problem on the circuit the 14-gauge wire will heat up and melt before the 30-amp breaker will trip. This is a huge fire hazard. A 30-amp breaker needs to deliver electric through at least 10-gauge wire in order for the circuit to be properly protected.

9. The largest sized wire you will see in your home is the electric panel's feed wire which is usually connected to a 100-amp breaker. The feed size is No. 3 wire.

10. Here is a quick breakdown for which size wire should be connected to which sized circuit breaker:

#14 wire-15-amp breaker

#12 wire-20-amp breaker

#10 wire-30-amp breaker

#8 wire-40-amp breaker

#6 wire-60-amp breaker

#3 wire - 100-amp breaker

Most of these wires are available in either solid-wire or stranded-wire types.

Know Wire Colors

11. In most home-wiring applications, the circuit features one black wire, one white wire and a green or non-insulated ground wire. On this type of circuit the black wire is delivering the voltage and the white is acting as the neutral. The circuit has to have each in order to be complete. In some cases a white wire may be used as a hot feed. When this occurs it is commonplace for the white wire to have a strip of black electrical tape around the insulation to signify that it is being used as a hot wire.

12. You may notice a red wire from time to time. The red wire has a couple of responsibilities: It can be a second circuit, sharing the neutral with the circuit fed by the black wire or it can be a traveler, as used in a three-way switch configuration. Additional conductors like the one found in 4-wire electrical wire may be colored blue.

13. While some 240-volt circuits use different colored wires including orange, yellow, brown and gray, they are not typically found in the residential home, so we will go into those applications in another article.

Tags: 14-gauge wire, 30-amp breaker, black wire, electric panel, Know Wire, size wire, type wire

Repair Fire Damaged Concrete

Fire may cause structural damage to concrete.

Concrete is one of the best fire-resistant products found in the construction of buildings and flatwork. However, intensive heat not only affects concrete, it can weaken it to the point where the only solution is replacement. After all soot is removed from the concrete, the color beneath is an indicator of the extent of the damage. Slight damage may appear as a lightly mottled gray/orange while extensively damaged concrete will often take on a darker orange/red shade. Your choice of repair depends upon the surviving microstructure of the concrete. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of repair is necessary by using a concrete rebound hammer. These hammers, designed to measure the remaining structural integrity in the concrete, employ a rubber impact system that measures the amount of elastic rebound when a rubber insert impacts the surface of the concrete. A digital rebound hammer will indicate when the level of impairment registers in the danger zone. (See Resources)

2. Blast the soot from the surface of the concrete with either a dry ice mixture or sand. The least damaging removal method uses dry ice although locating the necessary equipment can be difficult. For a very small area of damage, you may use a wire brush and a solution of warm water and Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP), found at hardware stores.

3. Consult an engineer if you are unsure about the structural integrity of the remaining concrete. If the fire was small, you may paint or apply a surface-strengthening bond after removing all of the soot. If there is extensive structural damage, a portion or all of the concrete may require demolition and re-construction.

4. Apply a surface strengthening bond product to clean concrete to protect and seal it. Because extreme heat makes the concrete porous, a surface-bonding agent will protect it from moisture and eventual crumbling. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying a surface strengthener. (See Resources)

5. Remove small areas of spalling and patch with concrete mortar. This repair is feasible if the concrete surface suffered slight damage with spalling but the integrity of the concrete structure is still intact. Mix concrete mortar with water as directed on the package and apply to the surface with a large flat trowel, smoothing it evenly as you go. If the concrete beneath is very dry--spray it down every three hours in the preceding 24-hour period to reduce premature drying of the mortar.

6. Demolish concrete that no longer is safe and rebuild the structure. On large or especially hot fires, concrete may suffer damage that is beyond repair. In these cases, the only option is to remove the entire concrete structure.

Tags: concrete mortar, concrete structure, integrity concrete, rebound hammer, structural damage

The Best Ground Cover For South Texas

The south Texas climate includes zones 8 through 11. These are at the highest end of the USDA hardiness zone scale, meaning this is one of the warmest climates in the nation. The average annual minimum temperature in this area ranges from about 15 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and hotter. The area is also very humid, which means that heat-tolerant ground covers that enjoy moist growing media may do well here. Does this Spark an idea?

Prostrate Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis, or prostrate rosemary, is an evergreen ground cover hardy in zones 8, 9, and 10, all of south Texas except for southernmost tip, which is zone 11. The plant grows quickly and has a creeping habit. Its leaves are dark green in color and 2 inches long. The leaves contain fragrant oil used for cooking. It has a piny flavor and smell. Its blossoms are blue and appear in the spring months. The ground cover works well in a rock garden or by itself on the edges of beds. This species of rosemary thrives in well-drained, moist soil and enjoys full sun.

Asiatic Jasmine

Asiatic Jasmine is also known as Trachelospermum asiaticum. This ground cover is a vine that stays green all year long and is hardy in zones 7b to 10. It has a moderate growth rate and a spreading habit. It has a fine texture with deep green leaves and creamy white blossoms with a lemon-colored eye. Petals are oblong and come to an apex. There are five of them. The vine doesn't respond well to severe winters, so south Texas is a hospitable place for it, with its mild winter months.

Confederate (Star) Jasmine

Confederate Jasmine, also referred to as Trachelospermum jasminoides, has another common name of star jasmine. This medium-textured vine is evergreen. It enjoys partial sun to full shade and will thrive in well-drained, moist soils. It does adapt to other soil conditions. It grows about 10 to 12 feet long along the ground. Its defining ornamental characteristics are its dark green foliage and fragrant blossoms, about 1 inch in diameter and white in color. They get their "star" nickname from the five petals on the star-shaped blossom. This plant is actually not a true jasmine. It withstands heat, so it can be grown in zone 11. Pruning after blooming is recommended.

"Texas Gold" Columbine

Texas Gold Columbine is botanically named Aquilegia chrysanthia hinckleyana. It is a cool-season perennial with showy foliage and eye-catching, long-spurred blossoms. It will bloom in early spring in south Texas' warm weather. Flowers are deep yellow in color fan-shaped petals amidst five lighter, lemony hued bracts. The blossom's underside forms long, thin spurs that come to points. It enjoys just a bit of shade. It makes for a taller ground cover, growing up to 2 feet tall and wide.

Tags: south Texas, Asiatic Jasmine, dark green, degrees Fahrenheit, Gold Columbine

Use Knives

Knives come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Humans have used hard and sharp-edged surfaces to cut softer objects for millions of years. Knives are used for a variety of applications from kitchens to the International Space Station. Extremely sharp scalpels are used in medical surgery. Their duller cousins are used to spread soft butter. Knives that are collectors' items or religious symbols may never be used to slice anything at all. Whatever a knife's intended purpose, the foremost rule of common sense applies: Safety first. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Different knives for different uses

Select the right knife for the task. Kitchen knives come in different sizes and blades for a reason. Slicing bread is easier using a longer blade with a serrated edge. The stubby and straight-edged blade of a paring knife is better suited for peeling potatoes. A thin and long blade is ideal for filleting a fish. Wide-bladed cleavers chop through bones, but you would use a boning knife with a more flexible blade to remove the meat from a bone. Utility and chefs' knives have a range of applications. Generally speaking, knives with thinner blades and special tips and points have more specific applications.

2. Prepare a special surface for cutting that will not slip when force is applied. Place a damp cloth underneath a wooden cutting board to ensure maximum stability. This will prevent the cutting surface from moving and will protect the counter top from cut marks.

3. Ensure the blade is sharp, free of nicks, dents or rust. "The cheapest knife with a sharp edge is far better than the most expensive dull blade in the world," according to "Everybody's Knife Bible." Any irregularities on blades pose safety risks.

4. Always cut away from yourself.

Keep the blade in full view and always cut away from yourself. Keep the cutting surface clean and clear of obstacles.

5. Pass knives with the handle out.

Carry the knife by its handle and keep it pointed down in a safe direction. When passing a knife to another person, do so with the handle out.

6. Store the knife in a sheath or container that will keep the blade covered. This will make knife handling safer and will prevent the edge from getting duller. Rust is considered to be the worst enemy of a knife so make sure to store your blades in dry places.

7. Hand wash knives in soapy warm water and avoid soaking or placing them in dishwashers due to potential damage to handles, particularly wooden ones.

8. Keep blades sharp. Using a whetstone can be time consuming. Ceramic sharpening sticks and sharpening rods impregnated with diamond dust cut down on sharpening time. The longer the sharpening surface the better, as you want to sharpen the entire edge of the blade with a single stroke at a time. Slide the knife leading with the cutting edge, taking the longest strokes possible. Avoid changing the angle while you sharpen. A smaller angle will result in a finer edge. Less pressure will result in a sharper knife.

Tags: away from, away from yourself, blade with, cutting surface, from yourself, from yourself Keep

Replace Brakes On A 1991 Ford Aerostar

The brake pads create friction to stop the Aerostar, when pressed against the rotors.

The Ford Aerostar, first introduced in the 1986 model year, was the Automakers attempt to compete with Dodge's Caravan. The first edition of the Aerostar had an underpowered 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder. The 1991 Aerostar, on year before a mild redesigns, was fitted with either a 3-liter V-6 or a 4-liter V-6, making the van much more powerful than before. The front brakes on the Aerostar are basic disc brakes. Replacing the front brake pads on the Aerostar is slightly different than other vehicles as the caliper is help by pins, as opposed to bolts.

Instructions

1. Loosen the Aerostar's front lug nuts, do not remove the lug nuts.

2. Raise the front of the vehicle, using the floor jack. Place the jack stands beneath the vehicles, ideally under the rails of the frame. Lower the jack, allowing the vehicle to rest on the stands.

3. Continue loosening the lug nuts and remove them from the front wheels. Pull the front wheels from the van.

4. Place the C-clamp over the brake caliper, so the fixed part of the clamp is contacting the rear of the caliper and the screw part is contacting the outer brake pad.

5. Tighten the C-clamp until it can no longer tighten. This action compresses the caliper's internal piston, allowing the clearance needed for the new, thicker brake pads.

6. Look where the caliper connects to the spindle, the component the connects the wheel assembly to the vehicle, and locate the pins holding the caliper to the spindle. There are two pins, one upper and one lower.

7. Place the center punch on the outer portion of the lower caliper pin and lightly tap the punch, at a 45- degree angle, with a hammer, this compresses the locking tab. Once the tab is compressed place the punch in a direct line with the pin and tap it until the pin fall out of the rear side of the caliper. Repeat this step for the second pin on the caliper.

8. Lift the caliper off of the spindle. Notice the brake pads remain attached to the caliper.

9. Attach the caliper to a suspension component, using the bungee strap. Never allow the caliper to hang by its rubber hose, as damage may occur.

10. Place the screwdriver under the anti-rattle clip, small metal clip, at the lower end of the inner brake pad. Compress the clip by prying with the screwdriver and remove the inner pad. Make note of how the pad is positioned before removal, as the new pad must be positioned the same way.

11. Place the flathead screw driver beneath the metal clip on the rear of the outer pad and lightly pry upward to release the clip. Slide the torque buttons, small, metal tabs on either end of the pad, from the notches in the caliper and pull the pad from the caliper.

12. Place the new inner brake pad into the notch at the lower portion of the caliper, anti-rattle clip first, press downward on the pad to compress the clips, then slide the upper portion of the pad into the upper notch in the caliper.

13. Place the outer pad on the rotor by pressing it until the torque button are seated into the notches in the caliper.

14. Place the caliper back on the spindle.

15. Apply a coat of brake grease to the caliper pins. Place the lower pin between the caliper and the groove in the spindle, make certain to position the tabs so they will seat against the spindle. Lightly tap the pin, with the hammer, until the tabs seat against the spindle. Repeat this step for the upper caliper pin.

16. Repeat steps 4 through 15 for the pads on the other side of the Aerostar.

17.Place the front wheels back on the van and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

18. Raise the Aerostar off of the jack stands, with the floor jack, remove the jack stands from under the van and slowly lower it to the ground.

19. Tighten the lug nuts to 85 to 115 foot-pounds, using the torque wrench and a socket.

20. Press and release the brake pedal repeatedly, until it feels firm.

Tags: brake pads, caliper Place, front wheels, jack stands, against spindle

Quick Fixes For A Stoppedup Catalytic Converter

A clogged or stopped-up converter will affect the performance of the vehicle's engine. Partially clogged will reduce power because the exhaust system is not being allowed to breathe properly. A completely clogged converter will prevent the engine from running. It may start up, but once the back pressure of the exhaust builds up between the manifold and throttle, it will choke itself out. Any quick fix to allow the vehicle to run should be considered a temporary solution to a bigger problem.

Temporary Solutions

The quickest temporary solution is to remove the front oxygen sensor. This will create an exhaust leak before the back pressure builds up against the clogged converter. An exhaust leak is loud and everyone is going to know that you have a problem with your car the second you start it. It will be louder upon acceleration. Windows in your vehicle should be rolled down to prevent carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants from contaminating the air inside the passenger cab. This fix should only be done to get the car from point A to point B -- point B being the repair station to have the catalytic converter replaced.

To prevent an exhaust leak from occurring, another alternative is to remove the converter, hollow it out if capable of doing so, and then replacing it. Another would be to apply a piece of flex or straight pipe in the place of the catalytic converter. This is a highly illegal practice that most every reputable repair facility will refuse to perform because of liability. And again, this type of quick repair should be considered only temporary to get the vehicle from where it is to the repair station.

The Computer and Emissions

Today's vehicles are designed to run with catalytic converters and bypassing them, even temporarily, will affect the performance of the engine and can cause further damage to other components. Oxygen sensors are set in place upstream and downstream in the exhaust system to monitor fuel-to-air ratio from the throttle and to also monitor the catalyst efficiency. When the oxygen sensor cannot perform its intended purpose, it will trigger the check engine light to illuminate. In addition, the intense heat from a clogged converter can easily damage the upstream sensor. When the upstream sensor cannot communicate its data to the engine control module, the computer is unable to make the necessary adjustments for the perfect fuel-to-air ratio to decrease emissions. Unburned fuel can bypass the throttle in a rich (too much gas) fuel case or too much air can cause a lean fuel case, where the engine may chug, buck and even stall.

A temporary or quick fix to a clogged converter should be rectified as early as possible to prevent damage to other components and to abide by government laws that mandate catalytic converters on vehicles that came with them originally.

Catalytic converters do not necessarily clog due to age or failure on their own. A poor-performing engine, leaded fuel or an oxygen sensor failure can contribute to the decline and demise of the catalytic converter. Replacing the converter may help the exhaust breathe for the time being, but if the vehicle is not properly diagnosed, the new converter's longevity will be compromised.

Direct-Fit Versus Universal

There are two common types of replacement converters and both have their benefits and drawbacks. Direct-fit converters are designed to fit the vehicle as the original converter did. This application will come with the necessary flanges, pipe extensions and any other features to allow you to remove the old converter and replace it with one in the same manner. Direct-fit are more costly, but will save you installation time or save you money in labor because a professional doesn't have to install it.

Universal converters are much cheaper, but they're often nothing more than just the converter itself. In other words, it will not come with flanges, pipe extensions or any necessary features to remove the old converter and install the universal one in its place. Universal simply save you money on the price of the converter, but you will undoubtedly have to invest more time or more money to make the converter fit to your exhaust system. In some cases, welding or having pipe extensions made by muffler shops will be required. Overall, consider the benefit of the direct-fit converter to save yourself the time and hassle of trying to install the universal.

Tags: clogged converter, catalytic converter, converter will, exhaust leak, exhaust system, oxygen sensor

Troubleshoot Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Makers

Troubleshoot Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Makers

You never realize how much you use the ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator until it stops working. In these cases, there often is a way to fix the problem, but the problem must first be discovered.

Understanding troubleshoot Whirlpool refrigerator ice makers is the first step in locating a problem and subsequently fixing it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the shutoff arm. Sometimes, the problem with the ice maker is that it is actually making too much ice. In some rare instances, the shutoff arm fails to move upward when the ice bucket is full. To remedy this, locate the shutoff arm at the top of the ice bucket and slide it upward. You may need to clear some ice out of the way before you are able to reach the arm.

2. Check the water pressure. Move the refrigerator away from the wall, and check the area where the valve that connects to the refrigerator hose is located. If the valve is barely turned on, the amount of water that flows into the ice maker is limited. If there is not enough pressure, the ice maker will not have enough water to make ice.

3. Check the freezer temperature. The proper freezer temperature should be around 5 degrees. The warmer it is in the freezer, the more difficult it is to make ice. To test the freezer temperature, place a cup of cooking oil in the freezer. Place a thermometer in the cooking oil. The cooking oil will not freeze and will provide an accurate measurement of the freezer temperature. If the temperature is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be best to adjust it downward to expedite ice making.

4. If the ice maker is working, but the ice tastes bad, remove all of the ice and wash out the ice bin. If this does not get rid of the bad taste, check the freezer to make sure that there is no old food in it. It is also best to change the refrigerator's water filter at least twice a year. Failing to do so could contribute to bad-tasting ice.

5. Check for leaks or puddles of water underneath the refrigerator. A Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker that makes ice slowly may have a leak. If water is found under the refrigerator, check the hose connection to make sure it is tight. If water leaks from this area, tighten the nut around the connection.

Tags: freezer temperature, around degrees, make sure, maker that, Troubleshoot Whirlpool

Repair A Hole In Home Siding

You can repair small holes in your siding yourself.

Your vinyl or metal siding serves to protect your home from the elements and insulate it from extreme weather conditions, so it's important to keep it in good shape. Holes in house siding should be repaired as soon as possible. While large holes may require the replacement of the entire panel, small holes can be fixed with a patch, using an extra piece of siding or by purchasing a new piece in the same color. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the hole in the siding. Wash the area of the siding that needs repair with soapy water, rinse, and allow it to dry.

2. Cut a piece of siding that is the width of the hole plus 3 inches using a heavy-duty utility knife or a handsaw. Cut off the strip at the top used for nailing the siding in regular installation. Sand the edges, wash the strip with soapy water and dry.

3. Place the strip over the hole, fitting it into place by sliding the top edge under the panel of siding above it. Remove it, and apply a thin layer of clear caulk to the back. Replace the strip and press it in place.

4. Wipe the excess caulk with a cloth. Allow the patch to dry completely, then prime and paint to match the rest of the panel, if necessary.

Tags: piece siding, siding that, small holes, soapy water, with soapy, with soapy water

Adjust Bsa Rifle Scopes

Adjust BSA Rifle Scopes

BSA rifle scopes are produced by BSA Optics, a British Company with a long history. BSA Optics manufactures scopes that are relatively inexpensive. The basic operation of BSA scopes consists of sighting in the scope, adjusting the power and setting the scope for parallax error (not all BSA scopes are equipped with parallax adjustment). Parallax error is an optical illusion of target movement caused by a change in the shooter's line of sight.

Instructions

1. Sight in your BSA scope with the adjustment dials on the top and the right side of the scope. Turn the top dial clockwise to bring the crosshairs down and counter-clockwise to move them up. Turn the side dial clockwise to move the crosshairs left and counter-clockwise to move them right.

2. Adjust the scope's magnification by rotating the variable power ring near the eyepiece. Set the desired magnification by aligning the desired power with the dot on top of the scope.

3. Set the parallax adjustment dial on the left side of the scope (if so equipped) to the range of your target.

Tags: Adjust Rifle, Adjust Rifle Scopes, counter-clockwise move, counter-clockwise move them, dial clockwise, move them, parallax adjustment

Strip And Stain A Hardwood Floor

Strip and re-stain old wood floors to hide scratches and renew the color.

Before applying a new stain or finish to an old hardwood floor, strip old coats of wax, surface stains and other finishes so that new finish goes on evenly. When choosing a new stain, pick a penetrating oil stain to let the most natural wood grain show through or pigmented oil stain for more color and less visible wood grain. Tinted latex finishes can also contain tint, but obscure the wood grain and may flake and peel more easily than oil-based stains. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Stripping the Floor

1. Remove all furniture from the room and apply protective tape over baseboards.

2. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area, because wood strippers contain harsh fumes.

3. Put on rubber gloves to protect hands from the harsh chemicals in the stripper.

4. Paint a layer of get or paste wood stripper onto the floor using a paintbrush with polyester bristles. Nylon bristles may dissolve or soften in the stripper.

5. Let the stripper sit and wait until the old finish starts to soften and bubble.

6. Scrape off the stripper and the old finish with a putty knife before the stripper dries on the floor. Discard the sludge in an empty container.

7. Scrub off any extra stripper or finish with steel wool.

8. Apply another layer of stripper and repeat the process until all of the old finish comes off.

9. Apply a chemical stripper neutralizer to the floor to neutralize the harsh chemicals in the stripper. Chemical strippers should come with manufacturer's instructions explaining which types of neutralizers will work with the stripper.

10. Let the floor dry.

Sanding the Floor

11. Put on safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust. Use a respirator while using an electric sander.

12. Sand the floor with a coarse 20- to 60-grit sandpaper either by hand or with an electric sander. The coarse sandpaper removes major scratches and imperfections in the wood.

13. Sand the floor with a 120-grit sandpaper to smooth its surface in preparation for the stain.

14. Vacuum the floor to keep dust out of the stain.

Staining the Floor

15. Stir the stain to distribute the color evenly throughout it.

16. Read the stain's manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct way to apply it. Most oil-based stains will say to use a paintbrush, but some will say to rub stain into the wood with a rag.

17.Paint or rub stain onto the wood's surface, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

18. Wipe away any excess stain that does not soak into the wood, and repeat the application process to darken the color.

19. Allow the stain to dry completely before moving furniture back into the room.

Tags: manufacturer instructions, wood grain, chemicals stripper, electric sander, finish with

Sell Circuit Boards For Scrap

Sell Circuit Boards for Scrap

You can sell the circuit boards in your computer and other electronic equipment to electronic recyclers or metal refineries. Printed circuit boards contain gold and copper. Recyclers can reuse some elements of the circuit board directly or melt down the entire board to harvest precious metals. Find recyclers through local government offices or Internet searches and then learn their requirements for accepting recycled boards and the prices they will pay, which vary greatly.

Instructions

1. Call your local department of public works, sanitation or energy to see if they can recommend a circuit board buyer in your area. If your town recommends a company, there's a high chance that it's a reputable company that pays a fair market price. Call any recommended buyers to determine what price they are paying for circuit boards.

2. Use the Internet to locate metal refineries and electronics recyclers near you. Create a list that includes the name, address and preferred contact method (phone, e-mail or personal visit) for each potential buyer.

3. Call the electronics recyclers. Ask what parts they take and how much they pay for circuit boards. Ask whether they buy used computers that are still assembled or whether you first need to remove the circuit boards. You may be able to sell other computer parts too, including older ones.

4. Call the metal refineries on your list to determine if they are buying circuit boards and at what price. Not all metal refineries take circuit boards.

5. Check the daily metal prices at the Precious Metals Refined website using their "Markets at a Glance" tab, which shows day-to-day changes in metal prices for the current month. Research past metal pricing to find out whether now is a good time to sell to a metal refinery. Consider monitoring metal prices for one month before selling your circuit boards.

6. Search outside your community if you can't find a buyer nearby. Discuss the shipping policy for buyers not in your area. Who pays for shipping? When do you receive payment? Will it be a check, a deposit to a Web-based service or some other type of exchange?

7. Choose a buyer based on the range of prices you've discovered and the ease of concluding the sale. You may prefer to accept a slightly lower rate for your circuit boards than waiting for a higher payment to be mailed to you.

Tags: circuit boards, metal refineries, metal prices, Boards Scrap, circuit board

Find Instant Or Fast Grants

Find Instant or Fast Grants

Most government and private grants can take months to be a approved for and then even longer to actually get the grant it self. Instant and fast grants can be great to help in emergencies and when just receiving a small amount of money, but when looking for a larger amount you may find that normal grants are your best choice.Learn find instant and fast government grants.

Instructions

1. Define what you need your grant for. Instant and fast grants are usually on found for those looking for grants under a hundred dollar amount or you are in a emergency situation.

2. If your are needing cash fast for a emergency, your best option would be to contact family services center. While family services will most likly not be able to give you cash they can give grants and government assistance for food, housing, and health costs. Your local family service center will also have a directory of where to find small local grants in your area for your needs. Local grants that are giving out small amounts of money at a time, are a lot faster then national based grants. In fact some may be able to give you money that day or right after they check facts on your grant application.

3. If seeking money to pay for a car repair or for other expenses that will allow you to go to work, check out your local economic center, career center, or if your disabled your states vocational rehabilitation center.

4. For money under a hundred dollars to help support a hobby keep a look out in the classifieds and local news stations. I recently saw a news clipping that reported a arts enthusiast group gave away $10000 dollars to people who showed interest in the arts. All they did was go in line and tell the staff what they sought fund for and that got a instant grant. While this form of grant is not typically found daily, it is a good way for businesses and foundations to raise awareness of there campaign and is happening more often as companies realize the importance of word of mouth advertisement.

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Obtain Assistance With Home Repairs

HUD offers home repair assistance for low income home owners.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development offers grants and loans for individual's looking to repair or modernize their homes. Income eligible home owners may apply for loan assistance under HUD's home program. Applicants approved for this assistance can make home repairs such as weatherization, additions, access for disabled individuals and replacement of heating and cooling systems.

Instructions

1. Determine if you are eligible for assistance in home repairs by visiting HUD's income limits page provided in the Resources section. Choose your state and click on the PDF file. The document lists counties in your state and the maximum annual income allowed depending on the number of people in your home.

2. Once you have determined you are eligible, go to HUD's home page, also provided in the Resources section, and click on "State Info" and choose your state. On the left hand side, click on the link that says "Contact My Local Office." You will be redirected to a page that lists the offices in your area.

3. Call the office in your area to request an application for a low income home repair loan. Fill out each section in the application and attach any documents that are requested such as pay stubs or tax information. Thoroughly review the application and return the application to your local HUD office.

Tags: your state, eligible home, home owners, home repair, home repairs, income home

Worm Farming In Southern Ontario Canada

Earthworms can be used for composting, turning organic waste into material that can be reused.

The environment is on everyone's minds these days as people try to reduce the impact of their carbon footprints. One way to contribute to the environment is through worm farms. Worm farms may also be referred to as vermicomposting. These farms are used to create compost in which organic material is transformed by worms into a fertilizer that can be reused. They can be used to compost throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors, according to cleanup.org. Does this Spark an idea?

Southern Ontario Farms

Worm farms can be used even throughout the cold winters in southern Ontario, Canada. Worm Composting Canada, based in Ontario, sells supplies, including worms, to those who want to start their own farms. The company can supply to the rest of Canada and even the U.S. as well if requested. Worm Composting Canada sells red worms, but a variety of earthworms can be used for farming as well.

How It Works

Once set up, worm farms work quickly. "Worms process food quickly, transforming food wastes into nutrient-rich 'castings.' Worm castings are an excellent fertilizer additive for gardens or potted plants," according to cleanup.org. The fertilizer created by the compost can be used for a variety of purposes including as a lawn conditioner and liquid fertilizer when mixed with water, according to the site.

Benefits

Worm farms reduce the amount of waste put in landfills, as "worms will eat most of your kitchen waste," according to cleanup.org. Because worm compost significantly reduces the amount of waste people send to landfills, contamination and greenhouse gasses are reduced as a result of vermicomposting as well, according to the website.

Starting Out

Several things are needed to start a worm farm, including a worm bin, bedding, waste material and worms, according to wormcomposting.ca. Earthworms are sensitive to light, so it is important that the container used is opaque, according to the website.

Feeding Worms

Once the farm is set up, the worms need to be maintained. Maintaining the worms is essential because if they are not kept properly they won't function properly either, leaving the worm farm unsuccessful. Worms can be fed non-citrus fruits, vegetables other than onions, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed egg shells, leaves, hair or shredded paper, according to cleanup.org. Worms cannot be fed things such as oily foods, meats, foods containing dairy, magazines, bread or garlic, according to the site.

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Repair Rust Damage On A Car

Rust damage can bring down the resale value of a car quickly and dramatically, and it's important to nip it in the bud when it's a small problem and an easy repair. Here are some easy tips for repairing that rust damage on your car or truck.

Instructions

1. Inspect your car regularly. Small rust spots are easy to fix and can be repaired in your garage with a few simple tools. If the problem gets too big, you're looking at a much more costly fix.

2. Find the rust spots and prep them for treatment. Remove the rust from the affected area by rubbing it with white spirits or rubbing alcohol and a sturdy wire brush or coarse sandpaper.

3. Scrape away any loose paint or rust. Then apply a rust-removing solvent to get the last remaining bits of rust from the area. Wipe clean with some rags.

4. Use coarse sandpaper to work your way down to a good paint sample on all sides of the affected area. Once you've reached unaffected paint on all sides, brush away the dust to clean the area.

5. Tape off the affected area to protect unaffected areas from the putty and paint you will be applying.

6. Apply glazing putty to the affected area as smoothly as possible. This will fill in all the pits or scratches so that the paint will evenly cover the area. Allow it to dry.

7. Get a sample of your car's color either from a paint chip or an identification plate under the car's hood. Take the sample to a paint or accessory shop and purchase the matching color, as well as primer.

8. Apply the primer and let dry. Then apply a fresh coat of paint. Do so smoothly, quickly and blend it as best you can with the existing paint on all sides.

9. After the paint is dry, polish and wax the affected area to finish.

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Repair Rush Seating

A woven rush seat can be accidentally cut or punctured.

Repairing the damaged area on a rush seat can prolong the seat life and allow you to enjoy the chair until the entire seat wears out and is rerushed. The seam may look complicated, but there are only two patterns on the seat, and one is a simple figure eight. This means you use one pattern to replace the section of damaged rush. A repair can often be completed in an hour even if you have never woven a chair seat before. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate the area of damage on the seat. Slide a pencil or other long object through the rush from front to back on either side of the damage. Turn the chair upside down and rest it so that the pencils stay in place. Find the back rail of the chair. The back rail is directly under the seat back, and it has rush wrapping over it.

2. Find the rows where one pencil sticks up. Count two rush pieces away from the damage. Hammer a tack nail through the second rush piece into the back rail. Make sure the rush you tack is woven and tight. Count two rush pieces away from the damage from the position of the second pencil and tack the rush to the back rail again.

3. Cut through the rush strands between the two pencils using a utility knife. You should have a long end or tail up to where you tacked the rush to the chair. You may have needed to unweave rush from your cuts and now see four open areas. Make sure you have removed all of the damage. If you see trapzoidal cardboard pieces in the way, slide them toward the rails until you repair the weave.

4. Open your rush fiber coil, and cut it into 30 foot lengths. Dip one length into water for 10 to 20 seconds to soften the fiber. Note the location of knots on the underside of the seat. Tie the end of your new rush to the tail on what will be the left side of the chair if the chair is upright and facing you. Make a tight overhand knot. Turn the chair so that it is upright and facing you. The knot should be on the left and underside.

5. Bring the end of the rush forward and up through the hole in the center. Take the rush across the front rail and down to the underside and up through the center hole. Go over the rush you just wove to the left and over the side rail and down to the underside and up through the center hole. Take the rush to the right and over the right side rail, down and up through the center hole. Go over the rush you just wove to the front and over the front rail and down to the underside and up through the center hole.

6. Take the rush over the back rail and down to the underside and up through the center hole. Go over the rush you just wove and to the right over the right side rail and down to the underside. Take the rush up through the center hole and over the first rush you wove and to the left over the left rail and down to the underside. Go to the right and up through the center hole and across the rush you just wove to the back rail and down to the underside. Repeat Step 5 and 6 shoving the new rush tight against the old rush. Slide the cardboard back in place when it clears the weave.

7. Continue rushing until the seat is covered. Tie the rush off to the second tacked rush tail with a tight overhand knot and trim the tails. Remove your tacks.

Tags: rail down, center hole, down underside, rail down underside, through center, through center hole