Recent content by Big Red

Put a wire nut on the hot wire---add some electrical tape to it just to be sure.

You COULD use the old box as the junction box. I know it's not code---but it DOES work. Sometimes I think these codes are over the top. It's discouraged because many people can't do a good job of splicing and soldering. Code wants the human element of any error removed.

OK----when you can't nail or screw something like this because of no stud or a secure place to nail to, then it's time to forget the PL and get out the Power Grab. I've used a TON of Power Grab and I guarantee it will work. It totally replaces nails. You can even install wainscotting with it...

I had to do this myself because the electrician put the box too close to an entryway door. Anyway, what I did--along my electrician brother-- was to destroy the plastic box to remove it from inside the wall after we had removed the light switches and wire nutted the wires. We set the new box...

LOL--I agree with getting satisfaction about knowing how to work with drywall mud. Learning good repair techniques will always come in handy, as there's always a wall that needs it. PLUS--you'll now be VERY good at body work on your antique car!!! Actually, I learned how to do good bondo...

I agree with the comments on paper tape. I have both, but usually go for the paper tape as I find it easier to feather out. The reason that tape failed is because the person putting it up did not get enough mud under it. I see that failure every now and then--especially when a DIY'er without...

It's nearly impossible to match if you're looking to buy a can of stain. The way to match an existing color is by blending stain. I've never used any stain right out of the can---I always mix my own to match what I'm doing. Buy a can of dark stain, light stain, and maybe one that has a red...

I've had a stand-by generator for 12 years which runs off of propane since I don't have natural gas way out here in the boonies. I sized it, not to handle absolutely EVERYTHING, but only what I would need during an outage. If you can't include everything without getting into too big of a...

I agree with neal. Never paint or stain outside wood until it's had a long drying spell with no rain.

Sadly, I agree that there are many of these guys who are either drug users, or boozers, or both. They only work for the payday so they can go out and blow their money on their habit. Anyone who's always asking to be paid extra for everything is, at the LEAST, in love with money. They love it...

Good for you!!!!! I'm glad you fired everyone. Some people in banks,etc. just don't want to finance a house in bad shape because banks just don't like ending up owning houses. They're in the banking business--not the real estate business. What's up with the agent? Why didn't she want to...

Well, I for one am not going to complain about the cold. Anytime I'm not sweating---I'm happy. However, minus and single digit temps ARE a bit nippy. I like it when it's in the 20's or 30's. The worst thing about this weather is that we won't have peaches again this year. And the deer have...

My experience with this sort of thing is-----I'm not gonna deal with it. I never work with people who I don't trust. You only know about what he HAS done--I imagine there are more things he's done that you don't know about. Many people today are not the hard workers of years ago. I won't put...

Also, allow every faucet to drip--that will keep the pipes from freezing, also.

Painting wood outside is a constant affair, even when quality paints and good techniques are used. What I would suggest is to sand the chipping paint with a power sander. Or even a disc on a power drill works well. Then get some quality full color stain, and stain the wood instead of painting...