Recent content by MacInAction

Yes, I would normally turn off everything at the panel. There were too many ongoing activities in the house that day to flip the breaker, which has a lot of frequently used outlets on the circuit. I love insulated pliers.... If the items in the live outlet had been unplugged, would that mean...

It was the type with dual lights, one for 120 and another for 240. Yes, there were items plugged into the receptacle.

A friend's fan has two sets of wires in the ceiling box: One is 14-3 from the switch box, the other is 14-2 that runs from the ceiling box to a nearby outlet. When the neutral wires were briefly separated to swap a fan, the one that led to the live outlet would indicate 120 volts when tested...

I've used post hole diggers and a sledge hammer around loose/partially broken posts to minimize digging, ease extraction, and pack the hole adequately. Dig a deep hole shaped like the letter C tightly around the post, and it will be much easier to remove the old post. To pack the new post in...

What would cause the rust to appear moments after paint application? These new rust spots appeared almost immediately, and they grew as we watched. The metal was sanded until it was bare. I assume the 'rusty metal primer' I purchased from the big box store must be the culprit? I've never seen...

I've now seen two metal front doors that have large, growing blisters of paint, both of which had security magnets drilled into them for the home security system. Can the magnets cause a chemical reaction that causes the paint to blister? I tried to help my neighbor a few years ago to repair...

I finally found a little time to get the parts swapped today, and it went very well thanks to the advice from the Moen phone rep. Below is a complete set of directions, in case someone else finds this article in a web search. I do NOT recommend this kind of repair for a newbie, even with clear...

I was able to get a replacement collar sent since this one won't budge. Once it arrives, I can do whatever needed to remove the old one, even if it has to be destroyed or cut off to get the job done. I still think it should have been designed with embossed ridges to help get a better grip with...

Unfortunately, that didn't work either. The part is smooth like glass, so the rag spins around without budging it. It now has slight indentations from being squeezed so hard with the pliers. I'll be calling Moen again to see about the possibility of getting a replacement faucet since their...

Thanks for the input, but the nut is badly frozen, and can only be removed with a faucet tool. I was unable to budge it with channel locks. Even if it did loosen, it will not be able to pass the chrome tabs that extend inward from the body of the faucet as it rises. These tabs extend OVER the...

I have a new cartridge to install for this single-handle kitchen faucet, but I need to know what tool is used to remove a part under the handle. Please excuse my ignorance of terminology! Under the handle is a large brass nut that retains the cartridge. I borrowed the tool to remove it (much...