Wednesday, October 9, 2013

How to Install a Kichen Under Counter Radio

Fig.1 Plans
By Gary Boutin

Parts and Supplies:
Cordless screwdriver with Phillips bit
Tape measure
Template kit with new radio

Mrs. Appleton noticed my work building a retaining wall. She stopped by and asked if I could install an under counter radio. 

This post shows the nine steps to installing a radio under a kitchen cabinet.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the template for placing the under-counter radio.
Step 2: Fig.2 shows the measurement of the left holes.
Fig.2 Left holes
Step 3: Fig.3 shows the measurement of the right holes.
Fig.3 Measurement
Step 4: Fig.4 shows the spacers and the machine screws that will be used to mount the radio.
Fig.4 Machine screws and spacers
Step 5: Fig.5 shows spacers on the under-counter radio. The screws will go through the wood cabinet and through the plastic spacers to the inner-nut in the radio.
Fig.5 Spacers
Step 6: Fig.6 shows Ryobi 12 Volt Cordless drill with Bit Holder that will be used to drill the holes in the cabinet and drive the screws into the radio.
Fig.6 Ryobi cordless 12 volt drill
Step 7: Fig.7 shows the machine screws being placed into the radio.
Fig.7 placing screw
Step 8: Fig.8 shows the handyman holding the radio from the bottom while inserting the machine screws inside the kitchen cabinet.
Fig.8 holding radio
Step 9: Fig.9 shows placing the final screws into the under-counter radio.


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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

How to Replace Washing Machine Compression Cold Water Spigot

Fig.1 Old faucet spigot
By Gary Boutin

Parts and Supplies:  
Water spigot - Cold (Blue ring)

George Morco's new home had all kinds of problems. On his huge laundry list was this repair. He had purchased a new washing machine and dryer and the water spigot was leaking all over the freshly painted laundry room.

This post shows the seven steps on replacing a washing machine spigot.

Step 1: Fig.1 and fig.2 shows the old washing machine cold water spigot from different angles.
Fig.2
Step 2: Fig.3 and fig.4 shows the new cold water spigot
Fig.3 New spigot
Fig.4 Threads face top
Step 3: This job requires that the water be turned off. Click here to find out how to turn off the water. Then two crescent wrench are placed on the old faucet and the compression nut. It take muscular strength to release both the nut and the faucet. Once done remove the old faucet for recycling. 
Step 4: Now on the copper pipe there will be a brass nut held in by a brass ferrule. 
Step 5: Fig.5 shows the use of a compression sleeve puller to remove the brass ferrule on the copper pipe.

Fig.5 Compression sleeve tool
Step 5: Now place the new nut and new ferrule on the copper pipe. Tighten both with the crescent wrenches. Turn on the water from the main just a little. 
Step 6: Recheck the faucet and check for leaks. If there are no leaks go back to the main and turn on the water all the way. 
Step 7: If there is a leak, use both crescent wrenches and apply more pressure on both the nut and the faucet. Recheck for leaks. Stop when there is no more leaks from the new faucet. Now the spigot is ready to be used. For more examples on how to use the compression sleeve click here


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How to Use Tree Saucers

By Gary Boutin
Trimmers

 
Part and Supplies:  

Flat shovel
Steel pick axe
Trimmer 

George Morco's new home had a tree that was strangled by the neighboring bushes. George lives nearby and we share the trees planted by our associations. George works as a local landscaper and travels the entire Inland Empire

We were talking about the trees when George realized that each tree needed a saucer. Using George's expertise, this post explains why each tree should have a tree saucer and how to create a saucer if your trees need them.

This post shows the four steps to install tree saucers.

Step 1: Fig.1 through fig.3 shows trees surrounded by bushes. Sure the tree gets water, but it shares it with the bushes.
Fig.1 Tree surrounded by bushes
Fig.2 Another tree by bushes 
Fig.3 Bushes
Step 2: Fig.4 through fig.6 shows many types of tree saucers and the tree saucers soil is so hard that the water can not feed the roots. These are near my neighborhood and some of the saucers have built in sprinklers to water the tree and a drain in case the sprinklers are over watered. We have special sprinklers that have dedicated feeding sprinklers for each tree. It's a complex system that works well for our trees. When guest see our trees they wonder why our trees seem to be healthier than theirs.  
Fig.4 Saucer
Fig.5 Saucer
Fig.6 Saucer
Step 3: Fig.7 and fig.8 shows that some saucers have soil that is so hard that the water does not reach the tree roots. Turning the dirt with a shovel and/or a pick will soften the soil to allow water to drain into the root. These saucers now have soil that will accept water nutrients.
Fig.7 Saucer
Fig.8 Saucer
Step 4: Fig.9 shows the water saucer is holding water and the irrigation drain diverts excess water stopping flooding. Job done and trees watered.
Fig.9 Water in saucer

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

Thursday, September 19, 2013

How to Repair Ceiling Fan With Missing Parts

Fig.1 Auction ceiling fan
By Gary Boutin

Parts and Supplies:
Ceiling fan used parts

I was doing a job for Janis Bee who lives in Chino, California. She needed my help to install a ceiling fan she purchased at an auction. 

This post shows the seven steps to install a new ceiling fan missing the parts. 

Step 1: Above right Fig.1 shows the fan that Janis purchased at an auction. Below she had taken all the parts out of the box and realized that she was missing most of the parts needed to install the ceiling fan.
Step 2: Fig.2 shows that she tried to install the fan herself. The fan was wired correctly but the fan came with most of the parts missing and no instructions sheet.
Fig.2 Ceiling fan
Step 3: Test each common (white wires), hot (black wires) and green (ground wires) to make sure they are placed correctly into the electrical wire nut (yellow). Now quickly test so see if you have power to the fan motor. The ceiling fan was installed into the ceiling and the exterior cover was installed. 
Step 4: Fig.3 shows where the ceiling fan blades will be attached. The problem was the box did was missing all the fan blade screws. Janis still had the old ceiling fan in her trash can that she had removed earlier and replaced with new unit. Cannibalizing the fan blade screws and rubber fan gasket from the old unit and inserting them into the new fan worked perfectly. There was enough screws to install all four blades. The old screws were dull bronze in color but they had a slip washer and worked fine for securing the blades.
Fig.3 Missing fan blade screws
Step 5: Fig.4 shows the blades are now secured. Later Janis was going to paint the bronze screws with white fingernail polish and it should work since fingernail polish is made with lacquer.
Fig.4 Fan blade screws installed
Step 6: Fig.5 shows the control switch pull for the lamp. These chains was also missing from this box. Janis purchased this white pull at The Home Depot for a few dollars.
Fig.5 Switch pull
Step 7: Fig.6 shows the ceiling fan is complete and works fine. This job is finished.
Fig.6 Job finished

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

How to Install a Kitchen Gallery Shelf Unit

Mural shelf unit
By Gary Boutin

Parts and Supplies:  
Electric drill 
Gallery shelf kit and instructions
Level  
Screwdriver
Tape measure

Michael works for a program called Uncommon Good that teaches students about green energy. His home is located in Upland, California, a beautiful neighborhood with mature trees in a rural setting. He had just purchased a century-old home and wanted to preserve its look. Being a principal member of Uncommon Good, he was using the house to teach others how to go green. He called my repair service to install a kitchen shelf.

This post shows the ten steps to assemble and install a wooden shelf above the kitchen range. 

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the picture on the box. It shows that the shelf is 23 inches long and it's white.
Fig.1 Gallery shelf kit
Step 2: Fig.2 shows the tools needed for this job. An electric drill, a tape measure, a level and a screwdriver. The bottom  of the box also shows a visual representation of what parts are inside this box.
Fig.2 Tools needed
Step 3: Fig.3 shows the instructions on how to assemble this shelf unit.
Fig.3 The directions
Step 4: Fig.4 shows this part of the box sent a phone number if the directions or if there are missing parts. 1-800-582-7021
Fig.4 Phone number
Step 5: Fig.5 shows the hardware package filled with wood plugs, plastic anchors and metal screws.
Fig.5 Hardware
Step 6: Fig.6 shows the first side of the shelf with two wood plugs inserted into the pre-drilled holes. These wood plugs will hold the base shelf.
Fig.6 Plugs
Step 7: Fig.7 through fig.9 shows the progression on placing the metal screw into the wall. Use the measuring tape to get the exact location. Fig.7 shows the marks on the wall from measuring the exact location of each screw that will hold the shelf. Fig.8 shows a cordless screwdriver placing a metal screw into a plastic wall anchor. Fig.9 shows the exact measurement of the metal screw that will hold the wood shelf and carry all the weight needed. You will need to make two measurement to hold both sides of the shelf.

Fig.7 Measured holes
Fig.8 Cordless screwdriver
Fig.9 The metal screw support
Step 8: Fig.10 shows the pre-drilled screw-slot that will tie onto the screw holding the wood shelf.
Fig.10 Test the screw
Step 9: Fig.11 shows the assembly of the wood shelf, the first leg is on the wall. Fig.12 shows the top shelf is on the legs. Now the shelf is secured and almost ready to use.
Fig.11 Against the wall
Fig.12 Against the wall
Step 10: Fig.13 shows the shelf completed and ready for kitchen herbs and condiments.
Fig.13 All finished

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

Monday, September 16, 2013

How to Install Drapery Rods - Part 3 of 3 - Installing Bedroom, Dinning, and Living Room Rods

Fig.1 Puncture the 
plaster with a metal awl
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:  
Anchors plastic
Awl
Cordless screwdriver with Phillips tip
Drapery wall clip (comes with drapery rods)
Diagonal "Dikes" cutters
Hammer claw 
Metal awl
Scissors 
Tape measure

Michael works for a program called Uncommon Good that teaches students about green energy. His home is located in Upland, California, a beautiful neighborhood with mature trees in a rural setting. He had just purchased a century-old home and wanted to preserve its look. Being a principal member of Uncommon Good, he was using the house to teach others how to go green. He called my repair service to install window dressing.

This post shows fifteen steps to install drapery rods in plaster walls. 

Step 1: Fig.1 shows a metal awl that is marking the holes to be punched. Using the drapery rod clip removes the guess work of where to place the rod clip holes. Fig.2 shows that the metal awl is punched into the plaster walls to widen the hole for the plastic anchor. This step will be repeated until all the holes are marked into the plaster wall. The metal awl resembles a screwdriver but has a sharp, pointed end to make a pointed circular hole into the wall. 
Fig.2 Use the awl to 
make the hole larger
Step 2: Fig.3 shows that a claw hammer is placing the plastic anchor into the plaster walls.
Fig.3 Tap in the plastic anchor
Step 3: Fig.4 and fig.5 shows that the head of the plastic anchor needs to be cut off so that the drapery hook will be flush to the wall. Fig.4 shows diagonal cutter tutting off the head of the wall anchor. Fig.5 shows the head has been cut off so the wall clip will be flush with the wall.
Fig.4 Cut the anchor head off
Fig.5 Diagonal cutters cut the anchor head 
Step 4: Fig.6 shows the drapery wall clip, this one is secured to the wall.
Fig.6 
Drapery clip
Step 5: Fig.7 shows a drapery rod installed over the dining room window.
Fig.7 Drapery rod installed
Step 6: Fig.8 shows a bedroom window with a new drapery rod installed.
Fig.8 Bedroom
Step 7: Fig.9 shows that the curtain must be threaded through before placing the curtain rod on the rod clips.
Fig.9 Blue curtain

Step 8: Fig.10 shows the new blue curtain.
Fig.10 New Curtain
Step 9: Fig.11 shows heavier drapery rods and a rod clip with a flare end.
Fig.11 Drapery rod
Step 10: Fig.12 shows hardware, complete with metal screws, plastic anchor and the metal rod.
Fig.12 Drapery hardware
Step 11: Fig.13 cutting the hardware bag to install the new drapery rods.
Fig.13 Cutting the bag
Step 12: Fig.14 shows the drapery rod installed into the wall ready for the curtain and rod.
Fig.14 Drapery rod hook


Step 13: Fig.15 shows installing the drapery rod into the drapery hook.
Fig.15 Rod install
Step 14: Fig.16 shows drapery rod inserted into rod clip.
Fig.16 Rob secured
Step 15: Fig.17 and fig.18 shows two different draperies placed into the living room windows.
Fig.17 New curtain
Fig.18 Curtains closed
How to Install Drapery Rods:

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-