Saturday, December 27, 2014

How to Replace a White Toilet Bowl Flapper to a Fluidmaster® Red Flapper

Fig.1 Alligator Vice Grips®
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Alligator Vice Grips®
5403 Universal 3" Adjustable Toilet Flapper

George Baker is a used car salesman who live in Chino Hills, California. He did mention that his mother-in-law had pulled the flapper from the tank and it no longer held water in the tank. It was missing its flapper frame and the sole of the rubber flapper was covered with black mold and slightly twisted. When Mrs. Baker arrived home she wanted the toilet repaired immediately.

This post shows the six steps on how to replace a toilet flapper. 

Step 1: Fig.1 show the Alligator Vice Grip® pliers that will be used to close the metal chain around the toilet lever rod.
Step 2: Fig.2 shows the old 3" white toilet flapper and shows that this flapper had a float valve to hold the flapper chain up and away from the flapper.
Fig.2 Close up
Step 3: There are many reason to purchase a Fluidmaster flapper. Below are the advantages that include a solid plastic frame for ultimate reliability. A built-in Microban® antimicrobial protection against bacteria inside a toilet tank. The flappers carries a ten years warranty. These flappers are resistant to chlorine and hard waterFig.3 shows the 3" toilet Fluidmaster flapper now installed. 
Fig.3 Assembly

solid frame for ultimate reliability
Fluidmaster

Step 4: Fig.4 shows the 5403 Universal 3" Adjustable Toilet Flapper in the bowl was running proving that the flapper was not leaking any water from the water bowl.
Fig.4 Checking for leaks

Step 5: Fig.5 shows that the bowl water is being replaced by the Fluidmaster valve and the flapper is working effectively. Mr. and Mrs Baker now are all ready for the Christmas Family holiday events. 
Fig.5 Last check


Click below for details:
**This information came directly from the Fluidmaster web site.

Update: DIY Advisor has New blogs check them today:

  • Cookie Alert: European Union laws requires that you know that this blog uses cookies. If you are concerned about this please click here to see how Google uses this information.

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-

Sunday, December 21, 2014

How to Raise Christmas Tree Platform

Fig.1 Raised platform
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
2x6x3 redwood planks
Christmas tree
Measurement tape
Ducting tape


Mrs. C wanted to raise her Christmas tree upward and place a platform for her tree stand. She had purchased a tree that was eight feet tree instead of purchasing the ten foot tree she thought she had purchased.


This post shows the nine steps on how to raise the tree platform so that the presents can easily go around the tree. 

Step 1: Mrs. C. came to The Home Depot Lumber/Building Materials to solve her Christmas tree problem.
Step 2: She purchased 2x6x3 finished redwood from The Home Depot. 
Step 3: Upon receiving instructions from the Lumber/Building Materials associate, she prepared the area to receive the 10 pieces of redwood.
Step 4: She had purchased lag screws to reinforce the tree stand in hopes that the stand would prevent the tree from falling over. 
Step 5: The plan: Place two 2x6 together and sandwich the inner pieces together.
Step 6: Place the 2x6x3 planks on top of the sides.
Step 7: Tape the edges of the redwood since the customer did not want to puncture the redwood pieces.
Step 8: Place the Christmas tree on the platform. Tape the legs of the tree holder directly on the using duct tape.
Step 9: Decorate your Christmas tree. This job is finished and now the Christmas tree is taller and has room for the presents from her family. Admire your work, job done.



Update: DIY Advisor has New blogs check them today:
  • Cookie Alert: European Union laws requires that you know that this blog uses cookies. If you are concerned about this please click here to see how Google uses this information.

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-

Saturday, December 20, 2014

How to Make Magazine Holders for DIY Magazines

Fig.1 Razor Knife
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Clear packing tape
DIY Reference Magazine Holders
Razor Knife with spare blades
HP Computer box (empty)
Ruler
Scissors

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia states that "upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials..."

This post shows the four steps on to use upcycling an used HP computer box into a Reference holder

Step 1: Fig.2 shows to take a HP computer box and draw a diagonal line across it. Fig.3 shows both ends of the computer box. This box made two DIY Reference Magazine Holders. One side of the diagonal is 6-inches on the short side and the other side long side is 12.5-inch long. Now use scissors to cut the line.

Fig.2 HP Computer Box
Fig.3 Diagonal
Step 2: Fig.4 shows the DIY Reference Magazine that need a new home.
Fig.4 Reference Books

Step 3: After each box has been cut use clear packing tape up the edges or the HP computer box. Then use the scissors and cut diagonally. This box will be larger because the reference books will  be laid on their side.
Fig.5 Empty


Step 4: The holder presently can be used alone, or they can be taped together, making the box stronger for the union.

Fig.6 Book laid down
Fig.7 Both together


Update: DIY Advisor has New blogs check them today:
  • Cookie Alert: European Union laws requires that you know that this blog uses cookies. If you are concerned about this please click here to see how Google uses this information.

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-

Friday, December 19, 2014

How to Clean Vertical Blinds Quickly

Fig.1 Vertical Blinds
By Gary Boutin

Tools and Supplies:
Bucket 
Electrical cord 
Gloves 
High patio wall
Ladder 4-foot
Leaf Blower 
Screwdriver Flat Tip
Flat scraper
Sponge
Soap (automobile soap)
Towel (clean) 
Vertical blinds
Water (Plus water hose)

This post shows the ten steps on the process of cleaning vertical blinds quickly and all in one hour. 

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the vertical blinds that need cleaning. Fig.2 shows the bucket filled with water, soap and a sponge. Use automobile soap it does not leave streaks on the blinds.

Fig.2 Pail with soap and sponge
Step 2: Fig.3 shows an ordinary leaf blower. This blower will be used to remove the large drops of water on the vertical blinds after they have been cleaned.

Fig.3 Leaf blower
Step 3: Fig.4 shows a blank high patio wall. This will be the shelf were the vertical blind will hand from while the cleaning takes place. The wall needs to be high enough to hang the blind but not so high so that you can not place the top of the blind over its edge.

Fig.4 Patio wall or table
Step 4: Fig.5 shows a 4-foot ladder. This is needed to reach the vertical blinds to open up the blind brackets. There is one on each side.

Fig.5 ladder 4-foot

Step 5: Fig.6 shows the use a flat tip screwdriver on both sides of the vertical blind. Fig.7 shows the vertical blind bracket is open and the blinds can be removed. Sometimes a flat scraper can open it faster than a screwdriver.
Fig.6 Screwdriver
Fig.7 Open blind bracket
Step 6: Fig.8 shows the bucket of soap is ready to be applied after the blinds are rinsed with a water hose.
Fig.8 Soap ready
Step 7: Fig.9 shows a sponge applying lots of soap and water to the blind. Fig.10 shows the soap on the blind.

Fig.9 Soap applied
Fig.10 Soap
Step 8: Fig.11, fig.12 and fig.13 shows that after the blind has been rinsed, washed and re-rinsed with a water hose. Use a leaf blower to remove the excess water.

Fig.11 Leaf Blower
Fig.12 Removing water
Fig.13 Blowing dry
Step 9: Fig.14
and fig.15 shows the gloves and dry clean towel is needed to wipe both sides of the blind.
Fig,14 Use gloves
Fig,15 Wipe dry
Step 10: Fig.16
shows that once the blind is dried to bring back the blind back to its window. Next, secure the blind bracket and attach the top decorative piece to the blind body.
Fig,16 Job done


Update: DIY Advisor has New blogs check them today:
  • Cookie Alert: European Union laws requires that you know that this blog uses cookies. If you are concerned about this please click here to see how Google uses this information.

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 Make a Spiral Christmas Tree Using Christmas Tree Lights String

Spiral Light Trees
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:  
Aluminum metal stakes 
Cable tie 8-inch set
Compression Tee OD 1/2 inch
Diameter of a circle formula
Pole Driver (manual)
Lodge Pole Stakes 8 ft.  (1 pole per tree)
Metal stakes or Large Nails 6 to 8 inches
Mini Christmas LED Warm White 150-Count
PVC Pipe Cutter
Christy's Red Hot Blue Glue PVC Pipe Cement
Schedule-40 Ten feet water pipe
Sledge Hammer

 
Have you ever wondered how to make a simple Spiral Christmas tree with Christmas lights?
 
This post shows the thirteen steps on how to finish placing the lights on the frame of the Christmas tree.
 

Step 1: Fig.1 shows a drip hose 1/2 inside diameter by 5/8 outside diameter. After the base is placed on the ground, attach several metal stakes about two feet apart on the perimeter of the PVC drip hose base. Place the hook side on the pipe edge. These stakes will hold the base in place and act like an anchor for the tree. If the stakes are to small for the pipe use cable tie at least 8-inch long.
Fig.1 Drip Hose

Walmart prices
Step 2: What is the diameter of a circle? The diameter is two times of the radius or 2r. Below is the mathematical formula to arrive at the answer. You need this to know were to place the circular tree post.
d=Diameter
d = 2r
d = 2(5)
d = 10
1/2 of D=5

Step 3: Place the lodge pole in the middle of the circle with a pole hammer. Fig.2 shows the lodge pole ready to use. Below Fig.3 and fig.4 shows a pole hammer and a metal sledge that could be used to hammer the lodge pole into the ground. Its a manual device, place the pole hammer over the top of the lodge pole and move up and down with a little force. This will drive the lodge pole into the ground. 
Fig,2 Lodge pole
 


Fig.3 Pole Hammer
Fig.4 Sledge Hammer
Step 4: Fig.2 actually shows the lodge pole into the ground and ready for use. Measure two feet on the lodge pole and drive the pole into the ground.
Step 5: Fig.5 shows that you can place two or three long decks screws on top of the pole. This set had its own top that held the tree lights in place.
Fig.5 Long deck screws

Step 6: Fig.6 shows a tree cup with the ends that holds all the wires in place. 
Fig.6 Tree top
Step 7: Another example is to use 1-5/8 X 1-3/8 Galvanized Steel Chain-Link Fence Line Post Loop Cap. Make sure the loop can handle multiple strands of lights. Add that part to the end of the pole. Screws may be needed to secure the loop cap in place.
Step 8: Fig.8 shows the use of Mini Christmas LED Warm White 150-Count Christmas lights. The top of the pole needs to managed all the light strands.  
Fig.8 Mini lamps
Step 9: Fig.9 shows the first strand of light going up to the top of the lodge pole. 
Fig.9 Drip base and first light strands
Step 10: Fig.10 shows the start the loop of lights at the base (near power supply) and turn many loops before the first light string is sent to the to of the lodge pole. It will take some time, try to evenly distribute each light strand around the circle and the pole. 
Fig.10 Start the loop of lights

Step 11: Fig.11 shows what the top of the cap should look like and fig.12 shows that the strands are coming together. Short trees about 20 strands, large trees about 40 strands. 
Fig.12 Tree top with lights
Step 12: Fig.13 shows the tree is finished. The difference is this tree has a schedule 40 base and is finished for the holidays.
Fig.13 Finished
Step 13: Fig.14 shows the Christmas trees come to life when lit up. This tree has all white lights, but many are full of color. This job is finished and the tree light kit is ready for many years to come. 
Fig.14 Two trees

Update: DIY Advisor has New blogs check them today:
  • Cookie Alert: European Union laws requires that you know that this blog uses cookies. If you are concerned about this please click here to see how Google uses this information.

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-