Friday, August 30, 2013

How to Replace Dryer Vent - Part 4 of 4 - Metal Foil Installation

Fig.1 Foil vent
By Gary Boutin

Parts and Supplies:
Phillips screwdriver 
Dryer foil pipe
Razor knife
Silicone
Sheetrock metal screws (also known as drywall screws)

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 hook up his dryer vent. In troubleshooting the job, the dryer vent was missing. The former owners had taken the vent with them.

This post shows the six steps to install the vent in a stucco wall.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the metal foil is on the the dryer vent pipe but it's not straight. Notice the white insert should be square with the floor. Fig.2 shows another angle of the foil pipe.
Fig.2 Backing still crooked
Step 2: Fig.3 shows the white insert is square with the floor. Also shown is the application of silicone to the edges of the metal dryer pipe.

Fig.3 Applying silicone
Step 3: Fig.4 shows that by California code cloth tape normally called duct tape can not be used any longer. Cloth duct tape can not be used because the adhesive dries out and the tape does not function any more. Using the metal tape does not dry out and the the adhesive qualities are maintained for many years of use. It's not as simple as placing tape on a box.
Fig.4 Metal foil tape
Step 4: Fig.5 shows the metal tape has been used to secure any air leakage into the house, the metal strap holds onto the metal vent pipe and is secured by two metal screws.
Fig.5 Vent strap 
Step 5: Fig.6 shows metal tape is added to the pipe. Michael asked this part to be added to the foil pipe since the foil pipe is very thin and he wanted it to be secured.
Fig.6 Tape over vent strap
Step 6: Fig.7 shows all three pipes are now secured and the laundry room can now be used.
Fig.7 All pipes attached


How To Replace a Dryer Vent:

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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-

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How to Replace Dryer Vent - Part 3 of 4 - Dryer Vent Installation

Fig.1 Placing the wall vent
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Bit Holder with Phillips bit
Ryobi 12 Volt Cordless screwdriver
Razor knife
Silicone
Sheetrock metal screws (drywall screws)

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 hook up his dryer vent. In troubleshooting the job, the dryer vent was missing. The former owners had taken the vent with them.

This post shows the seven steps to install the vent in a stucco wall.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows sheetrock metal screws are driven into the stucco.
Step 2: After placing the vent against the wall a gap was showing. Fig.2 shows the gap between the wall and the vent.
Fig.2 New vent
Step 3: Fig.3 shows the solution was to cut off the heads of each blue anchor to remove the gap. The anchor head was not needed to anchor against the stucco wall.
Fig.3 cut off the anchor for vent smooth fitting
Step 4: Fig.4 shows that the vent was replaced on the stucco wall.
Fig.4 Driving in screws into stucco
Step 5: Fig.5 shows that a thick silicone bead that is being pushed into the gap.
Fig.5 Start finger bead
Step 6: Fig.6 shows that the silicone bead was pushed all around the metal vent. Next post shows the installation of the metal foil to the dryer vent.
Fig.6 End finger bead
How to Replace a Dryer Vent:


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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-

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How to Replace a Dryer Vent - Part 2 of 4 - Dryer Vent Installation in Stucco

Fig.1 The vent template
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Hammer
Masonry drill bit  
Plastic anchor (Blue)
Ryobi 12 Volt Cordless drill
Silicone


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 hook up his dryer vent. In troubleshooting the job, the dryer vent was missing. The former owners had taken the vent with them.

This post shows the seven steps to install the dryer vent in a stucco wall.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows that he tried to apply silicone to the edges, this was Michael's first attempt at installing the vent. The problem was the vent would not slide into the wall and was sticking out.
Step 2: After finding out that one of the plaster wooden lats had fallen between the hole in the wall, obstructing the vent from fitting into the wall. The lat was pushed out of the way and then the metal dryer vent was fitted into the wall. Fig.2 shows that the vent had pre-drilled holes to secure it into the wall. A cordless drill with a masonry drill bit was used to puncture the stucco wall. This will need to be done four times to get the vent secured. Stucco walls are similar to cement walls and need to be drilled into to make a hole. Punching the stucco with a hammer and metal wedge will damage the wall and the hole that will be made will be unusable.
Fig.2 Vent template
Step 3: Fig.3 shows  the first hole was made. Stucco has no grabbing edges, it's just rock, so an anchor needs to be used. Below the blue anchor will be used to give the metal screw something to hang on to.
Fig.4 Blue plastic anchor

Step 4: Fig.4 shows a claw hammer driving the blue anchor into the wall.
Fig.4 Hammering anchor
Step 5: Fig.5 shows the anchor is in the wall. At this point with the top row completed, now it's time for the bottom row.
Fig.5  Top anchor
Step 6: Fig.6 shows the cordless drill with a masonry drill bit drilling the last two bottom holes.


Fig.6 Last hole
Step 7: Fig.7 shows the claw hammer driving in the last blue anchor into the stucco wall. Next post shows the installation of the vent into the wall.
Fig.7 Bottom row anchor
How to Replace a Dryer Vent:


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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-

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How to Replace Dryer Vent - Part 1 of 4 - Troubleshooting the Dryer Vent

Fig.1 The laundry room hoses
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
None

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 hook up his dryer vent. In troubleshooting the job, the dryer vent was missing. The former owners had taken the vent with them.

This post shows the three steps to troubleshoot this job.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the black hose comes from the washing machine drain line, the thin hose is a water hose to feed the washing machine, the gas line was installed and not leaking. The dryer metal vent foil needs to be installed on the exterior vent because it wasn't attached to vent.
Step 2: Fig.2 shows the existing opening in the wall. The opening is for the vent and the opening was obstructed.
Fig.2 The opening

Step 3: Fig.3 shows the metal vent that will be used to hook up the dryer metal foil and the metal exterior vent. The next post shows how the vent was connected to the exterior stucco wall.
Fig.3 Metal Vent
How to Replace a Dryer Vent:

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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-

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

How to Adjust a Custom Cat Halter

Fig.1 Cat outline
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Awl and thread
Binder clips
Dog collar
Hot glue (holds stitch)
Scissors

Mrs. Black has a large Siamese cat known as a Snowshoe whom she enjoys taking for a walk around her home. She tried every cat halter available on the market. Her cat is wide at the stomach and smaller at the head, but most feline collars do not work this way. A dog halter has a collar around the neck attached with an adjustable strap around the middle keeping the animal from slipping out of the halter. Sounds simple enough, but when placed into action, the cat would not allow the dog halter to be put on him and would just wiggles out of it, thus freeing himself.

This post shows the five steps to change a dog halter into a custom cat halter. 
 
Step 1: Fig.1 (above right) shows a cat's outline that is part of a children's drawing book. If you want interesting coloring pages for your children click above on fig.1. Fig.2 shows the instructions for a new red dog halter that will fit her cat with some customization. Fig.3 shows the red dog halter cut to the new size and now just needs to be sewn together.
Fig.2 Dog halter directions
Fig.3 New halter, now cut to fit a cat
Step 2: Fig.4 and fig.5 shows the repetition of the sewing needle locking in the stitch where the binder clips are attached to the cat halter. Fig.4 through fig.7 shows the stitch from the start to finish with locking the final stitch.
Fig.4 Stitching
Fig.5 Stitching continues
Step 3: Fig.6 shows the continuing stitching to accomplished the goal.
Fig.6 Stitching
Fig.7 Sew together
Step 4: Fig.8 shows that the upside down stitch is locking in the stitch at the ring area. This will need to be done for each segment that was cut to fit the cat.
Fig.8 Closing final stitch
Step 5: Fig.9 shows the cat returned from his walk and is truly a happy boy. The halter worked fine and now her cat cooperates to put the cat halter on. Mrs. Black enjoys walking with her cat safely on his leash.
Fig.9 French: Le Chat

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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-

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How to Repair a Medicine Chest Shelf Quickly

Fig.1 Sanding the shelf
By Gary Boutin

Supplies and Tools:
Aluminum Oxide sandpaper (tan paper)
Chip brush 
Kilz® white primer
Masking tape
Medicine chest - rusty

Mr. Pippin noticed my internet ad and asked us to visit San Diego, California. He paid for our little trip to this beautiful resort area. George lived in Chula Vista near the Mexican boarder. He had a huge laundry list that needed immediate attention. This job is one of the items of his list. 

This post shows the nine steps to repair a rusty medicine chest shelf. 

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the medicine cabinet had a rusted area on the bottom shelf and that the damage was caused by hair products. The solution is to use wood sandpaper to remove the rusted metal and paint buildup. Step 2: Fig.2 shows what is left after sanding is rusted metal and aluminum oxide sand. This sanding job is almost finished, with only a little rust showing.
Fig.2 Paint and rust
Step 3: Fig.3 shows all the rust has been sanded off the shelf and now it's ready to be painted.
Fig.3 Clean metal
Step 4: Metal spray primer or metal spray paint should have been used to fix this shelf. Since George wanted the shelf fixed immediately, he chose to use Kilz® paint primer. Fig.4 shows a chip brush in a Kilz® paint primer paint can.
Fig.4 Chip brush with primer paint
Step 5: Apply masking tape around the the clean metal area.
Step 6: Fig.5 shows that the first coat of white primer is painted on the shelf.
Fig.5 First coat being applied
Step 7: Fig.6 shows the first coat drying.
Fig.6 Drying time
Step 8: Fig.7 shows the second coat is being applied.
Fig.7 Second coat
Step 9: Fig.8 shows the shelf is finished, and the masking tape needs to be removed from the shelf. Now that one job that has been crossed off his list.
Fig.8 Final coat applied
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Saturday, August 24, 2013

How to Repair a Door Handle

Flat tipped screwdriver
By Gary Boutin

Supplies:
#8 brass 3/4-inch door screws
Cordless screwdriver with Phillips tip
Door handle cover

Dr. Shaw tried to replace his door handle on the garage door. He was so frustrated with the knob that it was a little bent when we arrived. He called my repair service to fix his door handle. Carl, my friend, helped solve this door knob issue.

This post shows the five steps to replace the inside door handle.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the handle. We were not able to use this part and this went to the recycle metal yard.
Fig.1 Damaged door handle
Step 2: Fig.2 shows a door handle not the one we used, but after sorting through all the doctor's old door parts, we found a gold inside door knob that worked on the door.
Fig.2 Door knob extra part
Step 3: Fig.3 shows Carl, who is helping me work on this door knob change.

Fig.3 Carl fixing the door knob
Step 4: Fig.4 shows the dead latch and fig.5 shows a door knob base that is the backbone of the door knob. Sometimes the parts are not interchangeable, but this time we were lucky. All that needed to be changed was the inside door knob. But it's important to make sure that the parts work before placing them on the door. It would have been easier to just purchase a new door lock set.
Fig.4 Dead latch
Fig.5 Door knob base

Step 5: Fig.6 shows an old door knob on the left. On the right shows a used gold door knob on the inside of the metal door. We were able to use the old dead latch; we just replaced the wood screws.
Fig.6 Shows the old and used gold door knobs
Step 6: Fig.7 shows a close up of the gold door knob in the unlocked position. It's great if you can use several older locks to work, but they also have to be able to lock on the inside of the door. Our key worked perfectly to lock and to unlock the door, the next step was to check that the inside door lock assembly would lock. We were lucky and it did lock just fine, saving Dr. Shaw additional funds.

Fig.7 Door knob unlocked
Step 7: Fig.8 shows the door knob would lock from the inside. This job is finished and now Dr. Shaw can lock his garage side door again.
Fig.8 Door knob locked
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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-

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