Temporarily replacing one pane of glass in a double-pane door

I've got an old steel patio door with double-pane glass, and one side of the glass has many cracks in it. I'm afraid it's about to fall out at any moment. We have long-term plans to replace the entire door unit, but we're not there yet, so I'm looking for the cheapest workable solution to having the existing door function as a door (I don't care if the solution leads to fogging between the panes). I'm thinking about replacing the broken piece of glass with plexiglass. There's a rubber spline on either side . . . [More]

Temporarily replacing one pane of glass in a double-pane door

I've got an old steel patio door with double-pane glass, and one side of the glass has many cracks in it. I'm afraid it's about to fall out at any moment. We have long-term plans to replace the entire door unit, but we're not there yet, so I'm looking for the cheapest workable solution to having the existing door function as a door (I don't care if the solution leads to fogging between the panes). I'm thinking about replacing the broken piece of glass with plexiglass. There's a rubber spline on either side . . . [More]

Cheap screwdrivers packaged with self assembly furniture

What is the "official" name for these and where might I be able to buy more? Apologies if this is off topic, but figured the people here would know what I am talking about. Let me clarify. I know its a Philips screwdriver. I am more focused on the cheapness. It is borderline disposable. Can these be purchased in bulk somewhere? Question from user CaffeineAddiction at stackexchange. Answer: Unfortunately - there's probably no standard name for it, and chinese manufacturers tend to keyword stuff. I did find a supplier . . . [More]

Cheap screwdrivers packaged with self assembly furniture

What is the "official" name for these and where might I be able to buy more? Apologies if this is off topic, but figured the people here would know what I am talking about. Let me clarify. I know its a Philips screwdriver. I am more focused on the cheapness. It is borderline disposable. Can these be purchased in bulk somewhere? Question from user CaffeineAddiction at stackexchange. Answer: Unfortunately - there's probably no standard name for it, and chinese manufacturers tend to keyword stuff. I did find a supplier . . . [More]

How to secure blum cabinet hinge (Blum 74559)

I have a Blum 74559 hinge that's falling off the door due to heavy use. This hinge is originally part of an Ikea kitchen system. The original installer didn't use any screws to fasten the hinge to the door - it was just pressure fit in. But that's not working now as the door is falling off with use. Now I need to properly install it, presumably using screws. There are predrilled holes in the door that the little metal sleeves slip into, and there are also other holes on the door side of the hinge that could be used if I drill the do . . . [More]

How to secure blum cabinet hinge (Blum 74559)

I have a Blum 74559 hinge that's falling off the door due to heavy use. This hinge is originally part of an Ikea kitchen system. The original installer didn't use any screws to fasten the hinge to the door - it was just pressure fit in. But that's not working now as the door is falling off with use. Now I need to properly install it, presumably using screws. There are predrilled holes in the door that the little metal sleeves slip into, and there are also other holes on the door side of the hinge that could be used if I drill the do . . . [More]

How to Fix A Rotten Porch Post

I recently purchased a new home and the porch has a rotten post. I'm not entirely sure how to address it and would like some help because it seems like it's held up by hopes and dreams to begin with. The post connected to the footing is partially hanging off and the post on the porch doesn't appear to be connected to the footing post at all. It looks like someone attempted a "repair" by jamming a block of wood between the two. The porch post appears to be mostly held up by the rim joist but I can't tell if it was no . . . [More]

How to Fix A Rotten Porch Post

I recently purchased a new home and the porch has a rotten post. I'm not entirely sure how to address it and would like some help because it seems like it's held up by hopes and dreams to begin with. The post connected to the footing is partially hanging off and the post on the porch doesn't appear to be connected to the footing post at all. It looks like someone attempted a "repair" by jamming a block of wood between the two. The porch post appears to be mostly held up by the rim joist but I can't tell if it was no . . . [More]

Size of lag bolts for pergola and advice on joining beams to posts

I am planning to build a pergola, and I have a 6x6 post, and on each side I plan to notch in the 6x6 by 1", then use two 2x10s crossbeams. I am trying to determine which screws I should purchase. My pergola is about 8" x 20" and has six posts (two 10" long sections). So in effect, I have a 6x6 reduced to a 6x4 at the joint, sandwiched between two 2x10s for a total thickness of 8" (pergola is fairly long, which is why I go with the 2x10s rather than smaller crossbeams). My questions are: Will notching provide le . . . [More]

Size of lag bolts for pergola and advice on joining beams to posts

I am planning to build a pergola, and I have a 6x6 post, and on each side I plan to notch in the 6x6 by 1", then use two 2x10s crossbeams. I am trying to determine which screws I should purchase. My pergola is about 8" x 20" and has six posts (two 10" long sections). So in effect, I have a 6x6 reduced to a 6x4 at the joint, sandwiched between two 2x10s for a total thickness of 8" (pergola is fairly long, which is why I go with the 2x10s rather than smaller crossbeams). My questions are: Will notching provide le . . . [More]

Using deck screws on regular wood stud?

I installed a washer box onto a stud using deck screws. Following this, during a conversation at Lowe's with one of their employees, I was informed that the coating on deck screws is specifically designed for use with pressure-treated wood. According to the employee, using these screws with non-pressure-treated studs could lead to corrosion due to a reaction between the screw coating and the wood. This information has raised some concerns, and I am seeking clarification. Is the statement regarding the potential for corrosion when using d . . . [More]

Using deck screws on regular wood stud?

I installed a washer box onto a stud using deck screws. Following this, during a conversation at Lowe's with one of their employees, I was informed that the coating on deck screws is specifically designed for use with pressure-treated wood. According to the employee, using these screws with non-pressure-treated studs could lead to corrosion due to a reaction between the screw coating and the wood. This information has raised some concerns, and I am seeking clarification. Is the statement regarding the potential for corrosion when using d . . . [More]

Weatherproof junction box has two types of holes - ports - what connector is compatible with each?

I've got some weatherproof outdoor junction boxes and am trying to figure out what type of connector is compatible with each hole/port. Below is a photo of a sample weatherproof box with two deep threaded "hubs(?)" on top and one on the bottom, and a shallow threaded hole on the back. My understanding is that rigid/IMC threaded ends or rigid/IMC threaded fittings will fit in the deep threaded "hubs". What about EMT or liquidtite threaded fittings with locknuts? The deep hubs seem like they will not accommodate locknut . . . [More]

Weatherproof junction box has two types of holes - ports - what connector is compatible with each?

I've got some weatherproof outdoor junction boxes and am trying to figure out what type of connector is compatible with each hole/port. Below is a photo of a sample weatherproof box with two deep threaded "hubs(?)" on top and one on the bottom, and a shallow threaded hole on the back. My understanding is that rigid/IMC threaded ends or rigid/IMC threaded fittings will fit in the deep threaded "hubs". What about EMT or liquidtite threaded fittings with locknuts? The deep hubs seem like they will not accommodate locknut . . . [More]

How can I remove a rusted faucet nut?

Trying to remove my Kitchen Faucet. It's around 10 years old. The last set is to remove the Nut that holds a brass plate to fasten the faucet to the kitchen counter. . The problem is, i think the nut that is hold that brass plate has corroded. The other problem is I have very little room to work with under the sink. Only like a 3-4 inch gap to try to loosen the nut. Question from user Outdated Computer Tech at stackexchange. Answer: You might find a monobloc tap wrench that fits. They are designed for reaching up behind a bas . . . [More]

How can I remove a rusted faucet nut?

Trying to remove my Kitchen Faucet. It's around 10 years old. The last set is to remove the Nut that holds a brass plate to fasten the faucet to the kitchen counter. . The problem is, i think the nut that is hold that brass plate has corroded. The other problem is I have very little room to work with under the sink. Only like a 3-4 inch gap to try to loosen the nut. Question from user Outdated Computer Tech at stackexchange. Answer: You might find a monobloc tap wrench that fits. They are designed for reaching up behind a bas . . . [More]

How do I install a sink in a room that doesnt have a drain vent?

I want to install a sink in my attached garage where there is no existing plumbing. I will be running new water supply and drain pipes to mains behind a nearby wall. I'm concerned I will need a drain vent to avoid a slow or gurgling drain. What is a good design to avoid plumbing problems once installed? Question from user spoulson at stackexchange. Answer: Yours is a not uncommon problem, so a solution does exist. For example, how might one vent a sink in an island in the center of a kitchen? I looked online, and it seems there . . . [More]

How do I install a sink in a room that doesnt have a drain vent?

I want to install a sink in my attached garage where there is no existing plumbing. I will be running new water supply and drain pipes to mains behind a nearby wall. I'm concerned I will need a drain vent to avoid a slow or gurgling drain. What is a good design to avoid plumbing problems once installed? Question from user spoulson at stackexchange. Answer: Yours is a not uncommon problem, so a solution does exist. For example, how might one vent a sink in an island in the center of a kitchen? I looked online, and it seems there . . . [More]

Can kitchen plumbing run behind cabinet and not in wall?

Normally, plumbing (drain and supply) runs inside wall, but is it permitted, by national building code, to run plumbing between wall and cabinet not inside wall? This means moving entire row of cabinet forward ~2" as well as horizontal run of supply/drain/vent (not shown but very important). This drawing is simply to illustrate the cavity in which I want to run plumbing, not the full plumbing layout. Question from user codechimp at stackexchange. Answer: No code issue with it. Well, other than - your drawing does not incude a r . . . [More]

Can kitchen plumbing run behind cabinet and not in wall?

Normally, plumbing (drain and supply) runs inside wall, but is it permitted, by national building code, to run plumbing between wall and cabinet not inside wall? This means moving entire row of cabinet forward ~2" as well as horizontal run of supply/drain/vent (not shown but very important). This drawing is simply to illustrate the cavity in which I want to run plumbing, not the full plumbing layout. Question from user codechimp at stackexchange. Answer: No code issue with it. Well, other than - your drawing does not incude a r . . . [More]