22 WAYS TO AVOID REPAIR BILLS!

Handyman
THE FAMILY #1 in DIY Home Improvement

SMART
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STORAGE
ANYONE CAN BUILD IN A DAY!

10 Things
You Must Do
Before Winter
BIG STORAGE
FOR A SMALL
BATHROOM
Avoid Furnace
Breakdowns!
DO YOU
NEED AN AIR
PURIFIER?
October 2016

7
REASONS TO
KEEP YOUR
LANDLINE!
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 Table of CONTENTS
O C T O B E R 2 016 familyhandyman.com

Special Section:
Kitchen & Bath Improvements

6 Stuff We Love
High-end sinks and faucets for
less, a magnetic showerhead
and an easy way to save water.

10 Easy-Build Rollouts
You can make these rollouts
on your workbench and get
organized in no time at all.

18 Double Your Bathroom

Storage
Install a larger medicine cabinet
and glass shelves to get the
space you need.

24 Handy Hints®
Tips for leaf cleanup, securing
your garbage cans and more.

28 Know Your Furnace

Avoid breakdowns and solve
simple problems yourself.

39 Prep for Winter

Kitchen Storage Do these 10 things this fall
10 to prevent costly repairs.

MR D
IREC T INT
ERNATIO
NAL

6
GETTY IMAGES/BOOMER JERRITT

Furnace
Smarts Before
Winter Hits ...

Bath
18 Storage 28 39
NOTE: Skipped pages represent advertisements
f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 3
that are not included in this digital edition.
 Table of CONTENTS
O C T O B E R 2 016 familyhandyman.com

44 Car + Garage
In search of a reliable used
car? Here’s how to get the best
vehicle for the lowest price.
Tips for
51 Pro Tips Removing
The key to crack-free concrete Trim
is good site preparation.

57 Top Ten Tips

We’ll show you how to remove
trim without wrecking it! How to Get
Crack-Free
63 Home Care + Repair Concrete
Choosing an air purifier,
sealing leaky ducts, and tips
for using twist-on connectors.

68 What Homeowners 51 57
Must Know
How to lower your home
insurance, check your dryer
vent and prevent stuck bulbs.

74 Home Tech
7 excellent reasons to keep
your landline! Should
You Buy
80 Great Goofs® an Air
Big do-it-yourself messes Purifier?
are the order of the day.

New courses at the H

MILY AND
DIY University FA
YM
THE

AN

include Paint a

SHARP
Room Like a Pro. D
ty

63
IY si
U n iv e r
mydiyuniversity.com

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4 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 STUFF we love
BY MARK PETERSEN editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

High-end sinks
with low prices
I was at the International Builders’ Show in
Vegas last winter and came across the Mr.
Sinks & Faucets booth. What caught my eye
was the massive selection of vessel and con-
ventional vanity sinks made from every mate-
rial imaginable. And I couldn’t believe how
inexpensive they were. There was a glass
vessel sink for less than $30 and a large rect-
angular solid granite unit for $219. The com-
pany, MR Direct International, has a huge
selection of frugally priced kitchen sinks and
faucets as well.
The reps explained that the low prices were
the result of having no stores or middlemen,
just a giant warehouse in Toledo, OH. So if
you’re nosing around for a faucet or sink, check
out the collection at mrdirectint.com or call
(877) 946-5725 and request a catalog.
Travis Larson, Senior Editor
MR DIRECT INTERNATIONAL

6 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyhandym an .com Kitchen & Bath Improvements

 EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief Gary Wentz
AMERICA’S
MOST USEFUL TOOL
Senior Editor Travis Larson
Associate Editors Jeff Gorton, Mark Petersen, ¨
Jason White
Managing Editor Donna Bierbach
Contributing Copy Editor Peggy Parker
Art Directors Vern Johnson, Marcia Roepke
Production Artist Mary Schwender
Photographer Tom Fenenga
Contributing Editors Elisa Bernick, Spike Carlsen,
Ken Collier, Rick Muscoplat,
David Radtke
Lead Carpenter Josh Risberg

Senior VP, Chief Content Officer Catherine Cassidy

VP, Content Operations Kerri Balliet
Creative Director Howard Greenberg

Manager, Digital Product Mgmt. Jennifer Richter

Senior Analyst, Digital Analytics Ashley Keefe
Assistant Product Manager Collin Sharkey
Senior Content Producer Karisa Langlo

ADVERTISING
VP, Group Publisher Russell S. Ellis
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President & Bonnie Kintzer
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OCTOBER 2016 7
 An easy way
to save water
Faucet aerators save water by infusing
air into the stream, which gives the sen-
sation of higher water pressure. A
simple way to reduce water consump-
tion is to replace your current aerators
with water-saving models. Some
reduce the water flow to less than .5
gpm (gallons per minute), considerably
less than 1.5 gpm, which is standard on A BETTER TOILET
many faucets today. PAPER HOLDER
If you have unfiltered well water that
My wife recently brought home a pivoting toilet
contains sediment, water-saving aera-
paper holder, which reaffirmed my long-held
tors may not be an option for you.
belief that it’s the little things in life that make
Sediment can clog the small orifices.
us happy. The holder has a pivoting arm that
There are a few different styles, so take
lifts up but stays attached. That means no
your old aerator to the store to make
more chasing spring-loaded rollers around the
sure you get the right type. The Neoperl
bathroom floor. Buy this type of paper holder,
Mikado aerator shown produces a fancy
made by a variety of manufacturers, at home
spiral pattern and is available for $6 at

NEOPERL
centers or online. The Moen model we bought
homedepot.com.
cost $26.
Mark Petersen, Associate Editor

ART DIRECTION VERN JOHNSON ¥ PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA UNLESS NOTED

MOEN

DRAIN
Magnetic showerhead
RYOBI

AUGER The Moen Magnetix handheld shower is secured

to the shower arm with a magnet rather than a
clip. That’s quick and slick for me, but even
Clear drainpipes like a pro better for my daughter, who can’t reach quite
Professional drain augers cost anywhere from $300 to well over high enough to remove a standard shower wand.
$1,000. That’s just not in the price range of most homeowners, even Aside from allowing her to shower “like a grown-
for us hard-core DIYers. But now every homeowner with finicky drain- up,” the Magnetix line offers adjustable spray
pipes can play professional plumber with Ryobi’s new battery-oper- patterns and water-saving engineering. We’ve
ated Drain Auger. It runs on an 18-volt ONE+ battery and costs less had ours for a year and wouldn’t give it up.
than $60 (for the tool only). That’s about half of what a plumber Magnetix handheld showers are available in
would charge just for showing up at your door. You’ll find them at The stores and online, starting at about $65.
Home Depot or homedepot.com. Gary Wentz, Editor-in-Chief

8 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyhandym an .com Kitchen & Bath Improvements

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EASY-BUILD
ROLLOUTS
You can build one in an hour, even if youÕre a beginner!
by Travis Larson
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

WHAT IT TAKES
Time: 1 to 2 hours per rollout—but you’ll
pick up speed with each one!
Cost: $30 per rollout
Tools: Circular saw, drill and a hammer—
but a miter saw, table saw and an
18-gauge nailer will make it easier.

10 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m Kitchen & Bath Improvements

If you’re tired of getting down on all
fours and rooting through dark,
jumbled base cabinets to find what
you need, this project is for you.
Rollouts make it easy to organize
and access everything from your
pantry items and cookware in the
kitchen to the power tools and
finish cans in your shop.
PLAN AROUND YOUR TYPICAL CONTENTS
I’ve built many rollouts for my 1 Stage the items you wish to store on rollouts until you’re
satisfied with the heights and quantity of the drawers. Note the
house and workshop, and believe clearance heights needed to get the spacing and positioning correct
me, the conventional way of build- in the cabinet.

ing rollouts is tricky, time-consum-

ing and frustrating. With the easier
method shown here, you can build
the rollouts on your workbench
using just a few measurements
taken from each cabinet.

Plan the rollouts

Before you build anything, decide what
you’ll be storing in each rollout. I lay out
the items to determine the height of the
drawer sides and to plan for clearance
at the top (Photo 1). That will let you
MEASURE THE OPENING
know how many rollouts are possible in
each cabinet and exactly how high to
2 Open the door(s) on the cabinet and measure between the
narrowest part of the opening (including projecting hinge hardware)
place the cleats (Photo 10). to size the rollouts. After measuring, remove the doors to make it
easier to work and to prevent damage.

Buying the materials

Study Figure A to understand the construc-
tion. Since each cabinet is unique, the
quantities of each material will vary. You’ll
have to measure your cabinets and plan
your rollouts to figure out a materials list
before you go to the home center. But the
basic recipe is the same no matter what
size rollouts you’re building. Each unit
requires a pair of 22-in. side-mount
drawer slides (Photos 6 and 7). And each

MEET THE
EXPERT
Travis Larson, senior
TEST-FIT BEFORE ASSEMBLY
editor, has been tinkering
with dozens of rollouts
3 Cut the rollout base, drawer sides, front and back, and drawer
slide mounts following Figure A on p. 12. Loosely assemble the parts
over the last 25 years. in the cabinet to make sure everything is going to fit before moving on
to assembly.

Kitchen & Bath Improvements f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 11

 DRAWER
SIDE
DRAWER
FRONT

ASSEMBLE THE PARTS

4 Glue and nail together the drawer with 2-in. brads. (Remember: The front and back go between the sides, not
the other way around!)

Figure A Anatomy of a simple rollout

If you have standard base cabinets, there are a few standard measurements and benchmarks to follow when building your roll-
outs. Standard cabinets have an inside depth of just under 24 in. With that in mind, use these rules of thumb to cut your parts:

DRAWER BOTTOM:
BASE: Cut 1/2-in. plywood 1/4 in.
Assemble the sides, front
shorter than the inside width of
and back as shown
the cabinet and 23 in. deep.
above, then measure and
cut the bottom to fit.

VENEER (optional)

DRAWER FRONT AND BACK: Cut 3-3/4 in.

shorter than the opening at the narrowest
(see Photo 2). (This allows for the thick-
ness of the drawer slide mounts, drawer
DRAWER SIDES, DRAWER SLIDE
sides and the drawer slides plus 1/4 in. for
MOUNTS, CLEATS: Cut to 22-3/4 in. long.
wiggle room.)

12 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m Kitchen & Bath Improvements

 TRAVIS’S ROLLOUTS
“I love rollouts and have built several different versions
for my shop and house. Here are just a few.”

We keep our cookware right next to Deep pantries make it notoriously

the stove: pans on the bottom, lids difficult to access the stuff in the
on the top. back. I filled our pantry with roll-
outs so we could get at everything.

STOP
DREAMING
AND START
ART DIRECTION VERN JOHNSON • PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA • ILLUSTRATION FRANK ROHRBACH III

LIVING
Does your living space stop on
the ground floor because your
basement is damp and
uninviting? Reclaim that
1/3 of your home with
DRYLOK® Masonry
Waterproofer. Your
This cabinet holds my biscuitry tools on the top, router accessories in
basement can be a
the middle and routers on the bottom.
playroom, laundry
room, workshop and
more in one weekend.

STOPS WATER
3 PROVEN FORMULAS
INDEPENDENTLY TESTED

NEW CLEAR TO USE ON

BASEMENT FLOORS AND
NATURAL AND VENEER
MORE ROLLOUT DESIGNS! STONE SIDING
Go to familyhandyman.com
and search for “rollouts.”

These three rollout/drawer hybrids hold the finishes and solvents

in my shop.

Visit DRYLOK.COM for inspirational

photos, how-to videos and brochures
fam ilyh an d ym an.co m OCTOBER 2016 13
 one will need 1/4-in. plywood for the
bottom (Photo 5), 1/2-in. plywood for
DRAWER the rollout base (Photos 8 and 9) and
BOTTOM
of course, either 1x6s or 1x3s for the
rollout frames. (We used clear pine
for these, but you can use any wood
as long as it’s straight.)
Choose a 1x6 frame to corral bulky
items like pans, linens or cereal
boxes and a 1x3 frame for shorter
items like canned goods, spices or
utensils. (You can substitute 1x2s or
ADD THE BOTTOM 1x4s if you wish.) Both types get
5 Use the bottom to square up the frame when you glue and pin it to the
underside with 1-in. brads.
mounted on a 1/2-in. plywood base,
which rests either on the cabinet
bottom or on cleats that attach to
the cabinet sides for elevated units.
For each elevated rollout, you’ll need
40 in. of 1x2s for support cleats
(Photo 10). Each rollout will also
require 4 ft. of 1x3, which is used for
drawer slide mounts (Photo 7).
Rollouts need to be anchored to pre-
vent tipping. Just screw bottom roll-
out bases to the bottom of the
cabinet. Anchor upper rollouts with
angle brackets (Photo 11).

Assembly
and finishing
After you cut all the parts, dry-fit
everything inside the cabinet to
ADD THE DRAWER SLIDES make sure it will fit and allow
6 Clamp the drawer down to a flat surface, rest the
drawer slide flush with the front of the drawer and predrill
enough clearance to operate (Photo
FLUSH 3). I can’t tell you how many times
the holes into the non-slotted holes with a self-centering drill.
Then anchor the slides to the drawer with the included screws. I’ve forgotten to account for the
width of drawer sides, the thickness
of slides or something else and had
to knock everything apart and start
over. Plus, dry-fitting will force you
to think through the assembly so
you can avoid making a mistake.
After you cut the parts and
assemble the rollout drawer, apply
SLIDE
MOUNT your choice of finish before you put
the drawer slides on and install the
FRONT unit in the cabinet. We covered the
front of our rollouts with a self-
adhesive veneer to help them blend
in with the cabinets. You can find
some veneer options at home cen-
ters and woodworking stores, and
many more online by searching for
“self sticking veneer.”
MOUNT THE DRAWER SLIDES ON THE SLIDE MOUNTS
7 Clamp the drawer slide mounts to the bench. Place the drawer slides
flush with the end and then screw them to the drawer slide mounts.

14 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m Kitchen & Bath Improvements

 DOMINATE IT ALL
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 1/2" BASE

SLIDE DRAWER
MOUNT

CLAMP THE DRAWER ASSEMBLY TO THE BASE SCREW THE DRAWER MOUNTS TO THE BASE
8 Engage the slides, then center the rollout drawer on
the plywood base and clamp the drawer mounts in place
9 Flip over the assembly and predrill and anchor the
slide mounts through the base with 1-5/8-in. screws.
at all four corners.

CLEAT

ANGLE
BRACKET

TEMPORARY
SUPPORT

10 FASTEN THE CLEATS TO THE CABINET

Support elevated rollouts on cleats. Rest the
cleats on squares of plywood cut to the right width
11 SECURE THE ROLLOUTS
Anchor elevated rollouts with angle brackets
screwed to the cabinet back and drawer slide mounts
while you screw the cleats to the cabinet sides with (top photo). Anchor bottom rollouts by sinking a couple of
1-1/4-in. screws. 1-1/4-in. screws through the rollout base into the
cabinet bottom, as shown in the bottom photo.

16 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m Kitchen & Bath Improvements

 Snoring? Now there’s even
an adjustment for that. *

FlexTop® King mattress

lets you elevate the top half FlexTop®
Mattress
of each side independently

Partner
Snore™

SleepIQ® Track and optimize your sleep with

technology optional SleepIQ® technology
inside

Thanks to our exclusive Partner Snore™ technology, the Sleep Number®

mattress and FlexFit™ adjustable base bring couples together again.

Whether you prefer supreme softness or And now, when you add optional SleepIQ®
conforming comfort, Sleep Number ® technology, you can know your best sleep
beds feature DualAir™ technology, and prove it. Using sensors inside the
allowing you to adjust each side to mattress, SleepIQ® technology tracks
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Arrow Design are registered trademarks of Select Comfort Corporation. ©2016 Select Comfort Corporation
 DOUBLE
your bathroom
STORAGE Two easy projects
add storage and
display space to
a small bathroom

Glass
display shelves
lend an open and
airy feel to any
room.

A larger
mirror will make
a small room
seem larger.

EDITOR TRAVIS LARSON • ART DIRECTION HOPE FAY • PHOTOGRAPHY BILL ZUEHLKE
Bathrooms never have enough storage
or shelf space. Finding a home for all
your blow dryers, curling irons, toilet
paper, and cans, soaps and bottles can
be a challenge. Once you’ve filled your
vanity, how do you squeeze more stor-
age into a small bath? And what about
your knickknacks?
Here are two simple projects to help
you get the space you need.

18 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m Kitchen & Bath Improvements

Are you ready
to save energy?

With Eaton, You’re Ready.

Help reduce energy costs with innovative, energy efficient
products from Eaton, like Eaton’s lighting control solutions.
Eaton’s dimmers, motion sensors and timers help reduce
energy usage while enhancing
flexibility and seamlessly improving
ambiance. To be ready, call an
Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor
for information and installation.

Find an Eaton Certified Electrical Contractor

near you at myhome.eaton.com
BATHROOM STORAGE

PROJECT 1:
INSTALL GLASS SHELVES
Most bathrooms have one area you can There are zillions of glass shelving sys- because you probably won’t have
count on for additional storage, and tems on the market. Follow the direc- studs exactly where you need them.
that’s over the toilet. Open glass shelv- tions that come with the system for the We used masking tape to avoid mark-
ing is a great way to display decorative installation, but read on for help ing the walls.
bathroom bottles or knickknacks. anchoring the shelves to the wall

CENTER
LINE
BRACKET
LOCATIONS

FIND LOCATION FOR BRACKETS MARK WITH A SCREWDRIVER

1 Apply a strip of 2-in.-wide masking tape above the
center of the toilet and on both sides where the shelf
2 Indent the drywall at the marks with a Phillips
screwdriver and remove the tape.
brackets will be mounted. Draw a centerline with a level
and mark the heights of the shelves on the center tape.
Transfer the heights to the bracket tape with a 2-ft.
level. Then measure from the centerline to mark the
exact left and right locations for the brackets.

90-LB.-RATED
WALL ANCHOR

3INSTALL ANCHORS
Drive hollow wall anchors through the drywall. 4 FASTEN THE BRACKETS
Screw the brackets to the wall using the screws
included with the anchors.

20 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m Kitchen & Bath Improvements

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Kitchen & Bath Improvements
HOLE FROM
PROJECT 2: INSTALL A LARGER OLD MEDICINE
MEDICINE CABINET CABINET

You can find a wide variety of medicine cabinets and shelves at

home centers and kitchen and bath stores. When sizing a
medicine cabinet, measure the space you have available behind
your sink, both height and width. Keep a few inches away from
MARK CENTER
existing light fixtures (unless you want to move them). Buy a OF SINK
TEMPORARY
cabinet that fits within those dimensions. 1x2 LEDGER
Surface-mounting a large medicine cabinet is just a matter
of centering it, leveling it and screwing it to the wall studs. Your
old cabinet may be surface-mounted or recessed into the wall
cavity between the framing. Remove a recessed unit by open-
ing the door, backing out the screws in the side of the cabinet STUD

and pulling it out of the recess. You may need to cut around it
with a utility knife if it’s caulked or painted in around the edges.
Have a helper support surface-mounted cabinets while you
back out the screws, or if you’re alone, screw a temporary 1x2
support ledger under the cabinet as we show in Photo 1 to hold
it while you unscrew it from the wall. You may need to move or
replace the lighting beside or above the old cabinet. Now’s the
time to do it. MARK THE STUDS
Hold the new medicine cabinet against the wall and adjust it
up and down until the height is a good compromise for your
1 Mark the height of the bottom of the cabinet and
draw a line with a 2-ft. level. Find the studs by probing
family members, then mark the bottom and set the cabinet with a nail and mark the stud positions above the level
line. Screw a temporary 1x2 ledger board through the
aside. Use the mark to draw a level line for positioning the 1x2
drywall into the studs. Mark the center of the sink on
ledger (Photo 1). Then follow the photo series for installation the ledger, and then measure over from the center
details. mark to the left and right studs.

22 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

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 CABINET
TOP

CENTER

2-1/2" SCREW
CENTER

CENTER
STUD CABINET CABINET
LOCATION BOTTOM

TRANSFER STUD LOCATIONS FASTEN THE CABINET

2 Mark the center of the cabinet at the top and
bottom and transfer the center-to-stud locations to the
3 Set the cabinet on the ledger and line up the
center of the cabinet with the center mark on the
inside of the cabinet. Start 2-1/2-in. screws at those ledger. Drive the screws into the studs, then remove
marks. the ledger. Fill the screw holes with spackling compound
and touch up the paint.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 23

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 EDITOR JASON WHITE • ART DIRECTION MARCIA ROEPKE • PHOTOGRAPHY HSP
®

Handy HINTS
FROM OUR READERS handyhints@thefamilyhandyman.com

0
GET $10UR
FOR YOHINT!
HANDY
SEE P. 4 Measuring cup
TAILS.
F R DE
O hang-up
Free up drawer space by hanging mea-
suring cups inside a kitchen cabinet.
Position and mount a wood strip so
that the cups will hang between the
shelves and allow the door to close
completely. Mount a second strip for
your measuring spoons, then screw in
cup hooks on both strips.
Veronica Schuler

ELECTRIC
TOOTHBRUSH

Electric
grout cleaning
Leaf bag stiffener I always save my worn-out electric
toothbrush heads because they’re
The problem with paper leaf bags is that when they’re empty, they collapse just
great for cleaning the grout between
as you start to put leaves in them. You can buy those fancy cardboard and plas-
my shower tiles. I just apply a little bit
tic bag stiffeners, but why bother? I just roll the tops of the bags inward. This
of detergent to the head of the brush.
holds the top wide open while I dump in the leaves and other lawn debris.
It works especially well on corners.
Greg Reinhard
John Willett

24 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 WHY SETTLE FOR A SINGLE

GOOD CUP OF COFFEE,

WHEN YOU CAN HAVE A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE

EVERY SINGLE TIME.

EACH MAXWELL HOUSE BLEND IS SELECTED

SELE FROM
FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEA
BEANS, SO EVERY
DELICIOUS CUP IS GOOD TO THE LAS
LAST DROP.

Keurig, the Cup and Star design, Keurig Brewed and K-Cup® are trademarks of Keurig, Incorporated. Used with permission. © 2016 Kraft Foods.
 NYLON
STRAP
WITH
BUCKLE

BUNGEE
CORD

Windproof
trash bin
Sick of picking up trash strewn about
my driveway after a big windstorm, I
decided to take action. At the hard-
ware store, I found a nylon strap, the
kind with a buckle. I fastened it to my
Bucket bungee garage wall with a deck screw and
I use a lot of 5-gallon pails to store tools and other construction gear in my pickup. fender washer, looped it around my
But I was frustrated because they were always sliding around and tipping, and I trash bin’s handle, cut it to length and
couldn’t always reach them without climbing up into the bed. My solution: Secure cinched it up. No more trash-collecting
them in the pickup bed with bungee cords. Now they stay put! job for me!
Tim Horky Steven Rorabacher

Nature’s drop cloth

When I paint long pieces of trim or siding, I do it
on the lawn. No drop cloth needed! Any paint
drips disappear the next time I mow the grass.
Adam Tokheim

26 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

No-slide knee pads
Knee pads that slip down your shins every time you
stand up are a huge nuisance. Avoid the slide by strap-
ping on a pair of hockey or baseball catcher’s shin
guards instead. You get comfortable knee pads that stay
put, and shin protection, too. You can try a secondhand
sports store or get a new pair for about $30 online.
Bill Jones

For more tips &

goofs, download our
FREE mobile app!

DIY TIP
GENIUS
familyhandyman.
com/diy-tip-genius

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 27

 KNOW YOUR
FURNACE

ART DIRECTION MARCIA ROEPKE • PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA • ILLUSTRATIONS FRANK ROHRBACH III
A little knowledge
can save you big bucks!
Furnaces might seem
complicated, but the basics
are surprisingly easy to
understand. Once you know
them, you’ll be able to avoid
breakdowns and solve simple
problems yourself. Plus,
you’ll understand what the
heck a repair technician is
saying, make smarter deci-
sions and avoid rip-offs. That
can add up to huge savings
over the life of your furnace.

by Jason White
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

28 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

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 HUMIDIFIER
Anatomy of a conventional furnace On some furnaces, a humidifier is mounted on the
supply-air plenum to add moisture to dry air. When
it stops working, it’s usually because of a clogged or
SUPPLY-AIR PLENUM
burned-out solenoid (electric water valve) or bad
The supply-air plenum is a large sheet
drum motor—all fairly easy to fix. For information on
metal box on top of the furnace. It distrib-
COOLING COIL repairing an existing humidifier or installing a new
utes warmed (or cooled) air to the ducts.
If you have central air one, visit familyhandyman.com and search for
conditioning, a cooling “humidifier.”
coil cools air on its way WARM
AIR EXHAUST
up the supply-air FLUE PIPE
plenum. Copper tubing All furnaces have a pipe
connects the cooling coil that carries deadly
to the compressor unit exhaust outside by way of
outside your home a chimney or through
(that’s the big box with an exterior wall.
REFRIGERANT
the fan in it). Flues routed
TUBING
through walls can
get blocked by
HEAT EXCHANGER shrubs, snow or
A heat exchanger is the part of small animals,
the furnace that heats the air. causing the fur-
Flames warm the inside of the POWER nace to shut
heat exchanger, while air passing across SWITCH down.
the outside of it gets warmed.
Sometimes—due to age or lack of mainte-
nance—heat exchangers can crack and
leak deadly carbon mon-
oxide into your house GAS LINE
SHUTOFF
and kill you (see
CONDENSATE COLD
“Get a Carbon LINE AIR
Monoxide (COOLING MODE) GAS
REGULATOR
Detector”
on p. 33).
Sometimes COMBUSTION
FLOOR AIR INTAKE
heat DRAIN
exchangers
can be
replaced.
BURNER
However,
The burner warms
depending on
the inside of a heat
how old your
exchanger, which
furnace is,
heats the air for the
replacing the
house.
entire furnace
might be smarter.

BLOWER
A blower is turned by a motor and forces
RETURN-AIR PLENUM AIR warmed air through supply ducts. Motor
FILTER
Return ducts and the large bearings are usually sealed and don’t
return-air plenum carry air require lubrication, but even sealed bear-
from rooms back to the fur- ings can fail over time and cause the
nace to be heated or cooled. motor to overheat.

How it heats
A conventional “forced-air” furnace is a pretty simple through supply ducts and into the rooms of your house.
system. A thermostat calls for heat, which triggers the Meanwhile, cooler air in each of the rooms gets pulled
furnace to burn fuel, which warms a heat exchanger. A back toward the furnace through cold-air return ducts.
motor spins a blower wheel, which moves cool air past You’ll usually see return grilles mounted in the floor or
the heat exchanger and pushes the newly warmed air low on a wall.

30 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 Anatomy of a “high-efficiency” furnace
FRESH-AIR INTAKE
“TWO-STAGE” WARM The fresh-air intake pipe directs
AIR
BURNER air from outside to the furnace
COMBUSTION
Some high-efficiency AIR INTAKE for combustion. Older furnaces
furnaces have a two- use warm interior air for com-
stage burner. When bustion, which wastes energy.
COOLING COIL
it’s cold in the house,
the burner runs on
REFRIGERANT
high to warm up the TUBING
house quickly. Once
SUPPLY-AIR
the house is warm PLENUM
enough, the burner
EXHAUST
switches to its low
stage and consumes HUMIDIFIER
less fuel.

GAS LINE
PRIMARY HEAT EXCHANGER SHUTOFF
The primary heat exchanger on a
high-efficiency furnace is similar
to the heat exchanger on a con-
ventional furnace. FLUE PIPE
Because heat is
SECONDARY extracted from
HEAT EXCHANGER exhaust by a sec-
High-efficiency furnaces also ondary heat
have a secondary heat exchanger, the
GAS
exchanger that extracts more REGULATOR exhaust is no
heat from exhaust and, com- longer warm
bined with a primary heat enough to rise
exchanger, heats the air COLD through a chim-
AIR ney. Instead, a
being pulled toward the POWER
SWITCH fan pushes
furnace via return ducts.
exhaust gases
through a flue
pipe—usually
VARIABLE- made of PVC—
SPEED BLOWER and out through
Some high- an exterior wall.
efficiency
furnaces
also have a
variable-speed FLOOR
DRAIN
motor that spins
the blower wheel
faster or slower
CONDENSATE LINES
depending on
When heat is extracted by the secondary
how much heat is
heat exchanger, water—called “conden-
needed, thereby RETURN-AIR
PLENUM AIR sate”—is left behind. Plastic tubing carries
using less FILTER
the condensate away from the furnace to a
electricity.
floor drain or condensate pump. The cooling
coil also has its own condensate line.

How it heats
Like conventional furnaces, high-efficiency models use is removed from the exhaust, it’s not warm enough to
a heat exchanger to warm the air. In fact, they have two rise, so it can’t be vented up through a chimney. A
heat exchangers—a primary one and a secondary one. small PVC exhaust pipe run through an exterior wall is
The secondary heat exchanger extracts heat from all that’s needed. These units also require a second
exhaust—heat that would otherwise go out the flue— PVC pipe—usually located close to the exhaust pipe—
and uses it, combined with heat from the primary heat to deliver fresh outside air to the furnace for
exchanger, to warm the air in your home. Because heat combustion.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 31

 Before you call for repairs …

7 THINGS YOU
MUST CHECK

1 AIR FILTER
A badly clogged air
filter can cause the
furnace to overheat
and shut off, so
replace it if it’s dirty.

2
It can be hard to tell
with some filters,
so consider installing POWER
an air filter gauge Make sure the
that lets you know power is on! The
when it’s time to power switch for
replace the filter your furnace
(see p. 37). looks like a regu- POWER
lar light switch SWITCH

and can get

bumped and
turned off acci-
dentally. If the
switch is off, just
flip it back on.

4 GAS LINE
GAS LINE
SHUTOFF SHUTOFF
Check the ball
valve on the
pipe that sup-
plies gas to

3
your furnace
and make sure
THERMOSTAT it’s open all
Be sure your thermostat is set to “heat” the way. When
and at a temperature higher than the the valve’s
temperature inside the house. handle is par-
allel to the
pipe, it’s open.

32 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 6 DOOR SWITCH
Check the door
switch. Whenever you
remove the access
door on the furnace, a
little safety switch
shuts everything off.
Sometimes this
switch will stay turned
off if the door isn’t
FRESH-AIR
completely closed.
INTAKE

DOOR
SWITCH

EXHAUST

CONDENSATE
LINE

5 INTAKE AND EXHAUST PIPES

Newer high-efficiency furnaces will shut
off if something like a bird or ice buildup
blocks either the fresh-air pipe or the 7 CONDENSATE LINE
exhaust pipe. You’ll need to go outside
High-efficiency furnaces produce water called
and peek inside the pipes to see.
“condensate.” If the drain tubing for the conden-
Sometimes a critter can get lodged in the
sate gets clogged, the furnace shuts off. Check
pipe all the way back to the furnace and
the tubing and clear any clogs. Or, better yet, just
you won’t be able to see it without taking
replace the tubing.
the pipe apart, a job best left to a pro.

Get a carbon
monoxide detector
When heat exchangers crack or
INTAKE AND EXHAUST there’s a leak in the exhaust
PIPES CLOGGED pipe, deadly carbon monoxide
WITH ICE
can seep into your home’s living
space. That’s why it’s critical
that you have a working carbon
REUBEN SALTZMAN

monoxide detector. You can buy

two-in-one carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, or
stand-alone units that you just plug into a wall (with
backup batteries) for $20 to $40 at home centers.

Continued on p. 37

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 33

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 GOT A COLD ROOM?

BLOCKED
RETURN
GRILLE

1 CHECK THE COLD-AIR RETURNS

If you have some rooms that are warmer
or colder than others, the problem might be
a blocked air return. They’re usually located in
the floor or low on an interior wall (see
photo). When blocked, cold room air can’t
“return” to the furnace to be reheated.

The best furnace advice: Change the filter

Clogged air filters are usually to blame when a furnace stops working.
Dirty air filters are also hard on blower motors and heat exchangers, so
it’s a good idea to replace your air filter before there’s a problem. It can
be hard to remember to check it regularly. That’s where an air filter
DAMPER
HANDLE gauge can help; it eliminates guesswork by measuring airflow and
telling you exactly when it’s time to change your air filter.

ADJUST THE DAMPERS

2 Check dampers to make sure they’re not
restricting airflow to the rooms that need it.
Some need to be adjusted differently for
winter and summer. You’ll usually find them
near the supply-air plenum on the large ducts
that feed the rooms in your house.

MEET THE What “efficiency” means

EXPERT An AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating on a furnace
Mark Johnson is president tells you how efficiently the furnace turns fossil fuel into usable
of Superior Heating, Air heat. An older-style furnace will have an efficiency rating of 56
Conditioning & Electrical Inc. in to 83 percent, while a modern “high-efficiency” furnace will
Anoka, MN. He’s been installing have a rating of 90 percent or higher. That means 90 percent of
HVAC systems for 36 years and the furnace’s fuel becomes usable heat for your home, while the
contributed to this article. other 10 percent is lost with the exhaust up the chimney.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 37

Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions.

Co
N tra
o ct
n
M
New amplified phone lets you

on
N hly
o
t
Fe
e
hear AND see the conversation.
The Captioning Telephone converts phone conversations
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 10 Things to Do
Before Winter
If you live in a cold climate, there’s
more to preparing for Old Man
Winter than closing your windows
and cranking up the thermostat. If
you want to protect your posses-
sions, you might have to bring
them in, empty them out, clean
them up or shut them down. This
all may sound daunting, but most
winterizing tasks don’t cost a lot
of money or take a lot of time.
Here are 10 tips to help you avoid
costly repairs come springtime.

by Mark Petersen
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
GETTY IMAGES/BOOMER JERRITT

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 39

 PUMP
SPIGOT
ANTIFREEZE

REUBEN SALTZMAN
2 DISCONNECT
GARDEN HOSES …

1
Or risk major
WINTERIZE YOUR PRESSURE WASHER … water damage
Or ice might destroy it A garden hose that’s left connected to a
I once owned an electric pressure washer. I refer to it in the past tense because a spigot will trap water inside the spigot.
few years ago, I left it in the garage over the winter without draining the pump. The When that water freezes, it can bust
water froze and expanded, and when I fired up the washer the following spring, open the spigot, the hose or both.
water sprayed from every part of the machine except the end of the wand. Sometimes the pipe behind the spigot
I should have disconnected the hoses and sprayed in a pump antifreeze/ bursts and sprays hundreds of gallons
lubricant like Pump Saver from Briggs & Stratton. That forces the water out and inside the house. This can happen even
replaces it with antifreeze and lube. Pump antifreeze/lubrication is available at with a frost-proof spigot and even if the
home centers for about $10. water supply is off. So always discon-
Mark Petersen, Associate Editor nect garden hoses before winter arrives.

3 DRAIN GARDEN HOSES …

Or waste money on replacements
Due to circumstances (laziness), I sometimes neglect to drain garden
hoses before putting them away for the winter. Usually it’s not a problem.
But every once in a while, freezing water splits a hose open. I’ve lost a few
cheap hoses this way and a super-expensive one (ouch!). That’s just
dumb because draining hoses is so quick and easy: Blast out the water
with an air compressor or stretch them out on a sloped yard or driveway.
Gary Wentz, Editor-in-Chief

4 DRAIN MECHANICAL SPRINKLERS ...

Or buy a new one in the spring
I bought one of those sprinklers that looks like a little tractor.
It’s designed to follow the path of the hose on the
ground. It was expensive (more than $70), but it
worked perfectly for my irregular-shaped yard; that
is, until it spent the winter in my unheated garage.
The residual water froze and destroyed the gears
inside. The following spring, all it did was dribble
water and make a clicking sound. I should have
drained it before storing it. Just to be safe, I’ll keep
the new one on a shelf in the basement.
Ken Collier, Editor-at-Large

40 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 VENT
NO BUILDUP

COMPRESSED
AIR

5 CLEAN ATTIC VENTING …

Or invite ice dams
Poor attic ventilation can cause ice dams in the winter

6
months, increase cooling costs, create a home for
mold and reduce the life of shingles during the dog
CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY ...
days of summer.
Over time, the vents located in your soffits and on Or risk a fire
some gable-end wall vents get clogged with dust and Creosote buildup causes chimney fires. You should have
debris and lose their effectiveness. Clean them with a your chimney professionally inspected or cleaned after
leaf blower or compressed air. You could use a pres- every 70 fires. If you burn wet wood (which you shouldn’t),
sure washer, but stick to a couple quick passes have it inspected or cleaned every 50 fires.
because you don’t want to saturate the attic insula- Don’t remember the last time you had it cleaned by a
tion with water. Clean the vents every few years, pro? A quick way to tell if your chimney needs cleaning is
unless you live near a lot of trees with floating seeds, to run the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of
which can clog vents in one season. your chimney liner. If you find a 1/8-in. layer (or more) of
buildup, call a chimney sweep.

7 EMPTY FLOWERPOTS …
Or they could break
One winter, in order to save garage space, I
decided to leave a bunch of clay, ceramic and
glass pots outside over the winter. I figured, “They
were designed to be outside. What could it hurt?”
However, that spring I found that several had
cracked or broken because the moist soil inside
them had expanded when it froze. I now empty
the pots, or make sure the soil is dry and keep
them covered, or take the pots in for the winter.
Beverly Petersen, Field Editor

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 41

 PURVEYORS OF FINE MACHINERY¨, SINCE 1983!
TURKEY
BASTER
9" BENCHTOP BANDSAW 10" x 18" BENCHTOP
WOOD LATHE
HEAVY-DUTY CAST IRON
BED & CONSTRUCTION
MADE IN
AN ISO
9001
FACTORY!

79

8
$
shipping
lower 48 states
SWAP OUT THE GAS
G0803 229 $ 95
SALE
$
189 95
H8259 235
$ 00
SALE
$
219 95 IN SMALL ENGINES …
6" X 28" BENCHTOP JOINTER 121∕ 2" PLANER Or replace the carb in the spring
WITH DOUBLE-SIDED BLADES Standard gas at the pump can gum up a carburetor on a
WITH BUILT-IN
small engine in just a few months. I’ve had to replace a few
DUST COLLECTION
carburetors for this reason. Now, when I know that it’s the
last time I’m going to use a tool for the season, I suck out the
gas from the tank with a turkey baster and run the engine
dry. Then I add a bit of nonoxygenated gas, which has a
longer shelf life but is too expensive to burn all year. I also
add a splash of fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a while
on the good stuff before storing it.
$
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with Aluminum Impeller

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9
FREE 10” X 40T
CARBIDE-TIPPED BLADE
CAST IRON
WHEELS
CUT THE POWER TO YOUR A/C…
177335

Or waste energy and

damage your compressor
Cut the power to your central air conditioner before the
weather turns frigid. Your compressor could be damaged if
3092372
your A/C accidentally gets turned on in low temperatures.
$
79 Also, some A/C compressors have a crankcase heater to keep
79
shipping
lower 48 states $
shipping
lower 48 states
the oil warm. Running this heater in the winter is a waste of
G0555LANV ONLY
$
55500 G0771 $79500 SALE
$
69500 money, and the warmth could attract mice.
Flip off the breaker if the A/C compressor has a dedicated
PLEASE VISIT GRIZZLY.COM® FOR COMPLETE DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS
circuit, or rotate the disconnect block upside down into the
16FAMILY “off” position. The disconnect block is located in the small
panel outside near the compressor. Reenergize the unit 24
17801R hours before startup. That will give the oil time to reach oper-
TECHNICAL SERVICE: ating temperature.
570-546-9663
FAX: 800-438-5901
42 OCTOBER 2016
ART DIRECTION VERN JOHNSON ¥ PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA UNLESS NOTED

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OCTOBER 2016 43
 CAR + garage
B Y R I C K M U S C O P L AT editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

How to Buy a

GETTY IMAGES/JGI/JAMIE GRILL

Reliable Used Car
Cars and trucks have changed a lot over the last
10 years. These days, almost every mechanical STEP 1:
system is controlled by electronics. In fact, a typi-
cal two- or three-year-old vehicle has more than
100 microprocessors, 50 electronic control units Check out vehicle reliability
and 5 miles of wiring. If you think you can thor- Some makes, models, engines and transmissions are known for
oughly check out a late-model vehicle by taking it their high failure rates. Those are the facts you want to know
for a short spin and kicking the tires, think again. before you start shopping. Some of the following sources charge
Finding a reliable used vehicle works best as a a fee but may also be available for free at your local public
three-step process that involves online research, a library. Here’s where to look for that information.
thorough initial inspection, and a final physical n Consumer Reports ($30 per year)—Vehicle system reliability
and computerized inspection performed by a info based on actual readers’ experience.
mechanic. We’ll give you some tips on handling n Truedelta.com ($10 for 90 days)—Here you’ll find vehicle
the first two steps yourself so you can weed out system reliability information along with actual repair costs
the clunkers before spending money for your incurred by owners.
mechanic to do a final check. But trust us: If you
n Alldatadiy.com ($27 per year) or eautorepair.net ($26 per
skip the final mechanic’s inspection, it could cost
year)—These up-to-date lists of technical service bulletins from
you dearly. So if you have your heart set on a par- carmakers disclose known failures, updated parts and repair
ticular make and model, start with Step 1 before procedures, and software fixes.
you go shopping.

44 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 650+ Stores
Nationwide

W OW SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON How Does Harbor Freight SUPER COUPON
RAPID PUMP 1.5 TON Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools
®

FREE
ALUMINUM RACING JACK

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LOT 69252/60569 shown
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We have invested millions
• Weighs 34 lbs. of dollars in our own
$59 99 SAV
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E
comp at
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labs and millions more in 3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT
WITH ANY PURCHASE

OFF
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$ 8999 $119.99 our factories, so our tools
FLASHLIGHT
will go toe-to-toe with the LOT 65020/69052 shown
om or by calling
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top professional brands. 69111/62522/62573
purchases after 30 days last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
Offer good while supplies1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
SINGLE
And we can sell them for a
$ 97 4
presented. Valid through ITEM

R 12" RATCHET Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item fraction of the price because
PE ON purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any
SU UP BAR CLAMP/SPREADER we cut out the middle man
of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership,
Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot VALUE
CO Sale item, automotive lifts, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills,
storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, and pass the savings on to LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior
Admiral, Badland, CoverPro, Daytona, Diablo, Earthquake, Franklin, purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by
calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping
Grant’s, Holt, Jupiter, Lynxx, Maddox, Portland, Predator, Stik-Tek,
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you. It’s just that simple! & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-
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Come visit one of our 1/6/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

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AIR COMPRESSOR WE CARRY A FULL
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LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 60637/61615 CUT-OFF WHEELS
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purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.
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Customer Rating of storage
presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
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R 67831 shown
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5 MICRON
SAVE DUST COLLECTOR
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• 70 gallon
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capacity

$ 17999
$ 4999 comp at
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comp at $379.99 $98.62 comp at $20.26 comp at $952.99

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling
LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

WOW WOW SUPALUERMINPAC

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CO CO 12" SLIDING COMPOUND
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t or coupon or prior our stores or HarborFreight.c
LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling LIMIT 4 - Good at used with other discoun LIMIT 5 - Good at t or coupon or prior
800-423-2567. Cannot be from original purchase with original receipt. used with other discoun
800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior 800-423-2567. Cannot be from original purchase with original receipt.
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. purchases after 30 days last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be purchases after 30 days last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be Offer good while supplies1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. Offer good while supplies1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.
LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. presented. Valid through presented. Valid through
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purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.
R 900 PEAK/ R POWDER-FREE R
PE ON PE ON PE ON SAVE
Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R SU UP 700 RUNNING WATTS SU UP Customer Rating

NITRILE GLOVES SU UP $100
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69381 shown Item 62%
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shown

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69257 shown $ 89 99 $163.06
comp at
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$ 9999 comp at LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling

800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
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800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
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800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior
$169.99 purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.
Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.
Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.
Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be
presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day. presented. Valid through 1/6/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • 650+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com At Harbor Freight Tools, the "comp at" price means that the same
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purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. • Over 30 Million Satisfied Customers • Lifetime Warranty • 800-423-2567 past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location.
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 STEP 2:
Do your own inspection
Once you’ve selected a particular make and model
and you go check out actual cars, here is a series of
simple, quick things you can check out to eliminate
possible problem cars.

Check all the features

Test every vehicle feature to check for proper opera-
tion: power windows, power locks, power sliding
door and hatch, sunroof, power seat, heated seats,
power mirrors, cruise control, all climate control set-
tings, backup camera and sensors, keyless entry and
remote start, and exterior/interior lights.
ASSEMBLE
A CAR INSPECTION
TOOLBOX
Before you check out a vehicle, go to the auto parts
store and buy a tread depth gauge, brake test strips
and a digital volt ohm meter. You’ll also need a
kitchen thermometer and a flashlight. Then go
through all the following inspection steps on your
own car so you know what you’re doing when you
conduct a real inspection on a prospective purchase.

Check tire
tread depth
Using a tread depth
Do a bulb check gauge (not a penny),
Turn the key to the On position but don’t start the vehicle. measure the tread

ART DIRECTION VERN JOHNSON ¥ PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA UNLESS NOTED

All the warning lights (icons) should illuminate to prove depth in the center and
that the bulbs work. Consult the owner’s manual to see both edges on each
which warning lights are installed on that vehicle. The tire. The three tread
most common is the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine depth readings on each
Soon” light. But also check for ABS, Brake, SRS (airbag), tire should be within
TPMS (tire pressure), OIL, HOT (or gauge), ESP/TCS 1/32 in. of each other. A
(traction/stability), and Battery/Charging lights. Then greater difference indi-
start the engine. All warning lights should turn off. If not, cates an alignment,
there’s a problem. inflation or suspension
problem. All four tires
should be within 2/32
in. of one another. A
Check the dipstick greater difference indi-
Pull the engine oil dipstick and cates lack of proper tire
examine the color. A honey color rotation. Tires with a
is an indication of fresh oil—light tread depth of 4/32 in.
brown indicates slightly used oil or less should be
(both good signs). However, a replaced (factor the
chocolate milk color is a bad cost of new tires into
sign that may indicate a leaking your offer).
head gasket—easily a $1,500-
plus repair.

46 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 NEGATIVE
POST
BRAKE FLUID
RESEVOIR

OVERFLOW
TANK

Check engine coolant Check brake fluid condition

for electrolysis When brake fluid wears out, internal corrosion sets in and corrodes brake parts
On a cool engine, remove the radiator from the inside out. The corrosion process leaches copper into the brake fluid.
or overflow tank cap. Using a digital You can test for the presence of copper by dipping a test strip (such as
volt ohm meter, set the dial to the BrakeStrip, $7 for two strips from summitracing.com) into the brake fluid reser-
2-volt DC scale. Then touch the nega- voir and comparing the color with the chart on the package. A high reading is an
tive meter lead to the negative battery indication of owner neglect along with a high possibility of internal brake system
post. Dip the positive lead directly into corrosion damage.
the coolant in the radiator or overflow
tank. The reading should be less than
0.300 volts. If it’s not, the coolant is
worn out and there’s a good chance Check for rust and paint blisters
corrosion has already started to eat Check along the edges of the hood and trunk lid, rocker panels,
away at cooling system components. bottom edges of doors and around wheel wells. Look for any
If the reading is below 0.300 volts, rough or raised areas that might indicate the start
turn off all electrical accessories, start of serious rust issues. Sellers often mask
the engine and rev it to 2,000 rpm and rust problems with touch-up
repeat the test. If the reading rises, the paint, so look
vehicle has an electrical grounding carefully.
problem that must be addressed. Wipe
off the meter probes before storing.

Test A/C
performance
Close the windows and doors
and set the A/C to “Max” and
“Recirculate.” Insert a kitchen ther-
mometer into the center air duct.
Start the engine and rev to 1,500
rpm for several minutes. The tem-
perature should slowly drop into the
40s (unless it’s a very hot day with
high humidity). If the temperature
doesn’t fall below the high 50s, the
A/C system requires service.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 47

 Test-drive the vehicle
The vehicle should start right up and idle
smoothly. Acceleration and all shifts should be
smooth; jerky acceleration or harsh shifts are
trouble signs. Apply the brakes at highway
speed and check for brake pedal pulsation,
steering wheel shake, or pulling to one side.
Also, drive the vehicle to a secluded area with
flat pavement and drive for a short distance
with your hands off the wheel. The vehicle
CV BOOT should not pull or wander. If it does, that could
be a sign of tire, suspension or steering issues.

TEAR

Negotiate a price contingent

on a mechanic’s approval
Consult nada.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com and
truecar.com to find what buyers in your area are
paying for the same vehicle. Then subtract the
cost of any required repairs discovered during your
inspection. You can’t blame a private seller for
asking full retail car-lot price for a used car. But a
Check for leaking CV boots fair market value for a used car from a private
Turn the wheels full left or right. Shine your flashlight at seller is halfway between trade-in and retail. So
the CV boots on each end of the axle. If you see tears or that’s where you should start your negotiations—
grease, you’re looking at a $400 repair. at that halfway point. Then subtract the cost of
discovered repairs. Once you and the seller settle
on a price, make the deal contingent on receiving
a clean bill of health (no more than $300 in addi-
tional repairs) from your mechanic.

STEP 3:
Get a professional inspection Beware of seller’s claims
Expect a professional mechanic’s inspection to run you $125 to The most common buyer mistake is to trust
$200. A professional inspection can discover the early stages of the seller’s claim that “the car just needs
problems way before they turn into costly failures. So it’s worth it this small fix.” The truth is, if the problem
to pay for a full physical inspection and test drive along with a were really that small, the seller would have
complete computer scan. fixed it already. What the seller most likely
The computer scan can discover whether the seller recently means is: “I was hoping the transmission
cleared trouble codes to cover up a problem. A professional scan only needed a fluid change. Then the shop
tool can also check whether the vehicle’s software is up-to-date. told me it was going to cost $2,000. So I’m
Software updates are critical to the proper performance of your actually telling you what my first guess was
vehicle, and unlike free software updates for your home and busi- and hoping you’ll believe it.” So when a seller
ness computers, updating vehicle software costs about $200. says, “It just needs this small fix,” RUN!

48 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

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 PRO tips
BY MARK PETERSEN editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

Prep for Crack-Free

Concrete
A concrete driveway is
expensive, but it will last
for decades if it’s properly
installed. Good finishing
techniques will make a
slab look great for a
while, but proper ground
prep will keep it looking
that way over its lifetime.
We spent a day on the
job with a longtime con-
crete pro (they don’t like
to be called cement-
heads). He gave us some
great tips on how to pre-
pare a site for a pour. He
couldn’t stress enough
that the most important
steps for cement slab
installation are done
before the cement truck
arrives.

MEET THE EXPERT

Glenn Anderson is the owner/
operator of Above Quality in
Prior Lake, MN. He’s been finish-
ing slabs, laying block and
stacking stone for 25 years.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 51

A good base is everything!
Concrete will crack and crumble if it’s not poured over a solid,
stable base. Bringing in 4 to 6 in. of a good compactable base
is a good rule of thumb, but the exact amount of base for
your driveway depends on the condition of the existing soil,
the climate, and what you plan to park on your driveway.
PLATE
You may be able to pour directly over sandy or gravelly soil COMPACTOR
without bringing in any additional base. But if you live in a
cold climate, are pouring over heavy clay or organic soil, or
plan to park heavy vehicles on the driveway, you may want to Compact each layer
increase the base layer to 10 or 12 in.
The best way to find out how much base you need is to
of base
Make three or four passes with a plate compactor every
contact the nearest concrete supplier. If you explain your soil
time you add 2 in. of base, or “lift” (each layer you add is
conditions and the slab’s intended use, the supplier should
called a lift). Use a vibrating plate compactor like this one
be able to recommend the proper base depth and the type to
instead of the type that jumps up and down, sometimes
use and provide contact info for a nearby base supplier. Your
referred to as a “rammer” or “jumping jack.” Those are
municipality may also have a handout of recommended base
designed for compacting soil when backfilling trenches,
depths in your area.
not for compacting base.

ART DIRECTION VERN JOHNSON ¥ PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA

Dampen the base

Super-dry base doesn’t compact well.
DIRT So if you’re preparing the base layer in
BALL
dry conditions, add a little moisture by
spraying down each “lift” with a garden
hose to achieve maximum compaction.
Check to see if your base material
has enough moisture by grabbing Keep forms straight
a handful and compressing it into a Stretch a string between two screws installed at the edge
ball. If it holds its shape, you’re good to of both ends of the form boards. The string will act as a
go. Add water if it completely crumbles. Oversaturated base guide to keep the form boards straight. Set the forms at
won’t compact either, so don’t spray so much water that it the proper height before bringing in the last lift. That way
starts pooling. Adding water to every lift also helps keep the you can use the forms themselves as a guide for the final
dust down. base height.

52 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

Secure the forms Screw the stakes Cut stakes flush
Place a stake at least every 3 ft. Use Secure the stakes to the form boards Cut the stakes off flush with the top of
your foot to align the form board to the with screws instead of nails (Torx-head the form boards so they won’t get in
string as you drive each stake. Try to screws work well). Pounding in nails the way of screeding when it’s time to
drive the stakes in straight and flush can loosen stakes and knock every- pour. A recip saw can rattle a form out
with the board so the form doesn’t get thing out of alignment. Don’t install the of alignment. If you do use one, wait
pulled out of alignment when you screws too low or they’ll be tough to until all the stakes are in, and don’t use
fasten it. Scab a board onto the splice remove if the forms are backfilled. It’s a super-aggressive blade. Make sure
if more than one board is needed on a OK if screws protrude into the pour to knock down the grade near the
side. Backfilling dirt against the forms area if the edge of the concrete won’t forms so it won’t interfere with the
before you pour will also help keep be visible; they’ll easily spin right out, screed board.
them in place. and the small hole won’t be a problem.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 53

 DIAMOND
BLADE

Cut rebar with a grinder

Reinforce TIE-WIRE
TWISTER
A grinder fitted with an abrasive metal-cutting blade is a
good setup to cut rebar. A lot of contractors swear by the
REBAR
with TIES $15 diamond masonry blades even though they’re not spe-

rebar cifically approved for metal.

Our expert prefers to

install 1/2-in. rebar in a
2-ft. grid pattern when
pouring driveways. He ties
the rebar together with
precut rebar ties fastened with a
tie-wire twister. Use enough ties so the grid will stay
together if it’s accidentally stepped on while sus-
pended in the air.
BENDER

Overlap rebar at least 20 in.

If an engineer has designed specs for the driveway, the
length of the overlaps should be clearly indicated. If
there are no specs, our expert overlaps by an amount
equal to 40 times the width of the rebar. So in this case,
1/2-in. rebar x 40 equals a 20-in. overlap. Overlap more
if you live in an earthquake zone. You can’t overlap too
much, so you can overlap several feet if you have no
need for leftover, small chunks, and it can reduce the
number of cuts you have to make.
Avoid stacking perpendicular splices whenever possi-
ble. Creating a rebar sandwich several layers thick Bend rebar around corners
decreases the amount of concrete in those areas, Rebar can be easily bent with this simple rebar bender ($30
making them weak and prone to cracking. Keep the at concrete supply companies). If you have only a few bends
rebar at least 2 in. from the edges. to make, standing on the rebar and pulling it up into shape
works for rebar 1/2 in. and smaller.

54 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

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 EXISTING
Tie into the
SLAB
existing slabs
When you’re joining two concrete
slabs, connect the two with rebar
to keep them at the same height.
Drill the holes as deep as you can
(the entire length of the bit) so
the rebar fits snugly into the holes.
Insert chunks of rebar and tie
them into the grid.
If you’re working in a cold cli-
mate, never tie a floating slab into
a house or any structure that’s
resting on footings. The slab will
likely be pushed up by the frost,
but the house will not. This will
almost certainly result in cracks
where the two are connected.

Slope the slab

Any concrete slab should have
a minimum slope of 1/8 in. per
foot to keep water from pool-
ing. If the proper slope can’t
be met down to the curb,
angle the slab to one side or
the other so the water runs off
in the same direction as the
natural grade of the yard.

Coat form boards

Used motor oil works as a good
release agent to prevent the
concrete from sticking to the
form boards. But don’t coat
CHAIR
boards used to form steps or
other surfaces that will be visi-
ble after the pour because the
oil could stain the surface and
prevent sealer from sticking.
You can buy release agents for

Set rebar on chairs those applications.

Rebar that’s lying on the ground does no good whatsoever. Placing the rebar grid on
chairs will ensure it stays centered in the slab. Chairs come in different sizes, so the
height can be customized to the thickness of your slab. Space the chairs so the rebar Get a permit
sits level. Raised rebar is the mother of all trip hazards, so move slowly and deliber- Call your city or county to see if
ately when walking through the grid. you need a permit. Many munici-
You won’t be able to use chairs if you need to roll a wheelbarrow over the rebar to palities have requirements
distribute the concrete. If that’s the case, lay the rebar on the ground and pull it up into regarding the overall size and
the center of the concrete as you pour. Concrete placers/rakes have hooks on them the width of the driveway where
designed to do just that. Chairs are the best way to guarantee that the rebar is cen- it meets the road.
tered, so use them when you can. They cost less than 50¢ each at home centers.

56 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 Top Ten TIPS
BY JEFF GORTON editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

Remove
Trim
There’s an art to
removing trim,
whether you need to

Without
take off a few pieces
of baseboard to

Wrecking It
install a built-in
bookcase or remove
all the trim in a
room for a remodel-
ing project. You have
to do it properly to
avoid damaging the
walls, and the trim if
you plan to reuse it.
In this story, we’ll
show you how to do
the job and keep the
collateral damage as
low as possible.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 57

 Caution: Test for lead
Old trim may have layers of paint. Test for lead in the paint before you remove
the trim, and if you discover it, follow lead-safe practices when you remove
the trim. For instructions on testing and how to deal with lead paint safely,
go to familyhandyman.com and search for “lead paint.”

ART DIRECTION VERN JOHNSON ¥ PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA

1 Slice the paint first
This tip applies mainly to painted trim. It’s common for moldings
to be stuck to the wall, or for adjacent pieces of trim to be stuck
together, either from caulk or years of built-up paint. If you don’t slice
through the caulk or paint, the trim will be harder to remove, but more
important, the wall or trim may get damaged.
Use a sharp blade in a utility knife to cut along the joint to separate
the trim. Be prepared to change blades frequently because dried
paint is hard to cut and tough on blades.

58 OCTOBER 2016 f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m

 The Most
Versatile Tool
in the Box.

2
Start with a putty knife
Before you can start using a pry bar, you have to coax the trim loose to
create a crack for the pry bar to fit into. The best tool for doing this is a stiff,
sharp scraper blade. A painter’s 5-in-1 tool also works well. Don’t be afraid to tap
the end of the tool with your hammer to drive it behind the molding. Then wiggle
and push until you’ve created a crack big enough for the pry bar.

3
Protect the wall with a putty knife
Positioning a wide putty knife or thin piece of plywood
between the pry bar and the wall helps spread out Enhanced with
the force and reduces the chance that you’ll
damage the drywall or plaster. Squeaky door?
Sticking window track?
Done. And Done.
Plus 1000s of other
household uses.

4 Buy a small molding bar

A small molding pry bar with a wide, sharp blade is good for removing
smaller trim and for starting to pry off larger pieces of trim. These little pry
bars have the advantage of fitting easily into your tool belt. Of course, you’ll prob-
ably also need a medium-size pry bar for removing large trim or wide baseboard.
The pry bar shown here is made by Stanley and is called a precision molding bar.
You can buy a pry bar like this (about $10) at home centers and hardware stores.

www.BlasterCorp.com
fam ilyh an d ym an.co m OCTOBER 2016 59
5 Start at the end
It’s easier to remove trim if you start at one
end. That way you can use leverage on
the trim to your advantage, pulling out on
the loose end to help loosen nails along
the way. Be careful, though. It’s also
easy to overdo it and break trim by
bending it out too far.

60 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

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 FLAT
BAR

STUD
FINDER

7
Cut nails if the trim
is hard to get off

6
Occasionally you’ll run into a situation where
Pry against studs when the trim is trapped behind another piece of trim or
removing baseboard some other woodwork, preventing you from prying it
If you pry against the wall where there’s no stud, the pry bar away from the wall, or is simply difficult to pry off. In
might go right through the drywall. You can avoid this problem by these cases, slipping a hacksaw blade behind the trim
prying only where studs are located. An easy way to find studs is to and cutting the nails will free it. For this task, you can
look for the nails along the top of the baseboard. These are usually use a hacksaw blade in a holder, a reciprocating saw
driven into studs, so prying above them should be safe. If you can’t with a metal-cutting blade or an oscillating tool with a
spot any nails through the paint, reach for the stud finder. metal-cutting blade.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 61

8
Pull nails
through the back

9
with a nippers
Removing trim nails by pounding them Be careful with
out with a hammer usually causes miters
splintering and damage to the face of Miters are often pinned together
the molding. To avoid this, pull the nails at the point with a pair of finish nails
from the back of the molding. Grab the driven in from both sides. If you simply
nail at the base with an end-cutting pry off one side of the miter and pull it
nippers and roll the nippers along the loose, you’re likely to damage the
curved jaw to pull the nail. Don’t moldings. Instead, gently pry off both
squeeze the jaws any more than mitered moldings as a unit. Then care-
needed or you’ll cut through the nail. If fully work the joint apart little by little.
you don’t have a pair of nippers handy, If you’re not having any luck separating
a locking pliers (Vise-Grip is one brand) the two moldings, cut the nails with a
will also work. hacksaw blade or an oscillating tool.

10
Label the
moldings
If you’re planning to
reinstall the moldings, make sure
to label them. It’s also helpful to
bundle all the moldings for a particular
window or door, and then label the
bundle with the window or door location.

62 OCTOBER 2016 f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m

 HOME CARE + repair
B Y R I C K M U S C O P L AT editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

Should you buy an

air purifier?
KILL THE
CONTAMINANTS
The Sharp air
purifier shown
here (FP-F60UW;
about $250) emits
positive and
negative ions that
break down odors
and kill germs,
fungus, bacteria,
viruses and mold.
The unit also
contains a pre-
filter, an active
carbon filter and
a True HEPA
filter. Sharp
recommends
replacing its filters
every five years.

SHARP
If
you suffer from allergies or may have a 231/220/245 rating. particles .3 microns in size. True
want to reduce odors in Bigger is better as long as you can HEPA filters are effective at remov-
your home, a room air puri- live with the higher noise level of a ing pollen, dust, dander and some
fier might be the solution. Room air larger unit. larger bacteria from the air. Sizing
purifiers can eliminate the tiniest Some models also remove odors. the unit to the room is critical
dust, bacteria, mold, viruses, pollen If that’s a concern, shop for a unit because an undersize unit will clog
and smoke in the surrounding area. that lists odor removal as a feature. quickly. Also, be wary of air purifiers
Shop for an air purifier based on Room air purifiers vary widely in that use filter terms like HEPA, HEPA
the technology it uses to clean the price, from as low as $39 to as much type or ultra HEPA. Those filters may
air, its initial cost and the cost of as $600. The cheaper units won’t remove 99.97 percent of larger air-
replacement filters, the unit’s noise have much effect on your allergies; borne particles like pollen, but if
level, the size of the room and the expect to pay $200 to $400 for one they don’t filter down to .3 microns,
unit’s clean air delivery rate (CADR). that does. they won’t perform like a True HEPA
CADR is a measure of how much unit. An effective True HEPA unit
clean air the unit can deliver in Three common costs about $200. The downside to
cubic feet per minute (cfm) for each room air purifier filtration-type air purifiers is the
type of contaminant. For example, technologies ongoing filter replacement cost,
a purifier sized to fit a 210-sq.-ft. True HEPA air purifiers work by fil- which can run about $250 per year.
room may have a CADR rate of tering out the airborne contami- Negative ion air purifiers work by
155/133/155 for dust/smoke/pollen, nants using a True HEPA filter that giving airborne particles a negative
while a unit for a 340-sq.-ft. room captures at least 99.97 percent of charge so the particles migrate and

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 63

 ART DIRECTION MARCIA ROEPKE • PHOTOGRAPHY TOM FENENGA • CONSULTANT BRYAN BARNES, AEROSEAL
cling to positively charged walls, noise doesn’t interfere with your
ceilings and floors. Negative ion daily life, especially if the purifier is
units are controversial because they in a bedroom.
don’t actually kill bacteria, viruses n Check out the cost and availability
and mold, or filter them out of the of replacement filters.
room. They just get the particles out n Skip the bells and whistles. Having
of the air and make them cling to more features usually doesn’t result
room surfaces. You have to remove in a cleaner room.
the particles with a True HEPA
vacuum. In addition, some negative Before you buy TWIST-ON
WIRE
ion models generate ozone—a lung Think of an air purifier as your last CONNECTOR

irritant. According to the EPA, ozone line of defense against allergens and
can also react with household clean- odors, not your first. Before you buy
ing products to create harmful by- one, consider taking these steps to
products in your home. cleaner air:
Positive/negative ion air purifiers n Install a MERV 11 furnace filter.
produce both positive and negative n Stop burning candles and reduce

Twist wires
ions, which attach to germs, fungus, the number of wood fires, as well as
viruses, bacteria and mold and kill ban smoking in your home.
them by removing hydrogen from n Clean dryer ducts at least twice a or not?
the particle’s surface proteins. Some year and run bath and kitchen fans
Every time we show how to con-
of these units also include a True longer to exhaust more dust, humid-
nect wires by screwing a twist-on
HEPA filter and an activated carbon ity, odors and grease and reduce connector onto straight conduc-
filter to remove odors. Ion-style air mold formation. tors, we get mail from electricians
purifiers cost $200 to $600. n Run your air conditioning with a telling us we’re doing it wrong.
Whether you choose a filtration or MERV 11 air filter during pollen They insist that the only proper
an ion-style air purifier, follow these season and close all windows. way is to twist the conductors and
buying guidelines: n Reduce the amount of carpeting in insulated portions before installing
n Buy a unit sized to the room— your home, and vacuum more often the connector.
bigger is better. A larger unit cleans with a True HEPA filter vacuum We contacted product expert
faster and keeps the room cleaner. cleaner. Cassie Donnelly at IDEAL Indus-
n Get the lowest sound rating so the n Remove shoes at the front door. tries Inc., the leading manufacturer
of twist-on wire connectors. Cassie
explained that IDEAL’s twist-on
OOPS! connectors contain square-wire
springs that create threads, draw
In our “Home Hacks” the conductors into the connector,
story in the June ’16 and enable the twisting needed to
issue (p. 57), we make a secure mechanical
showed how to con- connection.
ceal a Wi-Fi router by Although twisting the wires
ROUTER building a box for it. before applying the connector is
Readers wrote in to often standard practice in the
warn of possible industry, it’s unnecessary and can
router overheating double the amount of work. Cassie
because of the lack also pointed out that the key to
of ventilation. making a secure connection with
They’re right: The box either the straight or the
we show is too small, pretwisted methods is to twist the
and the router should connector until the conductors
never be placed on its show two to three twists outside of
edge. The bottom the shell. If you stop turning the
line: Keep your router connector as soon as it’s snug, the
out in the open. connector could fall off. To prevent
that, some electricians and DIYers
tape the connector to the wires.
Cassie said that if you use the right
size connector and install it prop-
erly, it should never fall off. Taping
a connector onto the wires adds an
unneeded step.

64 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 Seal leaky ducts for savings and comfort
Leaky air ducts can waste up to 30
percent in energy costs and make
your home less comfortable. Worse
yet, they can pull in dirt and con-
taminants from your attic and walls.
If you’re fighting dust or allergy
issues with special furnace filters
and air purifiers but don’t seal your
ducts, you’re waging a losing battle.
You can seal exposed duct joints
with mastic, caulk or aluminum
tape. (Search for “plug leaky ducts” at
familyhandyman.com.) But you can’t
seal joints buried in walls and ceilings.
Ducts can be sealed from the

AEROSEAL (3)
inside using a process called aerosol
duct sealing, but it’s not a DIY proj-
ect. We contacted Bryan Barnes from
Aeroseal LLC to explain how it works
and what you can expect in terms of
improved energy efficiency and air How leaks affect room negative pressure sucks in hot or
quality. cold outside air through the gaps
comfort and air quality
around windows, light fixtures, ceil-
Why ducts leak HVAC systems are designed to
ing fans and wall outlets. That air
Rigid sheet metal and fiberglass deliver to and remove a certain
often contains high levels of dust,
supply duct joints in older homes amount of air from each room. If a
dirt and allergens, which decrease
were never sealed by the installers. room’s supply ducts leak more air
than the return duct, the room air quality.
When your blower kicks in and pres-
surizes the supply runs, up to 40 per- develops negative air pressure. To Aerosol duct sealing
cent of that air winds up in your wall make up the deficit, the room sucks works from the inside
and joist cavities and attic spaces. in extra air from the supply duct, as The installers seal duct openings
Return ducts leak too, but differently. well as air from nearby rooms. That from the inside by injecting a
They pull in air from the wall and causes an air imbalance in other heated atomized vinyl product
joist cavities. rooms. If the room door is closed, the under pressure. The material

Inside an HVAC duct

AEROSOL
SEALANT

UNSEALED
GAP

GAPS GET SEALED FROM THE INSIDE SEE THE IMPROVEMENT

1 The pressurized atomized sealant sticks to the
edges of high-velocity gaps and holes in the ducts. As
2 Installers test the success of the aerosol sealant
before they leave your house. In this case, the sealant
the hole closes, the increased air velocity causes the reduced duct leakage from almost 900 cfm to 84
sealant to build until it totally seals the gap. cfmÑa 91 percent improvement.

f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m OCTOBER 2016 65

 doesn’t coat the interior of the duct.
Instead, the vinyl particles attach to
leak openings and build up layers
until the leak is sealed shut.
The sealant can plug holes and
gaps up to 5/8 in. across (see Photo
With the Carey Brothers 1) and remains rubbery to flex
Tips of the Month slightly as ducts expand and con-
tract. Larger openings must be
sealed using mechanical methods.
FALL HOME MAINTENANCE FOR DUMMIES Most ducts don’t require cleaning
before sealing. However, extremely
Regular home maintenance is essential to reducing costs
dirty ducts should be cleaned first.
and preventing problems. A little cleaning here and
Sealed ducts can be cleaned in the
patching there will keep your home safe, efficient and help
future using traditional duct clean-
preserve its appearance, integrity and value.
ing methods.
With different seasons come different tasks, thus, we share The application takes four to six
a few items on our autumn checklist that may need a bit hours. The product leaves a mild
of attention at this time of year. scent (similar to wood glue) that
• Don’t wait until it rains to determine if your roof is leaking. lasts for about a day. Aeroseal is
Use a garden hose to water-test the roof and flashings guaranteed for 10 years, but testing
for leaks. Start at the lowest point of the roof – near the eaves – and work your way has shown it to last the lifetime of
up to the ridge, tackling a six-foot wide section at a time. Pay attention to valley the ductwork.
flashings, plumbing and exhaust vent flashings and around chimneys. Have someone
How much does it cost?
in the attic with a flashlight and cellphone looking for leaks. Use caution working on
Aerosol duct sealing costs about
your roof and wear rubber soled shoes and a safety harness.
$1,800 to $2,500 for an average
• Clogged gutters can back up and lead to roof leaks and expensive repairs. Check home. You’ll pay the higher cost if
gutters and downspouts for debris, clean, caulk and touch up paint. Use a wire brush your HVAC equipment is in the attic
and/or a wire wheel on a cordless driver drill to remove rust. Apply a rust converter to or in a finished basement where
stubborn rust and use gutter caulk to seal any leak points. Now would be an excellent access is limited. Based on the pro-
time to install a gutter protection system to keep gutters clean. Be sure your ladder is jected energy savings, figure a three-
on solid footing and take all necessary safety precautions. to five-year payback.
• Repair crumbling or missing mortar joints around brick and masonry. This repair process Who should do it?
is called “tuck-pointing.” Use a cold chisel or grinder to remove flaking mortar and If you live in a cold climate and have
thoroughly clean the area with a brush and shop vac. Dampen the affected area with an older home with sheet metal or
clean water and apply mortar patch in accordance with manufacturer directions using fiberglass ductwork, you’ll probably
a tuck-pointing tool. Use a penetrating sealer to protect all masonry from water intrusion, save enough on your energy bill to
which can cause freeze-thaw damage. make it worth your while. However,
• Prepare for and prevent ice dams at eaves. One of the most effective means of preventing Bryan recommends duct sealing for
an ice dam is to keep the underside of your roof cool. Do this by making sure that the any home that has comfort issues in
attic is well insulated and there are no gaps in the insulation, which cause heat from rooms on the second floor or rooms
living space to escape into the attic. Also, ensure that there is ample high and low far away from the HVAC equipment.
passive ventilation at the eaves and up high on the roof or at the ridge. Keeping the In those cases, duct sealing can
roof cool will prevent snow from thawing and refreezing, which can contribute to an make the room more comfortable.
ice dam. Chronic ice dams can also be prevented using eave-heating cable. To find a qualified installer, search
• Prevent drafts and energy loss by using a high quality exterior grade caulk around online for “aerosol duct sealing.”
window and door trim. Caulking gaps prevents water from getting into areas that can
cause rot. Caulk will also help prevent pests from making your home their home.
MEET
Get more home maintenance tips and information by picking up our book, Home
Maintenance For Dummies, 2nd Edition (Wiley 2010) online and at bookstores everywhere.
THE
EXPERT
Bryan Barnes’
Ask the Carey Brothers a home improvement or remodeling question on their live radio company,
broadcast every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Aeroseal,
licenses the use of its duct seal-
Call toll-free at 1-800-737-2474 to ask your question.
ing technology, first developed in
Visit their website at OnTheHouse.com for recaps of the show & other helpful info. the ’90s at the Lawrence Berkeley
DOWNLOAD OUR APP LIKE US ON FOLLOW US ON CHECK OUT OUR VIDEOS ON National Laboratory.

66 OCTOBER 2016
Restore a fiberglass ladder
Over time, the sun’s UV rays can deteriorate the surface layer
of your fiberglass ladder, exposing the fibers to moisture,
which can reduce its electrical insulating properties. In fact,
exposed fibers can actually wick moisture in toward the metal
frame, making it a hazard around electrical wires.
If your ladder shows exposed fibers, you can whip it back 15" HEAVY-DUTY PLANER
into shape by sanding and painting it. Buy a can of primer
and spray acrylic lacquer or polyurethane with UV inhibitors E xclusive from Grizzly is our G0815 15ʺ Heavy-Duty
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vides more UV protection, but you can also use clear. column support with easy handwheel height adjustment
Start by cleaning the rails with denatured alcohol or mild and column locks. The G0815 offers two feed-rate settings,
letting you choose between 16 and 30 FPM to ensure the
household cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone and
smooth finish you need on practically any type of wood.
methyl ethyl ketone. Then don a respirator and sand the rails
and sawed ends to remove exposed fibers (Photo 1). Wipe Incredible Introductory Price!
the sanded areas with a tack cloth. Next, mask off the steps
and braces. Prime and paint, making sure you spray the rail
ends (Photo 2).

SPECIFICATIONS:
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1 SMOOTH THE SURFACE

Sand the fiberglass with a nonmetallic abrasive
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• Minimum stock thickness: 1∕4"
• Minimum stock length: 63∕8"
• Maximum cutting depth: ∕8" 1
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FOR SMOOTH &
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After the primer dries, apply two coats of
pigmented acrylic lacquer or polyurethane paint.
16FAMILY
TECHNICAL SERVICE:
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FAX: 800-438-5901 SCAN QR CODE TO
18111 VIEW VIDEO LIBRARY
OCTOBER 2016 67
 What homeowners MUST know
BY GARY WENTZ editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

ART DIRECTION MARY SCHWENDER • PHOTOGRAPHY HSP • ILLUSTRATION STEVE BJÖRKMAN

ARE YOU PAYING FOR
UNNECESSARY COVERAGE?
Check your next homeowner’s insurance bill for additional-structures cover-
age. Some insurers just assume that your house isn’t the only building on your
property. If you don’t have a shed, detached garage or other buildings, drop
the coverage and shave a few bucks off the bill—typically about 5 percent.

Check your Winter

dryer vent storage for
The next time you walk past
that little hood on your dryer
yard supplies
Keep fertilizer and seed dry
vent, reach up and flip the
and fresh until next spring
damper open. It should open
by placing them in giant
easily then close completely DAMPER
zip-top
when you let go. A damper
bags
that doesn’t open reduces the
(available
efficiency of your dryer. Worse,
at discount
it can lead to lint buildup and
stores).
a fire. A damper that doesn’t
close lets in outside air and GIANT
RESEALABLE
pests. Usually, you can free a PLASTIC
stubborn damper just by BAG
swinging it open a few times
or cleaning out cobwebs and
other obstructions.

68 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

PREVENT
STUCK
BULBS
A little corrosion makes
a light bulb hard to
unscrew. This is usually a
problem in damp areas:
outdoors or in garages or
basements. The solution is
grease. But you can’t use just
any grease—be sure to use a
product intended for bulbs. You’ll
find it at some home centers and
online for less than $5.

LP tanks
belong outside
Never store your grill’s tank in a
garage or shed. A small gas leak
in an enclosed space can cause
a huge explosion. If you’re stor-
ing your grill outside during the
winter, keep the tank connected
(but shut off) and put a protec-

MbeIKADO
tive cover over the entire grill. If
you’re storing the grill indoors,
disconnect the tank and store it
outside in an upright position
away from dryer and furnace
vents and children’s play areas.
inspired

The new MIKADO faucet

aerator spray turns water streams
from ordinary to extraordinary!
With a distinctive spray pattern,
Want more? the MIKADO creates a
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books are sold.

fam ilyh an d ym an.co m OCTOBER 2016 69 in stores and online at

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93252X © 2016

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70 OCTOBER 2016 f a m ily h a n d y m a n . c o m
 BUILT-IN
PREVENTER

ADD-ON
PREVENTER

What’s a backflow preventer?

Backflow or anti-siphon devices prevent water, and any chemical in your hose,
from backing up into the water system. Usually all the plumbing in your house is
under positive pressure. But in the event of a huge water usage—like when fire-
fighters tap into a hydrant or a water main bursts—the plumbing can become
negatively pressurized, sucking water out of your pipes and back into the drinking
water system. If that water contains fertilizers or poisons, it could contaminate the
water in your home and other homes.
Most outdoor spigots on newer homes have built-in backflow preventers.
Add-on devices like the one shown cost about $12 and perform the same function.

GET A GOOD
ROLLER SLEEVE
A cheap paint roller might save you five
bucks, but it won’t hold much paint, so
you’ll have to reload more often
and the project will take
longer. Worse, it will leave
hundreds of tiny fibers
on your wall. Ugly. Be
sure to get a roller
labeled “shed-resistant.”

If the power goes out

n Don’t use candles. Flashlights produce more light and won’t burn your
house down.
n Bring solar landscape lights inside. Don’t forget to put them out for
recharging during the day.
n Keep the fridge closed. The less you open fridge and freezer doors, the
longer your food will stay cold.
n Tap your water heater. It’s your built-in emergency water supply. Let the
water cool before you open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
n Don’t take chances. Power outages mean packed emergency rooms and
delayed ambulance service; it’s the worst time to get injured.

GOT A HOMEOWNER TIP?

Send it to editors@thefamilyhandyman.com. If we publish it, you’ll get $100.

fam ilyh an d ym an.co m OCTOBER 2016 71

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Home TECH
B Y R I C K M U S C O P L AT editors@thefamilyhandyman.com

Before you cut

your landline ...
7 reasons to think twice
Almost half of all homeowners in the United States
have dropped their hardwired telephone service
and rely on cellular service only. That saves money
every month and might be a smart move for you.
But there’s more to it than money. We talked to tech
experts and with homeowners who have cut their
landlines and have lots of regrets. So before you
cut the cord, consider these possible drawbacks:

UNRELIABILITY. If you’re frustrated by prob-

1 lems like dropped calls, you might become
even more frustrated when you no longer have
a hardwired alternative line at home.
SPOTTY RECEPTION. Next time you’re on your

2 cell phone, walk through your entire house. If

you get poor reception in some areas and still
want to drop your landline, consider installing a cell
booster system or a portable phone system with multi-
ple extensions that works with your cell service. Go to
familyhandyman.com and search for “cell booster.”

You can keep your landline

and lower your cost
You can save money and keep your landline by chang-
ing the services you receive. If you switch to a bare-
bones “measured service” landline, you can drop
unlimited local and long distance service and expen-
sive features like voicemail, caller I.D. and call waiting.
That way you’ll have a wired phone line with a lower
monthly fee, a set number of minutes, and 911 with
location service for fast response in an emergency. You
can use the landline to ring your cell phone when you
misplace it and you’ll have a backup when your cell
phone battery dies or the cell network is overloaded.

74 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

 MISSED CALLS. You proba-

3 bly have several hardwired

phones in your home, so End Backbreaking Work!
you can hear the ring anywhere and
grab the nearest phone. With a cell
phone only, you’ll have to carry it
around the house with you—or miss
calls. (Not necessarily a bad thing,
depending who’s calling!)
A DEAD PHONE. If you

4 sometimes curse because

you’ve forgotten to charge
your cell phone, think how much
you’ll curse when you have no hard-
wired backup phone.
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Great GOOFS
FROM OUR READERS greatgoofs@thefamilyhandyman.com

PAINT-BUCKET
BOMB
I was painting some windows high above my
deck and needed to hang a paint bucket
from my ladder. I’d fashioned a hook
from some aluminum wire the
day before to hold my tool
bucket, so I figured that would do.
As I was painting, the hook came
unbent, sending the bucket plum-
meting and the paint exploding all
over the deck below. The deck was in
need of sprucing up, but this wasn’t
exactly what I’d had in mind.
Stan Dickerson

Blower-bag
bungle

EDITOR JASON WHITE • ART DIRECTION MARY SCHWENDER • ILLUSTRATIONS STEVE BJÖRKMAN
I was house-sitting for friends
who have several huge trees in
their yard, and I decided to take on
the leaf cleanup. My dad’s new
leaf blower/vacuum seemed like
just the right tool to suck up the
leaves.
Leaves had collected on a porch
off the kitchen, so I looked for an
outlet, found one just inside the
doorway and started vacuuming.
The blower/vac sucked up the pile
of leaves instantly. Then I caught
something out of the corner of my
eye: Mulched leaves were flying
through the kitchen like confetti. I
had forgotten to zip up the bag
before starting the machine.
Darcey Ridgway

Got your own

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See p. 4.

80 OCTOBER 2016 fam ilyh an d ym an.co m

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