Quick fixes for a smarter, safer home
Practical DIY advice you can finish in under an hour. Clean checklists, safety notes, and tool picks that just work.
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Practical DIY advice you can finish in under an hour. Clean checklists, safety notes, and tool picks that just work.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Score tape with a utility knife before pulling. This prevents peeling and leaves razor‑clean lines around trim.
Use a plastic zip tool first. If still slow, clean the P‑trap, then flush with hot water. Avoid mixing chemical cleaners.
Clean sap with mineral spirits, lightly file the blades, tighten the pivot bolt, then oil to prevent rust. Disinfect between plants and cut stems at a slight angle.
Pull hinge pin halfway and add 2–3 drops of machine oil. If squeak returns, clean with WD‑40 then re‑oil.
Adjust float so water sits 1" below overflow. Replace worn flapper — a $10 kit fixes most cases.
Toothpicks and wood glue in stripped holes, snap flush, wait 30 min, re‑drive screws. Solid like new.
Drywall only: use self‑drilling plastic anchors up to ~10 lb each. For shelves or heavy frames, step up to metal toggles.
Tile: pre‑drill with a glass/tile bit at low speed, no hammer. Use plastic expansion anchors sized to the screw.
Brick/concrete: go with sleeve anchors or Tapcon‑style concrete screws. Vacuum dust from holes before setting.
Feather edges with a damp sponge after light sanding. Use a 2" angled brush for trim. Keep a wet edge and roll in a "W" pattern.
Label leftover paint by room and date. Store above freezing; add a marble to stir dried pigment before the next touch‑up.
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