|
|
|
|
« previous | home | search | about | next »
Q: Forced air filters. I live on the west coast where we have a typical crawl space beneath the house and a forced air heating/air conditioner system. Is it typically advisable to have some kind of filter on the ceiling air inlet for this system as well as the outlet floor vent registers? Home Depot does not carry any kind of floor register filters. These registers measure about 4"X12" in size. In the past, I've used cheese cloth for these floor registers. But, never considered using a filter for ceiling air intake. What would be the best advice on types of filters/material to use for both of these inlet/outlet registers and why? And where can I find them? Thanks. Hb -- Reply. (Ref:0100)
A: I work at Ace Hardware and we sell the filters you are asking about let me know if you want me to send info to order some from the company -- barney
Cracked windshield. I've got a foot long crack in a car windshield. It doesn't hinder my view and I'd like to just prevent it from spreading if I can. The car really isn't worth a new one. Thanks for any advice -- Jene Vanzants Reply. (Ref:0102)
A: Drilling a small hole just beyond the ends of the crack will do the trick, you will then need to fill the holes with a transparent glue. You used to be able to buy kits containing clear epoxy and full instructions. -- DE.
A: Mark your spot with a felt tip, then make a small well from putty over the marked spot. Fill this well with a touch of light oil. Drill slowly using a carbide tipped drill bit. The oil keeps the drill bit cool and makes the job that little bit easier. If you are drilling through glazed tiles it helps if you use a masonry nail to score the point of drilling. The bit will not slip off the glazed surface. Finally, if you have drilled a hole through a glazed tile and inserted a raw plug, make sure the plug passes through the tile before you insert the screw. This way the tile will not crack. Happy DIYing -- Alan Brighton Reply.
A: If you are drilling ceramic tiles or other glazed surfaces I find that it is best to mark the spot to be drilled with clear adhesive tape. This helps hold the drill in place. Never use a hammer action drill. -- Robert H Fahey
Q: Address. Hi could you make a part on your web-site where we can subscribe to get tips e-mailed to our e-mail address? It would be a lot better -- farmer1 (Ref:0103)
A: We plan to do that as soon as we can -- DE.
Q: Lime scale. Loved your web site but I couldn't find the answer to my problem. We live in a hard water area and the lime scale build up in my toilet is too much for normal toilet cleaners to handle. The lime scale is under the water level and is obviously hard to get at, do you have any hints to get rid of it. -- Palimino Reply (Ref:0104)
A: Limescale in toilet. The house I bought recently had toilets and sinks with a limescale problem. I work in a bar and I keep all the old mixers and Coke and used it daily for a week or so. Our massive limescale build -up went and conventional cleaners did the rest -- Jim Carter 12 Oct 2003
A: Any acid if used frequently will in time remove lime scale. If using higher concentrations of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid please remember to be safe, use rubber gloves and avoid inhaling the fumes. Plumbers merchants will sometimes sell a suitable product to the general public. A previous contributor suggested using flat Coke or Pepsi and leaving it overnight -- DE.
A: Regarding your Lime Scale Problem. First, fill a gallon pail of water and pour all at once into toilet bowl. This will cause the water level to fall below the lime line. Then, take a very fine grit sandpaper and gently sand lime away. Clean with bowl cleaner. Hope this helps. -- Rojolanners Comment.
Q: Insulation. I would like to know if insulation placed between the roof rafters in the attic is a good idea or not. We have insulation placed between the floor joists in the attic and wood down so that it can be used a a storage area. However I'm not if it is a good idea for having insulation between the roof joists. Thank you. -- Doran Reed Reply. (Ref:0107)
A: Definitely a good idea, I suggest that you consult a good DIY manual before you do it though, you do not want the insulation getting soaked. -- DE.
Q: Stuck Rings on Swollen Fingers. What is the best way to get a ring off of a swollen finger? Soap and vegetable oil have not worked. -- "R. Williams" Reply. (Ref:0108)
A: We hope that by the time you receive this you have had the problem resolved. The emergency people at your local hospital will be able to give you an injection to cause the swelling to subside. An old Scottish folk remedy works if the problem is tackled early enough, wind a thin piece of string or thread from the tip onwards on to the finger, pass through the ring then slowly remove the string, as it unwinds the ring will slide down the finger. Oil or washing up liquid helps at this point. -- DE.
A: I saw it being done on television the other day using dental floss -- graham turpe
A: Cold water would cause the finger to shrink somewhat. -- Anon
Q: Help! Water stain! I hope you can help me...I just saved enough money to buy my older daughter a 1930's art deco/bakelite handled bedroom set (veneer/blond oak). Unfortunately, last night our cat knocked over her fish bowl all over the vanity (ate the fish too). It looks terrible...sort of like how a glass will make a water ring on wood, except this is about a area of about one sq. foot. Do you know of any thing I can do to reduce the fading of the finish or draw the water out? (it is still damp). If you can help it will be appreciated so very much! Thank you -- Katherine Nicewander Reply (Ref:0111)
A: Do nothing, the mark should disappear without any action on your part, modern varnishes absorb water and discolour but they usually recover in time -- DE
Q: Stains on wood. Hi, thanks for your site, really useful but I haven't yet found the solution to my problem. I spilled some ethanol (methylated spirits) onto a lacquered table and the lacquer stained an opaque white. Initial rubbing with a cloth soaked in ethanol or water or dishwashing liquid has little or no effect. am I facing a re-sand and re-varnish or do you know of a way to remove this stain? thanks for any help you can offer. regards -- Steve Udy and Janet Blount Reply (Ref:0114a)
A: Try Teak Oil -- DE.
