Taping Electrical Receptacles

By Robert Robillard

Electrical Tape and Receptacle When remodeling I often have to remove live outlets temporarily from the electrical boxes. Anytime this is done I always advocate using electrical tape to wrap electrical receptacles such as outlet or switch terminals. This prevents accidental contact with your hands or tools with the live wires or terminals causing an…

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Tools Every Homeowner Needs

By Robert Robillard

Homeowner Tools These 15 tools are the basic list of tools every homeowner needs in their toolbox. THE TOOLS: 1. Toolbox Today tools boxes years ago were all metal, now there are plastic versions and even soft canvas bags with lots of pockets. 2. Hammer: Choose a vibration-dampening rubber grip. A 16-ounce steel- or fiberglass-shaft hammer.…

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Drywall Anchors

By Robert Robillard

  Drywall Anchors ~ What’s The difference? There are many styles of drywall anchors, each one having different strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to use the proper anchor for the correct application. Often times a manufacturer will supply an inexpensive anchor with a towel bar or curtain rod set. It has been my…

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Delivering Remodeling Materials

By Robert Robillard

Smart Material Placement Can Save Time And Money 1. When delivering remodeling material have the lumber try to have it stacked your framing lumber according to the way you will use it. For example; have the wall studs on top of the rafters so you don’t have to go digging for them. 2. Have the lumber…

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How To Know Which Wall Anchor To Use

By Robert Robillard

Drywall Anchors ~ What’s The difference? There are many styles of wall anchors, each one having different strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to use the proper anchor for the correct application. Often times a manufacturer will supply an inexpensive anchor with a towel bar or curtain rod set. It has been my experience…

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How To Protect Your Identity

By Robert Robillard

Photo source How To Protect From  Identity Fraud 1. Request a credit report often and continue to monitor it. You can sign up with the three major credit bureaus to be notified of any unusual activity. 2. Avoid giving out your Social Security number. Only a few places have the authority to ask for your…

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How To Cut PVC Pipe In A Trench

By Robert Robillard

Using Twine To Cut PVC Pipe   My friend and fellow carpenter, George Gussler, showed me this trick the other day. There are times when you need to cut a pvc pipe but it is inaccessible to cut with a saw. If a pipe is against an obstruction or a wall, in a corner or…

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Table Saw Blade Height

By Robert Robillard

What is the correct table saw blade height? The old school of thought was to keep the blade as low as possible for the cutting operation. I was taught this table saw blade height method in shop class. Since then I have always tried to keep the saw blade set approximately 1/8 to 1/4″ above…

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