Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Build a cabinet
to organize a
Tool We Love: shop full of tools
Cordless
recip saws
Teach your
BISCUIT JOINER
new tricks!
“Call me
Mr. Jiggle Saw”
and other tales
of tool passion Tool We Love:
Super-light
circular saws
Get
knives
SHAVING
SHARP!
Secret
weapons
the pros
10 things to of
love about Lorem roi
TRACK SAWS ipsumip
Tool We Love:
Compact
sectetuer
Mechanics lithium
drills
dolor sit amet
pick their con sectetuer
favorite ametro
auto tools
November 2010
familyhandyman.com A READER’S DIGEST PUBLICATION
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©Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2010
There’s little in this world the Garcias deem more important than good friends and excellent food.
Their new kitchen is perfect for them with built-to-last cabinets, deep drawers that organize their
party supplies and lots of counter space for prep work and just hanging out. Next up…a house
full of happy people to complete the dream. Create your dream at IKEA-USA.com/kitchen
AKURUM kitchen with ÄDEL/RUBRIK doors and drawer fronts $5989 as shown Last year’s price $6529 as shown Medium brown stained
and clear lacquered solid birch/birch veneer ÄDEL doors/drawer fronts. Stainless steel foil ⇒nish RUBRIK drawer fronts. Requires assembly and
installation. *The total price includes cabinets, fronts, interior shelving, drawer and door dampers, hinges, toekicks, legs, visible moldings and
panels. Countertops, sinks, faucets, handles and knobs, appliances and lighting are sold separately. See IKEA store or IKEA-USA.com for limited
warranty details. Valid in US stores. See IKEA store for country of origin information and 10'×10' kitchen layout details.
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LITY - L IMITE
UA D
YQ
W
AR
EVERYDA
RANTY
YEAR
AKURUM/ÄDEL kitchen
Starting at
$
1749
last year’s price $1999
*
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We didn’t simply engineer the most powerful Sierra HD ever. We engineered the first Denali HD ever. It offers plenty of
capability, with up to 2,908 lbs of payload* and up to 17,200 lbs of fifth-wheel trailering.** And it comes with the chrome
grille and uplevel interior you expect in a Denali. The new Sierra Denali HD from GMC. WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE.
GMC.COM /SIERRA
With available Duramax Diesel engine on 2WD 2500 Denali HD. *Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. **Maximum trailer ratings are
calculated assuming a properly equipped base vehicle, plus driver. See dealer for details. ©2010 General Motors. All rights reserved. Denali® Duramax® GMC ® Sierra® WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE®
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
NOVEMBER 2010
VOLUME 60, NO. 10, 513th EDITION
Features
27 Secret weapons of the pros
Field-tested favorites from guys
who use tools all day, every day.
34 Sharpen tools
Simple tips from a master
who’s sharpened more than
a million blades.
8
27 34
Departments
Cover Photo TOM FENENGA
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:;(5+:<7;6(
30-,;04,6-;<5,<7:
When you reach into your toolbox, you want a tool you can rely on. That tool
is Kobalt – the tool you can count on project after project. In fact, Kobalt hand
and mechanic’s tools are backed by a lifetime hassle-free guarantee. So stop
by your nearest Lowe’s to test drive one today, or visit Lowes.com/Kobalt.
Available only at
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TABLE OF
Ken Collier
Senior Editors Travis Larson, Gary Wentz
Associate Editors Elisa Bernick, Mary Flanagan,
Jeff Gorton
Senior Copy Editor
CONTENTS
Donna Bierbach
Art Directors Vern Johnson, Becky Pfluger,
Marcia Roepke
Production Artist Mary Schwender
Photographer Tom Fenenga
Contributing Editors Spike Carlsen, Rick Muscoplat
NEW at
Office Administrative Manager Alice Garrett
Financial Assistant Steven Charbonneau
Admin. Editorial Assistant Roxie Filipkowski
Production Manager Judy Rodriguez
EDITORIAL OFFICE
The Family Handyman
familyhandyman.com
2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700
Eagan, MN 55121; 651-454-9200
Sign up Today!
Lorri D’Amico
U.S. AFFINITIES
Contributor Guidelines Questions about subscriptions? VP, Integrated Sales & Marketing Maureen Polo
® ®
We pay $100 for Handy Hints , Great Goofs , Shop Rat and For new and gift subscriptions, a change of address, or help
Senior Executive Director, Jennifer Toth
Wordless Workshop™ submissions that we publish. Submit with a subscription problem, write to: The Family Handyman
Integrated Sales & Marketing
your original contribution, along with photos or sketches, Subscriber Service Dept., Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-1599,
by e-mail to: or call (800) 285-4961. Or send us an e-mail at VP, Creative Director Paul Livornese
handyhints@thefamilyhandyman.com FHMservice@rd.com. Allow two issues for address changes. VP Sales, Digital FEAST Amber Dunn
greatgoofs@thefamilyhandyman.com
shoprat@thefamilyhandyman.com
Customer information P UBLISHED BY H OME S ERVICE P UBLICATIONS , I NC .,
wordless@thefamilyhandyman.com Reader’s Digest may share information about you with rep- A SUBSIDIARY OF
utable companies so they can offer you products and services T HE R EADER ’ S D IGEST A SSOCIATION , I NC .
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Attn.: Circ. Dept., Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-1599. Please President, North American Suzanne Grimes
Please include your name, mailing address and e-mail include a copy of your address label. Affinities and India
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you are submitting. We reserve the right to publish your Back issues/article copies
submission in any appropriate department. If we receive Some past issues are still available for $5.00 each. The Family Handyman® (ISSN: 0014-7230) (USPS: 515-930).
Volume 60, No. 10, 513th Edition. Published monthly (except
similar submissions, we will pay the person who submitted Photocopies of articles are available for $3.00 each. Call
bimonthly in July/August, December/January) by Home Service
the item we actually use. (800) 285-4961 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday Publications, Inc., 5400 S. 60th St., Greendale, WI 53129.
through Friday, for availability and ordering, or write to: Periodicals postage paid at Greendale, WI, and at additional mail-
By submitting material (text, photos and illustrations) for Back Issues, The Family Handyman, Attn.: Back Issues/ ing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Family
publication, you grant Home Service Publications, Inc., its Articles, Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-1599. Or send us an Handyman Subscriber Service Dept., Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-
parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners and e-mail at FHMservice@rd.com. 1599; 800-285-4961. Subscriptions: In the U.S.A., its territories and
licensees unlimited use of the material and your name, and possessions, $24 for one year (10 issues). For countries outside the
the right to rewrite or modify, reproduce and distribute the Comments and suggestions U.S.A., subscriptions are $28.97 per year in American currency.
material in any and all media and in any manner or appropri- We welcome your ideas and opinions. Write to: Canadian GST registration number R123771891. CPM agreement
ate place. We may contact you via phone, e-mail or mail The Editor, The Family Handyman, number 40065693. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2010 Home
regarding your submission. If we 2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Service Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized repro-
select your submission for print, you Eagan, MN 55121. Fax: (651) 994-2250. duction, in any manner, is prohibited. The Family Handyman,
E-mail: editors@thefamilyhandyman.com Handy Hints and Great Goofs are registered trademarks of RD
will receive $100.
TOOL Publications, Inc. Wordless Workshop, Workshop Tips and are
trademarks of RD Publications, Inc. Subscribers: If the U.S.
ISSUE Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable,
we have no further obligation unless we receive a new address
within one year.
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
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It’s as friendly to
the environment as it
is to your budget.
The more efficient a system, the less fuel it uses and the better it is for the environment. ENERGY STAR - qualified
®
York Affinity™ Furnaces have an off-the-charts 98%** efficiency rating. As a matter of fact, the York Affinity
Modulating Furnace is the most efficient gas-fired residential furnace on the market today. Rather than simply
switching on or off, it works like a dimmer switch – evenly replacing the amount of heat leaving the home and
automatically adjusting itself to maintain the desired temperature setting. Quiet, eco-friendly Affinity systems
save energy, money, and the planet. Now that feels nice. Call your York Dealer at 800-910-YORK to learn more.
Visit us online at yorkupg.com/comfort.
**Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings up to 98% on select models, and no lower than 97.5% on all models with variable-speed motors.
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editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
THE TOTALLY TOOLS ISSUE
THE STUFF
WE LOVE
Tools & Gear, DIY and Beyond
Go-anywhere
recip saws
These things used to be a joke. After just a few
minutes of running time, the batteries would
leave you high and dry and take forever to
recharge. Not anymore. Quick-charge lithium-
ion batteries coupled with motor technology
make these things real players. A recip saw is
one of those tools that really benefit from
being cordless. Generally they’re only used for
“short-burst” work. You hog through a few
things and move on. Why hassle with extension
cords? Get one of these and your plug-in model
will be largely retired. Expect to pay $100 to
$370. But if you go with a high-buck unit, it’s a
better deal to buy one as part of a combo kit.
Mini drivers
Compact cordless drill/drivers may
look like toys, but they’re not. Once you get
your hands on one, it’s guaranteed—your big,
old screw gun will be relegated to part-time
work. This will be your go-to driver. Most are
powered by 7- to 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, are
extremely small and, even more important, are
extremely powerful. Plus, they fit in your apron! How cool
is that?
Choose an impact-style driver that accepts hex-head drills
and screw drives if you drive a lot of screws.
Prices are all over the map, starting at $60
TOOL and running all the way up past $200.
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CENTERED
PIVOT
Mighty
mini
sidewinder
saws
Tool manufacturers are
making full-size, 7-1/4-in. circular saws much lighter
than they used to be. If you want to go even lighter
than that, check out one of the 5- to 6-1/2-in.-blade
circular saws available from many companies. They’re
lightweight, but powerful enough to straight-cut 2-by
material nearly as well as their big cousins (get a 6-in.
model if you want to cut 45-degree bevels, though).
Many have blades positioned on the left side of the
motor. That makes your cutting lines easier to see. And
OFFSET
since the saw tilts the opposite direction, it can make PIVOT
bevel cuts that may be hard or impossible with a regu-
lar saw. You can spend anywhere from $125 to $280.
If I had a
hammer...
Well, I do. In fact, I have many. But
my favorite is the old classic Estwing E3
20-oz. smooth-face ripping hammer.
It’s the perfect combo hammer for
framing or trim. Exquisite balance,
and unchanged for decades for good
reason. It’s hard to improve on
perfection. Expect to pay $20 to $30.
Travis Larson
TOOL
ISSUE
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They call me
Mr. Jiggle Saw
For me, the holy trinity of
power tools consists of a
circular saw, a screw gun
and a jiggle saw (known to most
people as a “reciprocating saw”).
Nearly every carpentry job needs
all three, especially if demo work
is part of the equation. In the past
30 years, I’ve had a half-dozen jiggle
saws: a DeWalt stolen, a Bosch lost (open
tailgate on the freeway), a Craftsman that
wore out, a Panasonic that burned out and a
couple of others lost along the way. But I
wouldn’t be without one, and you shouldn’t be
either. Right now, I have a cordless, 28-volt
Milwaukee and a corded Porter-Cable for
those power-hogging jobs. If you’re just
going to do light work, these new
lithium-ion rechargeable units are the
way to go. Craftsman, Ryobi, DeWalt,
Porter-Cable and just about every
other power tool company now
makes cordless versions. I focused
my laser-sharp, 50-something brain
on remembering what I’ve done
with mine the past couple of years,
and here’s what I came up with:
■ Cut tree roots in postholes
■ Pruned trees
■ Cut out doorjambs
■ Tore out floor
stringers in a
fiberglass boat
■ Surgically cut
drywall openings
■ Finished circular saw cuts on 6x6s
■ Sawed bolts, angle iron, etc.—any job that called for a
hacksaw
■ Finished notch cuts on stair stringers
Clog buster
■ Cut the tongue off a trailer
Long hair clogging up your
■ Hacked out copper and steel pipe
shower drains? Here’s a cheap,
fast, chemical-free unclogger.
Here’s my best advice. Don’t waste your money on cheap
It’s called “Zip-It” and it’s an
blades; get bimetal ones. They’ll cut through nearly
amazing plastic strip that you
anything and still hold their edge. I usually use only three
simply stick down your clogged
blade styles. The blade I use most is an 8-in. coarse-
drain and pull back up. It brings
tooth one because it flexes for flush cuts and it’ll punch
up a scary amount of hair and
right through doorjambs to cut through insulation, shims
“gunk.” Kind of like fishing, but
and nails. For hacking off bolts and other metal, I use a
you’re guaranteed a catch every
short hacksaw blade (I never use a regular hacksaw) and
time! We love this thing!
last, I always have pruning blades on hand for trimming
The Zip-It is available at
trees and bushes. Once you get hooked, you can let your
Walgreens, Ace, Lowe’s and
handsaws collect dust and rust.
Wal-Mart. To see videos of it
Travis Larson
busting through clogs, go to
zipitclean.com.
TOOL
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TOOL
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HANDY
Smoother
HINTS
®
varnishing
I’ve been building and refinish-
ing furniture for a long time, and
here’s a tip I use to get a super-
smooth finish. Open the can of
varnish and put it in a few inch-
es of warm water. Let it sit for
about 10 minutes, giving it a stir
every few minutes. Stir it again
right before you apply it. It will
flow more easily, penetrate more
WARM
WATER thoroughly and set up better.
This also works for tung and
other penetrating oils.
Anne Tennis
Paintbrush holster
When you’re up on a ladder
painting, it’s hard to find a place
WET/DRY
to stick your paintbrush where it won’t SHOP VACUUM
make a mess or end up on the floor. I use a
plastic cup or container (like a specialty cof-
fee container) and a binder clip to make a
brush holster. This keeps the brush close at
hand yet out of the way and out of the soup!
Editor ELISA BERNICK • Art Direction BECKY PFLUGER • Photography TOM FENENGA
YUCK!
Dave Switzer
Shop vacuum
drain cleaner
I tried everything to clear out a clogged shower
drain. Drain cleaner was useless, and I was wor-
ried about scratching the tub with a snake. My
son-in-law came up with the perfect solution.
He stuck the hose of his wet/dry shop vacuum
down the drain and the clog was history in no
time. If the hose fits loosely in the drain, you
can seal around it with a rag.
TOOL
Marjorie Corner and Garrett Jacoby
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Simple
SELF-STICK paint tray
VINYL TILE
cleanup
Here’s the lazy way to clean a
paint tray. Finish painting and let
the wet paint tray dry overnight. The next day, start in
one corner of the tray and just peel the dried paint out
in a single sheet. This works best in a new plastic paint
tray and when there’s a reasonable layer of paint left in
the tray. Saves water (and elbow grease!).
Bob Balderson
Windshield wipe
I do a lot of country driving, and I always end up
with a bunch of dead bugs stuck to my wind-
shield. Using the windshield wipers just creates a
smeary mess. You know what works great? Diaper
wipes! Wiping the windshield with a thick diaper
wipe or two cuts right through the bugs and leaves
my windshield smooth and clean.
Becky Delano
Easy-squeeze oil
Pouring oil into a car, lawn mower or
motorcycle can get messy.
Here’s a simple and tidy
way to do it without
PULL-UP
using a funnel. Just STOPPER
reuse a pull-up stop-
per from a plastic Digital camera DIY tool
water bottle. They When you’re working on a repair with
come in a variety of complex parts or complicated electrical or
sizes, and it’s easy to plumbing connections, take a digital
find one that fits photo of the original wiring before you
most oil containers. start the repair. Not only will this help you
George Pacific Jr. put it back together again
correctly, but you can take
the photo to the store and
get exactly the right parts.
TOOL Jeff Schlueter
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finishes makes it easy for you to add warmth and richness to any
room. Your home will look beautiful…and you’ll look like a pro.
©2
© 2010
TOOLS
&SKILLS
20
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RIGHT ANGLE
SUPPORT
2 REST THE BASE OF THE JOINER ON THE BENCH 3 HOLD THE PANEL UP WITH A RIGHT ANGLE SUPPORT
To cut accurate slots, rest the biscuit joiner on the workbench The support keeps the panel steady and at an exact right angle.
instead of the fence. It’s more stable and doesn’t require any Then use the same method of resting the base of the biscuit joiner
setup. on the benchtop to cut the slots.
FLUX BRUSH
4 GLUE AND BISCUITS MAKE STRONG JOINTS 5 THE PANELS WILL FIT TOGETHER PERFECTLY
Brush glue into each slot. Then slide biscuits into the slots. Brush The base of the biscuit joiner and the panels were
glue into the slots on the second panel before you joint the two. against the bench top when the slots were cut, so
the joints will line up perfectly. TOOL
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FACE
FACE FRAME
FRAME
PLYWOOD
CLAMPING AID
2 SCREW PLYWOOD TO THE BENCH AS A CLAMPING AID 3 CUT THE SIDE SLOT
Line up the end of the part with the end of the Align the center marks and cut the biscuit slots. The clamping
clamping board and clamp the two together. The block makes a solid surface to push against.
TOOL wide end makes a stable surface to press the bis-
cuit joiner against.
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PROTRUDING
BISCUIT
25
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1/4" SPACER
1/4" SPACER
26
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T H E T O TA L LY T O O L S I S S U E
We talked to pros, from
secret
landscapers to electricians,
to see what tools they use to
make their jobs easier, faster
or just more enjoyable. Here
are a few of their favorites.
Super-simple
sharpener
Like most woodworkers,
weapons
Dave Munkittrick relies on
of the
Pros
sharp chisels and planes for
his livelihood. He has a large
collection of sharpening tools,
but his favorite sharpening
device is the WorkSharp sys-
tem shown here, which sharp-
ens chisels and plane blades
quickly with no mess. The by Jeff Gorton
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
best part is that you don’t
need any practice to get a
razor-sharp edge.
The WS 2000 shown costs
$100 at home centers and
online.
M EET A PRO
Dave Munkittrick,
Woodworker
Dave gave up his career
as a commercial pilot to
become a woodworker.
He’s been building cabinets TOOL
and furniture for 20 years. ISSUE
familyhandyman.com november 2010
27 27
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Costas’s
mini cutter
Costas has a ton of cool
specialty tools for appli-
ance repairs, but his
Dremel tool is the one that
often gets him out of
binds. Costas fits his
Dremel with an abrasive
cutoff wheel to remove the
heads from stuck sheet
metal screws, cut through
rusted-on laundry
hoses and
remove
corroded
appliance
parts.
Jeff’s boot saver
Jeff is hard on boots. Unfortunately, the dirt, gravel,
stones and pavers chew up the toe box before the rest of
the boot wears out. But he found a solution. He coats the
toes of his boots with Boot Guard, and it really works.
With a $12 investment, you can save your favorite $100 M EET A PRO
work boots from premature death. Look for Boot Guard Jeff Timm,
at a shoe store or order online at kgsbootguard.com. Landscaper
When Jeff isn’t installing
“This little stone and brick
tool has landscaping, he’s
gotten me doing home projects
like building a two-story
out of some dream garage.
bad jams.”
M EET A PRO
Costas Stavrou,
Appliance Repair
Time-saving triangle
When Jeff installs paver patios and driveways, he focuses on top-quality workman-
Costas worked in his dad’s
ship in the most efficient way possible. This giant triangle is perfect because it
appliance shop in Cyprus
allows him to quickly and accurately chalk square layout lines. He could do the
before starting his appli-
same thing using the 3-4-5 triangle method, but this is faster. Just align the chalk
ance repair business in the
United line with the edge of the triangle and snap the line. The triangle folds to take up
States. He’s less room in the truck.
TOOL been at it for The Asquare folding triangle is available online for about $60. Search for “asquare
ISSUE 28 years. folding triangle.” One source is contractortools.com.
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MY GOAL IS TO
BREATHE BETTER
EVERY DAY.
ONCE-DAILY SPIRIVA helps people SPIRIVA® is not for everyone. SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® is
a prescription medicine used once every day (a maintenance
with COPD breathe better. medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing your airways and
If you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary keeping them open. COPD includes chronic bronchitis,
disease), which includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema emphysema, or both. SPIRIVA HandiHaler is not a rescue
or both, rescue inhalers alone may not be enough. medicine and should not be used for treating sudden
You and your doctor could talk about adding once- breathing problems. Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules.
daily SPIRIVA. Taken every day, SPIRIVA can help The contents of the capsule should only be inhaled by
you breathe better. mouth using the HandiHaler device. Stop taking SPIRIVA
and get medical help right away if your breathing suddenly
Ask your doctor about SPIRIVA, because it: worsens, your throat, lips, or tongue swells, you get hives,
you have vision changes or eye pain, or you have difficulty
V Is the only once-daily, inhaled maintenance passing urine or painful urination.
prescription treatment for both forms of COPD
Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, problems passing
V Significantly improves lung function by urine or an enlarged prostate, as these may worsen with
keeping airways open SPIRIVA. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems
V Helps you breathe better for a full 24 hours or are allergic to milk proteins. Ask your doctor if you
are not sure. Also discuss with your doctor all the
V Is not a steroid medicines you take, including eye drops. The most
common side effect with SPIRIVA is dry mouth. Others
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of include constipation and trouble passing urine. For a
prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch complete list of reported side effects, ask your doctor
or call 1-800-FDA-1088. or pharmacist.
IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION What should I avoid while using SPIRIVA HandiHaler?
SPIRIVA® (speh REE vah) HandiHaler ® Do not let the powder from the SPIRIVA capsule get into your eyes. Your vision may get blurry and
the pupil in your eye may get larger (dilate). If this happens, call your doctor.
(tiotropium bromide inhalation powder)
What are the possible side effects of SPIRIVA HandiHaler?
SPIRIVA HandiHaler can cause serious side effects. If you get any of the following
side effects, stop taking SPIRIVA HandiHaler and get medical help right away.
• Allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: itching, rash, swelling of the lips,
tongue, or throat (trouble swallowing).
Do NOT swallow After putting the SPIRIVA capsule into the • Sudden narrowing and blockage of the airways into the lungs
SPIRIVA capsules. HandiHaler device, breathe in your (bronchospasm). Your breathing suddenly gets worse.
medicine through your mouth. • New or worsened increased pressure in the eyes (acute narrow-angle
glaucoma). Symptoms of acute narrow-angle glaucoma may include: eye pain, blurred
Important Information: Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules. SPIRIVA vision, seeing halos (visual halos) or colored images along with red eyes.
• New or worsened urinary retention. Symptoms of blockage in your bladder and/or
capsules should only be used with the HandiHaler device. SPIRIVA enlarged prostate may include: difficulty passing urine, painful urination.
HandiHaler should only be inhaled by mouth (oral inhalation). Other common side effects with SPIRIVA HandiHaler include:
Read the information that comes with your SPIRIVA HandiHaler before you start using it and each • upper respiratory tract infection
time you refill your prescription. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place • dry mouth
of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. • sinus infection
• sore throat
What is SPIRIVA HandiHaler? • non-specific chest pain
SPIRIVA HandiHaler is a prescription medicine that you use one time every day (a maintenance • urinary tract infection
medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). SPIRIVA • indigestion
HandiHaler helps make your lungs work better for 24 hours. SPIRIVA HandiHaler relaxes your air- • runny nose
ways and helps keep them open. You may start to feel like it is easier to breathe on the first day, but • constipation
it may take longer for you to feel the full effects of the medicine. SPIRIVA HandiHaler works best and • increased heart rate
may help make it easier to breathe when you use it every day. • blurred vision
SPIRIVA HandiHaler also reduces the likelihood of flare-ups and worsening of COPD symptoms These are not all the possible side effects with SPIRIVA HandiHaler. Tell your doctor if you have any
(COPD exacerbations). A COPD exacerbation is defined as an increase or new onset of more than side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
one COPD symptom such as cough, mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing that requires med- Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
icine beyond your rescue medicine. 1-800-FDA-1088.
SPIRIVA HandiHaler is not a rescue medicine and should not be used for treating sudden breath-
ing problems. Your doctor may give you other medicine to use for sudden breathing problems.
How do I store SPIRIVA HandiHaler?
SPIRIVA HandiHaler has not been studied in children. • Do not store SPIRIVA capsules in the HandiHaler device.
• Store SPIRIVA capsules in the sealed blister package at room temperature between
Who should not take SPIRIVA HandiHaler? 68oF-77oF (20oC-25oC).
Do not use SPIRIVA HandiHaler if you: • Keep SPIRIVA capsules away from heat and cold (do not freeze).
• are allergic to tiotropium. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients. • Store SPIRIVA capsules in a dry place. Throw away any unused SPIRIVA capsules that have
• have had an allergic reaction to ipratropium (Atrovent®). been open to air.
Allergic reactions may include itching, rash, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat (trouble swallowing). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about storing your SPIRIVA capsules.
Keep SPIRIVA HandiHaler, SPIRIVA capsules, and all medicines out of the reach of
What should I tell my doctor before using SPIRIVA HandiHaler? children.
Before taking SPIRIVA HandiHaler, tell your doctor about all your medical
conditions, including if you: General information about SPIRIVA HandiHaler
• have kidney problems. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Patient Information
• have glaucoma. SPIRIVA HandiHaler may make your glaucoma worse. leaflets. Do not use SPIRIVA HandiHaler for a purpose for which it has not been prescribed. Do not
• have an enlarged prostate, problems passing urine, or a blockage in your bladder. SPIRIVA give SPIRIVA HandiHaler to other people even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It
HandiHaler may make these problems worse. may harm them.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if SPIRIVA HandiHaler could harm For more information about SPIRIVA HandiHaler, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or
your unborn baby. pharmacist for information about SPIRIVA HandiHaler that is written for health professionals.
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast feed. It is not known if SPIRIVA HandiHaler passes into For more information about SPIRIVA HandiHaler, you may call Boehringer Ingelheim
breast milk. You and your doctor will decide if SPIRIVA HandiHaler is right for you while you Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257 or (TTY) 1-800-459-9906.
breast-feed.
• have a severe allergy to milk proteins. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. What are the ingredients in SPIRIVA HandiHaler?
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non- Active ingredient: tiotropium
prescription medicines and eye drops, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some of your other medicines Inactive ingredient: lactose monohydrate
or supplements may affect the way SPIRIVA HandiHaler works. SPIRIVA HandiHaler is an anticholinergic
medicine. You should not take other anticholinergic medicines while using SPIRIVA HandiHaler, including What is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?
ipratropium. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if one of your medicines is an COPD is a serious lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. Most COPD
anticholinergic. is caused by smoking. When you have COPD, your airways become narrow. So, air moves out of
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and phar- your lungs more slowly. This makes it hard to breathe.
macist when you get a new medicine.
Distributed by:
How should I take SPIRIVA HandiHaler? Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Use SPIRIVA HandiHaler exactly as prescribed. Use SPIRIVA HandiHaler one time every day. Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA
• Read the “Patient’s Instructions for Use” that comes with your prescription before you use Marketed by:
SPIRIVA HandiHaler. Talk with your doctor if you do not understand the instructions. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ridgefield, CT 06877 USA
• Do not swallow SPIRIVA capsules.
• Only use SPIRIVA capsules with the HandiHaler device. and
• Do not use the HandiHaler device to take any other medicine. Pfizer Inc
New York, NY 10017 USA
• SPIRIVA HandiHaler comes as a powder in a SPIRIVA capsule that fits the HandiHaler device.
Each SPIRIVA capsule, containing only a small amount of SPIRIVA powder, is one full dose of Licensed from:
Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
medicine.
SPIRIVA® and HandiHaler® are registered trademarks and are used under license from Boehringer
• Separate one blister from the blister card. Then take out one of the SPIRIVA capsules from the Ingelheim International GmbH.
blister package right before you use it.
©Copyright 2009 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• After the capsule is pierced, take a complete dose of SPIRIVA HandiHaler by breathing in the
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
powder by mouth two times, using the HandiHaler device (take 2 inhalations from one SPIRIVA
SPIRIVA® is covered by U.S. Patent Nos. RE38,912, RE39,820, 5,478,578, 6,777,423, 6,908,928,
capsule). See the “Patient’s Instructions for Use” that comes with your prescription.
7,070,800, and 7,309,707 with other patents pending. The HandiHaler® device is covered by U.S.
• Throw away any SPIRIVA capsule that is not used right away after it is taken out of the blister Design Patent No. D355,029 with other patents pending.
package. Do not leave the SPIRIVA capsules open to air; they may not work as well. Rev: December 2009
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not use SPIRIVA HandiHaler more IT1600WL1609 10004551/07 65626-08
than one time every 24 hours.
• If you use more than your prescribed dose of SPIRIVA HandiHaler, call your doctor or a poison
SPC00058 SV71939
control center.
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Do-everything
electrical tester
Al Hildenbrand has several
favorite tools, but the one
dearest to his heart and the
workhorse of his stable is the
Greenlee GT-95 electrical
tester. It’s durable and easy to
use. The feature that sold Al
was the ability to test for a hot
wire without the need for a
known ground. You simply
M EET A PRO hold the tester in your hand
Al Hildenbrand, and touch one probe to the
Master Electrician wire you want to test. Push
the test button to see if the
Al is an electrical engineer
who, after a brief stint wire is hot. The GT-95 also
behind the desk, decided features a GFCI tester, a non-
he’d rather be wiring than contact voltage tester and a continuity tester in addition to a digital and LED display
computing. So he became for reading voltage.
a master electrician and The GT-95 costs about $80 online, but it’s the only tester you’re likely to need.
has been wiring ever since. And it’ll last a lifetime.
Bill’s secret
to super-smooth
finishes
Bill has two favorite tools for help-
ing him achieve a flawless finish.
One is this handy cone-
filter stand Bill picked up at a paint
M EET A PRO store many years ago. The other is
Bill Nunn, Painter mesh socks, available at paint
Bill owns a painting stores and home centers, to strain
company that specializes latex paint before using it.
in top-quality, hand-paint- Buy a strainer stand like this for
ed finishes. He’s been $10.50 at mcfeelys.com. Enter
painting for more than 35
“PST-0639” in the search box. TOOL
years. ISSUE
familyhandyman.com november 2010
31
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34
TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010
familyhandyman.com
& keep
Get
’em sharp
knıves
THE TOTALLY TOOLS ISSUE
Sharp!
Art Direction BECKY PFLUGER • Photography TOM FENENGA unless otherwise noted • Consultant JOE GAMACHE, EVERSHARP KNIVES
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J
by Travis Larson
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
or COARSE
CARBIDE
V-NOTCH
A steel
A steel is the shorthand term for a steel sharp edge. Don’t waste your money
rod used to straighten knife edges. getting a diamond-coated sur-
Any decent knife set includes one, but face. You don’t need it.
few people know exactly what it does,
much less how to properly use it.
If you don’t have a steel, go buy one
All the sharpening tools you’ll need are
for about $20. Joe will show available anywhere knives are sold. Go online
you how to use it to and search for specific products or generic
maintain a
STEEL tool names. Or just visit Joe’s store at ever- TOOL
sharpknives.com.
ISSUE
familyhandyman.com november 2010
35
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3 steps to
sharp
Go for good enough—
not perfection!
Super-sharp edges are great—at first.
Then the razor edge quickly dulls.
That’s because an edge that sharp is
necessarily very thin, and it bends and
dulls easily because there’s not
enough metal to support it. A knife
that’ll easily
slice through “Don’t strive
food is sharp for razor-sharp
enough. The
edges —‘sharp-
tomato test (p.
41) will tell enough’ edges 1 ROUGH OUT THE EDGE
you when a stay sharp Draw the knife through the coarse notch with light pressure until you feel it glide
smoothly without any catches. Those indicate nicks or very dull spots. Heavy pressure
knife is ready longer.” doesn’t help; it’ll just remove more material and wear away the knife.
for food prep.
After sharpening and before any food
prep, wipe off the blade with a cloth to
remove any metal filings.
When to take
your knives to a pro
If you follow Joe’s instructions and
still can’t get a good edge, chances are
your knives have been abused to the
point that they need a pro’s touch to
restore the edge. You can do it your-
self, but it takes expensive electric
tools or a lot of tricky manual grinding
on a stone. But for well under $10 per LIGHT
PRESSURE
knife, a sharpening shop can bring
your edges to better-than-new condi-
tion. Then you’ll be able to keep them
that way using Joe’s techniques. 2 CHECK WITH THE THUMBNAIL TEST (BE CAREFUL!)
Set the blade lightly on your nail and drag it toward the end. If it skates over your nail, it’s
Search online for “knife sharpening” not ready for the next step yet. Repeat passes and test until the knife “sticks” to your nail.
followed by
your city and “If you cook five
you’ll surely meals a week,
find a local
take your knives
s h a r p e n e r.
And don’t to a pro for a
give up on tune-up once or
high-quality twice a year.”
knives that
have a chip or notch in the blade. A
pro can grind out any imperfections
and reshape the edge. Yes, you’ll have 3 HONE
THE EDGE
a slightly narrower blade, but you Make a few light
won’t even notice. passes through
the fine ceramic
TOOL “V” and your
Continued on p. 41 knife is ready for
ISSUE kitchen work.
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
36
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ADVERTISEMENT
MAKE IT YOURS
Living room furniture shouldn’t be one size/style
fits all. Create a space that’s uniquely yours. First,
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ULORIC is a trademark of Teijin Pharma Limited registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and used
under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. ©2010 Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. TXF-00904 Printed in U.S.A. 09/10
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Use of ULORIC
ULORIC is a prescription medicine used to lower blood
uric acid levels in adults with gout. ULORIC is not for the
treatment of high uric acid without a history of gout.
Individual results may vary.
Important Safety Information
• Do not take ULORIC if you are taking Azathioprine,
Mercaptopurine, or Theophylline.
• Your gout may flare up when you start taking ULORIC;
do not stop taking your ULORIC even if you have a flare.
Your healthcare provider may give you other medicines
to help prevent your gout flares.
• A small number of heart attacks, strokes, and heart-
related deaths were seen in clinical studies. It is not
certain that ULORIC caused these events.
• Tell your healthcare professional about liver or kidney
problems or a history of heart disease or stroke.
• Your healthcare professional may do blood tests to
check your liver function while you are taking ULORIC.
• The most common side effects of ULORIC are liver
problems, nausea, gout flares, joint pain, and rash.
Please see accompanying Important Patient
Information for ULORIC on adjacent page and
talk to your healthcare professional.
You are encouraged to report negative side
effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
–
ULORIC® (U -'lor-ik)
(febuxostat) tablets
Read the Patient Information that comes with ULORIC before WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF ULORIC?
you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be
new information. This information does not take the place of Heart problems. A small number of heart attacks, strokes and
talking with your healthcare provider about your medical heart-related deaths were seen in clinical studies. It is not
condition or your treatment. certain that ULORIC caused these events.
The most common side effects of ULORIC include:
WHAT IS ULORIC?
ULORIC is a prescription medicine called a xanthine oxidase
(XO) inhibitor, used to lower blood uric acid levels in adults
with gout.
It is not known if ULORIC is safe and effective in children under Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that
18 years of age. bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the
possible side effects of ULORIC. For more information, ask your
healthcare provider or pharmacist.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE ULORIC?
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may
report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Do not take ULORIC if you:
®, Imuran®)
HOW SHOULD I STORE ULORIC?
®)
®, Elixophyllin®, Theochron®, Store ULORIC between 59°F - 86°F (15°C - 30°C).
Theolair ®, Uniphyl®) Keep ULORIC out of the light.
It is not known if ULORIC is safe and effective in children under Keep ULORIC and all medicines out of the reach of children.
18 years of age.
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“This is what your knife edge looks like “After steeling, the
after a dinner’s worth of cutting—all edge is straight and TOOL
bent and wavy.” ready for cutting again.”
ISSUE
familyhandyman.com november 2010
41
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TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
42
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WHETHERYOURWINDOWSLOOKOUTONBIGSKIESOR
BEAUTIFULMERMAIDS GREATSTUFF WILLSEALTHEMTIGHT. TM
We came to Great Falls with a truckload of GREATSTUFF™ Insulating Foam Sealant and
a dream to keep what’s out out and what’s in in. That dream comes true with GREATSTUFF™
Window & Door. It cures flexible and creates a durable, airtight, water-resistant bond.
And since we don’t want to bow any frames, its formula is low pressure. Just like the kind
folks of Great Falls. And their kind mermaids, who swim behind the bar at the local lounge.
You’ll just have to visit our website to see for yourself.
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GETTY / PHOTODISC
Cutting boards:
Drag the tip of your knife across your cutting board.
If the surface doesn’t scratch, it’s too hard and it’ll
dull your knife in no time. Some plastics and certain-
ly glass and laminate surfaces won’t pass the test,
even if they’re called “cutting boards” on the label.
Acidic foods:
Rinse knives after cutting acidic foods like citrus fruits or
pickled goods. Acid promotes corrosion right at the cutting
edge, even with stainless steel. Dry them right afterward.
Cleaning:
Don’t ever throw
knives in a dish-
washer. Wooden
handles will get
ruined, and even
stainless steel
blades will cor-
rode and get dull.
Instead, wash your
knives by hand and
dry them off right away.
Avoid bones:
They’ll dull even a high-quality knife.
Electric sharpeners:
Don’t ever use a cheap electric knife
sharpener, especially the ones found on
electric can openers. They’ll do more
harm than good. If you love gadgets,
spend at least $125 for a decent electric
sharpener. (You’ll still have to steel your
knives, by the way.)
Other knives:
“I sharpen all knives the same way—
hunting knives, fillet knives, what-
ever. Keep a mini sharpener
in your tackle box
and use the same
techniques.”
44
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up
to
fresh
5x longer
+ 12-Volt Adapter
+ (1) 8” Roll & (1) 11” Roll of Bags
LIMITED TIME!
E!
+ (5) Quart Bags & (5) Gallon Bags
+ Free Shipping!*
Plus, act now and you’ll receive the
FoodSaver® Quick Marinator. A $17 extra
value, absolutely FREE while supplies last!
Use promo code FHANDYGS11 at checkout.
VISIT: www.FoodSaver.com/outdoors
CALL:
* Limited time offer ends Dec. 15, 2010 or while supplies last. Offer not valid in stores. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice and Sunbeam Products, Inc. is not responsible for typographical errors
and reserves the right to change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Free shipping offer is limited to Standard Shipping and applies to delivery within the continental 48 U.S. States only. Free shipping
does not apply to shipments sent to APO/FPO addresses or P.O. Box addresses. Applicable sales taxes apply. ©2010 Sunbeam Products, Inc. doing business as Jarden Consumer Solutions. All rights reserved.
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Grab&Go
tool storage
Art Direction BECKY PFLUGER • Photography TOM FENENGA • Technical Art FRANK ROHRBACH III
TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
46
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by David Radtke
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
47
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A C
A
B A
E
K L B A
K
S
L
G
N V
U
T
M
W
R
G
F
5-1/2"
F
H
Bin side J
detail G
Q
21"
A
Q
7"
P
15-3/8"
48
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Exclusively at
<Wc_bo>WdZocWd$Yec%<h[[D[mib[jj[h
FREE
home improvement
newsletters
delivered straight to your inbox!
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WZl_Y["fhe`[YjiWdZ^WdZo^_dji\hec
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s9b[l[h_Z[Wi\ehoekhoWhZ
s7dZieckY^ceh[
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familyhandyman.com
■ Build a big workbench that fits in a small
space. Search for “folding workbench.”
■ Search for “knockdown workbench” to
find four easy-to-store designs.
■ Need more outlets in your shop? Search
for “surface wiring” to see how to do it
without tearing into walls.
■ Pack more storage into a crowded work-
shop. Search for “small-shop storage.”
Combine the
two sections
Mount the drawer slide that will sup-
port the pullout table (Photo 5). Then
lay the upper unit onto its back and
glue and screw the outer sides (R) to
the bin sides (A). You may need to
50
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Finishing touches
With the unit nearly finished, you can
now make the pullout table. Carefully
measure the distance between the
side spacers. Subtract 1 in. from this
measurement (1/2-in. clearance for
each drawer slide) and build the table
to this precise width. Now you can
cut and screw the drawer faces to the
front of the
tip drawers.
sure you have
Be
51
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by Rick Muscoplat
THE TOTALLY TOOLS ISSUE QandC@thefamilyhandyman.com
QUESTION
QUESTION
& COMMENT Low water
pressure
I have an older home with galvanized
1"
SUPPLY plumbing and poor water pressure.
PIPE
The plumber says my pipes are plugged up
with corrosion and mineral deposits and
recommends replacing them to the tune
of $10,000! Can I do this myself?
Art Direction BECKY PFLUGER • Photography TOM FENENGA unless otherwise noted • Technical Art FRANK ROHRBACH III
Step 1:
Replace the main valves,
water meter and pipe
Start by opening the outdoor hose bib
closest to the water meter. If you have
low flow there, look at the water meter.
1" METER
If the meter fittings are smaller than the
pipes going into and out of it, the meter
itself is reducing flow. Contact your
water utility to see if it offers a 1-in.
METER meter. If so, have the utility shut off the
WASHERS
water so you can install larger shutoff
valves and the new meter (you may
have to pay a fee to have it shut off).
HOUSE-SIDE Next, replace the first 15 ft. of old gal-
VALVE
vanized pipe coming out of the meter
with 1-in. copper or PEX.
Many times, the
UPSIZE THE VALVES AND FIRST 15 FT. OF PIPE
Install two full-port 1-in. ball valves (with drains) on increased volume from
each side of the new meter. Replace the first 15 ft. of the larger pipes is
pipe leading from the meter with 1-in. pipe. enough to compensate
for restriction in pipes
farther down the run.
You can double the water
flow through the meter by
upsizing it to a 1-in. model.
TOOL
1/2"
ISSUE 1"
52
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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States as reported by A.M. Best 2008 market share data, June 2009.
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valve and flush out any loose crud left from the cut the old pipes, heed this warn-
cleaning procedure. When the water runs ing. Never remove the 90-degree
clear, turn it off and attach the supply tube to elbows or tees attached to the bot-
the faucet or toilet. Repeat the procedure at tom of the vertical pipes. The
each fixture that has low pressure. threaded portion of a pipe is
SUPPLY
always the thinnest and breaks
OLD-STYLE
TUBE easily when it’s old and rusty. If
STOP VALVE you break the threads on the verti- CRUD
cal pipe while you’re trying to BUILDUP
Step 4:
Replace the vertical pipes
If you’ve changed out all the horizontal pipes
LEAVE
and still have low pressure, you’ll have to bite VERTICAL
PIPE ALONE
the bullet and run new vertical lines. This is
the toughest part because you’ll often have to
cut access holes in your upper room walls and PEX
CONNECTOR
floors for fishing the new water lines. Forget
NEW 3/4"
about removing the old pipes—just abandon GALVANIZED
NIPPLE
them in the walls and run new lines with PEX.
Pros prefer PEX because it’s easier to fish and
can bend around corners. That’s especially
important where vertical water lines turn to
run horizontally along floor joists. DIELECTRIC
Drill new oversize holes (to accommodate UNION
54
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QUESTION If you can live with a lower ceiling height, you can save a
Reader has a sinking ceiling lot of time by installing a new ceiling below the old one.
Add the 1-by furring strips (on 16-in. centers) shown in
My ceiling is sagging.
Figure A. Use 1x3s rather than 1x2s because it makes the
What causes this and
drywall easier to hang. (But if your ceiling sags more than
how do I fix it?
3/4 in., use 2x2s.) Screw the 1x3s to the truss framing with
I’m guessing that the 2-1/2-in. drywall screws spaced every 2 ft. Next, install and
“pillowing” drywall tape and finish new 5/8-in. drywall. If you have ceiling fix-
shown in your photo tures, you’ll have to extend all the boxes so they’re flush
is on the top floor with the new ceiling.
and attached to the
roof trusses. If so,
I bet the installers used 1/2-in. drywall instead of 5/8-in.
Figure A ATTIC
Half-inch drywall can sag if it’s hung under roof trusses that Easy ceiling fix PILLOWED
DRYWALL
INSULATION
56
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QUESTION
Mysterious stains appear on clothes
after washing
I get these
grease-like marks
on my clothes when
they come out of
the washer. But the SOAP AND
marks wash out FABRIC
SOFTENER
the next time I do BUILDUP
laundry. What are
they and how do
I stop them?
57
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QUESTION
Stinky dishwasher
The smell in my dishwasher is so bad
that it just about knocks me over when
I open the door. I’ve tried running bleach
in it, but the smell returns about a week
later. What can I do to get rid of the
smell?
FOOD
FOOD BUILDUP
BUILDUP
58
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Pro
Tools
&Gear
3M
by Travis Larson
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
1 knife, 2 blades
Roofers, do you constantly
switch between straight Grippy drop cloth
blades for felt and hook When it comes to floor protection, you have to
blades for shingles? Try the pick your poison: Canvas drop cloths don’t
10-501 Bostitch Twin Blade HOOK slide around when you’re working, but they’ll
BLADE
Knife ($10), which carries leak if you have a big spill and they’re bulky.
TOOL RIDGID.COM
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
worldmags60
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by Gary Wentz
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
PLUNGE
1. It’s not just DEPTH
GAUGE
a circular saw
with a fancy
straightedge TRACK
DEPTH
STOP
ADJUSTMENT
A track saw is similar
Art Direction VERN JOHNSON • Photography TOM FENENGA
BEVEL
to your framing saw LOCK
—the way a Porsche
is similar to a dump BEVEL
GAUGE
truck. It’s engineered
to be smooth and pre- RIVING KNIFE
62
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Convenience
When you choose Bellawood®
Prefinished Hardwood Floors,
you’ll save the time, dust and
odor associated with sanding and
finishing hardwood floors after
installation. Our solid wood floors
have an exclusive high-abrasion
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You just install and enjoy.
Warranty
Our solid, traditional hardwood
floors have an exclusive high-
abrasion, aluminum-oxide finish
and a 50-year warranty.
- Bob Villa
FAMHDMN11.10
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64
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cuts
8. Clean, smooth -of-the-line cabin
et saw. Whether
the
TRACK SAW
CONNECTOR
65
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by Rick Muscoplat
THE TOTALLY TOOLS ISSUE editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
CAR &
David’s
portable power
David Marofsky and his auto salvage
yard crew spend most of their time
out in the yard yanking major com-
ponents out of junk vehicles. So it’s
no surprise that his tool of choice is a
portable 1/2-in.-drive
impact wrench. What does
surprise me is that all the
professional mechanics
featured in this story rou-
tinely use battery-powered
impact wrenches—and not
just when they’re outside. Blast off any nut or bolt with
a heavy-duty, battery-powered
In fact, David owns several
impact wrench like this 1/2-in.-
of these workhorses and drive Snap-on wrench.
always keeps one near the
hoist. He also owns a few Snap-on 3/8-in.-drive impact wrenches
for working under the hood (No. CT4450A; $422 with one
14.4-volt battery, case and charger).
I never thought I’d see the day when battery power replaced
compressed air. But David raves about the bolt-busting power (a
whopping 620 ft. lb. of breakaway torque) of the CT6850. He
MEET A PRO
even uses it on large 32-mm axle shaft nuts. “It hasn’t let me down David Marofsky
yet,” he says. If you’re ready for power on the go and in the shop, David has owned Marco
check out a battery-powered impact wrench. Auto Parts, an auto sal-
Snap-on impact wrench, No. CT6850; $555 with two
TOOL vage yard, for 10 years.
batteries, charger and case from buy1.snapon.com
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
66
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with your catalog order form or entered online in order to receive the offer. Valid through 2/19/11. in store, or with your catalog order form or entered online in order to receive the offer. Valid through 2/19/11. in store, or with your catalog order form or entered online in order to receive the offer. Valid through 2/19/11.
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MEET A PRO
MEET A PRO Paul Selbitschka
Kurt Spohn
Paul owns a Precision Tune
Kurt owns Action Auto Auto Care shop that spe-
Repair in Minneapolis. cializes in auto diagnostics.
Kurt’s Paul’s
bolt blaster bolt spinner
Kurt Spohn shares my Zap out nuts Paul Selbitschka spends quite a
Bend the
love of tools, so it’s no and bolts with bit of time under the hood doing
handle of a
surprise that he picked a heavy-duty tune-ups and computer diagnostics. Mac Spinflex
3/8-in.-drive air
the same 3/8-in. drive Since I already had nominations for power ratchet so
ratchet from
Snap-on air ratchet I tools, I asked him for his favorite hand tool. it’s at a right
Snap-on.
He didn’t hesitate for a second. He simply angle to the
own. Spending over
head. Then
$400 on an air ratchet may seem exces- loves his flex-head ratchet. The ultra-thin spin the
sive, but not if you’ve tried this baby. It puts head lets Paul squeeze into tight spaces, ratchet por-
out 65 ft. lb. of nut-busting torque. That and the flex feature allows him to pivot the tion to zip
means you can slip a socket onto a bolt head handle to get maximum leverage for loosen- nuts and
bolts out.
and just press the trigger. The FAR7200 will ing fasteners and spark plugs. The large
break it loose and spin it out in seconds. plastic handle lets him put more muscle into
But be careful when reinstalling nuts and the “break.” The ratchet really goes to town
bolts. Make sure the threads are fully engaged once the bolt is loose. Paul just twirls the
before you hit the trigger. Because if they’re not, handle 360 degrees and spins the nuts and
this ratchet is powerful enough to ram a cross- bolts out in seconds. It’s a cool tool—one
threaded bolt all the way home. that belongs in every DIYer’s toolbox, gear-
Snap-on air ratchet, head or not.
No. FAR7200; $412 from Mac Spinflex ratchet, No. XRS11FPA;
TOOL
buy1.snapon.com $144 from mactools.com
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
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TOOL
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november 2010 familyhandyman.com
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©2010 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil, Mobil 1 and the 1 icon are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one
of its subsidiaries. NASCAR ® is a registered trademark of The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.
STEP UP TO MOBIL 1 and put some NASCAR in your car. You commute hundreds of miles a week,
in all kinds of weather and often in stop-and-go traffic. It’s not a NASCAR race, but you still drive your
engine hard. That’s why you need Mobil 1 technology. From the road to the racetrack, it’s proven to
withstand some of the most extreme conditions. In fact, over half of all NASCAR teams choose Mobil 1
technology. So step up to the one. Mobil 1. Learn more at mobil1.com.
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Battery carrier
Old car batteries weigh a
ton, and they’re always
wedged in tight. The days of
wrestling one out with your
nice clean hands are over.
Just open the jaws of this
battery carrier, slap it over
the battery, and lift up and
out. Now you can carry the
battery at your side and
away from your clothes.
Then use it to load in a new
battery.. Your work’s done—
and your shirt lives to see
another day.
Kastar B600, $19;
amazon.com
TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
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Light up
the hood
Light up the entire
engine compart-
ment with this clip-
on light. The Under-
hood Lite fits car
and truck hoods
from 4 ft. to 6 ft. 6 in.
wide. Spring-loaded
J-hooks snap it onto
the hood of your
vehicle. The hooks
are foam-covered,
so you can scratch
the scratch worries.
Central Tools No.
13003; $130 from
amazon.com
73
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Screw pitch
gauge
You’ve lost a bolt and now
you’re rummaging through
your old bolt collection and
trying every one that looks
like a contender. It turns in a
few threads and then
stops. Darn, you’re trying
to ram an “English” bolt
into a metric
hole. Stop
wasting time
and buy an
inexpensive
screw pitch
gauge. The gauge
reads both metric and
English thread sizes. Every shop owns
one and you should too. Just find the
“leaf” that mates to the threads on the
nut or bolt and read the screw “pitch”
(for metric fasteners) or the teeth per
inch (TPI) for English fasteners. Record
the number and run to the hardware
store, or use the measurement to match
up an old bolt from your collection.
Hanson pitch gauge, No. 12017;
$7 from toolsource.com
Finger ratchet
for tight places
Carmakers love to install relays and con-
trol boxes in deep, dark places under
your dash, and there’s no way to get big
tools in there to loosen the hex-head
screws. That’s where this 1/4-in.-
drive SK Hand Tools
(1-1/2-in. diameter)
finger ratchet
comes in
handy. If you
can get your
hand in place,
you can get the
fastener out. The
fine-tooth ratchet mecha-
nism lets you rotate back-
ward to get another “bite,”
without turning the screw
back in. You won’t use this
tool often, but when you
need to, it pays for itself.
SK Hand Tools 1/4-in.-drive
ratchet, No. 49270; $20 from
toolfetch.com
TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
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JOIN OUR
PROMOTION
TEAM
Readers like you are our most
powerful tool in creating your
favorite magazine.
Sign up today!
Enter to WIN A $500 home
improvement store gift card!
Go to www.fhpowerhouse.com
and enter code: 2010
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HOME
CARE &
REPAIR RETURN
Solution
for a loose
handrail
Whether you need to add a new
handrail or firm up a wobbly one,
here’s a new handrail hanging method
that’s easy and super strong. The trick
is to mount the handrail to a board first
and then screw the board to the wall.
This eliminates the hassle of trying to 1 ATTACH THE RETURNS WITH SCREWS
line up the brackets with the studs, and Position the handrail on the board so the space above the rail and below the brackets is
allows you to securely attach the end about the same, spacing the rail evenly from both ends. Drill pilot and countersink holes
and screw through the board into the returns with 2-in. screws.
returns with screws running through
the back side of the board. This method 2 SCREW THE
is much easier since most of the work is BOARD TO THE
STUDS
done on your workbench. And it also Position a strip
hides any damage from a poorly hung of masking tape
existing rail. parallel to the stairs
with the top edge
Start by measuring the distance from located so that the
the nosing at the top landing to the nos- top of the rail will be
ing on the bottom tread. Add 12 in. to 34 to 36 in. above
the stair nosings.
this measurement to find the length of STUD Locate the studs
LOCATION
the board you’ll need. We used a 1x6 and mark them on
and shaped the edge with a router and the tape. Support
the handrail board
cove bit. Cut the handrail 6 in. longer on a pair of nails.
than your measurement with 45-degree Drive a pair of 3-in.
NOSING
miters on each end. Screw the handrail screws into every
other stud.
brackets to the handrail (but not the
board yet), spacing them about 4 ft.
apart and about 1 ft. from each end. 3 SCREW THE
Support the handrail on the board and BRACKETS TO
measure from the tip of the miter to the THE BOARD
board to find the length of the returns. Complete the job
by straightening
Cut the returns. Then glue and nail the brackets and
them to the ends on the handrail. Photos screwing them to
1 – 3 show how to complete the job. We the board. Use the
screws provided
used finish screws to attach the board with the handrail
to the wall because the heads are small- brackets.
er and easier to hide.
TOOL TEMPORARY
SUPPORT
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Picture a machine that’s part powerful yard vac, part serious blower and part heavy-duty
mulcher. It’s like a free tool every time you turn around. And changing between them is
as easy as flipping a switch. No bulky tubes to add or take away. It’s the Ultimate, Electric
Outdoor Clean-Up Tool. No raking necessary. See yard for further details.
* See what we did there? It’s like you get free tools. But you can’t actually use these coupons.
The BEST BUY SEAL is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license
Available at:
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HOSE END
CUTTING WHEEL
2 PRY IT OFF
If you still can’t
unscrew it, pry it
loose with water
pump pliers. After
you’ve removed the
hose, clean off any
remaining rust and
corrosion from the
valve threads with a
wire brush.
TOOL
ISSUE
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Adjust your
oven temperature setting
If the temperature in your oven
doesn’t match your temperature set-
ting, or if your new oven just doesn’t
cook like your old one, you can recali-
brate the temperature setting. The
instructions for adjusting the tempera-
ture are in your instruction manual. If
you don’t have a manual, ask the man-
ufacturer to send you one or go online
and search for a downloadable ver-
sion. Enter your oven’s model number
along with the words “instruction
manual” in the search box and you’re
sure to find what you need.
You’ll need a good-quality oven
thermometer to see if your oven is
heating accurately. The OXO brand thermometer shown here costs about $15,
but others will work too. Check local retailers (kitchen and department stores
tend to carry good ones) or buy one online. Place the thermometer on the cen-
ter shelf and wait for the oven to maintain a constant temperature. Then use
the procedure outlined in your manual to match the temperature setting to the
thermometer reading.
TEMPERATURE
CHANGE
79
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SCREW
CONTROL
PANEL
TIMER
TIMER
SCREW
NUT DRIVER
INDICATOR
SPRING
KNOB
RETAINING
CLIP
CAP
Washer stuck
on one cycle?
If your washing machine is stuck on
one cycle and doesn’t advance, the
timer is broken. Replacing a timer is
simple, but it’s not cheap. A new one
will run about $120. Still, that’s less
than a new washer.
Photos 1 and 2 show how to remove the
old timer. To start, unplug the machine
and remove the control knob. On this
Maytag washer, you pry off the plastic
disc in the center of the knob to reveal
PLUG
a clip that holds the knob. Arrange the
parts in order as you take them off so
TIMER
reassembly will be easier. Photo 3 shows
how to install the new timer. Contact
the manufacturer of your washer or the
local appliance repair parts store to
find a new timer.
80
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6HHFRXSRQEHORZ
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Clogged sprinklers
If you have a lot of iron or other minerals in your water, then you know the
problem. Iron builds up on the working parts and in the holes of sprinklers.
Impact sprinklers like the one here can quit working altogether. A simple soak-
ing in a rust-removing solution followed by a spritz of silicone lubricant will
rejuvenate your sprinkler. We used CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover
(about $8 for 28 oz.), but other rust-removing solutions will also work. Soak
the sprinkler for about 30 minutes (Photo 1). Then remove the sprinkler and
clean off any remaining mineral or rust buildup with a brass-bristle brush.
CORRODED
SPRINKLER
CLR
SOLUTION
82
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PACKING
VALVE NUT VALVE
STEM BODY
83
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ADVERTISEMENT
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SHOP
A 4-1/2-in. grinder
for fine woodworking
My first woodworking projects as a kid
involved a lot of carving and chopping
with axes, spoke shaves and big chis-
els. I eventually learned the finer side
of precision furniture building, but for
the sheer pleasure of working wood,
nothing compares to sculpting and
shaping wood by eye and feel.
I discovered early on that a 4-1/2-in.
disc grinder is perfect for shaping gently
curved projects. Equipped with a 24- to
36-grit sanding disc, the grinder is
aggressive enough for most of my proj-
ects. You can get a grinder for about $40,
but spend more if you plan to use it a
Randy recently purchased Milwaukee’s new
lot. It’ll last longer and be more comfort-
able to handle. I do final sculpting with
MEET A PRO 6130-33 4-1/2-in. disc grinder for $60.
Its compact size and light weight
100- to 120-grit, which also leaves a sur-
Randy Johnson make it easy to maneuver.
face smooth enough to finish-sand with Randy owned a cabinet/
a random orbital sander. This Windsor furniture shop for 20 years
before trading his Unisaw
chair seat took about an hour to carve
for a computer, eventually
with the grinder. becoming the chief editor
Randy Johnson of American Woodworker.
His other passions are
Continued on p. 90
sailing and making goat
cheese with his kids.
TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
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URGENT MESSAGE
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work+SHOP
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HONING GUIDE
90
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I love premier
hand planes
When a top-quality
bench plane is in my
hands and I hear the BENCH
PLANE
shavings shearing
away, then feel the ultra-
smooth surface left behind, I’m
in shop heaven. I’m connected
with the wood in a way no
power tool could ever deliver.
Of course, I didn’t figure out
how to use a plane overnight. It
took a long time to learn how to
tune the tool, sharpen its blade
and push it the right way. Using MEET A PRO
a plane requires skill earned the Tom Caspar
hard way, but that’s also part of
Tom started making furni-
its appeal. When I pick it up, I ture right out of college in
feel like a pro baseball player a friend’s farm outbuilding,
going up to bat. The crowd is with no electricity. His first
cheering, the bases are loaded love is hand tools. He has
a side gig, The Unplugged
and I’m swinging for the upper
Workshop, instructing
bleachers. wannabe hand-tool users.
Tom Caspar
My favorite bench plane is my No. 4-1/2 smooth plane from
lie-nielsen.com. At $325, it’s near the top of the food chain.
Statement of ownership,
management, and circulation
Statement required by the Act of August 12, 1970, Section
3685, Title 39, United States Code, showing the ownership,
management and circulation of THE FAMILY HANDYMAN
(USPS 515-930) published monthly (except bimonthly in
December/January and July/August) 10 times a year, at 2915
Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121, as filed on
Sept. 30, 2010. Annual subscription price: $24.
The names and addresses of the publisher, editor and manag-
ing editor are: Publisher, Lora Gier, 750 Third Ave., New
York, NY 10017; Editor, Ken Collier, 2915 Commers Drive,
Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121; Managing Editor, Travis
Larson; 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121.
The owner is Home Services, Inc., Reader’s Digest Road,
Pleasantville, NY 10570.
Known bond holder: RD Publications Inc., Reader’s Digest
Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570.
The Family Handyman
Issue date for circulation data: October 2010
Average number of copies of each issue during preceding 12
months, and of the single issue published nearest to filing date,
respectively, are as follows:
Average Single Issue
Total number of copies printed (net press run)
1,289,658 1,280,470
Mail subscriptions
1,053,641 1,057,726
Paid distribution—sales through dealers and carriers, street
vendors and counter sales
62,394 58,057
Total paid distribution
1,116,235 1,115,783
Free or nominal-rate distribution
59,937 44,598
Total distribution
1,176,172 1,160,381
Copies not distributed
113,486 120,089
Total
1,289,658 1,280,470
Percent paid and/or requested circulation
95% 96%
I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and
complete.
Jim Woods, VP Planning, Consumer Marketing
92 November 2010
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“…classic! The [Stauer] tanzanite
are a beautiful shade of violet
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BRAG You can pay someone to build just about anything. But you can’t buy the
satisfaction that comes from doing it yourself—the moment when you
stand back and say to yourself, “I built that.” That moment is also a good
READER PHOTOS
Closet
conversion
When it comes to neatness,
kids need all the encourage-
ment they can get. To make
cleaning up easier for her
son, Brittany Heagy created a
convenient space for storage
bins—and a lot more: a win-
dow seat, bookshelf, wain-
scoting and a reading light.
To see how she did it, visit
Brittany’s blog: prettyhandy-
girl.com.
TOOL “I figured that it couldn’t take more than two days to renovate a
ISSUE 2 x 6-ft. closet. It took me three full days—and nights.” Brittany Heagy
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
94
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READER PHOTOS
“With our high terrace, we
needed something kid-proof —
not a climbing magnet.”
Sean O’Connor
TOOL
ISSUE
november 2010 familyhandyman.com
96
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WIN
THE TOTALLY TOOLS ISSUE
READER
PROJECTS $500!
CONTEST
OTOS
The guy hangout
READER PH
Have you created a guys’ gathering place? Whether
it’s a game room, a home theater, your workshop or
none of the above, we want to see your photos. If
we choose your project as the contest winner,
we’ll send you $500. To enter, go to thefamily-
handyman.com/myproject.
READER PHOTO
Mark’s doghouse
For Mark Hulbert, getting sent to the doghouse is a
good thing. Concealed in the attic of his garage, the
“doghouse” is more than 600 sq. ft. of guy space Editor GARY WENTZ • Art Direction MARY SCHWENDER
TOOL No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Contest is open to legal residents age 18 or older of the U.S. and its territories and
possessions. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Feb. 20, 2011. To enter and for official rules, visit familyhandyman.com/readerprojects. We reserve the right to use any entry
ISSUE in the magazine and pay you $100 for the photo. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Contest sponsored by The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., publisher of The Family Handyman.
98
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THE TOTALLY TOOLS ISSUE wordless@thefamilyhandyman.com
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GREAT
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No way out
I was relocating the shower in a bathroom that was
built over a crawl space. To gain access, I cut a hole
in the subfloor and slithered down between the joists
with all my materials and tools. The floor would be
Editor ELISA BERNICK • Art Direction MARY SCHWENDER • Illustrations STEVE BJÖRKMAN
an easy patch since I was retiling anyway. After I
spent a few hours down there soldering copper pipes
and gluing ABS drain lines, the new plumbing setup
was perfect. Then it dawned on me that my beautiful
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YQ
W
AR
EVERYDA
R ANTY
YEAR
AKURUM/ÄDEL kitchen
Starting at
$
1749
last year’s price $1999
*
Sparky loves cleanup. Now, Lisa doesn’t mind it either. Her new kitchen feels custom designed
with integrated appliances and lighting. And she got everything she needed for it in one place.
A complete kitchen made exactly how Lisa dreamed it…without laying off her favorite
little dishwasher. Dream your very own kitchen at IKEA-USA.com/kitchen
AKURUM kitchen with ÄDEL doors and drawer fronts $5989 as shown Last year’s
price $6529 as shown Medium brown stained and clear lacquered solid birch/birch veneer ÄDEL
doors/drawer fronts. Requires assembly and installation. *The total price includes cabinets,
fronts, interior shelving, drawer and door dampers, hinges, toekicks, legs, visible moldings
and panels. Countertops, sinks, faucets, handles and knobs, appliances and lighting are sold
separately. See IKEA store or IKEA-USA.com for limited warranty details. Valid in US stores.
See IKEA store for country of origin information and 10'×10' kitchen layout details.
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