Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [metal]

341 questions
19
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5 answers

How do I optimally cut a bolt to length?

Once in a while I need a bolt of exactly the right length and it is not one of the lengths available in stores. So I get a longer bolt and cut it to length. Here's the procedure I follow. I screw one or several nuts onto the bolt so that they are…
sharptooth
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2 answers

What is this stake in my yard and can I remove it?

My child has been swinging in our front yard (NC, US) and worn away the grass, revealing this metallic stake (* See photo, note the acorn top for scale*): I gently tried to pull it up, but it is lodged in pretty well, and I don't want to damage city…
neuronet
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16
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3 answers

What is this metal rail in the basement ceiling

What is this metal rail in my basement and can I hang my 80 lbs punching bag on it? Thank you.
mishap
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13
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5 answers

Can metal studs support a 64" plasma TV on a swiveling mount?

Alright, I need a sanity check here. I've been tasked with mounting a 64" plasma TV with an articulating mount onto a metal stud wall in the corporate boardroom. It's the quadruple-threat with no room for error. The TV weighs 85lbs dead load. The…
BB ON
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11 answers

How can I drill through small thin hardened steel wrenches?

I have a couple wrenches that came with my mini air powered die grinder. I want to put a hole into the top so that I can attach a wire or string so I don't lose them. I used a punch to put a dimple into the wrench. I am trying to drill a pretty…
Fresh Codemonger
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13
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2 answers

What metal is most suitable for a ladder submerged in an underground water tank?

I need a ladder in my underground water tank at home, to enable easy access for cleaning and maintenance operations. The water from the underground tank is used for drinking, apart from other household chores. What would be the most suitable metal…
Bharat Khatri
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13
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3 answers

Name for a partially-circular metal clasp that fits into an indentation in a tube

What's the name of the "circle" that the arrow points to? In the picture is the end of a barbell. That thing that arrow points to is put onto the tube. The tube has a "dent" where that circle fits. There are eyes in the end of the circle that are…
B J
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12
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3 answers

Why is there 4 inches of metal at on each side of this column?

I have a column in my kitchen. As far as I can tell this is a decorative column, and doesn't contain anything structural -- I live in a high rise, it really cannot contain anything structural. Yet, according to my fancy stud detector, it has metal…
Sargun Dhillon
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12
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7 answers

How to clean rusty grill grates?

Accidentally left grill grates outside during the winter and rust built up. Tried to search online and ask at Lowe's, but didn't find a good solution. What worked for you?
Nikita R.
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10
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3 answers

Straighten a piece of metal with very limited tools and skill

This is supposed to be flat, but got bent in a move. Because it is bent, it will no longer hold the trey properly. I have seen to use a torch, but the best I have is a candle lighter. I have very little experience with things like this. I also have…
Julie
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9
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2 answers

How do I drill holes in Aluminum / Aluminium sheet?

I have some aluminum / aluminium strips that are about 3 mm thick and about 20 mm wide. I need to drill some holes in them. The holes will be 3.5 mm. What type of drill bit do I need? What speed should I run the drill; fast or medium or slowish? …
DanBeale
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9
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13 answers

What can I use as a bowl for a DIY fire bowl/pit?

I'm looking at creating my own fire bowl, as I would find it more fun and satisfying instead of just buying one and plonking it down. I haven't decided if I want it standing or sunk, but that doesn't really matter just yet. Does anyone have any…
SaturnsEye
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7 answers

How to clean rust in hard to reach points on a tool?

I have a cheap tool with some rust on it. It's probably cheaper to buy a new one than to clean it. But I wonder if is there any solution where I can drop it and retrieve it clean. Is there anything like a rust solvent?
Jader Dias
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8
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4 answers

How can I remove paint and rust from a metal 1950s cabinet?

I have a 50s metal medical cabinet that I would like to restore. I don't have access to a stripping tank so what would be the best way to remove old paint and rust. I'd love to get it back to metal and clear coat it.. is that possible?
Julia Mickum
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7
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2 answers

How do I drill into an existing galvanized fence post?

I have an existing metal fence post, set in concrete, in which I'd like to drill a new hole in that post. Normally, I would use a drill press to drill into a curved surface like this. Since the post is already set in concrete, this is not a viable…
nullrevolution
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