Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [steel]

240 questions
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Should I use steel or wood studs for basement exterior walls?

Related: When should you use metal studs? I'm planning on finishing my basement. (assuming all water issues are resolved) I'll be putting up a water barrier (tar paper) on all exterior walls, Framing a stud wall, insulating, installing a vapour…
Chris Cudmore
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How to cut a rectangle out of a STEEL ruler?

Does anyone know how to cut a hollow rectangle out of a steel ruler? By that I mean cutting a small part out of the standard steel ruler while having the outside part still in tact. So a band saw is out the ballpark. Its for a home project and any…
Joe
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What are the pros and cons of steel vs. aluminum metal roofing?

I'm considering a new roof for my suburban home. The home is about fourteen years old and the shingles are in so-so shape. We have had two leaks already and I've been told that means it is a good time to consider replacing the roof. Rather than…
Chris W. Rea
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What is the right tool to cut a clothesline made of coated steel?

I have a clothesline that is made of 5-6 braided tiny steel wires that is coated with flexible plastic. I need to cut it to smaller segments, I tried using a cable cutter made of carbon steel but it barely worked and the wires kept fraying or…
Yahia El-Masry
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Knowing where to drill holes in steel plate?

I have a concrete floor and I made two holes to bolt a 1/4"-thick steel plate. The problem is that the steel plates haven't been drilled yet. How can I determine where the holes will be drilled in the steel plates so they match the holes in the…
rbhat
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I want to build an all metal, self-designed building. Are metal frame and joists really that infeasible?

I have been putting together plans for my dream house. First an architect friend of mine said she might help, but right now she's got too much business and she hasn't even had time to look at a drawing. Then lumber prices were sky high and someone…
BSD
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How to drill holes in 3/8" thick steel plates?

I had to drill some 1/2" holes in 3/8" steel plates. In addition to taking something like 15 min per hole, a brand new drill bit lasts maybe two holes and it is trash. What is the best way to drill holes in steel that thick at home, assuming no…
amphibient
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Which steel is stronger: Cold rolled, hot rolled, or stainless?

I need a 1/4" x 1 1/2" x 80" steel flat bar. I will omit the details of what I need it for because this question is basically asking which composition yields a stronger steel. www.discountsteel.com has a wide variety of steel bars, but I am not…
oscilatingcretin
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Best tool & method for cutting steel tubes (table legs)?

I have a table that I want to cut the hollow steel legs down to coffee table height. These are the table legs I have: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70217973/ What's the best tool and method to do this simply? A hack saw? Some special…
danlatorre
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What are the "pinch" marks on steel rods called that stop something from sliding past and how do you make them?

I've seen these kind of marks on several steel rods, usually axles, but I don't know how are they called and which tool makes them. They are usually used to stop something, like a washer, go past them. I may need to do a couple of them on a another…
bcasquinha
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Under what circumstances can aluminum be in contact with steel?

I understand galvanic corrosion and the chemistry which causes the reaction. But under what circumstances can they be in contact? On first impression I would think they could in a dry environment... but that's a tough definition to follow. I'm…
Matthew
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How do I interpret the type of steel used in a tool?

The description states: Material: 400CC Steel. Googling 400CC Steel shows only shopping offers, not the articles or tables about steels. How do I look up materials? Is it a good tool steel or some cheap powder one? Is there any comprehensive…
Vi.
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Best way to drill square tubing (Without drill press)

When drilling all the way through square tubing, I often snap my drill bits. If it’s not possible to drill from the other side, is it better to drill a slightly bigger hole first followed by a smaller hole?
Frank_Vr
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What does blocking refer to in relation to floor joists?

This question was triggered by the following line in a home inspection: Blocking is not installed for I joists above beams in basement. I have found pictures of blocking at http://www.diychatroom.com/f14/sister-studs-ceiling-easy-question-11349/…
Joshua Drake
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How strong are bolts compared to welding and what qualities to look for in foundations?

I'm planning on building a home climbing wall, made from a mild steel subframe. It will probably be around 10 feet tall approx. I was thinking along the lines of using mild steel angle, cutting to size, drilling bolt holes then joining the peices…
Dave
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