Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [technique]

47 questions
61
votes
11 answers

Is there a trick to applying caulk using a caulk-gun?

Perhaps it is just me, but no matter how careful I try to be, any attempt to apply caulk or cement or anything with a caulking gun into a crack results in total mess. The main problems that seem to be causing this are: 1: The caulk doesn't "stick…
JohnFx
  • 4,622
  • 14
  • 41
  • 50
18
votes
4 answers

When drywalling, do the pros cover electrical boxes, or work around them?

This may be a bit of a subjective question, but I was just thinking about it. I've seen many electrical boxes that are full of drywall compound, often to the point of having to dig the wires out of it so you can use it. To prevent this, should the…
gregmac
  • 28,726
  • 15
  • 82
  • 159
13
votes
5 answers

How do I consistently drive drywall screws to the correct depth?

Is there a special technique or tool for consistently placing drywall screws correctly? I'm using a standard Dewalt DWD115K (with no auto-stop mechanism) so I'm usually paranoid of going too deep with screws... which results in stopping the screw…
Mike B
  • 8,011
  • 53
  • 107
  • 147
12
votes
2 answers

What should I keep in mind when building my house myself?

I inherited a piece of land and want to build a house on it. Nothing fancy: one floor, 2-3 rooms. Since I don't really have the money :D to build it "in one go", I'm going to build it over a longer period of time, bit by bit. Also, I want to build…
user9898
  • 121
  • 3
11
votes
6 answers

How can I drill a hole in tempered glass without shattering it?

How can I drill a hole in tempered glass without shattering it? Is it even possible? The hole only needs to be around 1/4" in diameter, nothing crazy huge.
Programmer
  • 2,000
  • 13
  • 44
  • 65
11
votes
9 answers

How can I pour a concrete pad with a circular hole in it?

Essentially, I'd like to put down a concrete pad for a patio, but leave a couple of circular areas within that patio unpaved (for planting shrubs). I'm familiar with the techniques for using dimensional lumber for angular concrete pads, and even…
JohnFx
  • 4,622
  • 14
  • 41
  • 50
10
votes
8 answers

How can I break up a small boulder without power tools?

I have a boulder/rock that is about 2 feet long and 1.5 feet in diameter. It is too heavy to lift and I would like to break it into smaller pieces. Without power tools, are there any good methods besides going at it with a sledgehammer?
Programmer
  • 2,000
  • 13
  • 44
  • 65
8
votes
3 answers

Paper joint tape VS. Mesh joint tape

What are the pros and cons of each type of drywall joint tape? Are there situations where one should always be used over the other?
Tester101
  • 130,386
  • 77
  • 314
  • 605
8
votes
4 answers

What should I do with a double gang box if I no longer need two separate switches?

We're relocating our TV to a side of our living room that has a power outlet controlled by a wall switch. The switch is part of a double gang box (1 switch controls the porch light, the other controls the outlet). I don't want people to…
Mike B
  • 8,011
  • 53
  • 107
  • 147
7
votes
3 answers

Can quick-drying mud be used on the same drywall joints where slow-drying mud was used?

I think I phrased the summary/title poorly but essentially, I'd like to know if all drywall mud coats need to use the same type of joint compound for all coats or if I can transition to quick drying mud in later coats. Here's why I'm asking -- I'd…
Mike B
  • 8,011
  • 53
  • 107
  • 147
7
votes
1 answer

Is there a reason not to nail up drywall?

I have a bunch of drywall to put up. I am staring at a loaded 15-gauge framing nail gun, and a drill + a box of drywall screws, and boy oh boy does that nail gun look tempting. When attaching to wooden studs, is there any reason not to just nail the…
Jason C
  • 1,058
  • 4
  • 12
  • 23
6
votes
2 answers

How do I use precision screwdrivers?

I am talking about those small and narrow screwdrivers with a thin handle. I can't get a tight enough grip on the handle to generate enough torque to remove a small screw. Do I have to use something else with it?
Johny
  • 63
  • 1
  • 1
  • 3
6
votes
3 answers

What tool and technique do I use to achieve this finish in plaster?

Our shed (in Switzerland) has an outdoor wall that is finished with plaster texture called crépi here which Google translates as roughcast. The plasterer here says it is impossible to replicate today. We have added to the building and would very…
Zippy
  • 585
  • 1
  • 6
  • 19
6
votes
2 answers

Is there a benefit to cutting a 2x4 in two passes of a mitre saw?

So I was just watching Holmes on Homes, and they were showing a quick close-up of cutting a 2x4, making two passes, cutting the top half first, then finishing it off: I've never seen (or at least noticed) anyone do it this way before, nor can I…
gregmac
  • 28,726
  • 15
  • 82
  • 159
5
votes
3 answers

How do I remove a fence post from a Wedge Grip support?

I'm in the process of replacing my back fence. One of the existing posts was damaged (crushed) during a tree fall. After finally digging this out, I discovered one of these in it. What I can't seem to do is get the rest of the wood that's in…
Paul Michaels
  • 615
  • 3
  • 14
  • 23
1
2 3 4