Home & Auto Maintenance Archives - Page 6 of 35

cabinet, Fix It, Home & Auto Maintenance, Home Maintenance, Tool Tutorials

Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way

Installing Cabinet Handles the Easy Way | Pretty Handy Girl

After installing my fair share of cabinet knobs and handles over the years, I’ve made my own templates out of cardboard or scrap wood. But, after trying this new gadget, I can honestly say this is how you too can Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way.

I was given the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig (affiliate link) to test last year, but I never opened it until now. I’m so glad I finally tried this puppy out. Just so you know, Kreg may have given me the jig, but I was not paid to write about it. I’m sharing this with you because I really liked this tool.

When you use this jig, not only will you install cabinet knobs and pulls easily, but each handle will be perfectly lined up with the others guaranteed!

If you have knobless cabinets in your home, now is the time to update them immediately. Grab a few things and meet me back here in a minute.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Assembling the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig:

Remove the pieces from the packaging.

Add the non-slip pads to the edge guide. (Locate the indented circles and place pads here.)

Feed the hex head bolts into the edge guide and insert into slots on the jig.

Thread the knobs onto the front side of the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig.

Insert the drill guides into the slots on either side of the center hole window as shown below. Line up the drill guides with your handle posts. If you only have one post knobs to install, insert it in the center hole.

Flip the jig over and secure the drill guides with the provided nuts.

Now you’re ready to Install Cabinet Hardware the Easy Way.

Instructions:

Line up the drill guides with your handle posts making sure the numbers match on both sides. (Or insert the drill guide in the center hole for single post knobs.)

Hold your handle up to the location you wish to install it. Secure a strip of painter’s tape to the cabinet door in the same location.

Mark the center of the handle on painter’s tape on your cabinet drawer (or door.)

Line up your jig over the center line.

Set the edge guide to the desired depth from the top of the drawer. Clamp the jig in place. Feed a 3/16″ drill bit into your drill and drill through the two drill guides.

If your pulls are thicker than 3/16″, measure the depth of the pull posts and transfer that measurement onto a larger bit. Mark that depth with a painter’s tape “flag”.

Drill to the painter’s tape flag for an exact depth.

This jig works the same for cabinet doors with a single knob. The difference being you will line up the edge guide on the side of the cabinet door and only one hole is drilled.

After your hole is drilled, remove the painter’s tape from your cabinet. You should have a nice clean hole with no splinters.

Secure your knob or pull to the door and admire your handy work.

If you run into a situation where the screw is too long, I have two ways to deal with that long screw.

Disclosure: This is a product review. I was given a complimentary Kreg Hardware Jig to try. I was not paid to mention Kreg or told what to say. I will always let you know if you are reading a sponsored post or product review.

May 15, 2017/7 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance, Home Maintenance, Tutorial

Two Ways to Fix a Screw that’s Too Long

2 Ways to Fix a Knob Screw that's Too Long | Pretty Handy Girl

Have you ever put new knobs on a cabinet only to find out that the screw is too long. It’s a pain for sure. That little project that you thought would take a few minutes is now going to require a trip to the hardware store — or will it. Not today! I have a tutorial to show you Two Ways to Fix a Knob or Pull Screw that’s Too Long.

1st Way to Shorten a Screw that’s Too Long:

First things first, let’s discuss the quickest way to deal with a screw that is almost the right length. Simply add a washer or two to the inside of the screw.

Then reattach the knob. Bam, perfectly tight knob.

2nd Way to Shorten a Screw that’s Too Long:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

But what do you do if you would need more than two washers to make the screw fit? This tip will blow your mind.

First measure the excess screw length.

Mark that distance + 1/16″ more on the screw.

Use a pair of wire strippers (affiliate link to the strippers I own and love) and thread the screw into a hole on the pliers (the one that fits best.) The mark should be inside the pliers before you continue.

Squeeze firmly on the pliers.

And boom, your screw is cut but still able to be screwed into the knob!

You’re knobs and pulls can be perfectly installed on cabinets now. Was that mind-blowing? Did you know that trick already?

I’ll be back soon to show you a new gadget I used for installing the knobs!

May 5, 2017/24 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Fix It, Home & Auto Maintenance

How to Fix a Wobbly Chair or Table

How to Fix a Wobbly Chair or Side Table | Pretty Handy Girl

Do you have a wobbly chair or table? Don’t throw it away because today I’ll show you How to Fix that Wobbly Chair or Table!

You’ll only need a few supplies for this project and it won’t take you very long, so let’s get fixing!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Rope
Eye protection
Chisel
Dremel with sanding bit (or sandpaper)
Wood glue
Pen
Hammer
Damp rag or wipes

Optional:

Instructions:

Take apart your chair or table. Twist the legs to break any remaining glue.

As you remove each piece, label where it came from (i.e. BR = Back Right, FR = Front Right, etc.)

Continue until all the legs and cross pieces have been removed.

Use a small chisel to chip out any old glue.

Use the Dremel to clean out all the holes and smooth the surface. (It’s important to expose the raw wood before re-gluing.)

Sand the ends of the legs to remove any additional glue.

If you don’t have a Dremel, you can use sand paper.

Wipe off any sanding dust. Add a generous amount of glue to all the holes. (You eagle eye, you! Yes, I painted the table before putting it back together. But, it’s the same table, honest!)

Press the legs and supports back into place.

You might need to gently tap any stubborn pieces in with a hammer.

Wipe off any excess glue.

Make sure all the legs are perfectly plumb and all the pieces are where you want them. Use rope to “clamp” the table and hold it in place while the glue dries.

After the glue dries test to make sure it is sturdy. If there is any movement, you can drive screws into the joints to help secure the legs better. Position the screws underneath or on the inside so they won’t be as visible.

Enjoy your sturdy chair and/or table! It wasn’t that hard to fix that wobbly chair or table was it?

That’s what I thought! Enjoy.

Be sure to pin this post. All wobbly chairs and tables deserve a second chance!

Like this tutorial? You’ll get a kick out of how I saved this broken chair that was rescued from the trash:

Have a great weekend.

March 10, 2017/9 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

energy conservation, Home & Auto Maintenance, Home Maintenance

How to Make a Tank Style Water Heater More Energy Efficient

How to Make an Old Water Heater More Energy Efficient | Pretty Handy Girl

At the beginning of 2016 government standards dictated that new tank style water heaters must be more energy efficient. In response, manufacturers added internal insulation to new heaters. Unfortunately for those of us with tiny crawlspace water heaters, it meant we had to give up 10 gallons in storage to accommodate the added insulation. For a family of four, that is a big deal when our tank only holds 50 gallons to begin with.

In anticipation of the new rules, I purchased one of the last “less energy efficient” models to replace our 15 year old unit.

Although it’s true that an older water heater has less insulation, you can help your tank be more energy efficient. How? Simply add a water heater insulation blanket. It’s an easy DIY home improvement you can accomplish in thirty minutes or less. Want to learn How to Make a Tank Style Water Heater Energy Efficient? Great, let’s get cozy.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Preparation:

For your personal safety, turn off the power supply to your water heater.

Suit up if you have to go into a crawlspace. I always wear work pants and knee pads because even the most pristine crawl space might have an occasional rock or dropped nail or screw that you don’t want to kneel on.

Instructions:

Measure the height and circumference of your water heater.

Transfer the measurements onto your insulation blanket and cut to size*. (The low boy water heaters that fit in crawlspaces are usually wider than their taller cousins, so you may have to rotate the blanket or piece it together to make it fit.)

*As a side note, I didn’t have enough to go all the way around with the Frost King water heater insulation blanket I used. After reading reviews, I realize I wasn’t the only one. Therefore, I linked to another insulation blanket with better reviews in the materials list.

Add some tape to the tank to secure the insulation blanket (the fiberglass insulation side facing in.) Then wrap it around the tank.

You must keep the access panel and pressure release valve uncovered. Cut those sections out of your blanket.

Add duct tape to secure the blanket around the water heater.

If you have additional insulation blanket material, cut a piece and attach it to the top of your heater (only for electric water heaters.)

Doesn’t your water heater look cozy and warm? It may not be the prettiest makeover, but it will save a pretty penny! 😉

Don’t forget to turn the power back on and enjoy hot water on demand.

Hope you have a great weekend and check out some of these home maintenance repairs you can do yourself!

February 3, 2017/3 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance, Landscaping & Gardening, repair

How to Replace a Wheelbarrow Tire in 5 Minutes

What happens when you are ready to do some work in the yard and discover your wheelbarrow has a flat tire? You pump it up. But, then you realize the tire is dry-rotted and no air will stay in the wheel. Trust me when I say you don’t want to muscle the tire off to replace it (because that is a pain in the “you know what” and it’s much faster to replace the whole wheel.) Have no fear, I have a tutorial for How to Replace a Wheelbarrow Tire in 5 Minutes!

Grab two items and let’s get to it.

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials:

Wheelbarrow Replacement Wheel (or purchase a Flat Free Wheel and never replace a flat tire again)
Socket Set (you might need deep socket for this project)

Instructions:

Flip the wheelbarrow over and loosen the nuts on the axle bracket.