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Page 1: 2009-07 Family Handyman
Page 2: 2009-07 Family Handyman
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

25 Find and fix roof leaks Don't ignore the warning signs. SlOp leaks before thl:!Y cau!;@ mfljor damage.

32 Busting up concrete It's backbreaking work, but R little know-how can reduce the pain and strain,

44 Cost-cutting shed Build a hig, beautiful storagp. shed on a budget with our penny-pinching tips.

56 Rental tools we love Big outdoor jobs go faster and casier when you use the sarna equipment the pros use.

63 Cut your cooling costs Ten real-world ways to saVB

money and still keep cool.

• Volunteers needed We're looking for DIVers to help us make The Family Handyman better. Become a TFH field editor. whether you're a novice OlVer or a veteran. If YOU're wilting to share your opinions and experiences. a-mall us at editOl'[email protected].

ON THE COVER

Free CoIIectcw's Ecitlon Handy Hints 75 Slash your coollnt c~ts:tttis surrmer ., Budget shed 44 Stoproofleaks 25 Bust up concrete 32 Rent II. monster tool. " Cut eM Insurance t05t5 70

CowrI"t'ooxocTOM FENENGA

Features 32

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TABLEOFj

CONTENTS 8 Do's & Don'ts

Belt Sil.nder5-~o powerful and versatile, you've gotta show 'em who's boss.

16 Remodel Resources Rustic hardwood flooring, bullet-proof shingles and more.

20 New Tools & Gear A cordless grinder and an automatic-start weed trimmer.

43 Reader Projects Send us a photo of your proj­ect and you might win $500.

68 Instant Project A unique garden 1001 box.

70 Car & Garage Ten strategies for saving big on your car insurance.

74 Question & Comment Tiling over tile, removing wood trim and fixing remotes.

80 Shop Tips Easy shop ventilation and more.

84 Handy Hints' Better ways to glutl small sluff. scrape wallpaper and more.

91 Wordless Workshop' Corral all those sport~j balls.

92 G",at Goofs' Three for the record buok!

Contributor GuldeUnes WI ~ ~JDO fill ~~, GMt Gooof!A, S/'qI 1'\:10..-.:1 1'oIOodI'5&~"~m.t ... pWllh.s.bM jO:u __ a:ntob.ttr\"'",""Ihlb(ll~1:rj ...... " Nr<trhhI.t.fa"'~ ~.tp:lI5ClIll'!~!om

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ormaiU,.to TheF.mIy~n'W1 1'l15~0rM.~700.~1!IN55121

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Departments

Questions about subscriptions? Fo< ... Vod~~"""'.cho ... m_~I'iI'IpW!OI1 a~Pf')I:llem. .... ~r.TlIIf"""'~ SubIatIto..- s.r.on Otpt., eo. 81J<l.1Ied0llk.IA 5159101174. ~ 1M! (800) 16!t-4-961 Or......, '" 1I'l ....mai11 ~.wm. ~\wr)lS$I)I1.looaddress~

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Back Issues/art icle copies SDore ~ Murs_stIIlWWbIo lor 15.00 NCl\.I'!IotocqMs ..r .,,,10\ ..-e_WWIllf SiOO NCfI. Call (715) ~521lrom Bun.lo5p.m.Cfn(rIll~~~.fIlr~~ JtIid MIftInI.~ 'MIlI to: hdll-. Tho FIml~ ~ P.o.Ib 8J69S. Sljllw!l~. Wi 5SOS1-06</5. 00 _ <l$ent-ma~"~~om.

Comments and suggest ions We ~)WI klusn gp ........ Wr1t<t ttl: ThoEdltllr. ThfFIml1~ 1915 COfIITlII'!I Dr. SuI~ 100. £ae.wo.t.I'I ~l2l ~(651) ~2250. [.....all: edil\::lo5Odlrllll'l1l~ Wlbstte: t/It'!~om

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Check out this new ~"",\ DIY video online Master your belt sander A veteran woodworker demonstrates what to do-and what not to do-for fast, flawless surface prep. Find al l our video.!! under "Editors' Picks" on OUf hume pagt!.

Also featured online this month

> Cobblestone path A simplified sand base makes it easy, pavers make it affordable, and cobblestones add style.

> Renew a fence Makc shabby, weathered wocxl look !ikA new in three easy steps.

> Install cement siding It won' ! rot, it holds paint better than wood and it's easy to install -if you know a few key tricks.

> Add attic vents

, -

Better ventilation means lower cooling costs, longer shingle life and no more ice dams.

~"",\ THE TOOL BLOG OUf editors sound off on

their favorite tools and gear. YOll can post your opinions, too,

thefamilyhandyman.com

To find any olthese articles after July 15, 2009, just type the title into the search box on our home page.

We want your feedback! Join our Reader Feedback Panel and give us your opinions about the magazine. As a member, you can tell us what you like and what you don't like, and share your Ideas for stories that wouLd interest you . To Join the Reader Feedback Panel, go to thefamHyhandyman.com/paneL and complete the brief questionnaire. That's aU there is to it! Then you can spout off all you want and share your opinions on our occasional online surveys. Thanks for your help, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

The edItors of The Family Handyman

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CORRECTOR.

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Ask file COfUy Brothors a home improvement or remodeIng question Ofl theirtVerodlO broodcoSI9YefySoturdoyfrom900a_m. lo 1.00p,m.

_ 1M eo.., ___ Eostem lime, COU 1011-1188 at 1-800-737-2474 to ask your QUestion.

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Vlsit their IN'9bsIte at www.onfhehouse.com fOfrecapsoftheshow& other helpful info

. lln DIY Mom.lmpron m.nt """ l'St

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by Ken Coltler edltors@tlletam1!yhandy-man.com

Belt sander basics-and beyond belt sanders are the big, powerful

gOrillas of the sanding world. Few tools Clin save you as much time----or "''Teck your projoct fll5tef. If you're ntlW to belt sonders or have been frustratod by yours, read on to find out how to keep that big ape under control.

What it'll do for you Belt sanders are multiuse tools. They are commonly uscd for trimming to Ii

scribed line (photo fIlM), sanding very rough surfaces, l!wellng surfaces (like Ii

replacement board in Ii hardwood

S ....... ' ........... ZOOll '~.f.ffll'WI>.MI."'.".C" ...

PERFECT FOR SCRIBING A common use for a small belt sander IS scribing. You can gradually sneak up en III curved line for III perfect f it. On III laminate counter­top, make sure the direction of belt travel pUshes the laminate down.

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Introducing the Genully' brand. Monsanto's new family of trails across corn, soybean. cotton and special ty crops. It's the PrilVeO trait performanCE of today and the trail opportunities (If tomorrow - so farmers can do what they do best. even better.

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THE TOP TOOL FOR ROUGH FLATTENING Belt sanders excel at the rapid rQrT10val of wood, maKing them the best handheld power tool for leveling and smoothing rough boards. Start at an angle to the grain for aggressive leveling. then finish with the grain. Eighty-grit Is good for starting. then switch to 12D-grit.

. . • • • • " .

• • • • . • ,

" . •

USE GOOD TECHNIQUE Don't push down on the sander: let Its weight do the work. Go slowly. overlap passes and allow the tool to go past the end without dipping. Be careful not to tip the sander or change speed or direction. Put the cord over your shoulder 50 It's out of the way.

GOUGING IS THE ENEMY This painted panel shows a common problem: horseshoe-shaped gouges at the end of a board. To prevent gouges, use clean. rlE'W belts, avoid grits finer than 120, "'00 keep the plate undE'f the belt (the platen) clean and free of dust buildup.

10 ...... "'.....,.,2OO\l .".!.,"II,~."oI,,,,.".<om

floor) and freehand rounding and shap­ing, Because they have a lot of power and can handle COilrse grits, they excel at the rapid removal of wood, Also, \mlike orbital and vibrating sanders, the sanding action is linear, so even with coarse grits you can !';and with the grain and get II. good-looking re~u1t.

Though a belt sandAr isn't an eAsAntial tool in the homeowner's liI'Senal, you won't find many experienced DlYers or carpenters without one,

Buying a sander and belts The best multipurpose belt sander takes a 3-in,-wicle belt, You'll see machines designed for wider and nar­rower belts, but they're for speci!:llized tasks, Within the 3-in, cla!';s, there are smaller tools that take 3 x 18-in, belts, midsize machines that tut! 3 x 21-in, belts and 8 couple of large sanders that take 3 x 24-in, belt~, The smaller tools are lighter and easier to use onOl-hand­ed for shaping and scrihing, They're good for smaller work tmd casu!!.1 use, The larger tools have more sur­tace area and weight for smoothing wide surfaces, They're better for bigger work and shop use, The 3 x 21-in. machines arc a good compro-mise. You 'll find 3 x 18-in. sanders for $50 to 5150 and 3 x 21-in. sanders for $100 to $250,

You'll also find smaller helt sanders that take 2-1/2-in.-wide belts. They'cc light and very handy for one-httnutld use, Sanders with 4-in,-wido belts firc

heavy-duty machines best left to cabi-netmakers,

Use your sander safely Belt sanders are relatively safe tools, but irs still smilr! fo lake precautions. • Wear hearing protection-Ihese

babies are LOUD! • Don't breathe dust. It's not just

unpleasant; it's bad for you. Wear a dust mask while sandinK, unless you rig up a shop vacuum for dust collection (photo. p. 14).

• Unplug the tool before changing

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· va ls"

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belts or emptying the dust bag. I have 8 scar that attt)sts to the impor­tance of this soomingly grandmoth­erly precaution.

• If you use the belt sander to sand metal, you'll create sparks, which can stllrt a fire if they mix with the sawdust in the machine and the dust bag. Blow or vacuum the dust out of the ~ander before you use it all metAl, and remove the dust bag.

• Make sure the trigger is off before plugging the sander in. Belt sanders have a locking button that holds the switch in the "on" position. Sounds kinda "duh," but trust me, it hap­pens. You don'! want the sander to fly across the room when you plug it in, do you?

• Belt sanders exert a fair amount of force on the work. So if your work isn't securely held, it'll slidtl away from or right into you. Clamps get in the way, but a simple stop on the approprifltl~ side of the workpiece (middle photo. p. 10) will keep it from slidillg. Choose a stop that's a little thinner than the workpiece so the sander will clear it at the edge,

Tuning up your sander First, make sure the belt is oriAntcd properly. Some belts have a preferred diroction, indicated by an arrow on the insidtl. Nondirectional belts can be installed either way. The only adjust­ment you'll probably have to make is Ntr8l:ling" to keep the belt centtlred. on the roller. Hold the sander up, turn it on, and see if the belt either rubs against the housing or starts working its way off the rollers. With the trigger on, adjust the tracking knob until thtl belt is centered on the rollers. You may have to make a slight adjustment when the sander is on the wood. If your sander has automatic tracking, you don't need to mess with any of that nonsense.

Some sanders have variable speed, You can go at maximum speed most of

12 Ur/_~0<19 '''.'.mll,''and,",an.<om

TRIM AFTER SANDING It·s hard to keep a belt sander from gouging or rounding over the ends of a board. So If you can, belt-sand the board before cutting It to final length. You can then safely move on to a palm sander and finer grits.

WATCH OUT ON PLYWOOD Belt sanders take off setlous amounts of WOOd, so they can wreck plywood pretty much Instantly. It you have to sand solid-wood edging flush with plywood. draw a pen­cil Une on the plywood to ten you when the sander starts removing veneer. If you haye variable speed. dial It down.

KEEP THE BELT CLEAN Dirty belts mllkefor lousy work. A belt-cleaning stick ($8) will remove the pitch buildup that happens with all woods, especially pine or sappy woods. Push it against the moy­Ing belt, or for larger sanders. clamp the stick In a vise and sand it.

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INTERIOR COLOR SELECTION TIPS Rule number one is to surround yourself with the coIots you love; do 11'11' and your houw will feellik. a home. Keep these ~P$ in mind:

• v-.1-.en coord inoll~ POint color with turtcirls or furniture, consider wletflng on. 01 1M backgfound tob-I from rile fobric and using tnol as the wall toklr.

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EXTERIOR COLOR SELECTION TIPS The,. are no nord ond fast I\I I. s when il comes tc llXIerior colors, bl.l! consider seletting a ~coIor lheme~ . lop iiding might be ane color, all railings onothtl r. wiooow and door trim yet another.

Hiik>fic navses of Ih. 19th and 20th ctlnlllfi., were chen pointed usiog three basic colors; the design elem.nts uMld then, stiU apply:

• The main body wIor, used for the siding or other . xleriof wol! aurfoee. establishes the overall look. and Feel of your home. lignl colors will mok.e 0 house seem knger; dark coiors, smaller

• The trim color helps otCentuole the decorative elements of the house It'$ often used 10 -f'om.- the main body colaf on olllo .. r sides-corner boords, «IV .. ond bottom trim.

• The Kith ood door color. e~iolly thaWl thol Qre 0 deep hue, help draw the e:r- into the building and give rhe Il lusion of depth Shutters, too, ore often pointed !his color.

To get this kd: Iry lhe~ Va/spor ond Notiona/ Trust colors

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Page 16: 2009-07 Family Handyman

the time, but you'll want to throttle it back for delicate work.

Pick a belt, but not any belt Persomdly, I use 80- and 120-grit belts regularly, and rarely, 50·grit. Grits coarser than 50 leave deep scraluhes that are difficult to remove. And if you're doing finer sanding, you're bet­ter off using a random·orbit sander. Kememher one of the rules of sanding: You can skip one grade of grit. but it wastes time and you'll just wear out belts !!kipping two. For example, you can go from 80 to 120, skipping 100 grit, but don't go from 50 to 120.

Aluminum oxide is the traditional grit material. You'll find it in 1eM­expensive khaki·color form, good if you need a disposable belt, and longer· lasting, dark brown premium belts. However, for grits of 80 and coarser, many ~ple now prefer zirconia belts (sometimes called "planer" helts). They have sharper, tougher cutting particles that cut more aggressively, last longer and don't clog as easily. These belt!! are usually hright blue or purple. Zirr.onia belts run aboul $2.50 each, and premi­um aluminum oxide belts are about $2.

Soup Up your sander Belt sanders are simple tools that don't need many improvements. However, if you use your belt sander in the shop, consider these two upgrades.

Dust collection. Belt sanders always come with a built·in dust bag that col­lects most of the coarser dust: and needs regular emptying. However, plenty of fintl du!!t still gets into the air. If you're doing a lot of balt sanding. it's worth getting a hose that allows you to can· neet your sander to a shop vacuum. You'll be able to sand all day with nary a speck of dust (Iow.rphoto).

You can sometimes uso the hose that came with your shop vacuum, but it's usually too large or too stiff. The alter· native is a super-flexible, small-diame· ter hose designed for dust collection. You CItU buy one at a woodworking spe­cialty store or online (search '"vacuum hose"). I use one made by Porter·Cable that cost $25. Dust ports vary widely (some are square, which is a {;h!llltmgel,

GOOD FOR ROUGH SHARPENING You can use a belt sander for rough sharpening of tools like a~es. shovels, kni\les and chisels. Remove the dust bag and relTlOV1:' all dust from the sander (sparks and dus1 are a bad combination), then use a zirconia belt for best resutts.

BETTER DUST COLLECTION The bag on a belt sander prOVides decent dust collection, but with a little fiddli ng you ellM attach a 10013, soft hose arld a shop vacuum to your belt sander. The payoH: no bag emptying and almost no dust In the air.

so you may have to fiddle around to get the hose to fit. There an'! r:ommflrc.ial adapters ($10 to $20: pick one up when you buy your hose) or you can cobble something together with-you guessed it-duct taptl. It's worth the fuss, though: no dust in your workspace.

Shop.made I'ltand. A handy accesso­ry if you do much woodworking is a stand that holds yom sander on its side, upSide down or vertical, allowing

~ We want your feedbackl Help us improve The Family Handyman

I ~ sharing your opinion of this and ~her articles. See p. 4 for details.

you to bring the work to the tool instead of vice versa. The design of the stand is completely dependent on the shape of your sander. so we won't give plans. However, it generally involves several layers of plywood, each with cutouts to accommodate the parts of the sander that protrude, plus a couple of hose clamps or other clamping devices to hold the sander securely. Add another pi!;l{;1;1 of plywood to act as a table, if needed.

Stands like this are particularly usc· ful if you want to sand lots of slllall parts-for example, if you're mak.ing lots of wooden toys. For inspiration, search online for "belt sander stand photo." 0

Page 17: 2009-07 Family Handyman

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Page 18: 2009-07 Family Handyman

by Elisa Bernick [email protected]

Easy to install rustic hardwood floors

distressed hardwood floors with highly defined grliin patterns and

wide planks are all the rage and with good reason: They're gorgeous. And for DlYers who love this look., Bruce Hard­wood Floors' new Rustic Lock&Fold collection is worth checking out.

The collection combines the latest distressed flooring trends with a patented locking tflchnology that reduces installation time and expenses by 30 percent, according to the COll­

pany. The Lock&Fold technology means there's no need for glue, nails or

16 ~""",,'ZOCl'J .~ • •• "'1t1h.nGy"' .n.c o",

staples. And unlike other click-togeth­er floor installations, Rustic Lock.&Fold panels don't eVOln have to be tapped together. All you do is fit the tongue­and-groove panels together, fold them down and lock them into place.

The collection includes two lines: American Originals, available in hicko­ry (pictured), oak and maple; and American Vintage, available in dU:lffY and walnut. Both are 100 percent engi­neered hardwood and come 3/8 in. thick and 5 in. wide with square edges and ends. They're also available In ran-

dom-length planks that allow you to create dramatically different look5 to suit any room. The fl ooring rHngfl.~ in price from $5 to $8 per sq. ft. depend­ing on the style. For 8 dealer locator. visit the Web site. Brututm. (800) 233-3823

~ We want yourfeedbackl Help us Improve The Family HandYmdn by sharing your opinion of this and other articles. See p. 4 for details.

Page 19: 2009-07 Family Handyman
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Window screens for allergy sufferers !fyau'va been keeping your windows shut to prevent aller­gy attacks, PollenTec window screens might help you let Ihtl summer breeze in without running for a tissue. The screens look simllar to normal screens, but the company .<;ays they're designed with a special filter that lets air in while keeping airborne pollens out. The PollenTec screens aren't cheap. The screening material alone costs $10 per sq. ft., or yuu can order complete screen frames for about $75 for a normal-size window. But if you're shelling out $400 a month for AC bills, being able to open the windows for a cooling breeze might be worth it. Visit the Weh site for mOTe information. PoIlenTe<;.c:om. (613) 780·2400

18 M,'/"",,,,'10i)Q 'h.h""')h.~dr"'." ·<"'"

Synthetic slate roofing shingles Synthetic slate Tooting tiles from DaVinci Roofs(".apes have the authentic louk emu durability of natural quarried slate, but al half the installed cost and ~vitb faster and easier installation. The lightweight polymer tiles eliminate the need for and cost of the extra roof supports required by nat­ural slate. The tiles have a Class A fif{! rating (the best), can withstand high-velocity hurricana winds and are backed by a 50-year warranty. Available in nine color blends with color variances that mimic natuml slale, the tiles can only be installed by certified roofing contractors. For prices and dealer information. call or check the Web site. dav\ndroofSUlptSlom.{600) 326-4(,24

Rechargeable lantern on the go This portable lantern can illuminate your nighttime stroll or your dinner table when you're eating out under the star~. The Luau portable lamp (5199) is a rechargeable LED lantern that lash; from 6 to 10 hours on a charge. Dim it or turn it off to conserve the charge until you need it. You can also take it along camping and use it to light up the tent while you snuggle in a sleeping bag. Who says roughing it has to

be ... rough? YeSSe\.(om, (an) 605·1601 Q

Page 21: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Join The Family Handyman Powerhouse

Pane~ an online corTYnunity of do-It-yourselfers.

and get access to specla! offers. discounts,

and rewards, alan. with the chance to tell us what you think about new products, hot

topics, and much more.

JOIN TODAYI AND, ENTER TO WiN AN ALL-iN-ONE UTiLITY WRENCH. Visit www.fhpowerhouse.com to join and enter code JUL09.

No ~ or ....-,. 01'1 _lOry 10 ..... Open Jo U S _ .. IS one! o...-r,Ii~ bIogN 0II3I17/fY1 oncI _ ontr.'3:)1)9 .... oI!l_, ,."...,. ... oncI_..-.

Haii'C1 man Y POWERHOUSE

Page 22: 2009-07 Family Handyman

by Brett Martin edl tor1l@t helam ilyhandymllln.com

Portable, battery-powered grinder h ilachi's 4-1/2-in. nngle grinder is the perfect go-to tool

for grinding metal or for cutting tile, metal or rebar when you don't want 10 ha~~le with a cord. Once you own tho grinder, you'll find yourself reaching for it instead of a hack­saw, recip saw or corded grinder-and saving II lot of time.

Don't think the cordless grinder won't deliver-the high­torque motor cranks out 9,100 rpm to handle tough jobs. And it's lightweight (4.2 Ibs.) and quieter than corded models. The downsides: It's more expensive than a corded model and needs to be charged. If you «lready own IHl 18-volt Hitachi tool, you can use that NiCad, NiMH or lithium­ion battery and just get the grinder itself for $100. The grinder with one lithium bllllery and a charger costs S200. If you Heed help locating a retailAr, visit the Web site. HltacN, (000) 706-n31. t"iUchl~tools.rom 20 l<OIyI .. _1OO9 .h . f.mll,h.nd'''' . .. . com

Page 23: 2009-07 Family Handyman

No shocking surprises Do you identify circuits by flip­ping breakers and listening for your helper's yell when you've found the right one? Zircon's CF 12 Pro Circuit Breaker Kit has a better way. Plug the transmitter into tho circuit, then wave the receiver over the breaker box twice. On the second pass, the receiver idontifies the broaker with 8. green LED light and an alarm. It's handy for tying in to an existing circuit, changing out­lets or upgrading light fIxtures.

The $120 kit Includes an adapter that screws into a light socket for working on fixtures, two adapters with clips for baN! wires, and blades that plug into 120- and 240-volt outlets. The CF 12 Circuit Finder ($43) han­dles outlets only. Available from amazon.com and other retailers. Zk(OI\ {6001 24s-9265. zhwo.com

We want your feedback! Help us Improve The Family Handy­man by sharing your opinion of this and other articles. see Po 4 for details.

Keeps Paint Out. Keeps Lines Sharp.

FrogTape~

_by Shurtape"

Paint has been leaking and bleeding under your Old masking tape for 100 long. FrogTape's

exclusive PalntBIoc~Technology forms a micrO-barrier that stops paint in Its IrlIcks. Now touch-ups are a thing 01 the past.

FrogTape.com a77-FROGTAPE

Page 24: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Automatic-start weed trimmer My wife will mow the yllI'd with a walk-behind mower, bul she refuses to use the trimmer for the fin­Ish work. That's because she has trouble starting it­a lot of priming and five or more pulls before it fires up. So I bought her Ryobl'. trimmer with ThuchStart. Its rechargeable I2-voh battery lets you start the trim­mer with the push of 8 bulton----f!8siast start ever. Am I a great husband or what?

Tbe trimmer has a straight ahaft, which the compa­ny says is better for gelling into bard-Ie-reach areas. It also has 8 generous l8-ln,-wide culting swatch. The trimmer is 8vailabltt at Homt! Depot Cor $180. RyobI, (800) S32579.l')'ObltooIs..com

22 j;ty/AIJ .. .t'''~O~ ."'.f. "'I I J~ .nG '''' . n.c om

If you take PLAVIX

continuing to do so

will help your increase protection.

You may be feeling better, but your risk of a

future heart attack or stroke never goes away.

Help stay protected with PLAVIX.

P/<e.~ _ impOrt.m prOlWCI .nd pnw/bIng Infl!rnvtion f)(l trJIlowIrt9 pit9"'-

--.0_" ~~ !¥IOti·_nth u.s. LlC

Page 25: 2009-07 Family Handyman

PLAVIX can help save lives for those who've had a heart attack caused by a completely blocked artery.

,'. , " '. .. ': .

' ..

Clots that block off arteries are the with your other hea rt med icines. Taking main tau~ of heart attack. And now PLAVIX with your other heart medicines that you· ... e had a heart attack you goes beyond what other heart medicines afe at a greater risk of having another alone (an do to keep blood platelets that can be fata l. That's why your fro m st icking together and for ming doctor may put you on PLAVIX, along dangerous clots.

• • .......... "i-",;',_ I

" • IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: If you have iI stomach ulcer or other condition that causes bleeding, you should not use PLAVIX. When taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines including aspirin, the riu: of bleeding may increase so tel! your doctor before planning surgery. And, always talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or other medicines with PLAVIX, especially if you've had a woke. If you develop fever, unexplained weakness or confusion, tell your doctor promptly as these may be signs of a rare but potentially life·threatening condition called TIP, which has been reported rarely, somet im~ in less than 2 week~ after ~tartin9 therapy. Other rare but serious side effects may CKcur.

Ask your doctor how PLAVIX can help increase your protection against future heart attack, stroke, and even death.

To learn more about heart attacks and PLAVIX, visit www,plavix.wm or call 1-800-283'8009.

You afe encou raged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. VISit WMN.fda.govfmedwatch, or call1-8OQ.FDA-l088.

See important product information on the following page.

• ,.._ .... p.,;.,Ior~-. ,......, .. ~Ior ... ,...(oIl~ ~ 11·NI-l/J·_ ..... _

___ .~s.;bbUS.Cl.O.C».05.o121Uay 2OOU 264USOQABl4000 ... ~us UC

o lOOII Brirt<>I-M~ ~~~fl¢f\ 1'II. , rN(Mi.;, II ,.tt.-.e,*,i~

ONCa· .... O"y

FllaVbc . Iclopidogrel bisulfate) 75",,-. Protection that helps save lives.

Page 26: 2009-07 Family Handyman

PIaVix.. [Cropldogrel bisulfate) 75_ _

WHO IS PlAVIX FOR1 PLAVIX is a prescription-only medicine that helps keep blood platelets from Slicking together and forming clots.

PLAVIX is lor paluents Y<lho ha ... e: • had d rerenl heart at1ack. • had a recent stroke. • poor circulalion in their legs (Penpheral Arlcry Disease).

PLAVIX in combination with aspIrin is for palienls h~pita!ized with' • heart-related chest pain (unstable angina), • heart attack. Doctor~ may refer to the~ conditions as ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome).

Clots (an become dangerous when they form inSide your arteries. These clots form when blood platelets stick together, forming d blocK<l.ge Within your arteries, restricting blood flow to your heart or bram, caUSing a heart attack or stroke.

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE PLAVIX7 '1'00 ~hould NOT take Pl/IVlx if you; • are illIergK to cloPldogrel (the active ingredient In PtAVIX).

• ha~'e a Sloma(h uker • have another condition that causes bleeding. • are pregnant or may bec:ome pregnant. • are breast feeding.

WHAT SHOULD I TEll MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKtNG PLAVIX? Before laking PLAVIX, tell your doctor II you're pregnant or are breast feeding Of have any 01 the loll owing: • gastrointe5linal uker • stomach uker(s) • liver problems • kidncy prOblems • a history of bleeding conditions

WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PLAVIX? TTP: A very ~riou~ blood condit ion called TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) has been rarely reported in people tilking PLAVIX. TIP is a potentially li fe-threatening condition that irwolvn low blood platelet and red blood cell Ie\lels, and requires urgent referral to a ~ialist for prompt treatment once a diagnosis is susp«tcd Warning signs of TIP may include fever. une~plained confusion or weakness (due to a low blood count, what doctors call anemia). To make an accurate diagnOSIs. your doctor Will need to order blood tests. TIP has been leported rarely, sometimes In less than 2 wteks after startmg therapy.

GastrOintestinal Bleeding There is a potential risk 01 gastrOintestinal (stomach and mtestine) bleeding when taking PLAVIX PLAVIX should be used With caution In patients who have lesions that may bleed (sulh itS ulce!")). along with patlenb who take drugs thai cause such lesions.

Bleeding, You may bleed more easily and It may take yOll longer than usual to ~top bleeding when you take PLAVIX alone or in combination with aspirin. Report any unusual bleet.llllg lo your doctor

G~flalfics: Wht:n taking aspirrn with PLAVIX the risk of ~rious bleeding increases wilh age in patients 65 dnd over.

Stroke Patients: If you have had a recent TIll. (also known as a mini-stroke) or stroke taking aspirin wllh PLAVIX has 001 tlft'n shown 10 ~ more effective than taking PliWIX alon~, bullaking aspirin with PLAVIX ha~ been shown to increase the ri~ of bleeding compared to taking PLAVtX alone.

Surgery: tnform doctors and denllSts well in advance 01 any surgery that you .ue taking P\.AVIX so Ihey can help ~'Ou de<ide whether or not to dl')LOn'lnue your PLAVIX treatment prior to ~lIfgery.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT TAKING OTHER MEDICINES WITH PLAVIX? You should only take aspirin With PLAYIX when directed to do so by your doctor. Certain other mediCines should nol be laken With PLAVIX, Be sure to leU your doctor about all of your (urrent medications. espe(lally il you are lakrng the following' • asprrrn • nonsterOidal anll·inllammatory drugs (NSAIDs) • warfilrin • hcpa rr n

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking PLAYIX Defore staning any new medicatlOO.

WHAT ARE THE (OMMON SIDE EfFECTS OF PLAVIX? The most (ammon side effects of PLAVIX indude gastrointestinal eveol$ (bleeding. abdominal pam. indigestion. diarrhea, and nau\ea) and rash. ThiS is nol a complete hst 01 side effects associated with Pl..AVlX Ask your doctor Of pharmaCist for a complete list.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE PlAVIX? Only take PLAVIX exactly as prescnbed by your doctor. Do not (hange your dose or stop taking PLAVIX wilhout lalking to your doctor first

PLAVIX should be taken around the same lime every dilY. and it can be taken with or without food. If you mlna day. do not double up on your medication. Just wnllnue your usual dose. If you have any qucstion~ about taking your medications, pleilSf consult your dodor,

OVERDOSAGE As with any prescription medicine, il is po!>!.ible to overdose on PLAVIX. II yuu think you may have overdosed, immediiltely call your doctor ur Pubon Conlrol Cer11er, or go to the nearest emergency room.

fOR MORE INFORMATION For mort- rnformatlon on PLAVIX. call '·800-633-1610 or visit www.Pl.AVIX.com. Neither of these resources, nor the information containctl herc. ClIn take Ihe place 01 talking to your doctor. Only your doctor know·s the specifics of your condi tion and how PLAVIX fits inlo your overall Iherapy. It IS therefore important to millntaln an Oflgoln~ didlogue with your doctor (On(CrnlOg your (onditlon and your treatment

Distributed by: Brrstol.Mye!") Squibb/Sanofl PharmaceuhCllls Partner>hip 8rldgewater. NJ 08807 PlAVIX· is a registered trademark.

PlA-OCT07-B-Aa

sanoll aventis

Page 27: 2009-07 Family Handyman

You can stop leaks yourself­no experience necessary

If you have water stains that extend across ceilings or run down walls, the cause Is probably a roof leal:.. fucking down the leak is the hard pl:U1; the fixfli'i fire usually prt!tty easy. We'lllihow you some simple tricks for finding and repairing most of the common types of roof leaks. But if you live in the Snow Belt ond in the winter you have leaks only on warm or sunny days, you probably have ice darns. We won't go into those fh.es in this stocy. If you go to thcfamilybandyman.r:om and type in "ice dams," you'U find a bit of help for thaI problom too.

'~.I."'llrft."~."'.n.co", lul,l_W09 25

Page 28: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Minor leaks can cause major damage

Have ill roof leak? WeU, you'd better fix it, even If it doesn't bother you much 0(

you're getting ill new roof next year. OVer time. even small leaks can lead to big problems, such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed Insulation and

damaged ceilings. The flashing leak that caused this $950 repair bill was obvious from the Ceiling stains for over two years. If the homeowner had dealt with It right away, the damage and subsequent repairs would

have been minimal.

Finding the leaks When you're trying to track down a leak., start by looking at the roof uphill from the stains. The first thing to look for is any roof penetrations. Items that pene­trate the roof are by far the most common source of leaks. In fact. it's rere for leaks to develop in open areas of uninterrupted shingles. even on older roofs. Penetrations can include plumbing and roof vents, chimneys, dormers or any­thing else that projects throu&h the roof. They can be several feet above tilt) leak or to the right or left of it.

If you have auk access, the easiest way to track down a leak is to go up there with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There will be water stains, black marks or mold. But if access is a problem or you have a v!:Iulted ceiling, you'll have to go up onto the roof and examine the suspect(s). The photos on the fol­lowing pages will show you what to look for.

If the problem still isn't obvious, enlist a helper and go up on the roof with II garden hose. Start low, soaking the area just above whero tho loak appears in the house, Isolate atllas when you run the hose. For tlxample, suak the down­hill side of a chimney first, then each side, then the lop on both sides. Have your helper stay inside the house waiting for the drip to appear. Let the hose run for several minutes in one area before moving it up the roof a little farther. Tell your helper to yell when II drip becomes visible. You'll be in the nfligh­horhood of the leak. This process can take well over an hour, so he patient and don't move the hose too soon. Buy your helper dinner.

If running water doesn't reveal the exact location of the leak, don't be timid, Start removing shingles in the suspect area. With them removed, there'll be evidence of the leak and you'll be able to track.t down right to the source. You'll see discolored felt paper or water-stained Q( even rotted wood directly below and around It.

26 ~....,.t2009 Ih.h", •• ,h.~d."'.ft.co",

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Fixing the five most common leaks

1 Plumbing vent boots Plumbing vent boots can be all plastic, plas­

tic and metal. or even two-piece metal units. Check plastic bases

for cracks nnd metal bases for broken seams. Then examine the rubber baot surrounding the pipe. That eM be rotted away or torn, allowing water to work its way into the

house along the pipe. With any of these problems, you

should buy a new vent boot to replace the old one. Dut if the nails

Problem: When gasket- at the base are missing or pulled type plumbing vent free and the boot is in good shape. flashing leaks, the culprit Is usually a replace them with the rubber-cracked gasket or washered screws used for metal miSSing or loose nails. roofing systems. You'll find them

III any home center with the rest ofthe screws. You'll have to work neighboring shingles free on both sides. If you don't have extra shingles, be careful when you remove shingles so they can be reused. Use a flat bar to separate the sealant between the layers. Then you'll be able to drive the flat bar under the nail heads to pop out the nails.

2 Roof V~~;f: ocachd hOll,in" on p1"ti,

Probt.m: Plastic roof vents can crack Bnd leak. Duct tape Is nor the solution this time!

roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. You might be

tempted to throw caulk at the problem. but that ~olution

won't last long. There's really no fix other than replacing the damaged vents. Also look for pulled

or missing nails at the base's bottom edge. Replace them

with rubbor·washcred screws. In most CaJI6S, you can remove

nails under the shingles on both sides ofthe vent to pull it free. There will be nails across the top of the vent too. Usually you can also work those loose

without removing shingles. Screw the bottom in place with rubber-washered screws. Squeeze out a bead of caulk beneath the shingles on both sides of the vent to hold the shingles dOVffi and to add a water barrier. That's much easier than rensiling the shingles.

28 M\oJ ......... ~ '~.hmll,h."d,m.".ca,"

Solution: Replace the old vent. If you're careful. you won't have to remove any shingles to slip out the old one and slide the new one Into place.

Page 31: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Beautiful, versatile, sustainable

western red cedar Western Red Cedar has Lrtique, natural perlormonce characteriStiCs and

exceptional beouty that briliQ WOfmth, cl'1arocter and lonQilVlty to homes

and outdoor Irving projecf'$ onxmo fhe workt II IS thi:s bundle' 01 prQP6rt '"

that has made 'C&dQr" the choice of disCt'lrr'1lng architects bUlkJers and

homeowners.

Western Roo Cedar I!l renowned for Its naturaly occooinQ re!iistan:"'"$ to

moisture, oecoy and insect damage. Its nolul'Ol durJb!My, dimensional

stabi~ty and exceptional b&auty make illdeai for a wide variety of extenor

OM Ifllenor u~ Westem Red Cedar o1'lars enormous venotillty In sf~ and

apPlications. EqwOlly important. it has a iow enYlroromer'llO! ~ct retalwe

to other buiKtng moleflols. Western Red Cador i. hor-...est9d legally and

sustaJoobia from independently certified forests In Bnttsh Columbia.

Enhance the beauty of your nexl outdoor prOj&ct buik:l with Western Red

Cedar. For more information and suppliers near you, please visit our website.

WWvI/ wrclo org 1.866.778.9096

Page 32: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Leaky walls & dormers Water do~n't always come in at the

shingled surface. Often, wind­driven rain comes in from

above the roof. especially around windows, between

_ comer boards and siding, and through cracks and knotholes in siding. Dormer walls provide lots of spots

where water can dribblt:l

Problem: Water that sneaks behind w alls and

down and enter the roof. Caulk can be old, cracked or even missing between the corner boards and between window

dormers dribbles down into your house Just like a roof leaK.

edges and siding. Water pene­trates these cracks and works its way behind the flas hing and

into the house, Even caulk that looks intact may not be seal­ing against the adjoining surfaces. Dig around with a putty knifl1 to see if the areA is sealed. Dig out any suspect caulk and replace It with a siliconized latex caulk. Also check the siding above the step flashing. Replace any cracked, rotted or missing siding, making sure the new piece overlaps the step flashing by at least 2 in. If you still have a leak, pull the corner boards free and check the overlapping flashing at the corner. Often, there's old, hardened cau lk where the two pieces overlap at the inside corner.

Step flashing

Problem: Unnalled step flashing can slip down and channel water Into t he wa ll.

Step flashing is used along walls that intersect the roof. Each short sec­

tion of flash ing channels watcr over the sh ingle downhill from it.

But if the f1t1~hing rus ts through, or a p iece comes loose, wetllt will run right behind it, and into the hous!;!

it goes. Rusted fleshing needs to be replaced. That means

removing shingles, prying Siding loose, and then romoving and replac.ing the step flashing. It's that simple. But occasionally a roofer forgets to nail one in place

and it eventually slips down to expose the wall. Solution: PUSh a loose piece of step ftashing right bacK In place and then secure It with caulk above and below.

Don't count on caulk! r thefamilyhanctyman.com J til Be sa fe up on IlIa t root. Go to thelamIly­L hanc:lyman.comlrool5.\fety. Rarely will caulK Of root cement cure a root leak- at least for very long. You should a lways attempt 6 "mechanical" fix wnenE"ller possible. That means replac ln8 or repair­Ing existing flashing Instead of uslng any type of sealant. Only use cauLk tor very small holes and when fla shing Isn' t an option.

30 Jo.,lyI...,...,.,2000 ,n . ' . m '! Y ~." d y",.".c om

Page 33: 2009-07 Family Handyman

5 ~~o~,l~ ~i~l~;': ,nooky ~.u" Ih,y e,n cause rot 8nci other damage for years before you

notice the obvious signs of a leak. You might find holes left over from satel lite dish or antenna mounting brackets or jUSl lloout anything. And exposed. misplaced roofing nails

should be polled and the holes patched. SmAil holes are Simple to fix, but the

fix isn" to inject caulk in the hole. You'll fix this one with flas hing.

Problem: Leftover mounting hotes can let In vast

amount s of waler.

Brick chimneys All kinds of bad things can !\appen around brick chimneys. In fact. there are far too many to COVEr In this stOfY. Flashing around chimneys can rust through If it 's salvanlzed steel. especially at the 9Q-desrH bend at the bottom. A quick but fa lrty long· term fix Is to simply slip new flash­Ing under the old rusted stuff. That way any water that seeps through wlll be diverted. ThQ bti!st flX, though,

is to cut a saw keff into the mortar and Install new ftash lni. If ~ want to see what's Involved, go to the­familytlandyman.com and type In "~hlmney flasl'llng.- 0

••••• ••••• - a ••• . aaail ••••• II ••••

The Home ProjoctCa/c gives you measurements In

Fee/-inch-Fractions and works as s stsndsrd math calculator.

• Quickly calculate Linear, Area, and Volume dimensions

We want your feedbackl Help us improve The Family Handy­man by sharing your opInloo of this and other artlc.les. See p. 4 for details.

• Works in, and converts between , Yards, Feet, Inches, Fractions, Decimals and Meters

• Dedicated functions give fast material quantities and costs for Paint. Wallpaper. TIle, Carpet, Concrete and more!

Page 34: 2009-07 Family Handyman

"

.. ~

32 """/......,.' )00; .~.I.ml l '".''d'rn.'' .•• '''

Tips for a fast breakup-even if you're not a body builder

YOU might think that demolishing conue!e is backbreak-ing, brainless work But that's only half

true. There's mor" to it than just swinging a sledgehammer. And a bit of know-how can save yuu 10111 of time and sweat and pos-Sibly a visit to the chiropractor's office. This article will show you the key tips. Plus, we'll offar some tool recommendations ami a bit of planning advice.

by Rick Muscopiat [email protected]'\lln.com

Page 35: 2009-07 Family Handyman
Page 36: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Calculate the savings first Tearing up concrete yourself can save hiring a contractor to pour new con­you a ton of money. Hiring Ii contral:- l:cettl, doing the demo yourself could tor just to demolish a 12 x 14-ft. patio actually cost you more. One conlrac­could cost you $1,400 or more. If you tor we spoke with said he would sub­do it yourself. it'll cost you only tract just 8200 from the cost of a new about $400, including rental and dis- patio if the homeowner removed the posaL That's Ii savings of about old one-that wouldn't even cover $1,000. On the other hand. if you're the cost of concrete disposaL

I Plan your disposal strategy

Rent a trash container with a gate so you can dump your wheelbalTow Inside. Tossln8 chunks over the side Is hard work.

Concreto cnn't go in your trash can, so check oul your disposal options at least a week ahead. Some concrete recyclers (look in the yellow pages under "recycling services") accept it free or charge II small fee per load. Most add all extra charge if the con­crete contains steel mesh or rebar. Unfortunately, you won't know if yours has metal in it until you start breaking it apart. So figure your total price based on the higher rate. Also be aware that the typical 12 x 14-ft. patio weighs about 5,000 lbs. That

30ft """ ......... 2009 th.'.mll.h.h"~m.".co m

means you'll be paying the charges for tit lettst three loads and making at least three trips. even if you have II

1-ton pickup truck. Your other option is to rent 8 trash

container (r:heek the yellow pages under "waste disposal"J. Don't guess on the proper size. Instead, give the waste httuJers the dimensions and thickness of your patio and let them fiRure out the right size for your job. Our hauler charged $325 for II trash r.ontainer with a walk-in gate (photo ...... ).

Choose your weapon-sledge or jackhammer The surest way to decide whether to use a sledgehammer or a jack­hammer is to experiment a few days before you begin full-scale demolition. Tust take a few whacks at Ihe slab with a sledgehammer. Within 10 minutes. you'll know whether it's!!. job for a sledge or a jackhammer. Consider renting an electric Jackhammer ($75 per day) to make the job easier. It won·t save you much time, but it's a lot easier on your body.

If your slnb is large or extra thick, rent II. pneumatic jackham­mer ($1110 per day for a hammer, a huse. bits and a trailer-mounted r:ompressor). It has much more power than an electric jackham­mer. But it's also heavy [90 lbs.) and uifficult to maneuver. Don't automatically assume you should rent this fHl your first choice-it's oVtlrkill for most home concrete hreakup projocts.

-

A rented jackhammer powered by a big compressor Is the best option for large or thick slabs. But a plain old sledgehammer Is fine for most jobs.

Page 37: 2009-07 Family Handyman

NOT ALL FISHING BUDDIES HAVE FACIAL HAIR. On the water memories aren't made, they're tilught. To

di5cDvI.'r all the ways boating and fishing tan enrich your life,

visit takemefishing.org. TAKE ptE FISHI G' takemrfish.ng. rg

Page 38: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Round up a crew This is one project wht'lre it really pays to bave extra bodies arol1nd to do the heavy lifting. So plan ahead and nail down finn commitments from friends who

Don't just hammer-pry, too After you'v8 (;overed the slab with plastic (p. ;17), it's tempting to just start whaling away. Don't! The sand base

under the slab will absorb the Anergy from each blow. You'll end up exhausted with very little to show for

it. Worse, you 'll pulverize tbe lOp layer of the slab instead of Cntating doop crack'!.

The key 10 a quick job is a two-per­son team: une with a sledge or jack·

hamm~r; the other with a 5- to 6-ft.-Iong pry btu, sometimes called a "San Angelo har" (availahle at so me rentnl centers or at home centers for about 530). Start 8t the corners and work inward. If the con crete doesn't cf~ck with the first b low, aim your next hit a few inc hes away. Never strike the same spot twice. That just chips the surface. crooting 0 cushion o f fine rubble over the slab, and makes iI harder to brt!sk.

Break UP concrete faster by forming a two-per5on team. With one person prying up while the other strikes. concrete breaks more easllv·

36 Mvl-"'ol3 .... tlC09 ,h . , . ",ltyft.ndym.n .< ofrl

owe you favors. Friends who own heavy-duty wheelbar­rows arc especially valuable. Ideally. your crew will consist of two to break up the concret~ and a team of Iwo to four to baul thtl rubble away.

Jackhammer tips Rental jackhammers r;()m~ with an assortment of bits, hut only \lse the chisel-point bit. The point concentrates the jllckhllmmer's force {t1ld cracks the concrete fa ster than the w ider bits r".an.

Here's an important jar.ihammer warning: 1£ you try to crack. off large pieO:ls, the jack­hammer will literall y drill itqclf into the COIl­

crete and get stuck. You'll spend more time getting it unstuck than it takes to crack more but smaller pieces. So move the bit no more than 2 to 3 in. back from the nearest crack before you h it the trigger. As with a sledgehammer, breakup is fas ter and cosier if you have a helper pry up with a 10nA bar as YOII work.

Take small bites with a jackhammer to crack the concrete. It you bf!gln to drllla hole w ithout creating a crack, STOP! OtherwIse, you'll get the bit 5tuck In the concrete. J

Page 39: 2009-07 Family Handyman

separate the chunks Even after (;oncrete is broken, the chunks remain locked together, making the wrrounding concrete harder to break So clear away the rubble after you've broken up each 2- to 3-ft. section. Don't use your hands to pry uut the sections-a ffillttock is the best tool for this job.

To separate the chunks. swing the pointed end of the mallock into the crack and pry up. Push the pieces far enough apart so you can .switch to thll larger flat blade. If the chunk won't budge, move the mattock to thil opposite side of the chunk above the flat edge under the concrete. Then lift up to "un10(.;k" the stuck edge.

Loosen locked-together chunks of concrete. A mattock is the perfect tool for prying them apart or pulling them up.

Stop flying shrapnel Flying shards of concrete can damage Siding, break glass or even cut you. RMher than setting up plywoocl to pro­tect windows and siding, roll 6-mil polyethylene ($26 at horneo centers) over the patiu or sidewalk. Leave it in place while you harnmflr 01' jackhammer. The .~hooting catches all the shrapnel and traps most of the dust. lust be sure to watch your step while walking on it-poly C<.1n be very slippery.

Stop flying chunks of concrete with a sheet of plastic. Concrete shrapnel can damage siding and bleak windows. and It's a real chore to clean up.

Dealing with mesh or rebar Many slabs contain reinforcing st~l mll~h to resist cracking. That can double or even triple the time it takes

to tear out the slab. If you try to break off large pieces, the reinforcing mflsh will do its job Rnd resist crack­ing-making your job much Illudet. So it's especially important to crar.k smaller sections. Cut the mesh with a bult cutler as you work. Watch out for the sharp wire spikes left sticking out of the concreto chunks. If the concrete contains rebar, cut it with a redprotll.ting saw and metal blade or an angle grinder and metal cutoff wheel.

Snip through Wire mesh to separate ct1unks of concrete. Bolt cutters are the best tool for this Job; don't even try using a wire cutter.

t~."""'y~.~"ym.~.<om Jw-,,,,-,.vst20i;19 37

Page 40: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Getah~e~a~V~Y:-d~ut~y~~::::=:::::::~I:~;;~~~-===~ hauler It For most jobs, a heavy-duty wheel­barrow is the best hauler for nibble. Don't use II light-duty model-it WOll't survJve the day. And don't haul hig loads or you won't survive the day. Ten full loads will wear you out faster than 20 half loads. If the path to the trash container is uphill, consider renting a power wheelbar­row ($65 per day), 0

We want your feedback! Help us Improve The Family Handy­man by ':>harlng your opinion of thIS and other articles. See p. 4 for details.

}fthQtamilYhandyman.com , Fhiplatt your eld siMI wlth II brl{k or stone

, , patiO, G@ttonsoftlp5atttlflilmityhal'ldy-marl.ComIPlltlo.

PoUl JltW Wf1Cme YOIJr:sell and So)W big bucks. Seehow~t thtflmil~ pouKOf)[ffll. A rented power wheelbarrow makes rubble removal a breeze-especially If you eM find

someone else to do the loading.

Even duct tape can't repatr concrete, that's why there's OUIKR! rE Vi'!,)1 ConcrHe Patcher, Is your concrete chipped. brolo.en Of cracked? W 'h just a ",e prep. OUIKRETE Vinyl Concrete Patchfr bonds to just about any concre!e or masonry surface and gl\les you a smooth repa,r, For more easy ways t Improve your home, \1151\ www.quikrete.com.

Page 41: 2009-07 Family Handyman

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Page 42: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Understand the risks. Feel the benefits:M

What should I know about treating arthritis pain? For many with arthritis pain, not treating is not an option. All prescription NSAID pain relievers, like Celebrex, ibuprofen and naproxen, help treat arthritis pain and have some of the same warnings. But since individual results may vary, having options is Important.

Why should I consider Celebre.? Prescription Celebrex has been the option for millions of patients for 10 straight years. Just one 200-mg Celebrex can provide dependable, 24-hour relief for many with arthritis pain, stiffness and inflammation. Based on the available data, the FDA stated that for certain patients CeJebrex's benefits outweigh the risks. But only you and your doctor can make that decision.

What if I have a sensitive stomach? If you are worried about stomach upset, you should know, in clinical studies, a lower percentage of patients taking Celebrex reported stomach discomfort, which includes indigestion, abdominal pain, and nausea, versus prescription ibuprofen and naproxen. However, ali prescription NSAlOs, including Celebrex, increase the chance of stomach and intestine problems, such as bleeding and ulcers which can occur without warning and may cause death. With any of these medicines, paden 15 also taking aspirin and the elderly are at increased risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.

And if I'm taking low-dose aspirin?

NSAIO pain reliever can be taken with low-dose aspirin.

But aren't there cardiovascular risks associated with NSAID use? The FDA requires all prescription NSAIDs, including Celebrex, ibuprofen, naproxen and meloxicarn, to have the same cardiovascular warning. They all may increase the chance of heart attack or stroke, which can lead to death. This chance increases if you have heart disease or risk factors for it such as high blood pressure or when NSAIDs are taken for long periods. Additionally, taking low-dose aspirin may not reduce the cardiovascular risk associated with NSAID use.

Any other precautions? All prescription NSAIDs, including Celebrex, should be used at the lowest dose poSSible, for the shortest time, based on your individual treatment goals. 00 not take Celebrex if you're pregnant or if you're allergic to aspirin or sulfonamides. All prescription NSAIDs, including Celebrex, increase the chance of serious skin reactions. And tell your doctor if you've had kidney or llver problems.

What should I do next? Visit celebrex.com or call 1-888-celebrex. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from Celebrex. But most importantly, your doctor can tell you about the risks and benefits of all prescription NSAIO paln relievers, including Celebrex. Please tum page to see fmponant fnjoT1TUJtion about Celebrex and other prescription NSAlDs.

You are encouraged to repon negative side effects 0/ prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.j"di1.gov/medWatch or cal! l-800-FDA-/088.

, " , " . ,

.

If you are taking low·dose aspirin for your heart and need an NSAID pain reliever, Celebrex can be used because it doesn ' t interfere with the effects of low-dose aspirin. Ask your doctor if your Talk to your doctor to ... Understand the risks. Feel the

Uninsured' Need help paying for Pfizer medicines? Pfizer has programs thaI ~ I can help Call 1·860·706·2400 or "hit www.PtizerHelpfuIAnswers.com. -J' " , r'

02009 ,nur Inc. All r1&,ht$ rnerml. CLUOO368A

Page 43: 2009-07 Family Handyman

CELEB , /. lCELECOXIB CAP R E )(. SULESn~~

Page 44: 2009-07 Family Handyman

CELEBRE](· jCeleco.,~ c&p,ule.j

Medication Guide for NOD-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs fNSAlOsl

!See the end of !!is Meditation Guide fu a Jist of m:OOtioo NSAlD me!licines.l

What is the most important information I should know about medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti·lnflammatory Drugs (NSA10s)? NSAID medicines may increase tt1e cha~ of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This chance increases: • with Iorroef lISe of NSAID medicioos • in people whO have heart oisease

NSAID medicines Shook! never be used right before or after a heart stN'gety called a -coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).~ NSAID medicines can cause L1lcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during In!atment Ulcers and bleeding:

• can hawen without waml'lQ symptoms • may calJ5e death

The chance of a person getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with: • taking medk;ines called "cortlcosteroids" and "anticoagulants" • longer tlSe • smOking • drinking alCohol • Older age • having poor health

NSAID medicines should only be used: 0 exactly as pt"esaibed • at the lowest dase possible for ycu treatmoot • lor the shOOesl time needed

Whal are Hon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (HSAIOs)? NSAtO medicines are used to treat ~in and redness. swelling, and heat Onflammation) Irom medtcal cooditioos SIJC~ as: • different types of artl'lritis • menstrual cramps and other types of shoo-term parn

Who shOOld nol take a Neill-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)? Do not take an NSAiD medicine: • it you had an asttma attadl. hives. !X olller allergic reaction with aspirin

ex any otI'Ief NSAlO medicine • lor pain ri~1 before or after heart bypass surgery

Tell your healthcare provider. 0 aro.rt all af yoor me<licat COOdrtioos. 0 about ail 01 tI\e medicines you take. NSAlOs <Wld some oItIer medicines

can irrteract wittr eactr other aoo cause serious side effects. Keep a list of your medicines to show to your healthcare provider and plwmacisl

0 if you are preqnant NSAID medicines should not be used by pregnant women late in their pregnancy.

0 it yoo are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor. What are the possible side effects 01 Non-Steroidal Anti-tnflammalcq Drugs (MSAIDs)?

Serious side effects include: Other side effects InClude: • heart attack. • stomach pain • stroke • constipation • high blood presstJr6 • diarrflea • heart failure frem body swelling 0 9"

(fluid retention) - neartbl.lm • kidney problems iOCIudirlg kidney • nausea

failure • vomiting • bleeding and ulCers in tI1e • diuiness

stomach and intestine • low red blood celts (anemia) • life·thfeatening Skin reactions • Ine-threateilng aHergic reactions • I~ problems iIdoding fWe!" failure • astIlma attacks in ~ wno have

asthma

Get emergency help right away if YOIl have any of the lolkM1ng s~ptoms; • sIKlrtness of tlrealtl or trouble • slurred speecn

tlreathil1g • swelling of tI'Ie face or throat • chest ~in • weakness in one part or side of

yourbOOy Stop your HSAlD medicine and call your healthcare provider right away it you have any of tile following symptoms: • nausea • thE!l'e is blood in your bowet • more ~re!l C( weaker than usual roovemenl C( ~ 15 black and sticky • itching like tar • YIJ~r skin or eyes look yellow • skin rash 0( blisters wttI1 fe~er • stomach pain • unusual weight gain • flu-like symproms • swelling of the arms and legs, • ...:JmitlllOOO hands and feet

These are oot all the slde effects witll NSAJD medicines. Talk 10 your heattnca"e pl"avider 01" pharmacisl for more iIIformalioo about NSAlO medM:ines.

Other iI'lfannation about Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (MSAlOs) • Aspirin is an NSAlO medM:il1e Ilut it ooes not increase the chance of a

heart attack. .Aspirin can cause I>leetling in the brain, stomach, aoo intestines. Aspirin can also cause IlICers in the stomach afld intestines.

• Some 01 these NSAJO medicines are sold in lower doses without a prescriplioo (OYer-tile-counter). Talk to yOll'" heallhcare provider be/ere using O'Ier-the-coonter NSAlDs for more than 10 days.

NSAID medici !hat eiI . lion !lI:1i n, i! orescng

Generic Name Tradename

ceiecoxib celebret

OiCIotenac I ~tallam, Voltaren, Artflrolec (combined with misoprostol)

Oitlunisal DoIobid

Etodolac LOdine, LocIine XL FerKlProfef1 NaltOIl, Naltoll 200

Flllrbiprelen Ansaid Motrin, Tab-Profen, Vicoprolen' (combined with Ibuprofen hydrocodone). Combunox (combined with oxycodooe)

10000000lhacifl 100000n, Indocin SR, Indo-lemmon, lndomethagan

Ketoprofen OrtNail

Ketorolac To:adO

Mefenamic Acid Ponstel

Meloxicam Mobie

Nabumelooe Relafen Napl"osyn, Anaprox, Anaprox OS. EC-Naproxyn, Naproxen Naprelan, Naprapac (copackaged with lansoprazoie)

Dxaprozin Oaypro

Prroxicam Feldene

Sulindac Clinoril

Tolmetin ToIectin, Tolectin OS, To lectin 600

'Vicoprofen contains the same !lOse cI ibuprofen as llVer-the--Q)lJflter (OTC) NSAJDs, and is usually lISed for less than 10 days to treat paln. The Ole USAtO iabellVarns that tong term ronoouoos use may irI(1ease the risk ~ heart attack or strOke, "'is "~liM Guide lias /NJen _'eiI by !he US food and DIII9 Mm_fkJn.

Distributed by

• G.D. Searle LLC ~ rx PfIm". IOC.. NY. NY 1:lJf]

I.J.S.032HO C 2009 Pfiz« nc. AI rigIts resom. __ bo1tXll

Page 45: 2009-07 Family Handyman

I didn't buy it-I built it!

Custom-sized wine rack Molly and Howard have all alcohol problem. Not drink.­illg it. bUI storing it. They make their own wine, which means. they have hundreds of bottles to ~tore, They found lots of \Nine racks for sale online, but nontl that would fit on their wine shelves. So they bought a few pine boards and a big box of screws and made their own simple, stur­dy rl:l.cks. n

No P'oJ,eM'" ~, .... ry to ...,1..,. oo wn. """"""'" ..,11 "'" ;mproo,-e.,.,.... d>"""es 01 w nnit"ri. Con~<t 1< OfAPn tl"l Io>gIII r<'$idMt< "8" IS oo 0Ill~' 01 1M us. ~. t~"lt"""" &'ld ~ • . Ccrl<"" clOses at 11059 p.m. (ET) on OctOller 31.1009. To~"" arid ro. 0110" .. 1

Sometimes. building what you need is smarter th,m buying it:

You can save money. build a better version or customize it to suit your situation. If you've done just that­built something you could have bought-we want to see your photos. If we choose it as the contest winner, you'll get $500. Entering the contest is easy. Just go to thefamilyh andyman.comlmyproject.

Roll-out pickup bed Danny Wittenberg considered buy­ing a roll-out bed for his pickup­until his wife saw the $700 price tag. Undeterred, Danny decided to make one. With steel rollers mounted on a 2x6 frame, the ply­wand platform glides oul of the pickup box like a big drawer. Dowel legs support the extended platform. The total materials bill for Danny's clever roll-out was about $150, Hig savings, happy marriage.

,vln. "Sit \roefamilyl1and~m&n.(onvrTl'J prof""'t. _ m~tM '1&1\\ I<) use My ~mry '" tho> mega ...... ar.l p.)I"fW SIOO I,," t"" pIloto. >OlD WHERE PROHleHHl. ~ SPOn­sored by 11» ReIder"S DiRest As.s.ocllllOO, IOC •. P<lbliSher of rn. fMWy N,'/d)f7W>.

Page 46: 2009-07 Family Handyman
Page 47: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Modular

a reh-top windows and a custom door give this shed a high-quality look thaI belias its low cost and simple construction. The panelized construction technique

means yuu could build the parts in your garage on a rainy weekend and then haul them to the site for assembly. Modest finishes like OSB siding and composite trim and fiberg lass shingles help keep the materials cost low. And you'll save

construction and inexpensive materials make this shed easy to build and

easy to afford

hundreds of dollars by providing your own labor to build the door and win­dow~. The madl.lar construction and wood platform foundation melln you can construct this shed almost anywhert!, even on f(:lIfiute or sloping sites.

In this article, we'll show you the b;'lsir:~ of how to huild the shed and install the windows and doors. Then go to thefamilyhandymall.com/dollarsavvyshed

fur mure wall and roof framing details and info on building the brac.kets.

Save up to $3,000 on this shed We designed this shed with money salling in

mind, spending Just $l,BOO on materials. Without the cost-cutting tricks we used, the

total cost could halle been more than twice

as mUCh. Even the dimensions are designed to make the most efficient use of lumber.

Here are some of the ways you'll salle with our shed design.

OSB SlCllNCh Siding panels =00, from oriented strand board cost far tess than

solid wood or plywood panels. and come preprimed,

saving you money and labor. Since "i~"'=::i-" the panels are also structural. you dor,.t need an additional layer of

sheathing under the siding. You·U

save abo!Jt $500 over the cost of cedar plywood s[dlng.

WOOD -:;:;;;;;;-___ .......... __ _ FOUNDATION Hiring a concrete contrac­

tal to POUI a slab for this shed could cost you

$1,000, but the materials

for this wood foundation will set you back only

about $250. Plus, a wood foundatiM is easy to build

even on sites that slope or have difficult access.

COST-CUTTING CUSTOM DOOR Materials for this door cost about $140.

A similar style prehung exterior door

can easily cost more than $1.000. Of course. this door isn't as weather-tight

as a prehul'lg door. and It wouldn't work on your house, but it's perfect for a

shed. You get the look of an expensive custom wood door without the cost.

by Jef f Gorton [email protected]

,C~~~~~~;II~·~ TRIM '( saves you

money and time right away. It's

less expensive than solid wood (you·U save up to $1(0),lt

doesn·t have knots or other

detects to work around, and It comes preprimed and ready for

paint. And it'll save you time and

money In the long run since it

holdS paint better and longer

than ellen the best-quality exterior wood.

~A"VARCH-TOP WINDOWS If you·ve ever priced arch-tap windows.

you know how expenSive they can be. Even windows that don't operate are like­

ly to cost $400 apiece. But you can simu­

late the look of an e~penslve window without spending a ton of money. These

windows cost about $60 each and are

easy to bulld with materials you'll find at any home center or lumberyard.

t h.'.m",~.""~"'.~ . com Mv/A"llUSI2"009 45

Page 48: 2009-07 Family Handyman

1 Build the end walls on the platform, usIng chalk lines as a guide. Start by nailing together the perimeter and adding the

center stud, Then measure f rom the center stud to mark for the remaining studs.

Money, time and tools We found all the materials to build this shed at our local home center. Not includinl'l the optional cupola, the shed materials l:ost U~ $1,800. Most of the construction is straightforward and requires only standard carpentry tools and a circular saw, To build the windows and door, you'll also need a table saw, power miter saw and router. We used Ii Kreg pocket holo jig and pocket hole screw~ tu ~ssemble the duor and windows. With a helper or Iwo, you could have the platform nnd shell built in two or three d<lYs. Then expect to spend four or five morn days completing the sid­ing, trim , doors, windows and roofing.

Getting started A few weeh before yOli start. check with your locl:II build­ing department to see whether a permit is required and to find out how close to the lot lines you can build. Then call 811 for instructions on how to locate buried utility lines.

I:thefamllVhandYman,comJ

UBUild tm rn.ndsome cupola. For com­plet~ plal"t> and how-to Photos, SO to ~amolyhandyman.(om/nr~il.

The first step is to set a pair of treated 6x6s on gravel beds as a foundation for the shed platform. When you've decided on a shed location, dig lwu trenches 16 in. wide, 12 in. deep and 13 ft. long. Center the trenches 05 in. apart. Fill the trenches with a 3-in. layer uf gftl vel and compact it with a ha nrl tamper. Repeat this process until the trendl is fulL Use a level and long board to level the top lllyer of grav­el. [fthe ground is flat, also

'06 '""yl ......... W D9 .".I .... ,ly"~"dymAn , <"m

2 Nail siding to thewalls before you stand them up. Cover the horizontal seam with met~1 Z-flashlng to keep out water.

make sure the gravel beds in the two trenches are level with each other.

Cut the treated 6x6s to 12 ft. and set them on the gravel so they're parallel and the outside edges are u ft. epart. On sloped ground. you'll have to raise the 6x6 on the low side until it's Jevel with the adjacent 6x6. Do this by stacking treated 2x6s, 4)\6s or 6x6s on top of the treated 6x6 to rp.ach the right height. Use a 4-ft. or longer level to make sure the 6x6s are level and level with eat:h other. Finally, square the 6)(6s by adjusting the position of one 6x6, Slide the 6xo back and forth, not Sideways. until the diagonal mea.~llremcnts from opposite corners are equal. Build the platform with treated 2x6s, 24 in. on center, and cover it with treated 3/4-in. plywood (FijI/riB).

Build the walls You can build the walls on any flat surface, but the shed platform is ideal. Snap chalk lines on the plywood deck, 3-1/2 in, from the edge~ of the platform, to indicate the inside edge of the walls. Measure to make sure thp. lines Olfll

parallel and 09 in. apart. Then chalk a line down the center [Photol}. You'll use this line to mako sure the angled top plates moot in the center.

Use dimensions from flgurliC [online) to snap lines for the peak. Then cut 2x4s to fit inside the lines and toe-screw them to the plywood to hold them in place while you fill in the center studs (Photo n and nail on the siding (Photo2J. Toe­screw from the uutside su the screws will be accessihle after the Siding is installed.

When yO\I nail on the siding, make sure it overhangs the framing on each side by 3-1/2 in. and that you've trimmed off the lup corner to follow the slope of the angled top plate (Photo2). Attach the siding with 2-in. galvanizp.d or stainlnss steel ring-shank siding nails p lacflrl 8 in. apart along studs

Page 49: 2009-07 Family Handyman

OSB SIOltro.

Figure A Shed Overlili dImensions; B'.12'"W6"U!1I

FigureB Floor framing plan

12" Jl 16' .1SS" GRAVEL TREi'K:H

TAEATED 2x6~STS

2'"OC TAE ... TEO

'"

112" PlYWOOD

. ----~

SHOP-M .... OE WINDOW

DOLLAR SAVVY WOOD FOUNOATION Salle $750 oller the cost

96"......... of a contractor-Installed concrete foundation.

S thefamilvhandyman,comJ "[1 VISIt o\,w Web $lte for dRtaJ'h an buitdlna tilt shed, windows, door and bfiKkttS. Go 10 tlwfarnl'(handy· m'n.tom/dol~.

'hl l .mllth.nd~"""n"Dm ~""",,2009 47

Page 50: 2009-07 Family Handyman

3 Screw t he f ront wall to the platform to hold It square while you add the siding. Al ign t he bottom plate with a chalk tine

to make sure It's straight.

DOLLAR SAVVY OSBSIDING

4 Add the soffit to the roof frame whll@ It's on the platform. That will save you t he hassle of upside-down nailing In a

conflnl!d spot.

and 6 in. aplln along the ooges of the sheets. You'll have to nail blocking between the studs to support the lOp e~tl uf thlt siding and tbe Z-flashing. r..omplate the siding, then remove

It kloks like wood Siding but costs a lot less. Save up to $500.

the toe-screws and move the wall aside to make room for constrllcting the opposite wall. Use the same chalk line tem­plats and process to build the opposite end WillI.

AlvAi C {online} shows framing details for the front wall. Mark the curves on the 2xl 0 header pieces using the tram­mel setup shown in Photo 12 and f lllHe G (online). Cut them with a jigsaw. When you're done building the front and back walls, set them aside so you <:an use the platform to build the roof sections.

Build the roof in two pieces It's unconventional. but building the roof upside down on Ihe platform has advantages. First, you avoid a lot of ladder work. And second, you can nail the soffit material to the overhangs easily without having to work overhead and in crampftl'l !>par:es. You do have to take a lit tle extra care 10 make sure the framing is square and the perimeter 2x4s are perfectly straight bofore nai ling on the soffit. though.

Start by cutting out the rafters using the pattern in Fisure 0 (online) as a guide. Omit the hlrrl'~-moH'h from four rafters and use these on the ends. Cut the 2x4s for the ridge and subrascia to length and mark the refter positions on them. Line up the rafters with the marks and nan through the ridge find subfasda wilh Hid nails 10 secure them. When the roof frame is complete, line up the subfascia with the chalk line on the platfonn and tack it in thJ'fle or four places with tM screws to hold the frame straight whi le you install the soffit. Also 'quare the frame by making sure diagonal mAaSure· menls from opposite corn6tS are aqua!. Then tackOllB comer to hold it square. Finally. nail thA Mlffit to the roof frame

48 My/~~~"lI2009 t~. I ."'lly h .ndy"'. n .c"'"

5 Stand the walls, starting w ith the back wall. Then add the sides and finally the front. Nail each wall to the platform as

you go and lock t he corners together by nalUng through the over· hanaina sldina Into studs.

with 6d galvanized box nails. We used 12-in.-wide fiber coment siding for soffit material. Mount an inexpensive car· bide blade on your circular saw to cut the fiber cement. Sel the roofpand Ilside and build thtl other halt' orthe roefusing the same techniques.

Stand the walls Start by moving one of the end panels into place and resting the bottom plate of the wall em the platfonn. Tip the wall up Bud socure it with a temporary angled 2x4 brace. Lina up the bottoIR plate with the t:halk line lind drive a few 3-in.

Page 51: 2009-07 Family Handyman

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Page 52: 2009-07 Family Handyman

DOLLAR SAVVY COMPOSITE TRIM It's better than real wood

6 Gather some stooges to help l ift the roof sections Into place. Don't forgel to toenail every ratter to t he wall before you

start the roof sheathing.

• We want yourfeedbackl Help us Improve The Family Handyman by sharing your opinion of this and other artkles. See p. 4 for details.

screws or 16d nails through the plate to hold the bottom of the wall in posi­

tion. Don't worry about getting the wall plumh yet. It'll be automatic when you stand the back wall and connect the corners.

Stand the back wall. Then tllign the (;urner of the side <lnd back walls and nail them together. With a helper on the out­side oflha shed to push if necessary, line up the inside edge of the bottom plate with the chalk line and nail it to the plat­form. Continue around the building, standing the opposite end wall and finally the front wall. Nail the corners togeth­er, making tiurtl that the top piattls of adjoining walb fire l1ush with each other.

Hoist the roof panels into position The roof panels are heavy and a bit awkward, so round up thrtle strong helperti for this part of the job. Move the panels into po;;ition ;md lean them againsl the fronl and back walls. Then set up ladders inside the building for two helpers and push one of tho panels up to them. Slide the panel up the roof until the bird's-mouths drop over the top plate of the wall. Make sure the 2x4 ridge is perfectly aligned with thtl peak of the wall. Then secure the roof panel wilh R pair of toenails through each bird's-mouth into the top plate of the wall. Repeat the prOCess on the opposite side (Phato ti ).

Complete the roof framing by nailing the 2x4 ridge~ togeth­er and adding two 2x4 collar ties, 4 ft. apilrt (Figure A).

Build the door Ordering a prehung wood door like this from the lumber­yard could Cost as much as $1,000, but you can build one suitable for a shed at a fraction at" the cost. We pUf(;hased

7 Mark rather than measure for the notches. It's faster and more accurate. Start by cutting the gable end tr im a litt le long

and cutting the angle on the top. Then tack it up paralle l to the end rafter and mark for the bracket notch .

clear pine at a home center and spent $120 for the boards. Photos 8 -10 show how to build the door Ilnd mount it to a trim piece with hinges. The duor consists of two layers of 3/4-in.-thick boards thaI oVflTlap al the corners to add strength. Rip lx6 boards to 4-1/2 in. on a table saw for the outside layer (FlgUtH, online). We Ilsscmblcd each layer with pocket screws before gluing the two layers together, but if you don't own 8 pocket hole setup, YOIl cOll ld ~imply screw through the overlapping boards instead. Complete the door frame. Then cut the 4 x 8-ft. grooved plywood to fit the lower rece~s, and cut a p iece of 1/4-in. acrylic sheet to fit the upper recess. Secure the plywood and acrylic sheet with l/2-in. x lIz-in . moldings nailed to the inside. Sand the edges of the door flush.

We've simplified tlw door-hanging process by mounting the door to a 1-1/2-in.-lhkk trim piece and then screwing the trim to the wall. An easy way to mark and cut matching hinge recesses in both the door and the trim is to clamp the trim alongside the door, making sure it extends 1/8 in. beyond thtl" top of the door. Then mark the hinge cutout on hOlh the door and the trim at the same time. If you have a router, use a hinge-mortising bit (nT ~traighl hit) to Cllt the hinge reces~e!! (Photo 10). Otherwise, use a sharp chisel. Sr.r~w the hinges to the door and trim (Photo 10, In$8tJ. To hang the door, line up a temporary 2x4 wilh the bottom of the siding and screw it to the wall. Then rest th!:! door on thtl Zx4 and drive 3-in. screws through the trim into the framing to hold the door in place (Photoll). Finish the door installa­tion by adding the top and side trim pieces.

Build the windows This is a good rainy day project since you'll huild these parts in your garage or shop. PhotD!l12 -14 show how 10 cut the curved window top and how 10 assemble the winduw.

Page 53: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Nerves ddmtlgfd by diabetes C<in send too many

sfgrldls that cause paIn:

LyriCS Is believed to help calm the

damaged nerves· reducing the signals

and the pain.

~D!~grarn Is !Uustratlve of dIabetic nerve pain.

• •

PIHGAHAliN :', t4J"'iU

Unlike some common over-the-<:ounter pain relievers, Lyrica is FDA approved specifically to treat the shootin~ stabbing, burning sensations of diabetic nerve pain. Lyrica is believed to help calm the damaged nerves' and help ease this pain - and that's definitely a change worth experiencing.

Ask your doctor If Lyrlca can help you.

bact meochanism of action and relevance to humans are unknown as studies were conducted on animal models. Prescription Lyrica is not for everyone. TeU your doctor right away about any serious allergic reaction that causes swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue or neck or affects your breathing or your skin. Also tell your doctor about any changes in your eyesight, including blurry vision, muscle pain along With a fever or tired feeling, skin sores due Lo diabetes or if you are plannlng to father a child. Some of the most common side effeclS of Lyrica are dizziness and sleepiness. Other.; are weight gain, blurry vision, dry mouth, feeling ·high~ swelling of hands and feet and trouble concentrating. You may have a higher chance of swelling, hives or gaining weight if you are a1so taking certain diabetes or high blood pressure medicines. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Lyrica affects you. Do not drink a1cohol while taking lyrica. Be especially careful about medicines that make you sleepy. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be more likely to misuse Lyrica. Talk with your doctor before you stop taking Lyrica or any other prescription medication.

Please see Important Facts Brie/ Summary on adjacent page. To learn more visit www.lyrica.com or call toU-free 1-888·9-LYRICA (I-888-959·7422).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects o/prescription drugs to the FDA. VISit www.FDA.govl medwatch or call }-800-FDA-J088. C2000 ~r 11'1(. AU rlSh-1S reHl"'led. U'UOO8S2A

Page 54: 2009-07 Family Handyman

IMPORTANT FACTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT LYRICA LYRICA may cause serious allergic reactiorls. Call your doctor right away if you think you hllye any of the following symptom~ of" serious allergic reaction: • Swelling oflhe face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue or neek • Have any trouble breathing • Other allergic reactions include rash. hives and blisters

lYAICA may make you reel diZZY or oeepy. • Do not drive a car, work with machines, or do other

dangeroWj things until yOu are sure you will be alert. Ask your doclOr when il is okay to do these things.

LYRiCA may cause problems with your eyesight, including blurry vision. • Call your doctor if you have any changes in your eyesight.

ABOUT LYRICA LYRICA is a prescnption medicine used to treat: • Nerve pain from diabetes and nerve pain (lult continues ailer

the rash from shingles heals This pain can be sharp or burning. It can feel like tingling, shooting, or numbness.

• Fibromyalgia, a oondition which includes widespread muscle pain and difficulty perfonning daily activities

Some people taking LYRICA had less pain by the end of the first week. LYRICA may not work for everyone.

WHO IS LYRICA FOR? Who can lake lYAICA: • Adults 18 yean or older with Fibromyalgia, nervc pain from

diabetes, or pain after shingle~

Who should NOT take lYAICA: • Anyone who is allergic to anything in LYRICA

LYRICA has not been studied in children under 18 yean of age.

BEFORE STARTING LYRICA Tell your doctor about all your mcdil.'lIl conditions. Tell your doctor if you: • Have or had kidney problems or dialysis • Have heart problems, induding healt f(1ilure • Have a bleeding problem or a low blood platelet count • Have abUlie-d drugs or alcohol. LYRlCA may cause some

people to feel "high." • Are either a man or woman planning to have children or a

woman who is breast-feeding, pregnant, or may become pre~nt. It is not known ifLYRlCA may decrease male fertIlity, pass into breast milk, or ifil ean hann your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide whether you should take LYRICA or brcast-feed, but not both.

Tell your doctor about all your mc{\icines. Include over-the­counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor if you take: • Avandia- (rosiglitazone)" or Acto~ (pioglifa2oner'

for diabetes. You may have a higher chance of weight gain or swelling lffhese medicines are taken with LYRICA.

• AngitJtensin converting cnlymc (ACE) inhibitors • Narcotic pain medicines (such as oxycodone), tranquilizers or

medicines for anxiety (such as lorazcpam). You may have It higher chance tor dizziness and sleepiness if these medicines arc taken v.-ith LYRICA.

• Any medicines thai make you sleepy

(LEER-i-kah)

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LYRICA lYAICA may cause seoous side effects, including: • Serious allergic reactions. See '"Important Safety Infomlalion

About LYRICA" for a complete description uftbe sym.ptum~ of a serious aUcrgk reaction.

• Dizziness and sleepiness • Eyesight problems including blurry vision • Weight gain and swelling of hands and feet. Weight gain

may affect control of diabetes. Weight gain and swelling can be serious for people with heart problems.

• Unexplained mu:><:k pain, so]"eness, or weakness along with a fever or tired feeling

• Skin sores. LYRICA caused skin sores in animals. Although skin sores were not seen in ~ludi(.'S in jx:ople, if you have diabetes, you should pay extra attention to your skin whik taking LYRICA and tell your doctor of any sores or skin problems.

!fyon have any of these symptoms, lell your doctor right away.

The most common side effe<:ts oIlYRICA are: • Dizziness • Fecling "high" • Sleepiness • Swelling of hands and feet • Weight gain • Balance problems • Blurry vision • Trouble concentrating • Ory mouth • Increased appetite • Constipation

You may have a high.er chance of swclling, hives or gaining weight if you are taking eenain diabetes medicines or Wlgiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with LYRICA.

Medicines that already make you sleepy or dizzy may make you feel more sleepy or dizzy with LYRlCA.

HOWTO TAKE LYRICA Do: • Take LYRICA exactly as your doctor tells you. Your

doctor may tell you TO take it 2 or 3 times a day. • Take LYRICA with or without food. DOIl't • Do not dri ..... e a car or U'>e machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy

while t<iking LYRICA. • Do not drink alcohol or use other medicines that

m.ake you sleepy while taking LYRICA. • Do not change the dose or stop LYRlCA suddenly.

You may h(1ve headaches, nausea, diarrhca, or trouble sleeping if yon ~top taking LYRICA suddenly.

• Do not start any new medicines without fint talking to your doctor.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? • Ask your doctor or phamlacist. This is only a brief summary of

ltnJX)r1(1nt inlbrrnation. • Go to www.lyrica.com or call:

- For Nl.""'·c Pain: 1-888-9-LYRICA (1-888-959-7422), - For Fibromyalgi(1: 1-888-5-LYRICA (1-888-559-7422).

Uninsured? Need help paying for Ptizer • medicines? Pfizer has programs that nelnful can help. Call 1-866-706-2400 or visit 'Onswers' www.PtizerHelpfulAnswers.com .

PARKE DAVI S, Division of Pfi7'cr Inc., New YNk, NY tOO l7 • Cl 2008 Plizer Inc. All rights I\.'SCrved. Printed in the USA.

PBlf Re>o·.I,ApriI200E

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;, ~>ed undor l~_ by Tued> PM""""e\~ic.l . "f A .... rio •• 1""., &r.:l £1; Lilly and Co.

Page 55: 2009-07 Family Handyman

8 Build two frames. Then glue and clamp them together to make a 1-1/2-ln.-ll'1lclo:: door. Use pocket screws to assemble

each frame. 9 set the plywood and Plexiglas insert into the recessed area

on the back of the door. Nail wood stops around the perime­ter to hold them in place.

DOLLAR SAVVY SHOP-BUilT DOOR Build this door and save $800 over the cost of a

, 0 Eliminate measuring mistakes by clamping the door and trim together before routing for the hinges. Make sure the

trim piece extends 118 In. above the top of the door before you clamp it.

Figure G (online] shows details for the marking jig. Photo 12 shows how to use this setup to draw Iht:! curves for the win­dow pieces. Next cut the side pieces (FlgureF, online). Set thfl side pieces in plac:e over Ihfl top of tho header and mark the angler! cuts (Photon). Finish the curved trim piel:€ by first cutting the angJes un each end, and then sawing the curves with a jig!!aw and sanding them smooth. Use th~ marking jig tu lay uut the curved brace. too (Flgur"G, online).

Cut the sill piece and a!!semble the window!! wit.h pocket ~r:rews, Using a router with a 3/8-in. rabbet hit, rout a 3/S-in.-deep recess on the back of the winduw to receive the t/4-in. Plexiglas acrylic sheet (Photo 14). Set the window

"

Center the door OIl the opening and screw through the trim to attach it. Support the door with a temporary 2x4 screwed

to the platform. Attach the Op~osite side trim and finally the top.

frame, rectlssed side down. over a pitlce of acrylic sheet and trace the shape with a permanent marker. Cut the curve with a fine-tooth jigsaw blade and the straight sections with a fine-tooth blade in a table saw or circular saw.

Prime and paint the window and let it dry. Then apply a thin bead of clear silicone in the recess and embed the acrylic sheet in it. Secure the ac.rylic. sheet with glazing points. Let it set up overnight. We cut the grid pieces from 3/4-in. x liZ-in. parting stop and glued them to the auylic with clear silicune caulk.

A temporary support makes it simple to install tht! win­dow. LeVi'll a 2x4 and screw it to the wall 2 in. below the

t~.I.ml ly~.narm .n.eom ~"""L»'2O:)O;l 93

Page 56: 2009-07 Family Handyman

12 Mark out the arched window trim using a simple t rammeL Use the same setup for marking the curved 2xlO header

and the curved bracket support,

------ - ---- :::.;;,jjjjjjiJ

13 Mark and cut the side trim pieces. Then set them in place on the top piece to mark the angled cuts.

DOLLAR SAVVY CUSTOM WINDOWS Save more t han $300 by blJ ilding your own

14 Assemble the window f r.ame with pocket screws. then rout a recess In the back for the acrylic sheet.

window opening. Then rest the window on the Zx4 and cen­ter it in t.he opening before driving screws to secure it (Photo 15). Usc caulk to fill the gaps left by the grooved siding.

Install the exterior trim FlgullI A and Figure E (online) show the exterior trim details. Start by mounting the brackets. Line up the outside edges of the lower brackets with the face of thtl siding, push them tight to the soffit and screw them to the wall. Center the top bracket on the peak and push it light to the soffit. Starting with the pieces that go under the brackets, wrap the corners with the corner board. Overlap the front corner hoard onto the side corner board (Fllufil E, online). Get ttlady for roofing by adding the fascia boards find shingle molding. PhDtD 7

15 Rest the Window on the temporary 2.>;4 and SCrew it to the waiL Center the window on the opening before driving the

screws.

shows how to notch the fascia boards to fit around the brackets. Keep the lxZ shingle molding flush to the top of the roof plywood.

Roof. stain and paint the shed Complete the shed by in~ talling shingles and finishing the exterior. For informlltion on how to install shingles, go to thefamilyhandyman.com and search for "roofing."

Prime and paint the doors and windows before imtalling them , thAn you on ly need to caulk and fill nail holes before rolling an additional coat of paint onto the flat surfaces. The LP SmartS ide panel siding, the compo5ite fascia and cor­ners, and the fil)f!r cemAnt soffit were all preprimed and requirfld only two coats of paint to finish. n

Page 57: 2009-07 Family Handyman

The original, patented DR® TRIMMER/MOWER is both a precision trimmer and a powerful mower!

TRIM within ~ whi5k~r of houses, trees, fences. Big wheels m~ke it e~s~ for OtTyone to control precisely!

MOW WITHOUT FEAR o{hitting rocks or hidd~n obstacles, beca use there's no bl~de to bend or dull.

GUARANTEED NOT TO TANGLE even in thick, waist"high field gr~55 ~nd weed5 - th~nks to it5 p3tented No·Wrap Trimmer Head. Plus, there's no enclosed deck to dog, as with ordinary mowers.

CUT UP TO 3" THICK BRUSH with opt ional, patented , BEAVER BLADEe ~ttachmcnt.

Get a FREE DVD and Catalog

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Just load a DR~ RAPID-FEED~ CHIPPER, step back, and watch it chip branches up to SY2 " thick! SELF-FEEDING uv~s timt! :and .rw.rgy. Most branches can be dropped inlO Ihe hop~r lind will self·k~. Insll'ad of you having to force·feed them.

HARNESS YOUR TRACTOR'S POWER! The l·Point Hitch DRe CHIPPER tr<l.rl'Iforms up 10 65 HP oflractor ~r into raw chipping power!

NO TRACTOR? NO PROBLEM! II" Self·Powerl'd Models WIth I'ngines up to

18 HP available!

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Smart Mower ('i .. :;~S",,=~~ for Small Lawn ! SMART~ ~ton MOWI!fs emplaj me Iat.st rKhargeable bilttery ~e<;hnology we"" all come to "~P«IIf"l powe< to()l,;,pf>one""nd .. ...-en u'r1. Ne-uton gives you the power of a gas mO~r with tr.cI'Hdom ~rld lKanomyof to.Utry pow ....

EASY> At half the W'l!'ight of most gas mow~n, I~ NelIt"" is e<t9j fQt ~ 10 ~"It_ JUII plug it in U> 'lKh.irlle "I"Q.n,,·.only <1.1:>0,11 10( of ek.clrldt)o).

CLEAN Iii atJIET;. ~\o-d the Quoetelt.OI..-y ~ by the N~11oo.JI Noise Po.hnion C"'a1"i"9hl>u~. No mort 9I's. oi~o' """ious fumes! REUABL£> Slam loollm lime, e_y Ilme . .kl11lnloftllhe safH)' key. 0 grup the handlebar and go.No mOrt fouled pI"",s,oil (hinges, or tune-t.rpsl i Get a FREE eVD & Catolog!

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Page 58: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Rental tools that save time and toil

d oing things yourself is sup­posed to save money. So start­ing a job by spending mOMy

on rental equ ipment might seem like a step in the wrong dlrcction. But before you bypu!IS your local rental conter, consider how much time and strain you can save with the right tools. You might find that spending $50 to ovoid 10 hours of hack breaking labor iH a bar-

ga in. The right equipment also Lets you tackle jobs Iha! you would otherwise have to pay a pro fur. And don't forgt:ll the fun factor. Some of the tools we tried are mom fun-a nd a Inl c:hAaper -th!lll an all-expanse-paid trip to Vegas or Disneyland.

We rented the most popular outdoor power equipment and put it through its paces so we could give you tips btlsed

S6 J ... w ....... t2QQ9 th . h",llYh.~d."'.".'O'"

on actual experience. Overall. each machine did i1.5 partieular job as adver-IIsed. H eM are our favori tes:

We want your feedbackl Help us ImPfO'l1! The Family Handymdn by sharing your opinion of this and other artides. See p. 4 for dE'talls.

Page 59: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Boom lift $200 per day A boom lift. can tnke you to new heights to trim trees. paint you r exterior or apply Siding and soffil material. Even H you climb ladders like a monk.ey, this lIlachint! will still save you tons of time. Plus, it 'll much safer than work.ing on a ladder. If you renl it for a w6E!k, expect to pay about 5800. Make !lure the rental fee inciuut!s Ii safety harness. or rent a harness ~Aparately.

A typical boom can JlOisl you 37ft.

Be carlilul when u$lng a ~haln saw from theltft. Po5Itlon the bucket toyou don'tl\old the $oIlW any hlghllr

tha" roec:essory or 11"0" outward from the bucket. Cut slowly and make lUre thaI f"Ulna branches won't land

on 1M ma~hI". Of lIIde down the boom. 'Naor complete protKtlvlllHf,lndud l!"IJ han:! het,lIOIIlles. chaps,lNther 81ov11$ a"d nMl-tOli boots. If you'~ un5U~ of how to trim

iI tree, calt In a 0f0. And IUly.way from power Unn!

into the oir and pivot 360 degrees. Pick..ing the right parkillg place is cri ti­cal. You'U need fmIl , level ground, 20 ft. of clear overhead space to mise the bucket and 5 ft. of clear space around the sides for the outriggers. Since you'll be towing it into position with your truck (it's too heavy 10 move by bRnd), plan your route to minimize lawn dam­age. Then unhitch il from your truck and drop the outriggers. Protoct gTaAS

or asphalt by placing large scraps of wood under the outriggers. Hook. up your !'ia roly h .. rness, hop into the bud.­et. and take 8 few minutes to familiar­ize yoursel f with the Opeidling con­trols. Th6fe are fast and slow icons on the controJs. You'll want to use the slow buttons until you get used to oper­ating tho hoom. The battery-powered boom will run for about eight hours before needing a recharge.

Page 60: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Posthole digger $50 for 2 hours Digging posthole,!; for 1:1 fence or footing holes for a deck is usually the mORt time-consuming, backbreaking part of the project. The solution is a power posthole digger-but not just any model. "fuo-man" diggers that are supported by hand art:! hard to hanule, They toss you and your partner around, especially in hard soil. A one-person trailer-mount­ed model (shown abovel is much easier to use. Just move it into position, start it lip and tip the auger into the soil. The weight of the machine keeps it drilling straight down with minimal guidance from you. But you'll need extra muscle to move it to the next hole, especially if you're on a hilL Use your lawn tractor or truck if you're working solo. Or, remove the auger to lighten the load and move it by hand. Always block the wheels on hills before drilling. It takes longer to move the unit than it takes to drill holes. If you're drilling on H flnt surface, plan on eight holes per hour.

Power trencher $100 for 4 hours Digging a trench for cable or gas lines means hours or days of hard labor. But a power trencher can do all that digging for you in a fraction of the time. This trencher can dig duwn 24 in. (other models can dig to 36 in.) and is self-pro­pelled, so yO\I don't have to pull it. Steering it around curves is still a workout, however. Also be aware that rocky soil and tree roots can jam the trencher and cause the tires to dig ruts in the grass. So don't try to power your way through a jam. Shut down the unit, clear the jam and then

tip Reserve the maChine you want a few days In advance. Popular equip' ml'nt 15 In scarel' supply. ~pe<lally on weekend~

restart. On hills, start at the top and work your way down. However, before you start ripping up your yard, call 811 to get all thtl utility lines marked (go to eall~l1.com for more information). Be sure to call at least a few days ahead.

Backpack blower $25 for 2 hours A typical electric leaf blower throws out about 70 cu. ft. of air per minute (cfIll). A commercial-grede backpack_ unit throws out an enormuu~ 455 cfm. With all that extra power, you can clear leaves faster, of course. But a back.­pack blower will also do things a smaller bluwer can't: It will peel wet le;Jvell off the ground, blast out debris that's stuck in cracks and move a mountain ofleaves in one pass. And with the gas engine .qtrapped to your back, you can do it all more comfortably than with a handheld model.

Ithefamllyhandyman.com ] IIIRevI~e a duU lawn wilha renti!'d af!ratOf. see stE!P"-by·st!!p ImtAAtions at

,~ ~hffamll~I"XtyI"naJUt>mlreVi~egraM.

Page 61: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Walk-behind loader $120 for 4 hours A typical front-fmd loader makes quid work of moving pile~ of gravel. sand and dirt But it won't fit through mosl fencA 8&!&.! or other tight spots. Worse yet, the wheels dig into your lawn every time you make It turn. Instead, n1D1 a walk-behind, track-style machine with a loader attachment. Unlike other loaders, this one is easy to master-you'll oper­ate it like u veteran after only a few minutes ofpractico. This versiOD (th., Toro Dingo) fils through It 35-in. opening and runs on grass-friendly nlbber tracks. The bucket can move tOilS of material in a four--hour rental period. Follow the safe­ty directions for the maximum bucket lift hOight, or the unit can tip over (uun't a~k how wo learned this). The bud.at is great for moving gravel or soil but nol for digging. If YOIl want to dig hole~, rent a backhoe attachment instead.

Stump grinder $35 for 2 hours There's no need 10 pay a pro $150 or more to grind out a stump. With a rented stump grinder, you can do it yourself in a few minutes. For a stump that's no mom Ihan 18 in. in diameter, rent a light-duty grinder thai's mounted on a trailer. For bigger stumps, rent a heavy-duty self-propelled monster like the one shown here ($80 for two hours). Male sure you remove any rocks around the stump to avoid breaking the teeth on the grinding wheel (the rental center will charge you big bucks for broken teeth). Work the grinding wheel side-io­side and advance slowly over the stump. Then repeat the process, digging deeper each timtl. In most situations. two hours is plenty of time to pull the grinder home, chew up the stump and return the grinder.

Brush cutter $50 for 4 hours If you've left "the back 40" unmowed fur too long and Mother Nature is taking over, don't waste time--and pos­sibly wreck your lawn mower--by mowing down the brush. Instead, rent a machine designed specifically for clearing lall weeds find sflplings (up to 1-H2-in. in diam­eter). This self-propelled monsler knocks the brush over and whacks it to bits with its machete-like blade. It moves quickly, even 11.\ its lowe~t speed (1,8 mph), so YOIl can clear a large area in a few hours.

] U eh m ' I Wh.n,jf",.",tom ....... 1~l'OO9 59

Page 62: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Pro-grade chain saw $65 per day If you only huve one tree to fell and cut up, it's certainly nol wurth investing in fI $350 rllsill saw. And you'll be sorely disappointed if you attempt the lal;k with a small, under­puwered chain saw. So rent a pro model for the entire day for only $65. It'll have more power, cut faster and tire you less. For chain saw safety tips, go to thefamilyhandyman.com and search for "chain saw safety."

Weed trimmer with a brush blade $30 for 2 hours If you 'want to cut s<'Iplings and brush without mowing down everything else, rent a commercial-duty trimmer with a bmsh blade. It will slice through sapling~ up to 1-112 in, in diameter. The shoulder harness carries the weight of the gas motor.

rthefamilyhandyman.com J iii Make high-altitude jobs iIiIfl</" and easier wltll t1!nted Kaffolding. Sl'@how " L ~ dlOOSe (Irld set up tile (Om!XJnents at thl'famll)"handyman.comlscaffold.

Just tap the blade against the base of the sapling. Don't swing it like an ax-that can destroy the drive shaft. To avoid bogging down the machine, make repeated jabs rather than iI. single cut. If you have fI iargfl arca to clear, rent the trimmer for a whole day {about $soj.

Get what you pay for You can rent most power equipment for two- or four-hour periods or by the day_

Here are some tips to help you make the mo»t of the rental period:

• Ask about the cost of a t railer. It·s usu­ally nor included In the rental price. It you use your own trailer, make sure It·s rated to handle the weight of the machine and that your truck (and hitch) can tow the load.

• Remember that the rental period includes your drive time to and f rom your project. If the machine requires a trailer, also factor in t ime to unload t he machine and reload It when the Job is

60 M,/Auiu"200'0i t~.t.""ly~. n d~rn.n.<o",

done. That can eat up 30 minutes or more of your rental time.

• Ask about delivery services. Having t he rental center detil/er and pick up the machine may cost $85 or more. But since the rental period won't include drive time. loading or unloading. you have m ore time to actually use the equipment. Delivery seNiee may save you money in the long run.

• Make sure the rental center staffers

show you how to start and use the equipment. Then try it yourself before you drive away. That way. you avoid learnlns and making m istakes during the renta l period.

• Be ready to use the machine the m inute you get home. You can waste a lot of money tettlng t he rental equipment s it Idle w h ile you mark posthole locations or clear rocks away from t ree stumps. D

Page 63: 2009-07 Family Handyman

,

If.

'11 t·

I I "' Orlflciodilalltr

warkma til er to yw br til bettar atk your .Ot Dr and f d II I A VAIR IS "ht for YGU

Get your first full prescription FREE! Go to AdvairCOPD,com or call 1-800-511 -4790.

_

.. \~~J -- -II.,.... cIon\ "- ,....,._ .-_.001 UlI'" .ttoni)'O\ll' mtdidne<. wfI/t PPW1-QI'\I. CIt til l ' __ ... ·MOW ('.~nltMJ

Page 64: 2009-07 Family Handyman

WI'Iat is tile most /mpOftafl / informHt/rxl I 5fIou1d lloow abOtit AlWAlli DISKUS? a In patients with asthma, long-acting beta:-agonlSl

(LASA) medicines, such as salmeterol ~ooe of lIle medicines In ADVAIA DISKUSj, may increase ltIe chance 01 death from asthma problems. In a large asthma study, n~re palien~s 1"lt0 useO salmeterul 00j from ast'lma problems oompared 'Nlth patients wOO did not use salmeterul. II 13 r"()t Iolowo 'Nhether f1uticasone prct,lIonate. the other me(Jieine in ADVAIR DISKUS, charQ€s your chance of deatfl frum astmla ~00Iems setO 0;,1111 !oaITIeI£Iti. Tall wtth yar lIe.1thcare provider atlrut IIlls risl<. and ttle benefits of trealir1o,J '/Q)( asthma withMlVAlR DlSKUS.

a ADVAiRDISKUS dol!5 not ~ilWesudGensymptoms. fWIays have a fast-acting inhaler ($hr)1-ac:tilg beta,­agonist medicioe) with \'I"AJ kl trBat SUCkXln ~ " you do not h<Ne a fast-acting inhaler, contact your heatthcare provider 10 have one presttibed lor roll.

• Do not slop using AOVAIR DlSKUS unless told 1D do so by yOlK healthcare provider becallSe your S11l1!ltoms might gel worse.

a ADVAIR DISKUS should be u!red only il your healthcare provider decides tIlat another astltma­(D'l!roIef nlld:::lne able ooes rd ccnnJ 'fOI asIIma. Dr tIlat yoo nood 2 rima-controller medicine!.

° car J'OlI" hea'tht:are proviOer if br8atning problems WOfSeJ1 OYer time while using ADVAiA D!SKUS. VOJ may need liffcfent treatment

• Get emergerq medical care It: - breatning prolllems WotSOO qUickly, and - yOlJ use your fast-acting Inhaler, but it does nol

rel ieve your breathing problems.

WhlIt is AlNAiR OlSl(US?'

° ADVAIA DlSKUS contains 2 medicines: - flll1icasone ~e (the same medicine iwlcl irI

R.OVEHT"), M inI'.aied ~ rf1.e(IOO!.1rtI.1IaI ~ tl\) t:l ~ J11:mnalbl il1l1l kJVi. ~ kl ttla I:TQS C3'\ IeOO to asthma s)'IllJ'1ll1$.

- saIItl9IeIU (tie sane mec::bIe foI.nI il SfJEoJENT"'), a LP8A. LABA 'OOi:iJ.ls a1IlI':Rl il ~ y,ftl !dml I)" cnlO/li(; (.I!)struCIMl plllmooary a;scase (COPO). LABA rl'I&.1Cnes help the rrm:1es ifW"lJ 11-.; airvrdr> in )OOf IlI"Ig: st1J' raawd to ~ ~, Sl.d1 as ~<rd~r:J~ fure~C31 ~ I'hn ~ ITlld.ls lfWlI b ~ 6j1&'I. nil m3\es I IUd il~." rem c.re!, Y.tlee.li1I CM SIp '!U txealt"irl;l a'l:I ca.&l cJ'IalJl ~ oot. trBalOO r1Q:tlI if,V/f1.

&lIUnll N:N~ OISKUS is used too~ term. IV/Ice allay. 10 conlrQi symptoms 01 astt\ma aod to prll'lent symptoots su:h as wheezing in aclll1s ane! children ages 4 and Oider.

Chronic ObstructiYe PulmoJ)lf)' Dise.aselC.D~J COPO is a chfOOIC kJog c!iS82S8 lIlat indkYJas chrooic Ilrondlltls, 8I1l~ma. (1 txltIl.NJVPS1. D&:J.JS 250150 is u.~ loogterm.lwice a day. to help imprlMlloJng fooction lor bener orea111lng in awrts with COPO.MJVI4P. DlSKUS 250150 h3s boien soown 10 docrease 1M number of ~ <n1 \~ d. CIl'O ~~.

MID sJroukI not IJStI AOVA.'R 0ISKfJS?'

[)() not use ADVAIA DfSKlJS:

• to treat SUOQeIl. oovere WmplOO1S 01 asthma (1 COPO

o ~ y(:(I ha\Ie a SB'\'tlI"e allergy to milk ~eir!5. Ask yoor doctor Il)'Ou arB not sure.

GlaxoSmitt1KliM Aesearch Trial'l!lle Par~, ~C 27700 ADD.4PI August 2008

WMt should J ten my h8atthcare prrwldtJr tMfrJrs using ADVAIR DlSKUS?

Telll'1lut hEalthcare prwider aoout all 01 your health coooitions, including il you:

° have heart problems a have high blood pre5SLn

a have Seizures • have thyro id problems

• have diabeles • have liver problems

° have osteoporosis

• have an Immune srstem problem

° are pregm .... or planning 1D become pregnant. ~ is rot kooMll MN;.JR CNa.S rM.I tam :.ur LJto'n too)'

• ate breastfeeding. II is not i<Jlo"lI'Il if AOVAIA OISKUS pas..'\eS into YOJr milk and ~ rt can harm your bab;'

° are allergic to any 01 !he ingredients in ADVAiR DISKUS, any other medicines, or l00d products

• are exposed to chickenpox or measles

TeH your healthcare prO"Yider about all tha meOCioes)'OO take, ~UM;l pr6S(:fllWl aoo r"Il"1X~ meddn::s, ','Ilamios, !lmj herbal SlJ!lPlemcnls. AOVAIR DISKUS and certain otf1er me<licines may inleract \'l ith eOCh other. This may cause seriOUS sioo effects. Especially, tell your heal10care p!"ovic\er II yOli t."lM ritonavir. The anti·HI\' me<licines Nor,-ir ' Irrtonavir capsules) Soli Gelatin. Norvir" (ritonavir oral seMlon), and KalettsO

~~navlrirftonavir) Tal.llets contain litona~ir.

Know the rrl()(!icines you take Ke€Il a liSt and show il to yoor nealthcare provkler ane! pharmaost eaell time you get a oe'o'/ meOicioe.

How do I use ADVAIR DlSKUS?

[)) 001 lISe :fJlAA DmJS 1J1tB»W heOOIx:ae j)'{M(Ier Ills ilU1lI )W aIKl yoo uOO&'S!and ~ng. k1.<. yru t-eal'il:are ~ or pIJarmil:ist i yoo hiMl arty queslms.

• ctikh:1l moulj tIit tCYPS1 ast::J...G With an OOJI's 1'6p. as instfl(:led by the child's healthCara j)roviQer.

° lire AOVNA DlSKUS exactly as prescriOOd. Do not use ADVAiR DISKlIS more often than prescribed. NJoI"fl OlSKUS ccmes in3 strengt~s. Your he.:lltncare Plo~;t1er will ~escriOe \he one that is !)est I(l( yOUr CtIll(liti(XJ.

a The usual 00sag€ 01 AOVAIA DISKUS is 1 inhalalioo twice a (lay (mlJl'"rIirrg a1Cl evemng). Tire 2 dosas stmla be aooul12 ~oors apart. Rinse your mou~ I'I'ith water after uSing ADVAIR DISKUS.

• n ){lu take lOOre .ADVAIA DG1JS than yoW doct(l( Ms presaibed, get meOCal heip r i ~t away ~you have any l.I1USL!ai S)'fflIIOO"IS, such as worserun~ shortness 01 breatll, ch8'.lt paifl. increase(1 Mmf rate. oc shakiness.

a It j'OO miss a oose of ADVAIR DlSKUS, just skip that dose. Take your neJ;! dose at)'OO" l.IS<JaI time. 00 fIOl lal<.e 2 ooses at ()(Ie tima.

a 00 not use a spacer device with MJVAlA DISKUS.

° Do not breathe irt\O A/NAIR OlSKlJS

° WIllie rou are usingADVAIA DISKUS twice a day, do not uso other medicines that cootaln a LABA for an)'

roason.Ask your healthcare prOYIder or pharmacist if III"IY 01 ytU ~er me<licines are l.ABA medii:ines.

° 00 nCll c./)fII1ge or stq"J My CII your mcdicloos used to cootroI C( treat 'f.U ~ pnjJIemS. Ycu ~ prooder \\'ill adjust ywr rnediCll1eS as needed.

• MakiI Slife you aiways have a last-acting lohale( wltl1 yru. Use your last·acting ' ~~aler ~ ~ have llrealhillQ prOOlefflS between doses 01 ADVAIR DlSKUS.

c.n YOVf MaJthcat8 ptO'f/dBr ot 9fl fll8d1c8l CIVfI right away jf;

° your i)"eathrng proolems worsen with ADVAiA DISKUS a you r.eed to use YOlK fast·acting inhaler more often

than LlSlJaI

• your last-acbrlg inha:er coes not \l'Orloi as well lor you at relieving symploms

a you r'EIIld tJ use 4 IX mctilltlalatim'i 0/ '1M Iast·~ inhaler for 2 or more dar> i~ a rtVi

• \'00 lise 1 whole canister of YOIJ( la,<;\ ·aclif)9 iMaIer in a \'leeks' time

° yOOf peak flow"meter resorts decrease. Yoor Mealthcare pI"OI'ider will t~1 you ItJe nlJTJl)ers that am right lor you.

• you have asttlma arK! your symplools do n:ll improve after uSirlg ADVAIA DISKUS reglllartv lor 1 \"leek

IMat I/I'e th6 pos!IbI8 skJB IIIItIcfs ItfII Al:wi' a!iKLS?

• See 'Wnat ;s tile mosllmportllfll iIlfOfnialion ! s/Joo/(1 /({lOw aiJwl ADVAIR 0ISKfJS?"

° Patients with COPO hal'e a higller cMrlCe 01 oelt~ plloom0ni3. ADVAIR DlSKUS ma,. i1crease the chance o! g&ttinog pneumonia. call ~our heallhcare provider it you notice any 01 the lolll;rwing symptoms: - increase In mllCIlS ls~um) ~00JCI.i0I1 - chanoe in mllCUS coitw" - increased i)"eattring problems - fever - increased cough - mills

° serious allergic reactions. Call your heailr.care pn; .... ;aer or \let emergBrlcy melMc.a1 care it \'OU get any 01 the loIlowIl1,j ~)'IIIJI\omS 01 a senoos a~ergt reactic)'l , incluOng: - rasll - s\\'e llinQ of the lace, moolll, 3mttonglle - hlws - brealtliflg problems

° increased blood jlfSSSur8 • chest pain

• a fast and irregular heartbeat ° headache

° tremor ° nl!rVOUSIless

° weakened immllOe S1slem aM a lligher chance 01 infections

a lower bone minernl density. T~ls may be a proolem lor poo~ vffio already have a higher char.ce o! IoYr to1e tle!lSlty iosleworOOis).

a eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. YO\J sroLJld have regillar eye exams while usiflg ADVAIA OISKUS.

a slowed growth in cIlildren. A child'S growth sIloold he che<:ked OftM.

Other common Side effects IflClude:

° hoo.rse·Jess am VOice cll3l1ge$ 0 tM.J:sh ill the mouth arJd throat

• tnmallrrltalioo

• res~ratO'"Y tracl inlec\loos

Tea yoor hcalthcare pro'iider about arTy sK1e effect mat IXlthers you I)"" that ooes rtot IP away. These are rot aI thB 003 eff9ClS loAth ffNl>l'I oons. ~ )001" Imithcare JXOI'W" or ~ fa" rn:re J1forma1b'"1.

Call ){lUI doctoc lor medical a<Mce about sitle effects. Yoo nny repcYt side effects to the F[)l, al1-IOO.f{lol,·"K:OO,

Ask YOlK heallhcare proviOOl' or pharmaclSI tor a[tjilional ~Il101mation about AOVAIA 0lSKUS. Yoo can a\sc) CMl8CI me compafl'l that makes ADVAIR DISKUS (tol! free) aI1-888·B25·5249 (1 at viVI'>'I.actvaif.C1lm.

ADVAIR DlSKlJS, OISKLiS, flOVENT, and Sf.RfVE~ are registeroo trooernarkS 0/ GlaxoSmtthKliroe. Norvlr m:j !<alelra are regiStefe(l traaemar1o:.s oj /Ibbon l.M:«atories

C?OO9 The Gl1xoSrMhKliM Group of Companies All r1~ts rPSer'MI. Pootoo in lISA. AD4721RO March 200\"1

Page 65: 2009-07 Family Handyman

by Elisa Bernick thElfamllyhandymll.n.com

10 sensible ways to save money & still keep cool

Staying cool is expensive. In a hot climate lib Texas, the average family spends about $600 a year on cooling. In the Mid\V~t>I, ifs about $300. But costs vary 8 101 within regions and even within a singlc neighborhood. Your home may (;ost $700 10 keep cool while a similar home n~x\ door (;0513 balf that. This article will hdp you lIlake your home the low-cosl flnf!rgy 1f!f1rler on the block. Our focus is on cut­ting cooling costs, bUI many ofthesfI tips will save you money on your heatin!,! too. We include upfront costs and paybad; for cllch of our tips, but the actual figures depend on your individual house, regIon, c.:limltte, living hahlts And electric rates.

Page 66: 2009-07 Family Handyman

1 Replace your old air conditioner Replacing a 10-year-old window or central AC unit with an

Energy Star model can eut your cooling costs by 30 to 5U percent and saVfl yOll fmollgh over the new unit's life­

time to offset its purchase price. This is e.-;pecial­Iy true if you live in a hot, humid climate.

Central AC units are rated for efficiency according to their Seasonal Energy­

Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Window units are rated according to their

Energy-Efficiency Ratio (EER). The SEERJEER rating is listed on the Energy Guide label (below). The higher the number, the mOTe efficient the unit. If you double your SEER (or EER), you can

cut your AC operating costs in half. To find the rating on an older unit, chock the

data label or plug the model number into the online CEE-ARl database at energystar,gov on the Centml Air Conditioners page, New units are required by law to have a SEER of at least 13 and an EER of 8, Central AC units manufac· tured from 1992 through Z005 have a SEER of about a 10, and older models are at £ or 7,

COST: Window units range from $250 for 6,000

BTUs to $750 for 24,000 BTUs. Replacing lin old cen­

tral-air system typically costs about $3,000, but It can

run as high as $10,000 .

.......-....... PAYBACK: The older your system and the

Paying higher upfror"lt costs for tile most effiCient unit possible (SEER 14 or higher) makes sense In hot climates since the Ini­tial investment will be paid back in energy savings over time. It makes less sense in cooler climates,

mo~ you use it. the larger your energy sav­

ings will be wIth a new unIt. Replacing a

SEER 7 unit with a SEER 14.5 unit that

costs $3,000 wlU save you about $700 a

year and pay for itself in fIve years.

Calculate your paybac" with the AC sav­

Ings calculator at energystar.gov.

DIY success story "My neighbor complained for yellrs that my 22-year-o[d AC unit was too noisy. To keep the pe .... ce, I decided to replace It. The old unit turned out to be a SEER 6. The new unit Is Ii SEER 14 and very quiet. My neighbor Is now Mppy and so .... m I-my summer elec­tric bills are half of what I was spend­ing with the old unit,"

Gene Hamolka

Tell us your success story and we'll pay you $100 if we publish it. Whether It's 1I repair, .... n Improvement or lust a tip, send It to mystory@ thefami[yhandyman.com.

610 MrIA\.oJ"'t2Q~ 'h.f.mlly~."dym.".com

AC shopping tips • Buy an Energy Star-rated central

AC unit with a SEER of 14 or higher (especiaUy if you use your AC a lot).

• Buy the right-size central AC unit by making sure your contractor per­forms a thorough cooling load analysiS on your home. Too many contractors simply choose a unit that's the same size as the old one. [n many cases. the old one is over­sized, so it wastes electricity.

• Replace the entire unit. not just the ootside condenser-It you don-t replace the inside coil and/or blower filn, you won·t get the rated efficiency.

• Buy a unit with eco-friendly coolant (R41A "Puron") since R22 (Freon) will be phased out Of production In 2010, If you get stuck with an old Freon unit, recharging the system will be very expensive (not to men­tion environmentally harmful),

ENERGY 8T __ -- SAV1NGS

CALCULATO

• Use the Energy Star savings calcu­lator at energystar,gov to figure out whether It ma"es financial sense to replace your AC, and get a list of the most energy-efficient AC units.

• Check fot local, state and federal rebates on higher efficiency units at dslreusa.org.

• If yoo live In the Southeastern United States, consider a heat pump, which moves air more £0111-cient[y tl1al'\ a conventlona[ AC unit In areas with high humidity. If you live in the SOuthwest, consider an evaporative "swamp" cooler, which uses 75 percent less energy than

conventional AC and costs about half as much to Install. For more Information, go to energyStar.gov.

Page 67: 2009-07 Family Handyman

2 Switch to CFLs You already know that compact fluo­rescent lightbulbs cut lighting costs, bllt they cut cooling r:asts too. That's because, Wllike incan­descents, they give off very little Ill:at. Ninety pen;enl of the slet;· tricity used by an incandescent bulb is converted to heat rather than light. That extra heat means Axtra cooling expenses.

COST; 53 per bulb.

PAYBACK: Less than a year.

3 Install a programmable thermostat This is another easy upgrade that pays b<'lck quickly. Sotting your cooling system fouf to six degrees warmer when you're away at work or on vacation and automatically lowering it to 76 d~ees when you're home can cut 5 to 20 percent off your energy bill. This simple DIY project takes less than an hour. For how-to instructions, go to Ihefamilyhandy­man.com and type "install programmable ther­mostat" in the search box.

COST: $50 to $150.

PAYBACK: About a year if you use It for both

heatiflg and cooling.

4 Clean or change AC filters monthly Dirty air filters ilre the No. 1 cause of air conditioning break.­downs and they cost about 7 per­cent more in energy costs (or about $45 a year) in hot climate!!. Change central AC furnace filterR monthly during the summer. For how-to information, go to thefamilyhandyman.com and search for "repl<l.ce AC filters." Most window AC units have fI. removable filter behind the air inlet grille that you can take out and rinse monthly.

5 Fix leaks in AC ducting If your home was built in the past 10 years or so, it probably has well-sealed ductwork. But if you live in an olel!"!r home, 10 to 40 percent of your cooling dollars is lost through gaps in the duct joints. This cool air is wasted Wht;lrl the duds run through an attic, crawl space or basement. This can be a tough DIY project to do effectively since it takes a professional to test for leaks before and after the repairs. It you're game for seal­ing the ducts yourself, examine YOlIT

ductwork. for cracks, splits or bad con­nections and feel for escaping air when your syslem is on. After you seal the leaks, keep the ducts cool by insulating Ihem with R-5 or higher fiberglass duct wrap if they run through a hal attic. For more ()n sealing ducts, see the Sep\. '08 issue. p. 72.

COST: S300 to $1,000 tor a professional

to test and seal your heating and cooling

ducts. DIY duct sealing costs S20 for a 50-

yd. roll of aluminum tape and $5 fer an 11-

oz. tube of sealant.

PAYBACK: Two to four years for profes­sional duct sealing and less than a year for DIY sealing.

Page 68: 2009-07 Family Handyman

6 Block out sun with window shades Roughly 30 percent of unwanted heat comes through your windowil. Putting shades, insulating curtains or tinted window film on south- and west­facing windows can save you up to 7 percent, or $45, annually on cooling costs. The combination of shades and trees (see below) can

lower indoor temps by 20 degrees on a hot day. Insulating curtains will save even more on both heat­ing and cooling costs.

COST: Shades, $10 per window: low-E films,

$5 per window; Insulating curt81ns, $30 to $150

per window.

PAYBACK: One to four years depending on Initial costs and where you live.

7 Keep cool with shade Cut AC costs through your own sweat equity by shading your house with trees, trellises and vines. Shading blocks direct sunlighl through the roof and windows, which is responsible for about half of the heat gain in your home. Carefully positioned trees and horizontal trellises on the east and west sidflfl can save up to 30 percent of a household's energy consumption for heating and cooling. For an average household, that's $100 to

5250 in energy costs annually.

COST: Three 6-ft. trees, $900; DIY trellis, $50

(for a bare-bones versJon) up to $500 (for tne deluxe model); vines for trelliS, $50.

PAYBACK: On average. a well-designed land­scape provides enougn energy savings (heating and cooling) to return your initial Investment In Six to eight years.

8 Check your AC system's efficiency To determinfl whether YOUT air conditioner needs a tune-up, pflrform this easy test when your AC unit has been running for at least 15 min­utes and the outdoor temp is above 80 degrees F. With a clean air filter ill plat.;e, set a thermometer on Ihe supply register that's closest to the inside cooling equipment. Keep It there for five minutes and nole the temperature. Do the same thing at the return vent. The air coming out should be 14 to 20 degrees cooler than the air going in. An air conditioner that's not cooling to those levels t.;ould be low on refrigerant ur have leak~. A unit cooling more than 20 degrees could have a severe blockage.

9 Use fans and raise your thermostat Ceiling fans can save you money by keeping you comfortable at higher ther­mostat settings. Each degree higher than 78 degrccs will save you 5 to 10 percent on air t.;ondilioning cO!;ts. The moving air from a ceiling fan Inr.reases the amount of evaporation from your skin and helps cool you off. Go to the­familyhandyman.com and tYP6 "install ceiling fan" for ~tep-by-step instruc­tions.

COST: Ranges from $50 10 $1,000. Energy Star-rated fans ale about 10 percent more efficient than standard ceiling fans and are usually In the $150 and above range. PAYBACK: Depends On how high you set your thermostat and the cost of the fan. Could be as fast as three years or as long as 20 years.

Page 69: 2009-07 Family Handyman

1 0 Tune and clean your AC regularly A poorly mainta ined air conditioner USC8 10 to 30 percent more energy and has a shorter life. Central he compres­sors last on average about 10 to 12 years. !'TopeI mainte­nance can extend that to 20 years. It's important to have a professional tune, clean and ChACk controls and refriger­lint lev!!l!! on your central AC system every two to throe years. If your refrigerant needs recharging, thIs correction can improve efficiency by 20 percent. It 's alsO important 10 perform DIY maintenance each year. Several contrac­tors told us thai 90 percent of air-concUtioner fai lures are caused by a lack ofmarntenanca, For 8 step-by-step guide to DIY maintenance, go to thefam1 lyhandyrrum.com and type "clean your AC condenser" or "clean a window air conditioner" into the search. box.

COST: Professionally cleaning and servicing a central air condi­

tioner costs S100 to $250.

PAYBACK: This depends on the age of the IJnlt and how dirty It

Is. If YOIJ h~'t hadyour AC IJnit serviced In several years, having

a professional do 1I t horough tune-up could pay for I~lf In less

than a year and ellt~nd the Ufe of YOIJr unit

-~ ,

We want your feedbackl Help us r~ The Family Handyman by sharing yooropinion of OUT articles. See p. 4 fof details.

When pain gets in the way of doing the things you enjoy, try A/eve. Only A/eve*" has the strength to stop body, joint, beck and arthritis painl all day with just two pifls. It would take twice as many Advil or four times as many Tylenol to do that. For a/l day pain-free movement, nothing helps you move your body better than Aleve.

NEVER srol' /lfptlfN'iT

ffi Hayer HealthCare -M'Iln;OICblltIiII. ru.._ 10< ___ ....

eo.-t>OrlIO""';IIf\d[o.tr'S~T~_OO'""""""'1tbtI4oW1k1r2~"""'" 02lXl!l .. ~w:.

Page 70: 2009-07 Family Handyman

r-

~ • •

,

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Figure A

l".lr '00

l ..................... _._-_ .. __ ..

Rustic garden toolbox t his simple gardening toolbox gets its

natural charm rrom the branches use<"! for the SIOM and handle. When you're searching for branches. choose green, freshly cut ones for strength tlnd flexibility. The only tools r6q\]irnd are 110

saw and a drill and maybe a knife to whittle the handle ends.

Along with three 2S·in.·lollij bmllch-

1 Screw the box tOBether with dec::k screws. Predrill and countersink the

screws to avoid splitting.

es, you'll need a 6-ft. 1x6, a 40ft. lx4 and a short length of 1/4-in, wood dowel. exterior wood glut! and a handful of I-sIR-in. dock screws. We used clear pine. but No.2 pine or cedar will work fine too.

Cut the parIs using AIUI'I A /ill a guide. Then screw the box together (Photo 1), Whittle the handle ends to fit the holes.

2 Cut the branch ends to fit. Attach the pieces to the sides of the toolbox with

screws or nails. ~edrlll to evold splitting.

68 IIJIW""""'t200!) t~.'.ml!'~."d''".".~o'"

You'll have to bend thl! handle to slip il inlo the second hole.

Cut away any knobs on the branches for tbl! sides. Then atta(;h them. keep­Ing the SCrflWS at least an inch from thl! ends to avoid splits (PlKlto 2). Flnfllly, drill 1/4-in. holes through the handle tuuls and dri ve in thA dowels to hold the handlfl in plflr.e (Photo3). n

3 DriU1I4-in. holes through the handle ends and drivt! In the dowels to hold

the handle in place.

Page 71: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Phone or Write for FREE Information

IiiAINHANDL~ from Savetime Corp,

Dept.FH0709 2710 North Avenue/BridgeI'Qrt, CT 06604

1-800-942-3004JFax 1-800-606-2028

~~ _______ StaJe ___ _

~ _ __ Emai.l ~ ___ ~~~~_

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Page 72: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Put the brakes on high auto insurance costs Everybody wants to save on car insurance. But most peoph, can" figure out how to do it without either Tfldllr.ing r:overage or inr.rea.~ing thp. dedllc.tibh~s.

We got some better advice from a seasoned insurance expert who's worked with dozens of major insurance companies.

Insurance laws vary by slata, so some of these cost-saving ffitlthuds may not apply in your area, But if you follow these tips, you should be able to save an average of $300 per year, or possibly more, on your car insurance. We'll work with a model of a two-car household with two 57-year-old adults and one college-age driver. This household's annual premium is $2,300 based on one accident and one speeding ticket.

Pay in advance. Save $60

You pay Jots extra if you're paying your car insurance monthly. Find out the least expensive pay-p~riud­

usually six months. It' you have the cash, you could save even more money by paying the full year'~ premium in advanr.:e (check with your agent).

70 "-<1'/","_,2000 tha'amllyhand,

by Rick Muscoplat [email protected]

Pay promptly. Save $15 to $50

Some companies offer attractive incentives for paying the invoice within 10 days, rather than taking the full 30 days. We're not telling you to pay your mortgage 1at6 so you can pay the insurance company early. But if your insurer offers a "prompt pay" discount (ask for one), it may be worth your while to Tepri­oritize your bill payment schedule. If you're temporarily short on cash, it may even make sense to pay with your credit card.

z >

§ ~

i , L-________________________ ~ 8

" " Complete a "senior ~ driver" training (and <

refresher) course. Save $200 ~ >

Most insuranC6 companies offer a dis- 'til count for each driver 55 and older who ~ takes an authorized driver safety aduca- i tion program (some slates mandate this S discount). The initial course is eight «

hours, and some companies (and ~tate~J ~ allow you to take 8. fout-hour online vcr- ~

sion ($~O per driver). Classroom rate~ ~

var:~~:e~'!~~::v~:~: ;!;;ry::~ ~:~ j more information, contact your ~

insurance agent, AARP, "" AAA or your local adult ~

education center, or search the Internat

for "senior driver ed\lCation."

~

i "

Page 73: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Revitalize your car 's per10rmance with Mobil 1 High Mileage. Help give yoorengine a fresh staM with Mobil ! High Mileage, the oil that outperforms all conventional oils. It nol only reduces sludge and other deposits from engines with more than 75,000 miles. it also helps recondition seals and prevent leaKs. If you want 10 help maximize your engine's performance and extend ils li fe, get Mobil 1 High Mileage loday, Learn more al mobil1 ,com.

Mobii D

Page 74: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Kid at college? Save $400

This one's 8 no-braiDer. If your kid is away al college. minus t11ft family car, ynur insurance rates will be lower. Tell your agcnt thaI your kid is at school and work oul arrange­ments for those few days when he or she is homtt. If your student bas a car at school. you should stili notify your agent. Tbe rates may be lower based on the school's location.

72 U#' .......... ~009 '~.I.mllyh.nG~ .... n.<om

Change jobs or retire?

Save $60 If you drive 20 miles to wock every day, you're paying a higher premi­um than peoplfl who drive only 5 miles. So if you gel a new job doser to home, tell your agent immed iately. A lso, if you're lucky enough to retire, tell yuur agent so they f'.an reclassify you as a "pleasure driver." You'll see a drop in yuur premiums in both cases.

Track your tickets. save $100

Insurance compan iBs check your driving record regularly

and increase your premium on the very next bill if they find a traffic violation. But they're not

always 80 qUick 10 reduce your pre­mium later when the violation falls off

your record. So keep track of the dates of your tickets and ask for a reduction once your

record is "clean" (usulI.lly three years, but check with your stnte 'R Dflpartment of Motor Vehicles).

Avoid small claims. Save $200

If you gel a small dent or other minor damage on an older caT, think twiCt! a.bout filing a claim and getting it fixed. To avoid rate hikes. it might be worth your whilo to just live with il if there are no safely issues. And if you have towing cov­erage on your policy lind w;e it to get your jalopy towed every six months, be ready for It 10 percent mtH increase on your next renewal. Buy a roadside at;si!ltQnc~ plan (available from AAA, AARP and other vfmdorsJ insteltu. [t's cheaper.

Shop early. Save $50

E\'eryon~ s}lOuld shop around for new insurance rates every three years. In sunnee <.:ompanies reward early shopping (30 days before renewal is per­fect) by giving better rateli:. Las t-mi nute shopping (less than 10 days before the policy expires) makes insurance companies think you're irresponsible, and that will be reflected in a higher quola,

Page 75: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Drop collision and comprehensive

coverage when it makes sense. Save $300 Lat's face it-old cars (H)-plus years) alan'l worth much. So at a certain point it doesn't m~kt:

sense to keep paying for colli ­sion and comprehensive (C&C) coverage. Find the "book" value of your vehicle on the Internet (nada.com, edmun ds .com or kbb.com) or at the library. Then add up the annual premiums for ac. Chances are, you're paying for the full value of the vehicle every three years. U you're com­fortable accepting a low level of risk, cancel your C&C coverage and put that money away. You'll probably come out ahead.

Install an alarm. Save $100 to $200

The discount varies by location , the make and model of the alarm , and the theft likelihood of your part icular vehicle model. But insurance compa­nies give the largest discou nts for installing a "stolen vehicle recovery" systellilike MobileGuardian, LoIael, VehideRECOVER or GM's OnStar. Thc.o;e .o;ystems can locate a stolen vehicle within minutes and prevent a total loss. The discount alone may pay for one of these systems in just a few years.

You can learn more about these systems by visiting lojat:k,com , vehi· c1erecover.com and mymobile­guardi an.com. 0

We want your feedbackl Help us Improve The Family Handy­fTkln by sharing your opinion of this and other articles. See p. 4 for details.

Avoid these insurance mistakes .. Don't let your car Insurance prob.!bly won't see a premium lapse. If you're up against the Increase because you paid for payment deadUne, CNernlght the the damage yourself. But If you

check or Contllct your agent's office to see If you can drop off the check, Of put It on your credit card. Renewal at a lapsed policy can cost you an extra 20 percent for several years. That's IF the company even <!!Isrees 10 rein­state you (It doesn't have to).

.. Don't reduce your liability coverage to save money, It won't save you much and may actually cost you more In premiums. You risk your home, sailings and a garnishment of future earnings If you Injure someone and you're underlnSIJred.

..... You can settle feoder-ben­der claims on your own, but you stili have to report the accident to your InSlJrance companyl You

don't notify your agent lind the other pi!fSOn makes a delayed claim for InjlJry, ycK.ir company can deny coverage,

.. Check out aU the details of "first accident forgiveness" poli­

cies to be sure you're not paylns more up front. Also check out

whether a second aCCident or a drMng violation on this type of policy results In far higher pre­

mIUms than a traditional policy.

.... Never cancel. an eXlstlng pol­Icy unti l you recell/e the new pol­Icy paperwork. InSlJrance com­panies can ref use to "under­write" you even after they'lio accepted your check and Issued a "binder." If IMt happens, you may not be able to reinstate It.

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Page 76: 2009-07 Family Handyman

QUESTION

Can I tile Qvertile? The tile In my entrywayls In great shape-no

cracks or loose srout-but the style and color are outdated and I want to repl.lllce It. Removing It and starting aver will be II. huge job because It was Installed w ith an epoxy adhesive on /!Ii concrete floor. Can I just tlte over the e)(lstlng tile?

Tim Krohn. Middleburg, FL

as long as there are no cracks in the exiRting tlle (lndicating underlying

problems in the concrete), yOll r:an tile on lop of it. In fs<.1, prQ5 do it all the time.

Surface preparation is paramount. Start by making !:lUre ali the tiles are solidly boncleci to tha fl oor. Tap them lightly with a wood mallet or a chunk of 2x4. A hollow sound is aD indication that a tile ill loose. Remove and reset any loose ones with thin·~. Next, use a 4-ft. level 1(') find allY high spots and grind those down using n right-angle grinder with 1:1 IJIlIscnry wheel. Thon sand all the til p.~ with a belt or orbital sander (60-grit) to scratch any surface glazes. Remove allY moldy or loose grout with a rotary tool or t;H!bide scraper. Vacuum the tiles Bnrl deAn with detergent and water to remove dirt, sealer!:! and wax. Rjnse the surfacA with clear water and let it dry.

Buy a latex·modlfied thin·set (one brand is FlexBondl and mix it ill lImall batches to kt!6p It from skinning over. Complete adhesive coverage is critical on large tiles (12 in. or huger) and even more important w hen you're tiling over tile. Some Installers prefer to " f1 athack" each tile with the nat edge of the trowfll befol'C applying the tile to the combad thin-set. Others prefer to URe a larger­notched trowel (112 x 1/2 in.) to apply the thin-set. Whichever method you u.se, ahv8)'s comb the adhesive in one dir9ction (no swirls). Thiln ~t!t the tile on the floor Hnd lllide It perpendicular to the combed tbin-set to knock. down tllt:! rows and spread the adhaSive.

by Rkk Muscoplat [email protected]

'-.....

i --" ! M.t.SONRV W H££l

l l BY B level on the old tlte and mark tiny high spots. Grind them down with i\ grinder. i Roughen the tile with BO-grlt sandpaper. ~

2 Spread a flat layer of thin-set 0f1 the back of large t iles for better adheslon.

Or, use a larger-notch trowel. 3 Pr@ssthf!tileontothefloOl"thln-set

and slide It perpendicUlar to the combed tines.

• ~ z • ~

i ; ~ j •

Page 77: 2009-07 Family Handyman

This is the of

Celebrate by getting our 101 Handy Hints Edition, an electronic publication that's yours FREEl

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Page 78: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Wood trim removal technique I'm trylns to remove old base molding. but every time I pry on It, I wreck the walls or crack the trim. Is there a special tech­

nique for getting it off so I can reuse it?

Cris Cordoba, Pierre, 5D

Begin by cutting through any dried paint along the top ildge of the trim with a utility knife. Then search for the filled nail holes at o~e end of the trim. Prying near those will keep YOll from breaking out the drywall. Slide a flexible 3-io. putty knife behind the trim and pry Qut slightly. with the knife in place, wtldge in a pry bar and pry the trim O\lt an inch. If it SHellS

like the trim is about to crack, insert a second putty knife bAtween the pry bill' and the trim. Move to the next stud and repeal the procedure. Continue prying out the trim a little at a time down its length. Then go back to thl:! beginning and pull the trim off.

Pushing the nails hack through the front of the trim will splinter the wood. Instead, pull them through the back with a nippers. Use just enough pressure to pull the nails to avoid cutting thorn off. If ana breaks off, cut it as dose liS pussible to the wuod and leave it. That nuh will just hury itself in the drywall when you rein­stall it.

Fix for stinky laundry room My ttlundry room smells like a sewer. There·s no sign of dead rodents, but I'm ready to tear out the walls to continue the search. Is there any­thing else It could be?

Scott Heroff, Athens, OH

Before you start demolishing the walls, make sure there's water in the Hoar drain trap. If the floor drain hasn't been used in a long time, the water in the trap can evapo­rale and allow sewer gas into the hou.qe. Sniff near the drain. Does it stink'! It's prob­ably dry. Pour a quart of water into the drain, followed by a few teaspoons of veg­fltahlfl oil. The oil will floal on top of the water and slow down evaporation.

1 Jama pry bar

between the two knives and twjst sideways.

2 Grab the nailshatt

near the wood with a pair 01 nippers. Roll the tool head against the wood topuli the nail out the back sIde of the trim.

What glue for gluing what to what? I'm never Quite sure what glue to use when attaching different materials. 15 there an "adhesive blble~ of some

sort?

Horn Minor, Kirksville, MO

Stup guessing and head right to this Web site: thistothat.r.om. Enter the two materials you want to honri and the site will prflsent the recommended adhesive(s). Click on the adhesive. The site will then give you additional infurmation lih drying times, pricing and availability.

Page 79: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Patch a toilet tank I overtightened the bolts on my tOilet tank and now It leaks. I'd

replace the toilet, excep t the previOUS owner tiled up to the

edge, so a new toilet won"t l it the tile flOOf. ls then! any way to

paleh the tank?

W. Pettersen, Davenport. LA

Your besl bel is to search a used p lumbing supply store or construction recycling yard for 8. lank. that fits your bowl. Or look for a nflW toilet with a bigger base that will cover the tile, and use a nange extension ring. If you Utn't find either one, you can try this patch. Just be aware that if it aver fails. you might r.ome home some­day to considerable water damage . So proceed with this repair at your own risk.

Empty the tank and thoroughly dean the area around the crack. Let the hUlk dry completely. Buy a small piece of clear ar.rylir. sheet (the thi ckest you can find) at iii hardware store. Cut a small patch to fit over the crack and extend nt lonst 1 In. beyond it Drill a 1/2-in. hole in tht! acrylic for the toilet bolt. Then apply a Ihid bead of silicone tub-and·tile caulk around the bolt hole. over the (;rack ond around the edge of the acrylic patch. Apply the patch, squllshing the caulk out the sides, Then tighten the tank holt.<; and let the caulk SAt up for 48 hours before filling the tank. Leave a bowl under the repair and chock it regularly for water leakage for several week..~.

1 Apply adhesive

shelf paper to the mirror. Then cut along the seams so you CM work on one tile at a time.

2 H .. , and pry

until you can grip the t llli!. Then twist It off.

""~ ''''" ~

CRACK

~

l .to.pply a liberal bead of silicone caulk around the. opening.

2 With the caulk still_t. sUp on the acrylIC patch and tighten the tank bolt.

Removing old mirror tiles I bought a house that has '70s m lrrOI tiles on the bathroom walls. The last thing I want to see In the morning IS myself from every angle before I'm awake. What's; thil fastest. safest way to remove them?

Jill Zaske, via e·mail

You'll need sevantl rolls of adhesive shelf paper, a long thin pry bar or metal ~patlda, tarp. heat gun (or hair dryer) and a utility knife. Start by covering 68Cb tile with adhesive shelf paper to prevent fl ying shards if the glass breaks (see Photo Il. Cover the floor with the tarp and wear leather gloves, long sleeves and goggles throughout Iha removal (and disposal) proce.'~s.

Work on one tile at a lime and heat it with a heat gun at medium setting as you work the pry ba, behind the glass. Keep heating u nt il you feel tbe .. dhelii\,e "giva" a bit (see PlMtto2). Then gently pry up the edges until they're ahout 118 in. ou t from the wall. Grttb a raised edge and rowt", the tile until the adhesive breaks aWAY from the mirror.

If the tile breaks whUe you're working on it, remove Ihe bro· ken glass and cut the dr}'wall p<'per around the edge of the mirror adhesive. Thtm stick the pry har under the paper and pry off the adhesive and mirror together. Sand down any loose paper and paint it with B-I-N or KILZ spray primer. Fill those areas wilh two coats of joint compound. Then sand and prime before painting,

I~.h""'t_".~dr"'.".com ),-"1,,,"...,.,:1>;:>9 77

Page 80: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Fix for remote controls Ol'l@ofthebuttonson my TV remote does­n't work anymore. A fac tory replacement costs 4 fortune. I! there any way to f ll! tl"lis?

Adam Rolek. v;o e-muil

.'

DISHWASHING LlOUlD ANO WATill

~

Most remotes have elflctrkally cond uc­tive paint on the bottom of each rubber button. The more you use each button, the more the paint wears off, The good news; You can buy II repair kit thnt includes two-part conductive paint. (We used the Chemltonics CW2605 rubher keypad repair kit. which costs $17 at mcmeiect ronics.cnm.) The bad news: You have to figure out how to di sfl ~!;Amhlfi thfl remote, ond every one is diffflrent. But here are some Hentlral disassembly tips: 1 Remove the buttons from the circuit bO/!lrd and scrub off any sticky st uff with water

and dishwashlng liquid.

side of the remoto. Onr.fl you pop open the remute. those slide switches may fly out.

either individual rubber buttons. or a .<lingle molded sheet containing all the buttons. If you 'VI:! spilled anything

Start by removing the 9creW5, They're usually hidden in the battery compart­ment undflf labflb and Tubber feet. Next. take II digital photo of the remote with thA &crews ncur their holl:!s. BI:! sure you get II. cl~ar shol of all the hut­tom; and any sllele $;witc:he.<l along the

To separate the halVI:!S, press a butler sticky on your TAmotfl, dunk the rubber knife along the seam and look for buttons/sheet. plastic case and any "give." Press in at those points an d pry hard plastic buttons in a bowl of wann the haJvas apart. Inside you'll find water and d ishwliShing liquid. Brush

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Page 81: 2009-07 Family Handyman

2 Repaint each button WIth a new coat of conductive "aiM, Let it cure for 72 hours before reassembling.

off the dehris, rin.~e al l the parts with warm water and let them dry.

Next, following the mixing and appli­cation instructions, paint the buttons. Paint all of them as long as you have the ca~e open. The paint dries in about 24 hours, but it needs a full 72 hours to

cure completely. ThaI's why we had you take digital photos-so you wuld remember how to reassemhle your remota three days later. Don't rush the curing process or yon'll be repeating the repair in a year or so. Reassemble the remole and you're (!;lady to surf. 0

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COMMENT

Will cocoa bean mulch really kill your dog? A few readers disagreed with Ot.Ir advice

to use cocoa bean mulch for paths

(March '09, p. 40). They warned us that

COC-Oa bean mulch can be faUlI to clogs.

However, our research found that while

the mulch can cause sickness, rumors

of canine deaths from cOl1suming

cocoa mulch are "highly suspect"

(Journal of the American Veterinary

Medical Association, June 1, 2006). The

article cOflcludes: "The odds of dogs

dying from eating the fresh mulch are

low, but those suspected of ingesting it

should be examined by a veterinarian."

l We want your feedback! r Help us improve The Family Handyman by sharing your opinion of this and other articles. See p. 4 for details..

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Page 82: 2009-07 Family Handyman

EXHAUST

'"

Low-budget ventilation In his finishing room, professional woodworker Dave Munkittrick uses a ventilation system that's tK:onomir.:al, simple and effective. He stuck a plywood insert with a hole for a fan in one window, and in the other window he taped

Readable ruler If you have metal rulers and squares that are hard to read becau~e rust and grime have filled the indentation~, hrush correc­tion fluid across the engraved marks. Let it dry, then clean off the dried fluid with fine sandpaper. The tiny marks will now ~how clearly, and yuu om skip buying a more power­ful pair of chea ters . Thanks for this tip goes to Carl Andflrson, a guy who really rules.

by Bruce Wiebe [email protected]

n piece of furnace fi lter material. When he turns on the fan , air is pulled through the fabric, fiit(:!red of dust and exhaust­ed through the fan . But even with the good ventilation. he still wears a respirator for extra protection .

, , < , 1

, !

Page 83: 2009-07 Family Handyman

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Page 84: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Super-cool hardware trays For~t!t the old coffoo can filled with your lifetimt! collection of sc.mws, washers Bnd other hardware. Take 10 minutes to organize tho miscellany in ice r:ube trays. Nail together a case from scrap plywood and carry it right to the job at hand. Thank.s to reader Leo ~tr:Shorry for this extremely (;001 tip.

Spray foam tube cleaning We all do it, RO don't fool bad . You forget to clean Ihe plastic tube and noz­zle after using half a can of spray foam. Do you go to the store 8 month later when you need more foam? Nope! Jusl plI.qh a 12-gauge wire into the tube and shove out the !tried foam in a single piece. then d ean out the clogged nozzle with a toothpick or small fini::lh nail. Now go ahead and use the leftover foam. Thanks to Michael Mala for this ingenious tip.

We want your feedback! Help us Improve The Family Handyman by sharing your opinion of this and other articles. See p. 4 for details.

Page 85: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Send us your Shop Tip and if we print it, you'll get $1001 See Contributor Guidelines on p. 2.

Workshop file crate Organize all your tool manuals, sandpap~r. receipts, project plana lind more in a plastic file box (S5 at l:IJl office supply store) loaded with hanging fi les. If you neally lahel the files, the next time you want 10 lake Bpart tbe chain saw. or need a piflCft of Z20-grit sandpaper, you won't waste II second rummaging around for the manual or sandpaper. Thanks to reader Lauren Baugrud for this orderly tip.

• Gomi Irlm 11III, .. m 10 .... 1I' ~ru~rDe~ ... 111 111-' I_dll

• hty· . IICIt IltoHO·"I' lng wllldOWI with wu,.. for mu tm.m IJ'~ o"'l '-.. -FREE Catalog , PrlcHI .

Easy-peel labels lIere's a slick way to remove those pesky lahals from boards and plywood. Heat the label with Ii hair dryer and peel it off with a putty kniff! or sharp chIsel. Go slow and tug gently and it' ll come off in Olle piece and leave no scraps behind to tease away. Even thmlgh the spot will look clean, there will be a little adhesive left on the wood. and thtl lubel footprint will reapp88r the second you put 8 finish over it. So rub the spot with acetone and sand lightly to remove it completely. Thank~ 10 Kurt Blankholm [or this hot tip. 0

Be able to bathe safely, without worry with a Premier Walk-In Bath.

Independence and security are only a phone call away. If you struggle taking your bath, talk to us at Premier about our e)(tensive range of walk- in baths .

• EnJoy a relaxing bath again. Without the fear of slipping or falUng .

• The walk-in door feature allows easy access and exiting.

"frIffwf"q. Jets soothe ~wiJlj your ach~ and pains.

I!f V ... I PI ...... ~ .... , FREE COlOR BROCHURE Abo ut Pl1lmi~w.lk·1n h ilts.

Page 86: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Shower door seal

WlNDSt1IEUI ICE SCRAPER

Better wallpaper scraper Scraping off wallpaper is no picnic.. Wallpllper scrapers are tiring because you can only use one hand. Putty knive~ have the same problem and can also damage the drywall surface, And neither gives you much of a reach. Here's a way to mnko the chore easier and faster. After wetting the wallpaper with a sponge, use a long-han­dled windshield ice scraper to remove it. The handle makes reaching high spots a bree7.fJ, and the scraper won't gouge the Will! unless you get too aggressive.

Jeff Kumfer

I couldn't find a replacement rubber seal for the bottom of my show­er door, so I came up with this inexpensive replacement. I bought a self-stick piece of door weather stripping ($10) and cut it to length. I cleaned the door thuroughly and applied the strip to the inside bot· tom edge. It may not work for every Rhower door, bul it was a qUil;k and easy fix for mine.

MT Dun'angelo

BIo. ....,.,/ ...... "" 2QOO '~ . ,."'tly~."d'''' . '' .... m

from our readers [email protected]

Leash saver

3"'"' IIlNn

HOSE '"

<3%70

When yml have a puppy or a dog that chews on its leash, protect the leash with 3/4-in. vinyl ho~e (ahout 75~ per foot at home centers). Cut the hose into 3-in. pieces and thread them onto the leash until you reach tho ond. Cutting the vinyl into pieces makes it slide more easily over the leash and also keeps the leash pliable. It's just too bad they don't make vinyl hose big onough to cover a pair of slippers.

Harlem Peterson

Magnetic stick trick In a hard-to-reach area, it can be frustrating to get a nut into place when you neer! to thread on a bolt from the other side. Here's a slick trick. Glue a small rare-earth magnet to the end of a paint stir stick, attach the washer and nut to the magnet, and use the stick to hold them while you thread on the bolt.

Gu~' Anderson

" E

I

1 " ,

Page 87: 2009-07 Family Handyman

To receive literature from any of the compani .. listed bekJw, send in the attacMd ~ad.r SeNtee card, cirde the numbers which corrnpond to the infonnatlon you wish to recewe, and place a Jtamp on the card and mail. Also. you may send requelb to:Th. Family Handyman, P.O. Box 413050, Naples.FL 34101·3050.

HJfI TH[ HOME

-Lets Edgeltl" Plntie brick edgi~ with built";n lol.lr Ilghu. Glamori1'e, lightirog and odging with 001 pl"oduct Sn,P 51 Pr6SI.It'1 Ih8t6nyl ·Palio Pal· brick l.Iying guide. hold. brkb in place, Lay II bri,* patio in minutn like a pro. for 'dd'tlon'llnform8tion call Toll Free 800.449.3030 or vilit www.llrgllcorp.cam.

Circ;111.

fA 61 DElTA

With I SO·year hlltory 01 fluelll innollillon, 0.111 war" wOndarl with w,lor. For more inlormation ~1I1.800,346.DE"LTA 13358) or visit WNW.delt8lIlueet.oom. Circle 2.

o ...... Waterproofing Muonry Made Eesy­ .-full ooior brochunllOOwll how OOIY it Is to pr01ect buemant w.l~ sOld other mll10nry surface. from the d.maging effectl of _Ier pttIlelr.don wilh ORYlOI< Muonry Wmrpo'oof· ar, DRYLDI< FIIS1 Plug .nd DRYLOK Etch. United Gilsonlto:lleborotori ... For llee In iormlllion conUoct u, III 1.800.272.3235 or vitit our _bs,t. www.ug •. com. Cotele J.

£L ~t -II!: Vintage·styled appliances With tod.v'~ features. Choose th ' wlrmth of "AnlitjUfl" or cool Nortt\stilr re«ro. Many oDtionl and 0010,.. Elmir.Slav.Worki.oom or call 800.296.8488.

Cirelfl4.

Ifl M~ MO Marmoleum Cli,*: nalural, tH!.llhy. 'lly 10 eilln flooring. av.iI~b~ in 18 colors in DOlh panol~ lind lIQuurll fo, ~n oalY, gluelesl in51.1I"lon. For mo'e inform,'ion. call1.866.MARMOLEUM or \lUiil www.ltH!mtrmol,umstore.OOm. Orele 5.

GEIC, You could lave 15% or more, Get. FREE rile quole III wwwgeloo.comor by Cliling 1.800.947AUTD. Circ;le 6.

H I/IIHusqvama HUICI""N manufaclu," ou tdoor power equipmefll 101 p.oleqlo".ls, tandowners InoJ homeowne ... VI,i, hUIqIl.r". .com for diller Ioc.Itionl or c.ll l .800.HUSICY82 Circle 1.

For mGl'"O ontormltion on ., --Glr,ge Guard EpOlIV brodlul. 9WlOO1210, please contle! 1" II 1,800.226.6654 or vi,it oor webcit8 www.insl·x.eom Circl.8.

The very bellI soklction. tjUlli!y ![I;!!!!!~i !!' i .

and pric411 in spiral rtainl Designed to fit .ny height 'nd various diamete .... Available In Metal, Oak, ViClori.n CUI Aluminum Kill, and AllWlldad Units. For. FREE color ~lllog eaIl1800.523.7427 C~l. FH or for mOrlt information pleBse visil our wetHlte www.theiron~hop.corru'FH. C,rOje 9.

LOW! 'S Vi!il LowesMoving.comfTFH lind find ,worything you ntled iJ.efore, during lind allar the move, including 'plICial offer., help lui lips Ind projects. S.gn up and salle 10% on Lowe's pUfmasos up 10 S5{lOO. Circle 10.

NW J

MlnwaxWood Beautiful. th,s insplration.1 magezine contllinl 36 pages filled with t'xcitlng nome improvemenl projBcu, decoralin9 ideas and ex~ wood finishing liP' snd tcchf11qufll. FREE. Also. visit ou, _b,ite II www.mj~x.com.Ci.clfl 11.

,y PAINT Mythic· paint is a p'8fflium. nOn-toKic. 101m low odor pa'nt....nth outstanding durability lind lXl'oIerage. Now thll" a breath of Ir""h airl Call 1.877.769.8442 o. 1I"it Our weMitl'! al www.mythicpein!.com.

Circle 12.

~ Propanu is II r&liable, efficiem, dean bumlni, non·toKic fuel $Ource for your hom, TOII·Free Number: (OOB).96J.PEAC 17372). For more information visit our wetlsite usepropane.oom.

Circle 13.

aUIKR TE: aUIKRETE cemenT Ifld concrote -products ar~ p • .,1ect for any Iround- tha­hom. concrete pl'O}oct. F'&II DIY Projects Guide a~~iI/lble. Visit aur wubs,{C ~t INWW.Quikrele.COm. Circlll 14,

::;UNPOr COM Now crea1e your own beauliful outdoor -~ living rooml The SunPordl moun" on you. ded. or patio to create a breezy ec,aenroom in summer &: I cozy .unroom 10r coolwelllhlH". Complete deteils II www.sunpordl,oorn .

t. BL....A~

Redl!lOOller the joy of your dado: or patio with Americ/l', I1"KKt poput .. Ind .lb"dIlM rot.ractable awningl V .. it our website www wnsenJlf.com.

01 I\i,ll

SlASH YOUR HEAT BILL UPTO 50% wilh SUNHEAT ,nfrlred zone healong system rSoA Oilltribulong brings VOl' the safest. most comlortllblelnd toonOmICIl heat WVfC8 avail· able. For more inlt'lrmation call: 1.800.491.4690 1x292) or vitlll our """blits .1: WWW.lunheal.com

Circle IS

Tf "D-eY Trex ' declo;ing off!tr~" nlllurelloak ~nd eomlo,",able feel that no COf11posl1e product can mltch. For more irolormalion uilloll· fre.'.800·BUV.TREX n, villi wWW.trex.oom

CirCle 16.

R To paint like ~ pro. prime li~e a pro w,th pllme .. Irom lin", •. Zinsser pnmer, hide derk coIorl, bled! ruins and slIal the surface. 110 you. PI'nt Job Iooh bena' aoo lasis longer. Gel profu.,ons! ra!1U1tt; the next time you painL Prime wilh lin"e' firsl V",1 www.nnsser.com to l18rn mora. Cifcle 11

, Ryobi oHer. affordably prioed professio".IIV featured pOwer tooll, chad< out the 1!1-vo11 Ontl+Systllm a\ThiI Home [)epo{. For more iniormn;on call 1800.525.2579 or visit www.ryobitools.com. Circlo 18.

WUUUWUHK1\Lb

Free Memblr,h,p in Lawe'. Wood· • worke,,1 $Ign up Ind you'll receive ThIWoodpost·season. ' newsletters via U.S. MaU, p,oj.Clll',n~. edvice from ""pent>, and mucn mo ... Go to www.lowes.comor wwwflmllyhllndymlll'l.r.Om to &ign up!

Circl" 19.

Y(,AP Nf:APE u _ TYGAA't 'V$lern. lire lhe Ullim~le home IiZ:I imprOVlman' OppOrlunily for [)Iy

entfeoreneu ••. Edg' Lawns.nd flower bedI wilh .n,active cu,bing and m&kc $000'1 dOing it. For FREE lnlOltlVD- www.eztyg.ar.oom or 1-888·EZ·TYGAA. Circle 20

Page 88: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Puddle-free lawn chairs After a rainstorm. plastic lawn chairs always seem to have a pnrlrlle of water in the low spot on the seat and inevitably, someone sits down on it. Eveo newer plastic lawll c.hairs that come with a predrilled bole ill the bottom still collect w8te1'. To solvA the soggy bottom problem, pour some water onto the seat to find the puddles and then drill small drain holes ill the low spot .. ,

David Wiersema

DRAINAGf' HO~ES

Easy gluing for small repairs When you're gluing small items likl'1 a hroken ear­ring or teacup. it can be tough to keep them clamped and still while the glue is setting up. To hold everything together during the repair, embed

the parts in fllusable adhe· sive tack ($3 at hardware stores and home centers). The pieces will stay right where you put them, so you can apply tht! glu!! and lei it dry undisturbed.

Small-engine oil dispenser

Donna Z8itZ8ff

Want H handy, no-mess way to Add oil to small engines? Use a dishwashing detergenl squeeze bottle with a push-pull plastic top. Rinse and dry the bottle thoroughly and fill it with oil. You can hold the bottle at any angle and aim the spout into those hard-ta-reach oil filler holes. Just pull open the top and give the bottle a squeeze to add just what you need.

Dan N. Devan

We want your feedback! Help us improve The Family Handyrndn by sharing your opinion of this and other articles. See p. 4 tor details.

Page 89: 2009-07 Family Handyman

-

Towel kneepads I don't tile very often, but when I do, I like to use something to pru­tect my knflflS. If yO\l

don't have knee pads, you cnn casily make them yourself. Just duct-tape old bath towels to your knees. You might look a lit­tle fu nny. but it sure beats destroying your pants, and it's a lot easier on your knees.

Rick WilSOl1 n

Get $100 for your HandyHlntl Send us your Handy Hint and If we print It, you'll get $100. See Contributor Gu idelines on p. 2.

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For FRO Info & DVD Go to WWW ..... • ..... or ctIII1 •• 1 "-TYGAR

IIMdCU ........ 1o CutIIn,' pm.ORa

Page 90: 2009-07 Family Handyman

AJv(rtiummt

DThe Marketplace

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WATER PROBLEMS??

NO MORll,o ...

GARAGE FLOOR COATING

DO IT YOURSELF

Save space and money ... build your own murphy Oed

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includes step-by-step construction

piansand OVO

Create-A-Bed® nllF"'" 1-877-966-3852

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tM1011t1 IlOooI w.."0.1 S)ne'l1 to""""" ~<»<"<lrec1IyIr<>m \hO !:>::>o1 before rt oxa~. into the

tIM'<C<>m. _"' • .,.. ... '"" ...... """" """"",,00, I. 1he _~.toad -. .. ---Ullll"l<l UP<: ~.'.e<l

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LAWN IRRIGATION

Do It Yourself Self Draining Irrig~tion Kits rrom Allto Rain Lawn Gear

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._ ~..:..s....._ _I

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Reduces Installation Time Eliminates product~ wall & Cabinet damage

www.lam·hammer.com 888.687.2421

5-Minute Fence Stain

FIVE MINUTE FENCE STAIN Stain 100 feet of fence in just 5 minutesl Sprayer attaches directly to garden hose. No masking, simply hose off over­spray. One quart covers 600 square feet. Select from three natura l wood tones ; Natural Cedar, Dark Cedar or Redwood.

Page 91: 2009-07 Family Handyman

C la s s ifie d C o r n e r APPAREL

SUSPENDERS WITH PATENTED NO·SLlP CLIP. FI'H c:.alo&~J00...4SIS WWW.R.IspenMn..com

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CARPET

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HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

NEW Goodma.n Heatlnll .It Ale Equipment at

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HELP WANTED

HOMEWORKER$ NEEDEDl Top po)I ior ~ products. Rum SAS.E. to: HIS-FH. 800; ~57. ClHI"w,m". FI. J37~

HOME IMPROVEMENT LEAKING SHOWER DRAINI1I

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SHEDS Need a SMd! &ild)'<>OJ' own .nd s.a.... ThouUl'lds!

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Page 92: 2009-07 Family Handyman

1) set-ALL 50 ~ Own the complATA

e Quarter designs ... before it's too late! a. Now lhot Ihe wildly pt;Ipular Slal~hood qUQrttr:J hare ~, collecfon orr hUIl')1ng to put sets togclher fwturiny all50 designs from 1999·2008. In min! Unctrculoted cnndition. Ad now to get II prized complete Unclrculated SCkoin SE't of all ,SO .~totehood quarter designs ,"ued since 1999 - f>t,(ure It's too laM - for the spcciallow prtce of ONLY $19.95! Ynu'll SAV[ 74% otf th ~ Tl!guJur pr1c~, and 9l'1 un L:ncln:ulated S-coln $1:'1 of 2.004·20,)6 Westward Journey nleltels ob~lutely FREE!

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Page 93: 2009-07 Family Handyman

by Roy Doty [email protected]

Ball rack

We want your feedbackl Help us improve The Family Handyman by sharing your oplnloo of this and other articles. See p. 4 for details.

Out th.nks.o to nck Kll\&ln,.r, Ch1clnnatl. OH. fOfthls Idea.

Get S100 for your Wordless Workshop Ideal See Contributor Guidelines on p. 2.

'~.'.""I)h.~d ),,",.~.<O," Juiy' ......... lOO9 91

Page 94: 2009-07 Family Handyman

Why, that quiet little drip!

- .

from our readers IrNtgoofs\\JIthef~milyt1anc:iyrmln.com

The water dispenser in my refrigerator door wasn't working, so I figured thH solenoid valve W"'I'! Rhot. AftHr 8 ono­hour trip 10 the parts store faT a new S60 valve, I iustalled it. Guess what? Still no waterl After 30 minutes of trou­bleshooting and chccldng thtl electrical connections and the water hooKup, I was as perplexed as eVf!T, That's wheu my 7-year-old daughter waltzed in and asked me what I was doing. Then she

,;" , ' F, _ . . .... , __ J .. .

laid me that she'd pressed the water lock button on the fridge door after learning about water con-servation in school . I f(lll like a hig drip!

- Tony /ocksun

10 ft. of trim in a 9-ft. car On my way to work one day, I stopped at my local home center to buy trim for my uHughltlr's bedroom. I fulded down the back stlat in my car and TlI.n the pioces of trim through the trunk, resting the £ront ends on the dashboard. I slammed the trunk shut, then recoiled in honor 8t the sound of breaking glass. The trim was too long for the CElr, and the slamming trunk acted like a battering ram, sboving the trim through the windshield. My little trim project suddenly got a lot more expensive-and my car was impossihle to drive with a shattered windshield.

-Tom Dobbs

We want your fl!l!dback! Help us Improve The Family Hdndyman by letting us know what you think. See p. 4 for details.

G • .;'

Got your own do-It-yourself mistake 1 Get $100 for your Great Goofl

See Contributor GuldeUnes on p. 2.

Try the hard way first My parentA were giving me a sofa and I had found the perfect spot for it-the Jown­stairs family room. My dad and I maneu, verecl the heavy I':Of8 through the front door and down the stairs, then discovered that it wouldn't fit through the door at the bottom of the stairs. So I removed the casing and jambs. Then It wouldn't fit through the family room door, so I took uff those cas­ings and jambs, too.

Wben we moved the sofa for the last time, we heard something rattling around Inside it. ) reached into the sofa lind pulled out some loose change and the instructions on how to removo the sofa back. I thought about thoSt:t imtructions the what., time 1 was Miling on the casings and jambs.

- Durin D. Zum

Page 95: 2009-07 Family Handyman

STRONG ENOUGH TO THE WORLD'S WETTEST ... --....

AND YOURS.

Cave of eM Winds decb at Niagarn Falls, USA.

Page 96: 2009-07 Family Handyman