Reverse polarity outlet danger

Reverse polarity outlet danger

Building inspectors get cranky when they find reverse polarity outlets, because it causes a dangerous situation. Let’s look at the danger of a reverse polarity outlet and how to fix it.

Reverse polarity on AC outlets is a code violation. It poses a danger because it can cause wiring to always be electrically live, even when the device is turned off.

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Drill vs impact driver

Drill vs impact driver

Drills and impact drivers look a lot alike, but they’re really different tools for different purposes. One of them is an absolute must-have, while the other is, for most people, a nice-to-have. Let’s take a look at a drill vs impact driver.

Drills are for drilling holes and driving in small fasteners. Impact drivers, which are more powerful and tend to cost more, are for driving in large fasteners.

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How to fix a sticky door knob

How to fix a sticky door knob

If you have a sticky doorknob, you don’t have to replace it. You can fix it in place relatively quickly, and with minimal effort. Here’s how to fix a sticky door knob.

Sticky door knobs are almost always due to dirt or improper lubrication. But if you use the right lubricant, you can clean and lube the door knob in one step.

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What is LVP flooring?

What is LVP flooring?

What is LVP flooring? LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank, a type of snap-together floating floor that competes with laminate flooring. It combines the durability of vinyl with the convenience and appearance of laminate. It’s an especially good choice in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture may be present.

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Amana dishwasher not cleaning well? Fix it yourself and save

Amana dishwasher not cleaning well? Fix it yourself and save

My Amana dishwasher stopped washing dishes well. If you Amana dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes well, maybe this will help. And this advice will apply for Amana’s related brands Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag.

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Do programmable thermostats save money?

Do programmable thermostats save money?

Programmable thermostats used to be really expensive. But today, you can get one for as little as $25, about the same price as a non-programmable digital thermostat. But should you get one? Do programmable thermostats save money? Do they save energy?

If you have a conventional forced-air furnace and air conditioner, a programmable thermostat can save you $25 a month or more, especially in the summer and winter. But not if you have a heat pump. If you have a heat pump, you probably know it.

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Coffee maker leaks? Try this.

Coffee maker leaks? Try this.

I fixed a strange problem with my coffee maker this week. If your coffee maker leaks and nothing anyone else says helps, try this.

In my case, it was my filter. Yes, my filter.

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Titebond 2 vs 3

Titebond 2 vs 3

When you need wood glue, there are a lot of good choices you can use. Maybe too many. Titebond is a popular choice, but there are three different kinds at three different price points. What’s the difference? Why buy the original vs Titebond 2? Why buy Titebond 2 vs 3?

Both Titebond 2 and Titebond 3 are for outdoor use. The differences you’re most likely to notice are that Titebond 3 dries about half as fast and can work at a minimum temperature of 45 degrees vs 55 degrees.

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How much weight can a screw in a stud hold?

How much weight can a screw in a stud hold?

If you’re attaching shelves to a wall, you need to pay attention to weight. How much weight can a screw in a stud hold? And is there any way to increase the amount of weight it can hold?

A screw in a stud can generally hold 80-100 pounds, depending on the grade of screw. There are tricks to increase the amount of weight it can hold.

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My Ikea furniture adventures

My Ikea furniture adventures

I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday. She said she’d think about it. Then she asked if she went to Ikea and brought some stuff home, if I’d put it together. I said I would. So, how hard is it to put Ikea furniture together? What tools do you need to put together Ikea furniture? I learned all of that and more.

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