Homeowner Forum / Repair / September 2006

We plan on converting a one-piece fiberglass tub/shower unit into a
shower only. We have received estimates from a local contractor who
proposes to do the conversion using off-the-shelf materials and local
franchises of two companies (BathFitters and Luxury Home Systems) who

Got a nice, new, Chicago Electric impact wrench that suddenly quit on me.
Wondering where I can send it to be repaired.  Don't know where it was
purchased, as I bought it through Ebay.  Or, is it even worth seding off for
repair?   New ones at a local store cost $50.   Hate to ...

OK,...  here's a problem...  Please help if you can...
A fairly new fridge,...  Kitchenaid Model KSRB27QFBL00
WOW...  I'm pretty sure that (from Sears) we bought it in early 2001,
but the sticker on the inside says "Mfg date 10/97"...  Wow.

I just purchased a Craftsman 16 In. electric chain saw.
Question: It does not say what kind of oil to put in for lubricating the
chain?????
It did not come with a sample of oil.

When I was a kid, my dad would make a "loop" in the end of our ropes.  This
loop would be a handle.  The diameter of the loop would typically be 6 or 8
inches.  He would "weave" the cut end of the rope back into itself at the
beginning of the loop.  When he was done, other than ...

Those ads that are on TV are a real joke...not that I expected
otherwise..but someone should sue HD, for false advertisement. I
recently went to my local HD to look for a storm door replacement. I
was told by the salesman that they would have to send a measurer to my

Coming from within the wall, there's a relatively loud (and sometimes
quite annoying) constant clicking sound at even, though gradually
changing intervals.  If I turn the heat up, the clicking starts
immediately with a fraction of a second between each click.  Usually

I'm trying to find some info for a friend who just bought a house built
sometime around the turn of the last century.  The floors in the old part
of the house look like oak from a distance but, when seen up close, the
look of oak is achieved by something (stain? varnish? paint?) ...

Ok, I have come to the decision that I need a water softener on my
home. It is an older home and I don't have much space. I even went to a
point of contact water heater to save space. I also do not like the
idea of maintenance on the conventional water softeners. Has any one

My main grounding wires from the breaker box has 2, one side of the
panel goes outside to a grounding rod. The other side is a thick cable
that runs about 60 feet to the in coming water line. But the water is
copper but the line it connects to going through the wall is plastic

What's the best way to cut a Corian counter top ?  I know you just about
have to use a Corian trained installer...but for simply cutting a
counter...what's the best way to cut...saw...router...metal blade jig
saw...etc ?

I am going to install floating cork flooring in my kitchen.  My
cabinets are all in (without toekick yet), but just wondering if I run
the cork laminate under the appliances?  I have a dishwasher, fridge
and stove.  Thanks.

I have a narrow access to my back yard. The mounted gate (blocks wall)
would allow me a  32" opening. If I take the gate off I would " maybe
gain a couple inches at most.
Is there such a machine for the DIY person that is narrow enough. I

I want to replace my 10' X 10' deck boards with exterior treated plywood to
make the area under the deck water tight, I would .like to then put outdoor
carpet/astro turf on the deck. I then plan to enclose the area under this
deck with an enclosed area with vinyl windows and ...

I have removed the plaster and lathe on an exterior wall to discover
that they backplastered as well.  The cavity is only 1-1/2" thick in
some areas.  Can I fiberglass type insulation to this area?
I have insulation that is for a 3-1/2" wall...can I use this without a