Homeowner Forum / Repair / September 2008

I have a 1/8th thick aluminum bar 36 inches long and 2 inches wide
that I want to drill some 5/16 inch holes into and bend to 90
degrees.  Could a hand held drill be used to drill the holes or would
I be better off taking it to a machine shop.  If a hand held would do

I was told by a city code office employee via email that I only need a
permit  "If you want to add/upgrade electrical receptacles".
My plan, as part of a basement bedroom remodel,  is to replace an existing
metal box  receptacle with a metal box slightly bigger, and to more ...

I know this has come up before, but what is the approximate weight of
a full and an empty propane tank like used on outdoor barbeques?  I
have one of those strips that change color on the side of the tank,
but am having trouble seeing the color change.

We just bought a house and several windows have casement hardware
issues.
In the master bedroom, the small round 'gear' that the crank handle is
supposed to attach to is missing.

I have added storm windows to some of my windows.  The original windows
are Andersen double pane glass.  I have put 2 inch styrofoam between the
original windows and the storm windows.  Would it be more effective to
remove the styrofoam and replace it with bubble wrap?

I'm not sure if this is the best newsgroup for this, if not, please
direct me to an appropriate group.
I've been eyeballing these surplus steel and aluminum shipping
containers as a relatively cheap component for building houses.  Has

I have an existing 6' privacy fence. Had to take down a 20' section to
bring in a new shed, and because I wanted to rebuild the existing
gate.
Everywhere I read that the posts should be no more than 8' apart. I

I've had a 1-1/2 HP (motor) circulating pump on my in ground pool.  It
was replaced a little over a year ago and now I can once again hear a
bearing getting ready to go.  Rather than rely on the pool maintenance
company's recommendation, I thought I'd check this forum.  Anyone ...

My Burnham gas boiler is 30 years old. Does it make sense to replace it now
or wait til the thing craps out. I know the new boilers are more efficient
but not sure if it makes sense dollar wise to change it out. Thanks
Jim

I need to repair the wiring in an "eyeball" type 4" canister light in
a plaster lathe ceiling.  It won't budge and I can't feel any clips
through the slits in the side so I assume it is in a "new
construction" rather than "remodel" type housing and is screwed into

Hi, I'm looking for blue silicone bathroom chaulk as I need to rechaulk the
blue tub.
I was at Lowes today but only saw clear and white chaulk.  Whewre can I buy
blue chaulk?

The AC plug on an older TV is beginning to leak a green liquid from both
prongs. Does anyone know what this could be? Is there any cause for alarm
that this may be the beginning stage of it shorting?

I'm hoping to move my washer and dryer downstairs. In order to
accomplish that, I will need to learn how run pipes, work with gas,
run the exaughst from the heater and how to cut into the main drain
stack. Since the last task seems the most daunting I'm hoping to be

Every so often I need to remind all of you Minions that I started this
forums.  I expect respect when I enter the room(s).  
I realize there are many daily newbies, but these are "my" forums.
Paul  J Milligan

I have some plantar warts being treated by a doctor, a nickel-size blister
formed and is violently painful to touch. This makes it difficult to wear
socks or shoes. Even sleeping requires special care to prevent it from
touching a blanket or the bed.