Home Repair Tutor

Pat Dollar from our Facebook Group shared how she was able to tile her bathroom by getting help from her local tile store.   She shared with our Group how the local store went the extra mile to help her cut the tiles, pick tools, and choose the mastic & grout.   The point here is to not forgot how much of a resource local tiles stores can be if you’re redoing your kitchen or bathroom.   How do you get your tile grout lines to look amazing?   Professional tile setters are use the Tuscan Leveling System. They have two different kinds of systems: Strap & Cap and the Tuscan SeamClip.   You can check them both out for yourself   http://www.tuscanleveling.com/     Don’t forget…you can join our free Home Repair Tutor Facebook Group if you’re a do-it-yourselfer   https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/       Our Leviton Self-Testing GFCI giveaway is still happening, here’s the link to that tutorial    http://www.homerepairtutor.com/how-to-install-a-gfci-electrical-outlet-like-a-pro/        HELP US SPREA

Does your ceiling have a water stain?   Madra Fischer from our Facebook community shared how she covered up a stain using Zinsser Covers Up. After two coats her stain was complete gone.   She does have one caveat that you shouldn’t miss.   You can join our free Home Repair Tutor Facebook Group if you’re a do-it-yourselfer   https://www.facebook.com/groups/hrtcommunity/     Would you like to tile your kitchen backsplash in 1 day?   You can do it using Bondera’s mat or the Simple Mat by Custom Building Products.   These are basically like doubled sided mats, one side sticks to your wall and the other side is where the tile will stick.   Bondera Tile Mat    http://buybondera.com/     Simple Mat by Custom Building Products   http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/           HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes

Do you need to remove lint from your dryer vent?   Heather Garner from our Facebook community shared a great tip on how to use a hand auger to clean dryer lint from long pipes.   She initially told me about this over on Home Repair Tutor and I wanted to share the idea with you today.      Buying a vacant home can be risky.   One of the biggest issues is plumbing, especially if the house has sat through cold winters.    I learned first hand what could go wrong and think you can learn from my mistakes in today’s show.   Avoid plumbing surprises before they lead to thousands of water dollars!!!           HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and learn

Looking for natural pest control?   Danielle from Weed Em and Reap has a great recipe   Her tutorial has been pinned over 86,000 times    http://www.weedemandreap.com/natural-garden-pest-control/   Kitchen sink clogs can be expensive.   Last week I used the Ridgid Power Spin to get me out of a jam.   You’ll see why it can help you too, best $40 you’ll spend on a plumbing tool for clogs   https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/power-spin           HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and learn about all our tool giveaways via the newsletter.  Don’t miss out.     HELP WITH YOUR BATHROOM   Are you a new homeowner?   Does your bathroom make you feel embarrassed

Do you want a stylish way to grow herbs?   Camille Styles has a tutorial that shows you how to do this using mason jars.   I made a do-it-yourself video tutorial for this project over on Home Repair Tutor.   It turned out really cool.   http://camillestyles.com/uncategorized/transformed-mason-jar-herb-garden/   Have you ever wondered if you have insulation in your walls?   Or maybe if you have pipes in the ceiling?   Ryobi has a new tool that can help with this mystery.   It uses your smartphone, check it out for yourself   http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Phone-Works-Inspection-Scope-ES5000/205489754       HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and

Does your sidewalk or walkway look horrible?   Today you’ll learn the basics of how to lay a brick path.   This Old House always has great tutorials and this one is no different.   http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20200448,00.html   Replacing a toilet requires inspection of the closet flange bolts.   Often times these bolts need to be replaced.   Dance came out with a new design that allows you to easily align the toilet bowl with the wax ring.   And you don’t have to trim the bolts with a saw or multi tool   https://youtu.be/CvD6GW_nQn4     HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and learn about all our tool giveaways via the newslett

Do you want a veggie garden but feel like you don’t have the space?   No problem.   Chris from Man Made DIY shares how to build vertical veggie gardens from cedar.   http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/3582   Any woodworker should know about polyurethane.   Varathane has a new triple thick formula that’s self-leveling and easy to apply.   And it cleans up with water, maybe they should call it Triple Threat polyurethane!!   https://www.rustoleum.com/en/product-catalog/consumer-brands/varathane/triple-thick-polyurethane     HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and learn about all our tool giveaways via the newsletter.  Don’t miss out.     HE

Slip resistant tubs are wonderful, but can be hard to clean.   Pam from Retro Renovation found a product that helps get this kind of tub looking brand new.   http://retrorenovation.com/2012/08/06/how-to-clean-the-bathtub-slip-resistant-bottom-omg-its-like-new/   Plus, she tells you what products aren’t recommended.    Tiling a shower or bathroom can be tricky.   Uneven grout joints not only look bad, they are unsafe.   The Tuscan SeamClip is a professional way to make your grout joints look good without a lot of hassle.   You should check these out if you have a tiling job coming up in your bathroom or kitchen   http://www.tuscanleveling.com/Products/Seamclip/seamclip.html       HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor n

Pet odors are embarrassing.   Christine from First Home Love Life has a DIY recipe that went viral.   It’s been pinned over 131,000 times   http://www.firsthomelovelife.com/2012/05/no-not-new-couch.html     Leviton has a new self-testing GFCI that meets a new UL requirement.   Did you know that GFCIs should be tested monthly?   Most people don’t remember to test, so this is a huge help.   GFCIs are necessary in bathrooms and kitchens, and we have a great tutorial on how to install one over on Home Repair Tutor.   Plus, there’s a cool giveaway you don’t want to miss   http://www.homerepairtutor.com/         HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and

Drywall dust will make you gag, so why breathe it?    Check out these great tips by Timothy Dahl over on Lifehacker for a better way to drill holes in drywall or plaster    http://workshop.lifehacker.com/catch-drywall-debris-with-a-basketball-when-drilling-in-1708373898   Use your inner Lebron to work smarter!   You need to know about Schluter’s Kerdi Board, especially if you’re tiling a bathtub or shower.   It’s a replacement for cement board and can be tiled over.    Plus, you can groove out the board to fit over bathtub lips.    Kerdi boards are way lighter cement board and come in multiple thicknesses    http://www.schluter.com/kerdi-board.aspx         HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Ho

Do you need to learn how to clean a microfiber couch?   After reading this tutorial by Julia over at 551 East I couldn’t believe how easy this was   http://551eastdesign.blogspot.ca/2012/05/how-to-clean-microfiber-couch.html   You only need four supplies: spray bottle, isopropyl alcohol, white sponge, white bristle brush.   Spray couch stains with the alcohol, wipe off with the sponge, and use the bristle brush to bring the couch back to how it looked on day 1.   Fein brought the first multi tool to DIYers and contractors 45 years ago.   Now you can get their Multi Master 350Q for $199.   They’re multi tool is renown in the trades for being solidly built and getting the job done.   Check out the Multi Master 350Q and other tools    http://www.feinus.com/en_us/         HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes Y

Wanna learn how to control weeds organically.    Jill Nystul has some fantastic “green” tips that use newspapers.   She calls it the newspaper lasagna    http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2015/06/control-weeds-organically-with-newspaper-lasagna.html   DeWalt is coming out with their new 20V Brushless Hammer Drill this summer.   Not only is it super powerful but it comes with a dust extractor built into the tool   http://dewaltmediakit.com/power-tools/dewalt-announces-20v-max-xr-brushless-sds-hammer/   Stuart from Tool Guyd got an early look at this hammer drill and had some exciting things to say about it   http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-cordless-tools-new-2015/       HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by

Need some plumbing tips from a Master Plumber?   Delta Faucets tweeted a nice infographic that could help you save BIG bucks.   Here’s the link    http://www.deltafaucet.com/inspiredliving/infographic/10-pointers-master-plumber   Some priceless advice!!     Craftsman has a great sale right now on their 165 piece Mechanic’s Tool set.   It use to be $149 but is currently only $96. You can see the deal for your self on their site   http://bit.ly/1Ibjd4R   Love me some tool sales :D     HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!   If you liked today’s show please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from all the fluff out there.   Ways to Subscribe to Home Repair Tutor   Click here to subscribe via iTunes You can also subscribe via Stitcher      STAY IN TOUCH   Sign up to the Home Repair Tutor newsletter by texting Homerepair to 33444.    You’ll get advice, tips, and learn about all our tool giveaways via the newsletter.  Don’t miss out.     HELP WITH YOUR BATHROOM   Are you a new homeowner?

Yah, this episode mentions toilet skid marks.   Gross but the reality of using toilets.   American Standard came out with their new Vormax toilet that helps cut down on cleaning.   How?   It’s engineered with one big hole in the toilet bowl which allows it to stay way cleaner than traditional toilets.   And it comes with a slow moving toilet seat.    It’s a 1.28 gallon per flush toilet and therefore saves you money on your water bill.   I’ve only installed American Standard toilets in my rental homes and have never had an issue, knock on wood.   Check out American Standard’s Optum Vormax over on Home Depot’s site, it’s about $288 and worth every penny if you want a cleaner toilet that doesn’t clog   http://www.homedepot.com     TODAY’S QUICK TIP   Buy extra long 3 inch closet flange bolts when installing a toilet.   Short closet flange bolts that don’t rise above the toilet bowl mean you can properly attach the bowl to the closet flange.   When you buy a new toilet just buy the long closet flange bolts and sa

Windows make your house look awesome or dingy.   Do you want a quick way to make your windows streak free?   Jill over at One Good Thing by Jillee has a great window cleaner recipe. You can make it in 5 minutes of less and start using it instantly.   Here’s the recipe:   1/2 bottle of Jet Dry Dishwasher Rinse Aid (7 oz bottle) 4 Tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol (70%) 1/4 cup ammonia 1 handful of powdered dishwasher detergent 2 gallons of hot water   Mix all this in a bucket and start using it with a sponge.   You don’t have to use a squeegee to remove the solution, just spray the window with a hose after cleaning it.   You have to check out Jill’s full tutorial and see here before & after photos   TODAY’S TOOL TIP   Bosch’s 15 Amp 10 inch table saw is on sale this week at Home Depot. It’s $30 off and while that not seem like a bunch of money it kinda is when you’re shopping at the home store.   You can buy 30 linear feet of casing for $30!!!   This table saw also comes with Bosch’s gravity stand that ha

Makita’s 18V Lithium-ion compact combo kit is on sale at Home Depot for $30 off.   If you listen to the Home Repair Tutor podcast you’ll learn about these deals in real time.   The kit comes with the following -18V  1/2” driver/drill -18V impact driver -2 Lithium-ion batteries -1 charger -1 bag   The best part about the kit are the two batteries and rapid charging capacity.   Price is $199 and it gets a slew of 5-star reviews   The model # is LCT200W and the Internet # is 100596872 over on Home Depot’s site   http://www.homedepot.com      Does your bathroom need more storage?   You should check out the DIY bathroom mirror storage case over on Shanty 2 Chic   http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2014/02/bathroom-storage-diy.html   This is a super build idea and Ashley & Whitney walk your through it step-by-step.   I love this so much that I might build one and do a video tutorial.   Store toilet paper, makeup, curling irons, toothbrushes, you name it.   If your storage is limited this could serve you well.     Her

f you’re working with wood you likely need a miter saw.   These days a lot of companies are making miter saws that are powered by lithium-ion batteries and this creates opportunities to by corded saws for discounts.   Ridgid’s 10” sliding compound miter saw is currently on sale at Home Depot for $50 off.   The Internet # is 203132245 and the model # is MS255SR   This might be a limited deal so go to the Home Depot website to check it out    http://www.homedepot.com     Summer months bring out the bugs.   Having a great DIY pest control method in place can help a ton.   Patrick Allan over on LifeHacker came up with a great infographic to help stop the bug problem in your house before it starts.   Check out his tips    http://lifehacker.com/keep-your-home-bug-free-with-these-diy-pest-control-met-1631181023   You’ll love this!!!     Here’s the Quick Tip: don’t use green board in showers or tubs.   Instead, use cement board like DuRock or Wonder Board and waterproof it.   You can also use Schluter Kerdi Board or

Woodworking projects require the right tools.   For example, if you’re installing base board molding or casings around doors/windows having a nailer can save you a ton of time.   Unfortunately you’d have to buy a gun and air compressor.   Ryobi’s new Air Strike Nailers solve that issue.   I’m not saying they’re cheap, but the convenience could be worth it.   Carrying a compressor, hose, and set of brad nailers can get tiring and a bit dangerous.   The Air Nailers are powered by an 18 Volt battery and you get the following  -18-gauge brad nailer that drives 5/8” to 2” brad nails  -16-gauge finish nailer that drives 3/4” to 2 1/2” finish nails -1 18V Lithium-ion battery and a dual chemistry charger   The only thing missing is a bag, really wish they provided one!   Check out the Home Depot for the deal I mention   http://www.homedepot.com   or this limited time link within the Home Depot site http://thd.co/1Gi72X1   The Internet # for this combo kit over on Home Depot is #205558928     Do you need a new picnic

Today’s featured tool is Dremel’s Ultra Saw.   It has seven different saw blades you can use for an assortment of projects. Cut wood, metal, or plastic. You can even use the Ultra Saw to grind down thin-net mortar or cut tiles.    It’s super versatile and the size allows it to be handled in tight spots. At 7.5 Amps it has plenty of power and comes with a bag.    The price is currently $129 over at Home Depot.    Use it for making stuff, sanding old patio furniture, installing hardwood floors, and more.    Great little tool that you’ll love for sure.     It actually helped me build a rustic cooler from free pallet wood. Both my buddy Timothy Dahl and I did this project. You’ll see from our tutorials that you can do this in 1 day with the right tools and supplies.   Heck, if I can do this I know you can!!   Check out Timothy’s tutorial on Charles and Hudson   http://charlesandhudson.com/how-to-build-a-cooler-stand-from-pallets/   My Rustic Cooler tutorial comes with video tutorial   http://www.homerepairtutor.c

Klein recently came out with a new non-contact voltage tester called the NCVT-3.   I’m a huge fan of Klein tools because I’ve tried other brands and have been very disappointed.   You can use a non-contact voltage tester to double check there’s no electricity running to your electrical box. This comes in handy when installing new lights, outlets, switches, etc.   The new NCVT-3 comes with a digital display and a LED light that can be used independently from the voltage tester.   It also has a LED bar graph that shows you the amount of voltage.   You can check it out over on Klein’s site    http://www.kleintools.com/   or buy it at Home Depot for around $26   http://www.homedepot.com/   Either way it’s good to have a tool like this to double check the electricity in your house.     Does your deck look boring? Do you want an inexpensive way to spice it up?   My friend Brittany has a great tutorial that shows you how to make your deck feel like an exotic getaway.    She shows you how to paint a beautiful design