Tips Tricks For Around The House And Garden

Below is a list of tips and tricks to help around the house and garden that are intended to help you save time and money. 

Level pictures - Push a straight pin into the bottom two corners of the picture on the backside, and then clip off the heads of the pins leaving about 3/8 of an inch sticking out of the frame. Hang the picture using a level, when set in place, gently push the section of the picture frame with the pins behind it into the drywall to secure the positioning of the picture.

Silent screen door - If your door slams shut with a bang, you can place a couple of short beads of clear silicone caulk along the jamb at a few of the contact points. This will soften the blow. Be sure to prop the door open for a couple of hours after application, to let the bead of silicone dry completely.

Bag dispenser - Tack an empty tissue box to the inside of a cabinet door and stuff your empty plastic grocery bags into the box. This will hold them secure, organized and also make for a convenient dispenser.

Digging sod - When digging up sod that is going to be replaced, skin the sod off in large sections about 3-4 inches thick- peel back. Do not cut into little chunks. This will make replacement and re-rooting clean and effective.

Effective fence stringers - Instead of using 2x4s use 2x6s and cut them in half lengthwise at a 45 degree angle. This will result in 2 stringers per 2x6 that when installed with the angled edge on top, will do two things. First, it allows the stringers to weather and last much longer since rain and snow will slip off. Second, it creates a more secure fence, since it removes the possibility of a step for climbing potential.

Fixing rotting fence posts - If you have a fence post that is rotted out and the concrete the post is set in is not broken, you can simply pull the wood out,,, pound a new post in it's place... and trim the top flush with the other posts.

Garden ID tags - Take old or unneeded Venetian blind slats and cut them into 8-inch strips. Cut a point on one end for pushing into the dirt. These are rigid, waterproof and great for writing the name of each particular flower or vegetables on.

Installing wooden floor molding - When installing wooden floor molding, remember that all outside corners can be cut at a 45 degree angle, but all inside corners must be coped. Coping is done by hand.

Reusable cardboard boxes - When using a cardboard box to store items and taping it closed continuously, next time try putting a layer of packaging tape on the bottom edge, Then tape onto the layer of packaging tape and this will allow secure closing and easy opening

Store open paint - Glass jars are great because they are less likely to allow the paint to dry out and you can always tell the color of the paint inside. To ensure the paint doesn't seal the lid on and to further the air tight seal, run a couple layers of Teflon tape around the jars threads before putting the lid on

Stud finder- An electric razor can be a just as effective as an electronic stud finder. Turn it on and drag it along the drywall, you will notice a change in the vibration as you cross a stud with it.

A temporary fix for dripping water - If you are having difficulty with a copper joint due to a trickle of water that won't stop, push a ball of bread up the pipe to stop the stream of water. **We at Handyman Matters would prefer wheat- if you have it

Tree trimming in the Spring -Don't trim trees in the budding season (late March or early April) because it adds additional trauma to the tree.

When using a screwdriver - Remember that left is loose and right is tight. Apply soap or wax on screws for easier screwing. If a screw is loose, stick a wooden kitchen match or tooth pick in the hole and break it off, then put the screw back in.

Problem with dampness in closets - Fill a coffee can with charcoal briquettes. Place container on floor, punch holes in the cover. For larger closets use 2 or 3 one-pound cans. Chalk will also help cut down on dampness. Tie 12 pieces together and hang in closet. Fill an old nylon stocking with cedar chips for a sweet-smelling closet. This also will serve as a moth repellant.

Frozen pipes - If the pipe has not burst already and you need to find the location of the frozen clog, just swab along the suspect pipe with a damp cloth until frost forms on the area as you pass over it. Pull out a hair dryer and heat the frosted area.

Eliminate nail pops - If you dip screws into water before you drive them into a plaster wall, the damp plaster will set up around them and hold them firmly in place.

If you break off your key in the lock - Place some super glue on the broken part, wait a few minutes and pull it out.

Lose the cap to the super glue - Use a rubber pencil eraser. When you store the glue; be sure and store it upside down from a binder clip or cloths pin.

Cabinet’s door squeaking - Fix the problem of squeaky hinges on cabinets by using vegetable oil. Best to use a liquid spray oil, however, you can also use a silicon spray. Never use WD-40™ since it contains petroleum distillates that attract dust.

Refinishing without sanding - Use a degreaser and painted it on then wiped it off as per the instructions on the bottle. It will remove all the grease and grime then just paint them.

Cabinet doors don’t stay closed - Place a strip of magnetic tape on the inside of the cabinet doors if they don’t stay closed.

Checklist: Finding help with small repairs - Finding a contractor or handyman to fix small repairs can be a challenge. This checklist provides some tips to make your search easier:

·         Walk through your home and list the small repairs needed. (Dripping faucet, loose cabinet doors, faulty    light switch, etc.)

·         Get organized before you make the call.

·         Keep a list of all repairs needed near the phone so you can give the repair person a good idea of the job   size before they come to your home.

·         Walk through your home and describe each of the repairs with the handyman.

·         Decide on an hourly, or per job rate.

·         Realize that most firms front load the first hour.

·         Choose the handyman or contractor the same way you would if having a larger project done.

·         Ask for references and examples of other jobs.

Checklist: How to avoid home repair rip offs - Before hiring a general contractor, do your research. This will ensure that you are hiring a reliable, competent firm who can complete the task for which you are hiring them. Use this list as a guide:

·         Avoid the "nice man" who comes randomly to your door offering his services.

·         Choose a contractor carefully.

·         Shop quality first and value second.

·         Gather evidence that the firm is reliable.

·         Call a contractor referral service.

·         Check references.

·         Make a list of questions before calling references.

·         Verify that the contractor has insurance.

·         Verify licensing.

·         Check with Better Business Bureau.

·         Get detailed estimates.

·         Make a decision based on the overall value.

·         Make sure your contract includes a payment schedule.