HandyMan tips 10-13-02 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waterproof Trim While generally considered bad practice windows in showers and over bathtubs are not uncommon. Also not uncommon is the problem of keeping paint on these windows. Attention to detail when painting and caulking will keep the paint on longer but what about a no paint option? If it is new or replacement a vinyl window will be largely unaffected by the moisture and trimmed with tile or solid surface material finishes it out.

New Bead Older homes made liberal use of bead board as a finish material for wainscoting, cabinet backs, closets, soffits and porch ceilings. This material is still available in 1"x4" tongue and groove stock but it is not cheap. There is now a plywood option as beaded plywood is available at many home centers. This affordable option comes in 4'x8' sheets with a tongue and groove edge and when installed carefully and painted it looks great.

- Stephen Corwin

Copper Reuse The question often comes up about reusing copper water pipe and fittings. While copper lasts a long time it doesn't last forever and the practice should probably be reserved for emergency situations. New copper and fittings are relatively inexpensive and much easier to work with. If an old fitting is going to be used heat the connection and gently pull things apart using channel locks, don't grip too tight as this will distort the fitting and render it unusable. Wipe excess solder off with a rag while it is a liquid state then clean things as you would on new work.

- Stephen Corwin

Helpful Holder It doesn't matter how many hands you have there are always situations when one more is needed. Holding things can often be half the battle and securing tools and materials is an important part of safe work practice. When it comes to things round think about plastic pipe. A handy stand or holder can be made using a toilet flange mounted upside down on a piece of plywood. If the diameter of the flange is too large for the job it can be reduced down to almost any size with various fittings.

- Stephen Corwin

Knowing When Knowing when of course is the trick to it all. Knowing which blow of the hammer will leave a mark or which turn of the wrench will break off the bolt is what it is about. Knowing when a 1/8" matters and when it is a waste of time can be the difference profit and loss. Knowing when and where to use different grades of materials can result in both economy and good results. Where's the tip? Practice, patience and the desire to succeed all come with experience and time. There's the tip.

- Stephen Corwin

Pipe Stay Soldering copper pipe is not tough once you get it. The next trick is to get things to stay put while the soldering takes place. Typically everything gets cut and fitted then cleaned, fluxed and assembled. The frustrating thing is sometimes the flux is holding things together and when the heat is applied fittings can slip out of position. If this problem presents itself after pipes and fittings are assembled but before heated give each connection a firm squeeze with a pair of channel lock pliers. This move will distort the pipe just enough to hold things in place for soldering. Don't forget to say, "stay".

- Stephen Corwin

Home Repair Tip of the Day Prefinished Floors Prefinished floors are popular these days as they go down fast and can be put into service immediately. There are many options ranging form natural wood to man made composite materials. When trying to decide which option to go with consider a few basics first. What is the finish and how long will it last? Is the top layer wood or composite? Many wood floors can be sanded and refinished while composites cannot. Thickness of the top layer will determine how many sandings the floor can tolerate. How thick and how many plies of substrate make up the whole floor. More plies are generally good and a thicker floor somewhat sturdier.

- Stephen Corwin

Floor Squeak Squeaky floors drive some people crazy while others find them a good way to know when the kids are out of bed. Whatever the case if you have a squeak you would like to stop try this. If it is a floorboard squeaking a finish nail driven at an angle might do the job but for a more persistent offender locate the nearest joist, drill a ¼" hole in the floorboard and squeeze in some urethane glue. Before the glue sets drive a piece of wooden dowel into the hole and trim it flush with a chisel. The urethane glue expands as it sets and the dowel conceals the hole.

- Stephen Corwin

Fresh Concrete Fresh (green) concrete sets in a matter of hours but the on going hardening process (curing) goes on for a long time. If you are considering a floor covering over new concrete the surface must be given time to cure. Concrete sets and hardens by a chemical reaction set off by combining water and Portland cement. While this goes on for years the majority is complete in about a month. Floor coverings applied to new concrete can be affected by moisture in the concrete, so wait a month or longer if possible before putting down that new floor.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, November 04, 2002