DIY Pot Rack

Pot racks are a great way to make space in any kitchen. All those pots and pans you have under the cabinet really take up room. Now you can create your own pot rack from a old iron gate. With a old iron gate and some new hardware you can design a great rustic pot rack for your kitchen. Here is your shopping list:

• 5/8-by-4-inch forged screw eye bolt
• D-shackles
• Wire rope clips
• Electric drill
• 3/8-inch drill bit, 6 inches long
• 4 type 305 stainless-steel ropes with a 3/32-inch diameter
• Ratchet set
• Wire brush
• Rag
• Dish soap
• Metal primer, exterior grade
• Metal paint, exterior grade
• S-hooks

Once you have your iron gate, its time to clean it up by brushing it with some dish soap and warm water. A nylon brush works best for this job, it will get all those cracks and crevices. Both sides will need to be cleaned.

Work your brush to remove any flaky paint, especially in the intersection parts. Any rust on the gate needs to be scrubbed until the metal is visible.

After scrubbing, wipe the surface of the gate with a damp rag, rinsing it with clean water when needed. You don't want any grit left over.

Now prime your iron gate with a metal primer for outdoor applications. Dry your project according to your MFG paint instructions. Your iron gate pot rack may need additional coats.  

 

Daylily Bulbs

Day lilies also known has hemerocallis are really not lilies at all. They are sold as bulbs but actually have tuberous root structure with a fleshy root extending from their bottom. They need to be planted differently than lilies. Day lilies are very hardy perennials that will fill your garden in a few short years.

Your planting sight should have full sun or partial shade. If planted in full sun your day lilies will bloom more. Amending the soil is another good tip. Also mix in some fertilizer, into your soils. Use a low analysis fertilizer 5-3-3. You want to plant your bulbs horizontally one inch below your surface soil with the eye facing upward. If you have any roots extending fan those out. Also make sure you space your day lilies at least two feet apart, this will help them self propagate and spread quickly. After planting make sure to water your plants. Also make sure to pack your soil firmly. You want to get out any air pockets. Packing down the soil will also prevent root rot. When everything is done mulch your planted bulbs. Usually two to three inches works great, and use bark or pine needs.

  

Pick of the day

I use this gun everyday, I highly recommend it for roofing projects.

• 7/8-inch to 1-3/4-inch roofing nailer; 120-nail capacity
• Tool-free depth of drive adjustor's; side-load magazine
• Steel and rubber body protectors; carbide-tipped push level; rubber safety valve
• Includes nailer, safety glasses, 2 wrenches
• 9-27/32 by 4-5/8 by 10-3/8 inches; 5.5 pounds; 5-year warranty

Lightweight and durable, the Hitachi NV45AB2 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer stands up to the elements and provides consistently accurate results over the life of the tool. An ideal tool for a variety of construction projects, including installation of asphalt roofing shingles and insulation boards, the NV45AB2 features a high-capacity side-load magazine, depth of drive, durable construction, and more.

All-Weather Nailer You Can Count OnThe NV45AB2 has been rigorously tested in the most extreme roofing environments, so you can count on it--no matter what the forecast is. Thanks to a pneumatic-powered nail-feed mechanism that removes dirt and moisture from the nailer, you can be sure this tool will work in any weather.
High-Capacity Magazine and Quick-Driving Capabilities for Efficiency
The NV45AB2 features a side-loading magazine that accepts 120 7/8-inch to 1-3/4-inch-long coiled wire collation nails with 0.120-inch diameters. The air inlet is 3/8 inch, and the ideal operating air pressure is 70-120 psi.
The NV45AB2 has a quick-driving feature that provides maximum efficiency when nailing large areas by allowing the nailer to shoot each time the nose touches the work surface. The large carbide inserts on the nose provide durability and performance during operation.
Designed for Maneuverability
The Hitachi NV45AB2 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer is lightweight at just 5.5 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver while working on a rooftop. Its well-balanced design ensures easy one-handed operation, and the long-lasting non-slip rubber-grip keeps you comfortable and in control. Rubber on the nailer's side allows you to place the tool on a roof without worrying about it sliding off.
The Hitachi NV45AB2 Roofing Nailer measures 9-27/32 x 4-5/8 x 10-3/8 inches (LxWxH). It is backed by Hitachi's five-year limited warranty.
About Hitachi: A Tradition of Innovation
Hitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd.) provides professional-grade power tools for a variety of applications, including woodwork, metalwork, concrete, drilling, cutting, and fastening. Hitachi is a leader in power tool research and development and has achieved many firsts in the power tool industry. Today, Hitachi continues the tradition of innovation and engineering with new features in addition to classic quality.

Halloween on a budget

Halloween decor can be done on a budget, you don't need to spend a fortune. With a little creativity you can create many scary decor items.

Use your crafting skills to come up with inexpensive Halloween pieces. Get some plastic insects and pumpkins to create a great one of a kind table centerpiece. You can even create your own door decor, and so much more.

There are many peel and stick Halloween designs that will enhance a glass screen door or your windows. Using acrylic craft paint is another idea, for stencils on votive holders and other glass items.

Fishing line works great for hanging spiders in the doorways, or plastic bats.

How about making some paper garland of ghosts, these are festive in any room. You can also use cookie cutters to trace onto paper and then cut out.

Transform your carved out pumpkin into a centerpiece with fresh harvested fall flowers inside. Use floral form to hold them in.

Just use your creative spirit and you can decorate on a dime.

Tissue Paper Walls

Looking for a unique way to dress your walls, try tissue paper. Yes tissue paper that is glued to your walls. If done correctly it will look like a faux marble or a faux suede wall. The tissue will give your walls different shades of texture and depth. It also adds a elegant touch of rustic, French country look.

To get started in this unique adventure, you must clean your walls, to remove any dirt and dust.

You want to use white tissue paper, this works the best in giving you a faux finish, and is very versatile. Using the white tissue paper gives you the option of painting over it with any color. You should however avoid dark colors. Apply the tissue paper with a thin application with wallpaper glue. You want to first crumple and twist your tissue paper, this gives you great texture. You can tear away any straight edges, this will help blend better. Just make sure when you are applying your tissue paper to the wall you overlap the edges torn or not. The project must dry for 24 hours before you do any painting.

Ready to paint, start with a light base color. That color should be three colors lighter than the desired color you are going for. When painting your tissue use a roller, it works the best. This also helps cement any wrinkles into place. Use a back and forth motion. Don't use a brush this may tear your tissue paper. You only need one coat of base paint.

Now to get the ultimate texture and great depth, you want to choose two glaze colors. One being one shade lighter than the other. Your dark glaze goes on first, you use a three inch brush for this, blending in the glaze using a x pattern. You have to work quickly, especially with the second color glaze, doing this in the same pattern. After you want to dab off extra glaze with a crumpled up piece of cheesecloth. When its been about a week apply a clear coat of paint to your new walls.

 

  

Carbon Monoxide and Gas Heaters

It is a fact that carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning deaths. That is why it is important to maintain your homes equipment.

Any equipment in your home that burns fuel, has carbon monoxide combustion. And this includes anything such as a gas heater and a gas dryer, even a gas grill or stove and fireplace. Even when a appliance is running fine, there is still a small amount of carbon monoxide getting out. But that amount is usually carried out through the ventilation of that appliance.

Your gas furnace produces more carbon monoxide if it is dirty. And since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless thats when people get harmed.

Routine maintenance helps to keep your gas heater running efficiently and safely. Have your furnace checked every year, and cleaned as well by a professional. Make sure also to change your filter on a regular basis. Always run your gas heater furnace according to the operating instructions. If your furnace has a pilot light and it goes out, turn the gas off right away.

The best safety feature is getting a CO detector installed in your home sleeping area.

Be smart, and be safe.

Dishwasher Soap

If you use granular dishwasher soap, this can accumulate and get hard in your dishwasher. This is due to it not dissolving in your wash cycle correctly. This is also due to the water temp being to low. This results in soap crust as hard as cement. Which can then clog your dispenser. Don't think about chipping it away, this could be a risky task. Instead try this tip.

Get a saucepan or even a tea kettle, and fill it with boiled water. Then open your dishwasher door, and slide out the lower rack and remove it.

You than want to pour the boiling water really slow into the dried up soap.

Wipe away any soap that starts to loosen up or starts to dissolve. This is best done with a wooden spoon, or something plastic to avoid damage to your dishwasher.

  

Tool tips

Propagate Perennial Periwinkles

Periwinkles are evergreen perennials that bloom in spring and some of the time in summer and fall. It grows around six inches and has spreading trailing shoots. This makes it easy to propagate.

To do it yourself it's easy. Start by dividing the periwinkle in the fall when it is no longer flowering. Timing this way ensures the energy is going to the roots. You want to do this before the ground freezes. Before you start to divide make sure you water your plants three days ahead of time. Divide on a overcast day or one day when it can rain. This will prevent stress on your plant.

You will want to get the area ready where you will be putting your new plants by adding compost and loose soil. Before planting you want to prune your plants six inches from the ground before you begin digging them up.

You will separate by pulling the roots apart. Then replant immedialtely at the same depth.

For cuttings, you want to fill empty containers with your favorite potting soil, and moisten it right way.

So your plants do not get a disease dip your scissors in rubbing alcohol before cutting. Cut six inch of the periwinkle, you do this right below the node, a place where the leaves grow on their stem. You want to remove the tree set of bottom leaves.

Inserting the cut end into the soil so that two nodes are covered. You want to place your pot in indirect bright light and water evenly.

  

Treating you deck

Anyone with a outdoor deck knows how great it is for entertaining guests. But those wood planks need to be treated sometimes to last longer. Those wood planks are susceptible to moisture. Either from rainwater or dew, the moisture can start your planks to rot. So treating your deck or sealing your deck is the best thing for it.

Treating the deck is a great weekend DIY project. All you need is a good oil based wood sealer. This will be applied after giving the deck a good cleaning.

Just make sure when you apply the sealer, you go with the grain of the wood.

If you feel you need a second coat, always wait until the first coat is dry.

   

Terrazzo Floors

If you are looking for a modern retro style floor, terrazzo floors are a great choice. Terrazzo floor is a marble chip flooring material with a mosaic appearance. You see this style in commercial places and malls, because it is durable and glossy and easy to care for. But now they are becoming popular in the home kitchens today.

If you are installing these floors you can pull colors from the tile to match your cabinets to. Lighter colors from the terrazzo tiles can be matched to go on your walls.

  

Ridding Freezer Smells

Today freezers come in all shapes and styles. And they can all develop odors. It can be tricky finding the smell and then getting it removed.

The most common smell is from food. Food not stored properly will cause the freezer to smell. The odors can be very strong. It can even make the ice smell and taste nasty. So it is important to make sure every thing in the freezer is stored correctly.

If the air vents in the freezer are blocked, it can cause the air in the freezer to get stale, and start creating smells. Make sure when placing food items in the freezer you do not block the vents. The freezer needs proper air flow.

Of course any new freezer will have a plastic or chemical smell, from the factory. All you need to do if possible is to leave the door open and let air in before you connect power and your water supply. Over time the smell will leave.

To clean and have a fresh smelling freezer try this mixture, one tbsp of baking soda to one quart of warm water. Use a sponge and clean the freezer surface. Leave a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any future odors.

 

Brick Wall Repair

Although brick walls are used for their endurance, harsh weather conditions can cause water seepage. This is when the brick and mortar start to crumble and split. You may have to replace the brickwork and then repoint your mortar. This will bring it back to its original strength. It is important not to wait to long.

 

 

DIY Re-Roof

If you are faced with a re roofing project you may wonder if you can do it yourself or hire a professional. Well that would depend on your particular circumstances. If you know the procedure of a re roofing job you can prepare to perform the work yourself.

Before you start it is important to inspect all your roofs system components. Check the framing, the sheathing and the flashing. Checking the roofing paper and the roof covering is also important. The framing structure you will check is the rafters or joists, sheathing is the sheets of plywood that cover the framing. There are times you will need to replace the framing and the sheathing due to rot, or pest infestation, or just physical damage. Then there is the flashing, this consists of the metal angles or sheets that cover your roofs edges or valleys. Any thing that is damaged or not sealed properly will need replacement. Your roofing paper or tar paper is what is covering your sheathing and flashing, if torn or rotten or just damaged, this also will need to be replaced. A roofs first line of defense is its coverings, such as the shingles, which also need to be free of surface damage, and sealed tight.

There are a few common types of roofing coverings. Shingles, rolled, paneled or tile is just a few. On modern homes you will typically find shingles or rolled roofing.

If you are having a leak, it is obvious there is a indication of roof damage. But this does not necessitate for a entire roof replacement. If you have a worn out roof maybe it is time for a replacement. Re roofing could be your option instead of the entire process being ripped off and replaced.

Falling down Wallpaper

Wall paper provides a seamless wall covering, that is protecting the wall surface. It adds beauty to any room in your home or business. But it can lose its adhesive, and start to fall away from the wall. The longer it goes with out getting repaired the more of a chance it will rip. It must be reattached before any damage occurs.

It is a easy to do project. You want to start by applying moisture to the adhesive side of your wallpaper. This can be done with a wet sponge. This is preparing the wallpaper for new glue. Simply pull the wallpaper back to apply the moisture. Then apply a thin layer of wallpaper glue, no other glue should be used. You can place the glue on the wall or on the paper. But not both, this will only cause further problems from glue buildup.

Press your wallpaper back, pressing firmly against the wall. You want to squeeze any excess water out of your sponge and wipe the glued area. This will help the bonding process.

In a day, check to make sure the glue has dried and there is no more peeling. If there is any other peeling just repeat the process.

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Dryer plugs for gas dryers

Both gas and electric dryers require electricity. However your gas dryer requires a different electrical connection. Your gas dryer uses 120 volts. Your gas dryer does use less energy than your electric, but that doesn't mean you can plug it into just any electrical outlet. You must have a grounded outlet. It is best to check with your electrician to make sure your gas dryer has the proper outlet, for safety reasons.

Best seller for today

  

Rugs and odors

Rugs are a big part of our homes, they are used as decorations and are also functional. On occasion they do absorb odors, especially if you are a pet owner. With a few ingredients right from your pantry you can help keep odors out.

First clean your rugs well, if you can hang them out do that, if not vacuum very well.

Next, pour baking soda over your rug and let it sit overnight. This will absorb any odors that are lurking in the rugs fibers.

Any excess can be swept out of the rug or vacuumed.

Next get your self a spray bottle and pour some distilled white vinegar into it. This will eliminate even more odors. Vinegar is non toxic so you can leave it on the rug without any worries.

Today's product

 

Check your Extinguisher

Everyone should be aware that maintenance is a important part on your fire extinguishers to ensure your safety. Make sure they are in good condition through annual maintenance checks. This should be done monthly on your extinguishers, making sure they work properly, and do not need any repairs, and checking for defects.

Record keeping is a great way to document your routine maintenance of inspections. Note the location of the extinguisher, date inspected, who did the inspection, and what type of maintenance was done, and of course the results. Also note when the next inspection is due.

Ensure the device is in the proper location, and is easily accessible. Ensure all instructions are legible. Making sure the extinguisher is full and all the safety features of the extinguisher are in working order, and intact. It is important to make sure your extinguisher does not have any leaks, cracks, or any other type of damage.

Your maintenance plan should also make sure that the stored pressure of the devices are disassembled and maintained. Weigh your extinguisher to make sure deviation is the same by comparing it to the last inspection. A weight check will tell you if your extinguisher is leaking.

Another test should be for conductivity on your carbon dioxide hose assemblies. Extinguishers using carbon dioxide have a metal braid connecting the couplings, to minimize risk of static shock, make sure these are in good condition. This test will verify your metal braid is conductive, which ensures the safety feature. Testing the pressure and flow rate will also ensure your extinguisher will put a fire out in the event of a emergency.

Product of the day

 

Dangers of Roofing Tar

What is roofing tar? It is a waterproof skin that is used on flat roofs. But there are dangers to using tar on roofs. This hot tar can cause multiple hazards to roofers health.

The first problem is the fumes, emitted from the hot tar. These fumes can cause headaches. Pregnant women smelling the fumes can cause birth defects to their unborn babies. Also people with asthma can have respiratory problems. The reason for such health problems is that the tar contains a compound hydrogen sulfide. This is a distinctive and very unpleasant odor.

Roofing tar can also cause dangerous severe burns. Because tar is mopped on the roof, burns can happen from the tar being spilled or splashed. Tar is also slick when it starts cooling and when this is on the skin it can make the burns even more severe. It is best to let a professional remove the tar, and not doing it your self.

Slips and falls can also happen, since the tar is slippery when first put on. Falling on hot tar is risky and dangerous. Putting the tar on in a organized manner will avoid any slips or falls.

Always use caution when using this product for flat roofs.

Product of the day

Unfreeze your Houseplant

We all put our houseplants outside for sun. But what do you do if you forget them out in the cold. They become limp and the color becomes dead looking. It will depend on how bad it is, but you can unfreeze that plant most of the time.

The first step to do. to bring them back to life is to prune them back, getting off all the dead foliage. Then it is important to place your plant in a nice sunny window. If you don't have a sunny window, a artificial light works just as good. When your plant is healthy you will see new growth.

As long as it was no cold severely, you should be able to save it. And it should bounce back like new.

Product of the day:

  

Grass seed and Fall

Fall is the time we plant bulbs, like perennials, shrubbery and young trees. But it is also time to seed the grass. Due to more frequent rain, that will moisten the soil, grass seed does well being spread in the fall. Planting your grass seed in the fall gives you a jump start for spring. The grass has a opportunity to establish roots before the winter dormancy.

 

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Weather Stripping

Believe it or not, some people don't know about weather stripping. Well, it is a pliable foam or rubber used to seal any gaps that may be around your doors or even windows. It comes in different lengths and types, but will fit most household needs. It is not that expensive and will help with not only your heating bills, but your cooling bills. It will also help to keep pest's out.

The two basic types of weather stripping are either foam or rubber. The foam type has a adhesive backing. This makes it easy to use. The rubber type can be glued into place, but will fit well in a groove door or window. What ever type you use, it all does the same function.

This is a great product:

  

 

Rid your Home of Spiders

No one likes spiders in their home. Now you can get rid of them with natural remedies or chemical methods. It all depends on your spider problem.

 

To start getting the problem under control you have to inspect the area where the infestation is. Checking the location, before you start the removal process.

 

Once you find the area that is infested, you can begin to clean the area. Cleaning up any opened food or snacks where the spiders are will help rid them. Food attracts bugs, just as well as spiders.

 

Vacuum your entire area and vacuum any visible spider webs. Make sure you get any spider eggs and sacs. Sacs will look like cocoons.

 

You can create a barrier where spiders can enter. Doormats work, as well as repellents for spiders. If you use a spider repellent you and your pets will have to leave the house until the air is clean.

 

Porch lights and other lights are another place spiders will live. Keeping this area clean and keeping the lights off when not in use will help prevent spiders in that area.

 

This is a great spider repellent:

 

 

 

 

Soot how to rid it

Any home or business that has a wood burning fireplace or a gas log unit has soot on the chimney. A stone or rock fireplace will sooner or later begin to look dingy, from the soot buildup. Cleaning the soot before it gets to bad, can be done in minutes.

You can use any household cleaner mixed as this: 2oz of the cleaner in a gallon of water.

If you have a porous or brick fireplace it is best to wet it with the hose first. This prevents the cleaner from settling into the pores.

Take a sponge and dip it into your bucket letting the solution to soak in. After that wring the sponge out over your bucket. Begin to scrub your soot areas until they are gone. Use a clean sponge to rinse the cleaner off your fireplace.

Let your fireplace dry for a few hours, and if needed reapply the cleaning process and drying process until clean.  

For a great fireplace soot and dirt remover I recommend this product.

Cleaning your Washer

Over time your washer gets some rust and grime. So here are some tips for cleaning your washing machine.

For rust, take two cups of either lime or lemon juice and pour in the washer and use the hottest water setting.

If you have dye your clothes you will get stains. Get them out with two cups of bleach ran through two of your hottest cycles.

There are also some great washer cleaners you can purchase the one below is my favorite





 

What is a Santoku Knives

Used by chefs all over the world, is the Japanese santoku knife. It is a distinctive knife, that is made by many manufacturers. These knives are set apart from other common knives. The knife is multi purposed for kitchen cooking, and comes from Japan. You can get them from five to eight inches long.

These knives are great for mincing, chopping and dicing food.

The only drawback to these knives are, that the edges are thin, so it is not recommended for cutting such things hard like bones. They also are not similar to a traditional knife, because they are short and have thin blades.

Get your Windows ready for Winter

Soon it will be time to get your windows ready for old man winter. Windows not only let light in, but free flow of freshness in the winter is a curse. Even when windows are not open, cold air can be getting in. There can be small gaps, even holes. This problem will lower your homes temps and raise your energy bills. Windows that are winterized will keep your family not only warm, but will help with controlling your heating bills.

  

Flooded Basements

If you have a basement that gets a light seepage or gets a foot of water at times, here is a DIY dry it out tip.

You will want to hose your basement floor down once all the water is gone. I know, the last thing you want to see in the basement is more water. But trust me, you want to rid your basement floor of dirt or sewer that has accumulated there. When doing this, squirt towards your drain. The next step is to mop up the floor using a good disinfectant, especially for sewer backups. Get a squeegee for floors and start directing any water once again towards your drain. Make sure to check low points on the floor for any remaining water. Next get your self some fans, and start to dry the basement up. Open windows in order to get a cross breeze. Last step, start the dehumidifier, this will remove water out of the air and help dry the basement as well.

 

Safe Electrial Outlet's

Those electrical outlets in our home are often taken for granted. They can play a important part in the safety of our homes structures. You need to do routine maintenance on your electrical outlets.

All you need is a small test light or portable lamp to tests the outlets. Plug the light in and make sure it turns on, this way you know you have a working outlet.

If you have any cracked covers you will want to replace them. Especially ones that are used most often.

You will also want to check for any frayed wires before plugging into your outlets.

Never overload your outlets, and when ever possible use power surge's.

  

Windows and Old man Winter

If you have old windows you may loose alot of hot air from your home during the winter months. If there are any small cracks in your window frame, the cold air is getting inside your home. Not only is the air getting in, your energy bills are getting higher and higher. All it takes is proper preparation of your window surface by applying caulk.