On the Wire - Back-to-School Toolkit
Back-to-school shopping is definitely ratcheted up when college is the destination, and amid all the linens, dorm décor and study supplies, your student should have a trustworthy tool kit. Freshmen will feel much more at home away from home knowing they’re armed for just about any fix they can get into, and upperclassmen who have already learned the hard way will appreciate an organized arsenal of gear. So, here’s a recommended packing list for the dorm room DIYer.
Basic tools: Hammer, pliers, screwdrivers (slotted and Phillips)or a screwdriver multi-tool, socket ratchet set, adjustable wrench, combo pack of nails and screws, utility knife, utility scissors, tape measure, WD-40, electrical tape, fabric-backed duct tape.
Power supply: Surge protector, extension cords in a few different lengths, extra-long telephone cable.
Safety smarts: Flashlight, battery-operated tap lights, combination smoke and CO detector, padlocks.
Hang it up: Torpedo level, stud finder, picture hanger assortment, 3M Command™ removable hooks.
Repair ware: Painter’s putty and putty knife, paddle wire, sewing kit.
Sticky business: Super glue, wood glue, adhesive remover.
Clean it up: Magic erasers for wall marks, cleaning wipes (disinfectant, glass, etc.), carpet stain remover.
Once you’ve got everything assembled, do a little how-to review with your college bound kid so that they know just what tool to use when. This may generate a few eye-rolls, but trust me, they’ll thank you later... albeit silently, in their dorm room, from hundreds of miles away.
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Leave Popcorn at the Movies!
This week’s question comes to us from Ron in Florida. Ron says, “I have a popcorn textured ceiling and would like to replace the texture with knock-down. The previous owners painted the popcorn so I cannot easily soak it to scrape it off. What is the easiest way to rid my ceiling of painted popcorn?”
Ron, we’re not sure what you mean by knock-down, but actually that pretty much describes your only option: soaking it and then scraping it off. If the ceiling is painted with a semi-gloss paint, it will just be more difficult to do. But we have seen popcorn ceilings with so many layers of paint, especially with the Florida humidity, that they are just about ready to crumble. Test a small area and see what you’ve got. Other than that, there’s nothing short of soaking it and scraping it with a good, strong 4-6” spackle knife. After it’s all off, you need to prime the ceiling before painting it again. And we’d recommend against using paint with a sheen, which will highlight any imperfections in the surface. Good luck!
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
You can do-it-yourself but you don't have to do-it-alone. Getting in touch with us is as easy as 1 - 2 or 3!
- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
- Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
- Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.
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On the Air - Build a Better Deck
This week on the radio show, learn how to build a better deck. Your deck doesn’t have to be a square platform with railings and a few pieces of patio furniture thrown on it for good measure. You can build seating into the deck, you can create a curved space or you could create a free-standing structure. The ideas are endless. Fine Homebuilding editor Kevin Ireton joins the program with some deck design ideas. To find out where to tune us in near you or download our Podcast, visit www.moneypit.com.
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Dot Common Sense - Scald-Proof Your Home
When talking about hot water, it takes only 130 degrees to give you a burn you will never forget. Most water heaters are set at 140 degrees. Test your water today. If the temperature is more than 140 degrees, you need to act. First, turn your water heater down to 120 degrees. Second, think about buying an anti-scald device for your sink. Anti-scald devices make sure your water stays only as hot as you want it. Some devices shut off your water if the water temperature gets too hot. Others adjust the mix of hot and cold water coming from your tap. This way, your water temperature will always stay at a safe level for kids and adults as well. For more info, check with your plumber or visit www.AARP.org/homedesign.
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Fun Fact - Trashy Treatment
Tired of holding your breath when it comes time to take out the trash? The garbage can is probably the most under rated appliance in your home. Although place some pretty nasty things in there, it does it job of storing life’s leftovers right in the middle of where you live, eat, and breathe. Here’s a tip to help you maintain them. Once a month take all indoor trash cans outside for a thorough cleaning. Mix up ¾ of a cup of bleach into one gallon of water and wash the interior of the garbage can as well as the handles and lid. To make sure the bleach and water solution has time to kill bacteria and odors that could be harmful to your family’s health, let it sit for at least 5 minutes and then rinse very well.
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Short Cuts - Old Furniture, New Life
Admit it, you must have it lying around somewhere. Not many escaped the 80s without shiny furniture. We’re talking about the lacquered, contemporary stuff that lots of you probably held onto long into the next decade. There is a way to give that old 80s lacquered furniture new life.
Preparation is the key to a great paint job on previously stained or lacquered furniture. Start by washing surfaces with a cleaning solution, then rinse well with clean water. Next, give the furniture a good sanding with 320-grit sandpaper and lastly wipe surfaces down with a tack cloth. Now your furniture is ready for that fresh coat of paint and a whole new look!
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Copyright 2007 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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