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Family Handyman
The Dirt On Dust Masks
Much DIY work produces dust and/or fumes. It’s essential to protect your lungs from both; there’s no amount of dust or vapor that’s good for your lungs. And the harm is cumulative. The more work you do without protection, the more damage you’re doing. So if you’re producing dust or using finishes or solvents, use the proper mask.
1 min |
May 2019
Family Handyman
Installing Deck Footings
I’m replacing my old deck with a new one, complete with new footings and posts.
2 min |
May 2019
The Family Handyman
How to Buy a Reliable Used Car
Cars and trucks have changed a lot over the last 10 years.
6 min |
October 2016
The Family Handyman
Before You Cut Your Landline...
7 reasons to think twice.
2 min |
October 2016
The Family Handyman
Why Choose Mineral Wool Insulation?
I’ve filled thousands of stud spaces with fiberglass batts over the years. So when I think insulation, I think fiberglass. But I recently tried a different type of insulation called “mineral wool.” Mineral wool has been around for decades, is widely used in Canada and Europe and is making a comeback in the United States. It’s made by melting down basalt stone and recycled slag from steel mills, then spinning it into fibre that can be formed into batts or boards. I did some research, talked to installers and filled a few walls with the stuff. Here’s my verdict: Mineral wool has some real advantages over the alternatives. If you have an insulation job coming up, I strongly recommend that you check it out.
2 min |
September 2016
The Family Handyman
Universal Router Hood
I have a love-hate relationship with my routers. I love that they can take a chunk of wood or a ho-hum project and turn it into something polished and classy looking. I hate that they scatter dust and debris to all four corners of my shop.
1 min |
April 2018
The Family Handyman
5 Myths About Mold
We’re exposed to mold spores in the air every day, both indoors and out, and most of the time that’s no cause for concern. But given moderate temperatures, a food source (nearly any building material) and moisture, mold can grow on almost any surface inside our homes. Left unchecked, that can mean real trouble. Mold can harm health and destroy the building materials it feasts on. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about mold and how to handle it. So let’s separate myth from fact and look at solutions that work.
2 min |
April 2018
The Family Handyman
Living Wall
Plant a vertical garden, and let the automatic watering system keep it thriving.
5 min |
June 2018
the family handyman
working with self-leveling underlayment
whether you’re installing ceramic tile, laminate planks or carpet, self-leveling underlayment is a great choice for floors that are rough, uneven or out of level. and it’s the absolute best choice for tile installations over an in-floor heating system.
6 min |
december - january 2017
The Family Handyman
Stuff We Love
Our favorite DIY tools, materials + gear.
3 min |
July/August 2018
the family handyman
3 solutions for a popcorn ceiling
the best method depends on your situation and your skills
4 min |
december - january 2017
The Family Handyman
Avoid Insurance Urprises
10 critical lessons most homeowners learn only after a claim
5 min |
June 2018
Family Handyman
The Expanding Universe Of Foam
Expanding foam is magical stuff for sealing gaps and insulating hard-to reach areas. But it has unexpected uses too—it can protect fragile items and even replace concrete for setting posts. Here’s a rundown of various products and what they can do.
6 min |
July - August 2019
Family Handyman
Backyard Swing
Easy enough for a beginner, comfortable enough for a long perch.
4 min |
April 2019
Family Handyman
Instant Knife Rack
An easy-access organizer made from one board
2 min |
April 2019
Family Handyman
Bull's Eye!
Score big points with your friends with this easy-to-build dartboard cabinet
5 min |
July - August 2019
The Family Handyman
Home Smarts
The knowledge you need to be a better homeowner.
1 min |
April 2018
Family Handyman
DIY Radon Testing & Remediation
Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that’s produced by decaying uranium. Radon is present in nearly all soils, and very low levels of radon gas are found in the air we breathe every day. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon trapped in your home can cause lung cancer.
2 min |
June 2019
Family Handyman
Under-Bed Drawer Easy To Build— Even Easier To Fill!
This project is really just a box on rollers. What makes it unique is that it glides on appliance rollers instead of casters.
1 min |
June 2019
Family Handyman
Sharpen A Lawn Mower Blade
You can sharpen a mower blade with a file, a rotary tool or a bench grinder, but an angle grinder makes it fast and easy.
3 min |
July - August 2019
Family Handyman
How To Finance Home Improvement
When it’s time for major home improvement, most of us need to borrow.
2 min |
July - August 2019
Family Handyman
Stand-Up Tool Caddy
W hen you need to carry your tools to the task at hand, you could use a toolbox. But unlike a toolbox, this slick tool caddy puts all your necessary tools in plain sight. With a little imagination, it can be configured to hold whatever tools or fasteners you like. The caddy stands up on its own when in use and hangs flat on the wall between projects.
1 min |
May 2019
Family Handyman
Backyard Fireplace - Easy To Build And Portable Too
It’s surprisingly easy to build— and portable too
2 min |
May 2019
The Family Handyman
Should You Buy an Air Purifier?
If you suffer from allergies or want to reduce odors in your home, a room air purifier might be the solution.
3 min |
October 2016
Family Handyman
Workshop Storage Tips
7 inventive ways to organize your work space
2 min |
March 2019
Family Handyman
The Well-Prepared Truck
Gotta-have items our editors carry everywhere
2 min |
March 2019
Family Handyman
Handy Hints
Clever solutions from our readers
1 min |
March 2019
Family Handyman
Turning Your Home Into Cash With Airbnb
Joining the Airbnb revolution could help you generate revenue from a spare room, or from an apartment or house you don’t use much. “It’s been a great experience and very worthwhile,” says Sandra Shillington, a California-based Airbnb host since 2013 and the author of the hosting guidebook, Airbnb Toolbox. But is hosting right for you?
1 min |
May 2019
Family Handyman
One-Day Storage Bench
Elegant outside, enormous space inside!
3 min |
May 2019
Family Handyman
Advice For New Homeowners
For tips on homeownership, there’s no better panel of experts than our readers—many of them have owned several homes over decades. So I asked them to send in their best advice for new homeowners. Here are some of my favorites.
2 min |