Natural Handyman: Hang Almost Anything Using Wall Anchors

As I was perusing Google for some information on how to hang pictures, concerned about the weight of a particular work of art, I came across a pretty neat site called “The Natural Handyman.”  And off to the right, Wala! I saw “A Handyman’s Guide to Wall Anchors” ~ clicked on it and what a wealth of information I read there!

He breaks everything down to “What is an anchor” and upward. The next category included how much weight can an anchor hold, excellent!  I read and found out more about anchors than I ever dreamed!  He explained the types of anchors, reference names like expansion anchors or hollow-wall anchors, threaded drywall anchors, winged plastic anchors, molly bolts, toggle bolts, and so on.  He also covered on how to install and de-install – that’s a first! I have installed a number of wall anchors, plastic and metal screws, nails, but never removed a wall anchor.

Other information is provided along with picture examples and charts on allowable load capacities for toggle bolts, and when installing a toggle, what drill size is needed.  This is great!  This site pretty much covered all topics and answered my questions.  Thank you Mr. Natural Handyman!

Miya

Check out Life Hacks Top 10 Handyman Tips

Okay, this is a quick blog shout out to Life Hacks 2! They have 10 quick tips (fast video, promise!). They will show some really cool succinct tips on a variety of topics, from auto to painting secrets – check it out!

Bosch Tips & Tricks

Bosch has a list of several things you can do to keep your Bosch dishwasher running smooth!  In their “Dishwasher Tips” section, they start with choosing the best detergent for the dishwasher, to loading tips, how to clean the spray arms and how to get the best drying results. When loading up the dishwasher, check out their PDF that will display their recommended system for loading up the unit!  Bosch also has some great Kitchen Tips ~ see what the Top 10 Avoidable Kitchen Mistakes are. They also have an Entertaining Guide – now you can have the Perfect Dinner Party!

Enjoy!

Miya

 

Dryer Maintenance!

Dryers should be cleaned and maintained on a yearly basis.  Build-up of lint and other media can collect at the bottom of the dryer, and potentially cause a fire.  Here is a dryer that had not been cleaned for a number of years:

And this is what it should look like with the lint removed:

Dryer Tips

Dryers make life so much easier! Way better than the “clothes line” days! However, when they have problems, it can sometimes be a challenge to troubleshoot! Before the tech comes, there are a few tips and tricks a person can try!

Common problems with dryers:

Q:  The dryer doesn’t start or make any noise – what should I check?

A:  Make sure the dryer is plugged in and turned on

  • Does the dryer require a 240 volt receptacle? (Most do)
  • Check to see if door is fully closed
  • Check that the correct cycle is selected and that the timer is advanced accordingly
  • Check receptacle – make sure there is power to it
  • If receptacle is dead, check the circuit breaker or fuse

 

Q:  Dryer is noisy or runs but does not tumble

A:  Some noises are caused by objects bouncing around inside the drum – check for this

A worn or defective drum belt, idler pulley, support roller or worn motor can also be a potential cause – call for service

 

Q:  Dryer takes too long to dry – what do I check?

A:  This problem is often caused by the dryer’s vent being blocked with lint.  Dryers need to be properly vented, otherwise the moisture in the air cannot be properly carried away.  Check for the following:

  • Check the lint trap and clean it
  • Be sure the dryer is not pushed so close to the wall that it pinches off the airflow through the vent’s air duct hose
  • Check the point where the air duct vents away from the house
  • If needed, clean out the duct work from the dryer to the exterior wall where it vents

Source: Information provided from http://www.hometips.com/home_probsolver/hps03/04_dryer/hps_dryer01.html