Home & Garden

How to Install Light Fixture The instructions cover the basics—here’s how to handle complications It’s the perfect job for a rookie electrician. Just disconnect a few wires, take down the old fixture and connect the new one. And while you’re at it, eliminate the $100 electrician’s charge. But some of the steps aren’t quite as … Read moreHow to Install Light Fixture

Best Coaxial Cable – How to Choose and Connect Mistakes mean slow downloads and rotten reception Coaxial cable provides brilliantly simple connections for all kinds of high-tech gadgetry (TVs, routers, cell phone boosters, surveillance systems, etc.). But “simple” doesn’t mean foolproof. Coax is, in fact, finicky stuff; minor mistakes can lead to major performance problems. … Read moreBest Coaxial Cable – How to Choose and Connect

Professional Caulking – How to Caulk like a Pro Anyone can seal a crack—making it look good is the challenge Laying a smooth bead of caulk is like playing the piano: You can learn to do it well, but don’t expect applause for your first efforts. It’s best to start where perfection is less important … Read moreProfessional Caulking – How to Caulk like a Pro

Wood Finishing Tips – How to Finish It Flawlessly Pro tips for silky-smooth perfection Wood finishing is a skill nobody truly masters. Even the pros make mistakes. But with some patience and attention to detail, beginners can do it right. Your best approach is to start on something small and simple before you take on … Read moreWood Finishing Tips – How to Finish It Flawlessly

How Do You Find a Stud in the Wall When technology fails, detective work prevails What’s a stud? Studs are simply the vertical 2x4s (or 2x6s) that form the skeleton inside a wall. For heavy-duty projects, you need to know exactly where they are. When installing stair railings, for example, you need to anchor brackets … Read moreHow Do You Find a Stud in the Wall

How to Measure accurately – Pro tips for perfect precision Burn an inch The hook at the end of a tape measure is designed to slip in and out a little. That movement compensates for the thickness of the hook, depending on whether you’re taking inside or outside measurements. But a bent hook or worn … Read moreHow to Measure Accurately

How to Use a Jigsaw: 12 Tips for Better Skills Make the most of this incredibly versatile tool A jigsaw is perfect for any skill level. It’s less intimidating than a circular saw and amazingly versatile—lots of projects require nothing more than a drill and a jigsaw. Here’s how to do more and do it … Read moreHow to Use a Jigsaw: 12 Tips for Better Skills

How to Drill a Screw into a Wall How to avoid ‘cam-out’ frustration In theory, driving screws is goof-proof. Just turn the screw and it goes in. But there’s one common frustration: The bit sometimes slips or “cams out,” gnawing away at the screw head. In an instant, you’re stuck with a partially driven screw, … Read moreHow to Drill a Screw into a Wall