Handyman2010 10

Handyman
THE FAMILY #1 i n DIY Home Improvement

Hot new trucks &
SUVs for DIYers
Can this
be DIY?
You bet!
Can this
be DIY?
You bet!
Work in your
main electrical
boxand live
to tell about it!
Work in your
main electrical
boxand live
to tell about it!
Take tile WAY beyond the
ordinary with our pro tips
Take tile WAY beyond the
ordinary with our pro tips
Build a classy display
shelf in 1 morning
Give your
vanity a
weekend
facelift
Hot new trucks &

SUVs for DIYers
Build a classy display
shelf in 1 morning
Give your
vanity a
weekend
facelift
Oct ober 2010
Our Annual Ki tchen & Bath Speci al
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2 October 2010 f a m i l y h a n d y m a n . c o m
82 Brag Board
An unbelievably
beautiful playhouse.
84 Reader Projects Contest
A mans place is in the...
Converted bus? Home tavern?
90 Wordless Workshop
Take charge of your chargers.

92 Great Goofs
A picture-perfect countertop,
punctured; and an ice dam
big enough to sink the Titanic.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Features
27 Faucet finds
We went hunting for new
faucets and found some gems.
36 Glass tile vanity top
Maybe you cant replace that
old vanity right nowbut you
can give it a fabulous new top.
44 Pro tile tips
Our tile expert tells all:
how to set stone, porcelain,
large tile and more!
52 Add an electrical circuit
Heres the safest way to open
the breaker box, wire a new
breaker and test your work.
60 Saturday morning shelf
Got a few hours? Build our
handsome display shelf.
N
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6 The Stuff We Love
Battery-powered weed whips
and yup, even chain saws.
14 Home Care
Fix a window jamb liner
and repair a water dispenser.
18 Handy Hints
Bottomless soap dispenser,

clog-free belt sanding and more.
22 Tools & Skills
Paper-faced corner bead is easy
to installand it wont crack.
Departments
62 Question & Comment
Installing your own solid-
surface countertops, replacing
a water heater valve and
winterizing mini blinds.
68 Car & Garage
Vehicles for DIYers to love
check out the 2011 SUV and
truck lineup!
78 Shop Rat
The ultimate clamp rack, a
workbench power strip and
a new use for hockey pucks.
44 52
36
OCTOBER 2010
VOLUME 60, NO. 9, 512th EDITION
6
Cover Photo TOM FENENGA
27
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When you reach into your toolbox, you want a tool you can rely on. That tool
is Kobalt the tool you can count on project after project. In fact, Kobalt hand
and mechanics tools are backed by a lifetime hassle-free guarantee. So stop
by your nearest Lowes to test drive one today, or visit Lowes.com/Kobalt.
2010 by Lowes. All rights reserved. Lowes, the gable design,
Kobalt, and the K design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.
Available only at
familyhandyman.com
Questions about subscriptions?
For new and gift subscriptions, a change of address, or help
with a subscription problem, write to: The Family Handyman
Subscriber Service Dept., Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-1599,
or call (800) 285-4961. Or send us an e-mail at
FHMservice@rd.com. Allow two issues for address changes.
Customer information
Readers Digest may share information about you with rep-
utable companies so they can offer you products and services
of likely interest to you. If you dont want us to share this
information, please write to: Readers Digest Mailing List,
Attn.: Circ. Dept., Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-1599. Please
include a copy of your address label.
Back issues/article copies
Some past issues are still available for $5.00 each.
Photocopies of articles are available for $3.00 each. Call
(800) 285-4961 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday
through Friday, for availability and ordering, or write to:
Back Issues, The Family Handyman, Attn.: Back Issues/
Articles, Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-1599. Or send us an
e-mail at FHMservice@rd.com.
Comments and suggestions
We welcome your ideas and opinions. Write to:
The Editor, The Family Handyman,
2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700,
Eagan, MN 55121. Fax: (651) 994-2250.
E-mail: editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
Contributor Guidelines
We pay $100 for Handy Hints
, Great Goofs
, Shop Rat and

Wordless Workshop
submissions that we publish. Submit

your original contribution, along with photos or sketches,
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or mail to: The Family Handyman
2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121
Please include your name, mailing address and e-mail
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By submitting material (text, photos and illustrations) for
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material in any and all media and in any manner or appropri-
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print, you will receive $100.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Editor in Chief Ken Collier
Senior Editors Travis Larson, Gary Wentz
Associate Editors Elisa Bernick, Mary Flanagan,
Jeff Gorton
Senior Copy Editor Donna Bierbach
Art Directors Vern Johnson, Becky Pfluger,
Marcia Roepke
Production Artist Mary Schwender
Photographer Tom Fenenga
Contributing Editors Spike Carlsen, Rick Muscoplat
Office Administrative Manager Alice Garrett
Financial Assistant Steven Charbonneau
Admin. Editorial Assistant Roxie Filipkowski
Production Manager Judy Rodriguez
ED I T OR I A L OF F I C E
The Family Handyman
2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700
Eagan, MN 55121; 651-454-9200
Vice President, Publisher Lora Gier
Associate Publisher, Sales Chris Dolan
Marketing Assistant Betsy Connors
Advertising Coordinator Barbara Berezowski
Ad Finance Director Lorri DAmico
AD V E R T I S I NG SA L E S OF F I C E S
Main Office
260 Madison Ave., Fifth Floor
New York, NY 10016
212-850-7226, 212-696-9519 (fax)
New York Greg Messina, John Dyckman,
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Phone: 212-850-7226; Fax: 212-696-9519
Midwest Carl Benson, John Oldakowski,
Julie Stuber (Sales Assistant)
Phone: 312-540-4802; Fax: 312-540-9556
West Coast Catherine Marcussen, 323-205-0409
Southern States Dan Kellner Phone: 972-529-9687
Classified and Small Display Advertising
The McNeill Group, Inc.
Don Serfass, Sales Director, 215-321-9662
TH E F A MI LY H A ND Y MA N D I GI TA L GR OUP
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Associate Editor Mary Flanagan
Senior Web Designer Cathy Zoulek
Community Manager Erik Bergstrom
Director, Internet Technology Bruce Schmidt
Senior Web Analyst Jessica Tomash
CONS UME R MA R K E T I NG
Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Karpinski
VP, Circulation Marketing Dave Fiegel
U. S. AF F I NI T I E S
VP, Integrated Sales & Marketing Maureen Polo
Senior Executive Director, Jennifer Toth
Integrated Sales & Marketing
VP, Creative Director Paul Livornese
VP Sales, Digital FEAST Amber Dunn
PUBLISHED BY HOME SERVICE PUBLICATIONS, INC.,
A SUBSIDIARY OF
THE READERS DIGEST ASSOCIATION, INC.
President & Chief Executive Officer Mary G. Berner
President, North American Suzanne Grimes
Affinities and India
The Family Handyman (ISSN: 0014-7230) (USPS: 515-930).
Volume 60, No. 9, 512th Edition. Published monthly (except
bimonthly in July/August, December/January) by Home Service
Publications, Inc., 5400 S. 60th St., Greendale, WI 53129.
Periodicals postage paid at Greendale, WI, and at additional mail-
ing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Family
Handyman Subscriber Service Dept., Box 6099, Harlan, IA 51593-
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possessions, $24 for one year (10 issues). For countries outside the
U.S.A., subscriptions are $28.97 per year in American currency.
Canadian GST registration number R123771891. CPM agreement
number 1447815. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2010 Home
Service Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized repro-
duction, in any manner, is prohibited. The Family Handyman,
Handy Hints and Great Goofs are registered trademarks of RD
Publications, Inc. Wordless Workshop, Workshop Tips and are
trademarks of RD Publications, Inc. Subscribers: If the U.S.
Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable,
we have no further obligation unless we receive a new address
within one year.
#1 in DIY Home Improvement since 1951
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6 October 2010 f a m i l y h a n d y m a n . c o m f a m i l y h a n d y m a n . c o m October 2010 6
Tools & Gear, DIY and Beyond
THE STUFF
WE LOVE
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com
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Mitt
protectors
When I was young, I considered
greasy hands a sign of manliness
real work was getting done. Now that
I know how dangerous some of those
chemicals really are, I think working
without gloves is a bad idea. I wear
nitrile gloves for every project
involving chemicals, even
nonautomotive repairs.
I choose nitrile (vs. vinyl or latex)
gloves because they not only keep
my hands clean and safe from
solvents but also provide that
skin-on-bolt feel. So I can start
screws and bolts and pick up small
parts as if my hands were bare. I also
like that theyre puncture resistant
and cheap (Eppco Black Gold Nitrile
Mechanics gloves cost $15 per box of
100 at jcwhitney.com.) I look for
nitrile gloves that are at least 5 mil
thick and have textured fingers for
better gripping. Nitrile isnt as stretchy
as latex, so I always buy one size
larger than I would normally wear.
Rick Muscoplat, Contributing Editor
and Our Resident Gearhead
Dr. Rick is in.
Time for your exam!
Recommended
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cabotstain.com
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A chain saw
for scaredy cats
This rechargeable 18-volt P542 Ryobi chain saw arrived at the office a
few weeks ago. The tough guys around here thought it was a joke. Then
one of our rock-star art directors, Becky Pfluger, came to me and asked
how she should trim all her dead pine branches. I sent her home with
the saw along with a boatload of safety advice.
She called me the next night to rave about the saw. I love this thing.
I wore out before the battery did. It took a full minute, but I cut off an
8-inch-thick branch, and finally, can I keep it...please?
Battery-powered saws dont pack the same power as plug-in electric or
gas-powered units, but if you need a light-duty saw or hate starting engines
or hassling with extension cords, this thing is for you. Especially if you have
other 18-volt lithium Ryobi tools that you can swap batteries with for larger
jobs; it comes with only one. Find this saw at Home Depot for about $120.
Travis Larson
No-fuss weed trimmer
I have a commercial weed whip/brush cutter. Gas engine, harness, lots of power, the whole deal. But I never use it. I
dont want to hassle with mixing gas, starting the thing, harnessing it up, the noise, stench, etc., so the weeds have
been growing uncheckeduntil now. I got hold of a Worx lithium-ion rechargeable trimmer/edger. I just pick it up, walk
out to the yard and pull the trigger. Zero hassle. The battery holds enough power to whip every weed or stray grass blade in
the yard. What really sets it apart from other battery-powered trimmers is this: You can rotate the head 90 degrees, and it rides
on wheels to morph into an edger for cutting along sidewalks or around garden beds. Find one at worxyardtools.com for $120.
Travis Larson
Im a gardener, and my favorite gardening tool is a Japanese
weeding knife (aka Hori Hori digging tool). Its indispensable for
planting or transplanting small bedding plants and bulbs; getting
the deepest, most stubborn weed roots (read dandelions); and
virtually any other hands-on dirt-busting chore. I use it for sawing
roots, cutting open packages and all kinds of other tasks. Ive had
mine for 20 years, so its clearly durable. Youll find them at
gardening centers or online (search for hori hori knife). They cost
$20 and up. The one shown cost $25 at duluthtrading.com. Banzai!
Susan Bohlen,
Reader Contributor
Ninja gardening
Im a
lumberjack
and Im
OK!
Try our easy-2-handle
bag, now made with 50% recycled material. Your family will enjoy
the soft water, and youll enjoy knowing that our bag is a little easier on the environment.
Visit diamondcrystalsalt.com for more information.
For illustration purposes only. Children should not attempt to carry without adult permission and supervision.
Robotic
gutter cleaner
The Looj 125 robotic gutter cleaner from
iRobot looked like a silly gimmick thatd
never workbut being the sucker I am, I
bought one! Turns out it does work, plus it
saves me hours of climbing up and down ladders.
And it keeps me from dangerously hanging my
kiester over the roof edge to clean my gutters. You
have to climb up a ladder to access one end of each
gutter to get it started. Then you operate it with a
remoteforward and backwarduntil the gutter is clean.
The Looj 125 works by spinning a soft rubber paddle while
propelling itself through the gutter with two rubber tracks just
like a bulldozer. It took about 10 minutes to clean a 60-ft.-long
gutter section that was plenty clogged with a stew of leaves, dirt and
twigs. Some blockages may have to be removed manually, though this
robot will cut the number of times you get saddled with that task. I do
wish it had a bit more torque for the auger. Overall, Im pretty happy with
this thing. Plus, for once, a gimmick didnt hoodwink me. The Looj 125 starts at
$129; replacement auger units are $15. See the different models and order from
iRobot.com (800-727-9077).
Steve Shilling, Field Editor
No more
deer buffet table
When it comes to landscaping, I run the show
here at Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. Our
campus is situated in a 112-acre forest setting,
and in early spring, you can practically see the
deer waiting with a fork, knife and bib to feast on
the new plantings. Last year we took action. My
grounds foreman, Andrew Beck, took great care
to plant pansies this past March at each of our entrances. Immediately after planting the
flowers, we sprayed Plantskydd deer repellent thoroughly around the perimeter of the bed and
lightly coated the pansies as well. Not one flower was eaten after we sprayed. If we hadnt
sprayed, we would have lost thousands of dollars in manpower and plantings. I highly
recommend Plantskydd. Gus Feudale, Field Editor
Editors Note: This stuff
is made from cow or pig
blood, vegetable oil and
water. Gross, maybe, but at
least its natural! A 1-qt.
spray bottle, which will
handle 100 plants, is $22,
and a 1.32-gallon jug is
$55. Go to plantskydd.com
(800-252-6051) to order
directly or to find retailers.
STINK PROTECTOR
NOT INCLUDED
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Etch-A-Sketch
for dummies
The Sketch-it clipboard is so simple that youll
wonder why no one ever thought of it before. Theres a
whole series of micro-grooves etched in the writing surface for your pen or
pencil to follow beneath the paper. Just start drawing and youll have
perfectly parallel lines, right and left, up and down, scaled at exactly 1/4 in.
to the foot apart. Perfect for drawing quick plans. If youre a contractor and
youre sketching deck or addition ideas in front of clients, theyll think
youre Frank Lloyd Wright! And the plans might just be good enough to get
you a building permit for simple projects. Dont try writing on it; your text
will look like a third-graders penmanship. Pens work better than pencils.
Go to Sketch-it.com to look it over and watch a really low-quality demo
video. Order one for $20 while youre there.
Water smarter, not harder
So, youre short on time but you need to water the grass in the
front yard and the veggie garden in the back. Thanks to this
tough-as-nails L.R. Nelson faucet adapter, you can do both at
once. The adapter lets you hook up more than one hose to the
same faucet and run them together or separately without
having to mess around. It comes in two versions: a two-outlet
(shown; $22 at gardeners.com) and a four-outlet ($25).
Brass versions have been around forever. But this tough
plastic one has finger-friendly controls and spring
dampers to relieve stress on hose ends. Sweet.
MICRO-GROOVES
GUIDE YOUR PENCIL
I my vinyl shop floor
Im the Shop Rat and I live on p. 78. When us rats
arent hanging out down in the sewer, were
usually roaming around a shop floor. My shop floor
is vinyl composition tile, which I love. Other rats
might be fond of epoxy, but not this rodent. Im
talking about the real 1/8-in.-thick stuff like we
had in our classrooms decades ago, not the flimsy
peel-and-stick stuff. Paws-down, I think vinyl tile is
the ultimate woodshop floor. Its so:
Cheap. I bought these special-order

Armstrong tiles at Home Depot for 80 a
square foot (stock colors are 50). Add adhe-
sive, finish coat and a couple of notched trow-
els and the price soars to 90 a foot. Thats
cheap! I challenge you to find a better-look-
ing, lower-maintenance and easier-care floor.
Pretty. (Some rats do care.) You can choose

from dozens of colors.
Interesting. Borders, checkerboards and even

circles are possible. (The inset circle shown above
serves as a landing pad for my fire pole.)
Easy to clean. Its so smooth that brooming

and dust mopping are a breeze. Every three
years, I strip and refinish it to a like-new finish.
Nonstick. Drips from glue, varnish and just

about anything else can be easily scraped off
with a chisel.
Fixable. Havent done it yet, but if I want to

replace damaged tiles, I know I can heat them a
bit, peel them up and glue down a new tile.
Forgivin g. Dropped edge tools or anything

breakable has a good shot at surviving.
Downsides? Although I dont constantly park
cars on my vinyl floor, I pull them in for brake
jobs and engine work. The stains from car fluids
are usually cleanable. But sharp gravel and steel
wheels can scratch the tile. It is plastic, after all.
Travis Larson
October 2010 13
FIRE POLE
LANDING
PAD
ARMSTRONG COLORS
1 REMOVE THE SASH
Push in on the jamb liner while you pull out
on the top corner of the sash. Release the
opposite side using the same technique.
Then pivot the sash downward and tilt it
sideways to remove it.
3 Find the information youll need to
order new jamb liners stamped on the
metal balance cartridges.
by Jeff Gorton
HOME
CARE &
REPAIR
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2 PRY OUT THE JAMB LINER
Starting at the bottom, wedge a stiff putty
knife into the crack between the jamb liner
and the window stop. Pry the jamb liner
flange out from under the stop. Then slide
the putty knife upward to release the jamb
liner.
Fix a broken
window jamb
liner
Modern double-hung windows (the
upper and lower window sashes slide
up and down past each other) dont use
pulleys and sash weights to support the
sash (the moving part of the window).
Instead they have liners on each side
that contain a spring assembly. If your
sash wont stay in the raised position,
chances are that some part of the jamb
liner hardware is broken. You might be
able to spot a broken cord or other sign
of problem by looking closely as you
open and close the window. If you
determine that the jamb liner mecha-
nism is broken, you can fix it by replac-
ing both jamb liners.
The first step is to find a source for
the new jamb liners. The original man-
ufacturer is the best source of replace-
ment parts. If you dont know what
brand your window is and cant find a
label, search online for a window
repair parts specialist that can help
you. Companies like Blaine Window
Hardware at blainewindow.com (800-
678-1919) can identify the jamb liner
and send you new ones. But you may
have to remove the jamb liner first and
send in a sliver of it. Another option is
to scan or photocopy the end profile of
the jamb liner and e-mail the image to
the parts supplier. Temporarily rein-
stall the old jamb liner and sash to
secure the house while youre waiting
for the new parts to arrive.
The photos show how to remove a
common type of jamb liner on a Marvin
window. Photo 3 shows where to find
the information youll need to order a
new Marvin jamb liner. Start by tilting
out the sash (Photo 1). Then remove the
jamb liner (Photo 2). If youre handy and
want to save money, you can repair the
jamb liner instead of replacing it. To
see how, go to familyhandyman.com
and search for window repair.
JAMB
LINER
SASH
WINDOW
STOP
JAMB
LINER
BALANCE
CARTRIDGE
JAMB LINER
PART NUMBER
BROKEN
CORD
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The Life Improvement Store
Made by the Garcias
Designed by IKEA
Sparky loves cleanup. Now, Lisa doesnt mind it either. Her new kitchen feels custom designed
with integrated appliances and lighting. And she got everything she needed for it in one place.
A complete kitchen made exactly how Lisa dreamed itwithout laying off her favorite
little dishwasher. Dream your very own kitchen at IKEA-USA.com/kitchen
AKURUM kitchen with DEL doors and drawer fronts $6529 Medium brown stained and clear
lacquered solid birch/birch veneer DEL doors/drawer fronts. Requires assembly and installation.
*The total price includes cabinets, fronts, interior shelving, drawer and door dampers, hinges,
toekicks, legs, visible moldings and panels. Countertops, sinks, faucets, handles and knobs,
appliances and lighting are sold separately. See IKEA store or IKEA-USA.com for limited warranty
details. Valid in US stores. See IKEA store for country of origin information and 10'10' kitchen
layout details.
E
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LITY - LIM
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YEAR YEAR
AKURUM/DEL kitchen*
Starting at
$
1999
Based on 10'10' kitchen
Repair your leaking
water dispenser
If you have a water dispenser in the
door of your refrigerator and notice
water on the floor when you fill a glass,
the vinyl tubing that runs under the
refrigerator could be leaking. To find
out, pull the refrigerator forward a lit-
tle. Then tip it back and prop up the
front feet on blocks of wood. Look
underneath and ask someone to dis-
pense a glass of water. If the tubes leak-
ing, youll see it.
The fix is simple. Photos 1 3 show the
steps. Cut out the section of damaged
tubing and take it with you to the home
center or hardware store. Buy a new
section of vinyl tubing and one or two
quick-connect couplings. If you dont
have a quick-connect coupling on one
end of the damaged tube as shown in
Photo 1, then cut the tubing in two spots
and join it with two new quick-connect
couplings.
The tubing for icemakers can also get
damaged and leak. So if you ever notice
water on the floor under your refrigera-
tor, check for a leaking tube and repair
it using the process we show here.
1 DISCONNECT THE LEAKING TUBE
Disconnect one end of the leaking tube by pressing in on the inner ring with a needle-
nose pliers to release the tube. If there isnt a quick-connect coupling, simply cut the tube
with a sharp utility knife.
2 CUT OUT THE DAMAGED SECTION OF TUBE
Cut off the damaged tubing with a sharp utility knife. Dont use a
side cutters; itll distort the tubing and prevent a good seal with
the quick-connect coupling.
3 SPLICE IN A NEW SECTION OF TUBING
Quick-connect couplings simplify this repair. Just push cut ends of
the tubing into the coupling for a leak-free connection.
QUICK-CONNECT
COUPLING
LEAKY
TUBE
LEAKY TUBE
NEW TUBING
QUICK-CONNECT
COUPLING
f a m i l y h a n d y m a n . c o m October 2010 17
Install an automatic fan switch
to prevent dampness and mold
If you just turn your bath fan on when you start
a shower and off when you leave the room, it
doesnt run long enough to remove excess humid-
ity. If you leave the fan running too long, youll
waste energy.
A new fan control switch called DewStop
solves both problems. It calculates when conden-
sation will occur and turns the fan on and off
automatically to keep the humidity at an accept-
able level. This computerized switch is a vast
improvement over the humidistats that have been
around for years. You simply replace the switch
or timer that controls the fan with the DewStop
switch ($59). Its available online at dewstop.com
or from online retailers. If youre replacing a dou-
ble switch that controls the fan and the light,
order the $69 version that includes a light switch.
2 INSTALLED SWITCH
The new switch fits in the same spot as the old switch.
You may have to buy a new cover plate, though.
Dry clothes quicker
with a dryer duct booster
If it takes forever for your clothes to dry, the prob-
lem could be the dryer duct. A dryer vent duct
thats too long reduces the airflow and wastes
energy. Most dryer manufacturers recommend a
maximum duct length of about 25 ft. But the catch
is that every bend in the pipe is equivalent to
about 5 ft. of straight pipe. It adds up quickly.
A company called Tjernlund Products (search
online for Tjernlund duct booster) has a solu-
tion. For about $250, you can buy a dryer duct
booster that switches on automatically when it
senses airflow through the duct. The booster also
has a specially designed fan that wont clog with
lint, unlike less expensive boosters.
Mount the booster to the wall or ceiling at least 10
ft. from the dryer and in the path of the existing vent.
Connect the vent to the booster and plug it in.
1 REPLACE YOUR FAN SWITCH WITH A DEWSTOP SWITCH
Follow the instructions included with the DewStop switch. Make sure the
power is off before you touch any wires in the box.
HOT WIRES
NEUTRAL WIRES
GROUND
WIRES
TO FAN
SWITCHED
WIRE TO FAN
DEWSTOP FAN
CONTROL
TO
OUTSIDE
OUTLET
FOIL DUCT
TAPE
TO
DRYER
HANDY
HINTS
from our readers
handyhints@thefamilyhandyman.com
Clog-free
belt
sanding
Last spring, I was cleaning
some new treated deck
boards with my belt sander
to prep the wood for a
semitransparent stain. All
the gunk on the boards
kept clogging up the belt.
To keep the belt clean and
make it last longer, I
screwed a wire brush to
the sawhorse and every so
often touched the running
belt to the brush. It cleaned
the belt up nicelyand my
new deck looks great!
Donald Honigford
Bottomless
soap dispenser
We have one of those pump
soap dispensers built
into the sink top.
Convenient, yes,
but the reservoir
was so small that we were con-
stantly refilling it. Heres how I
solved it. I replaced the plastic
straw on the pump base with a
few feet of plastic tubing and
then bought a large bottle of soap
and placed it in the cabinet under
the sink. I stuck the other
end of the tubing
into the bottle,
which lasts for
months!
David Baker
Ladle, not pour
When you need a small amount of paint, dont pour it out of
the can. Use a soup ladle! You wont mess up the can rim or
slop paint down the side, and you can ladle out exactly what
you need. Bon appetit!
Ann Hatzung
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Get $100 for
your Handy Hint!
See p. 4 for details.
TUBING
SOAP
FHMOct10_18-21+.qxp:l 8/25/10 3:28 PM Page 18
GMC.COM/ SIERRA
We didnt simply engineer the most powerful Sierra HD ever. We engineered the rst Denali HD ever. It offers plenty of
capability, with up to 2,631 lbs of payload* and up to 15,600 lbs of fth-wheel trailering.** And it comes with the chrome
grille and uplevel interior you expect in a Denali. The new Sierra Denali HD from GMC. WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE.
With available Duramax Diesel engine on 4WD 2500 Denali HD. *Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. **Maximum trailer ratings are calculated
assuming a properly equipped base vehicle, plus driver. See dealer for details. 2010 General Motors. All rights reserved. Denali
Duramax
GMC
Sierra
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH IT?
WHAT CANT YOU DO WITH IT?
THE FIRST-EVER SIERRA DENALI HD.
Magic poultice
for oil-stained grout
Our tiled kitchen countertops and floor looked
terrible because of all the grease stains in the
grout. I tried everything to get them out, but noth-
ing worked until I found this two-step solution.
First, make a thick paste of baking soda and water
and spoon it over the oil stains. Tape plastic over
it and let it sit for 24 hours. Then make slits in the
plastic and let it dry until theres no more mois-
ture left in the paste (another 24 hours). Remove
the plastic, sweep away the baking soda and
voilclean grout!
Elsie Rayber
Easy nailing in awkward spots
Nailing small fasteners in hard-to-reach spots can be really frus-
trating, especially for people with large hands. I came up with
this solution. Poke the fastener through a foam brush.
You can hold the brush handle while you hammer
the nail home and then just pull the foam end free
through the nail head. Easy, cheap and effective!
Michael Munro
Quick key-fob fix
If your key fob or TV remote stops working, try this fix before
shelling out the dough for an expensive replacement. Take the
cover off the fob and use a clean pencil eraser to remove the
gummy stuff where the buttons touch the circuit
board. Then use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing
alcohol to clean the same area. Reassemble the fob
or remote and it should work like new!
Nick Sertell
Digital periscope
A digital camera is one of the handiest DIY
tools I own. Its perfect for peering into
places where your head wont fit. Use it to
read inaccessible product labels, like the
ones that list the model and serial number
of a water heater or furnace. Theyre often
deep inside the front panel. You can even
mount your camera on a pole and peer
into gutters or your chimney, or check out
the roof without a ladder.
Andrew Jones
OIL
STAIN
BAKING SODA
AND WATER
KEY FOB
RUBBING
ALCOHOL
Traditional metal corner bead is
tedious and time consuming to install,
and if you dont cover it with tape, its
likely to develop cracks along the
edges. Luckily theres an alternative
thats simpler to install and wont
crack. If youre an old-school carpenter
like me, youve probably dismissed
paper-faced corner bead as an inferior
DIY product, but trust me, once you try
it, youll never go back.
Youll find paper-faced corner bead
alongside standard metal corners in
home centers and drywall supply
stores. It costs a little more, about $3 for
an 8-ft. length vs. $2 for metal bead. But
its worth every penny.
Pros use a special hopper to apply
joint compound to the corner bead and
an expensive rolling tool to embed the
bead, but you can get the same benefits
using a 3-in. stiff putty knife, a 5- or
6-in. flexible putty knife and a spray
bottle filled with water. Heres how to
install paper-faced corner bead, includ-
ing a few tips to simplify the job and
avoid problems.
TOOLS
&SKILLS
by Jeff Gorton
New-age drywall corner bead
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FHMOct10ToolsSkills+.qxp 8/25/10 3:40 PM Page 22
D8JK<I F= 8CC
K?@E>J ?8I;N8I@8E
Tools, products and expert advice for all your project needs.
startrightstarthere.com
3 MIST THE BEAD
Wetting the paper covering on the corner bead helps create a
better bond and better adhesion and cuts down on wrinkles. Do
this by spritzing the corner bead before you stick it to the wall.
You dont have to soak the corner bead; just dampen it a bit.
4 POSITION THE BEAD
Press the dampened corner bead into the joint compound with
your fingers. Run your fingers up and down while pressing evenly
on both sides to embed and center the corner bead.
1 CUT IT WITH TIN SNIPS
If you need to cut pieces to length, simply hold the bead in place,
mark the cut, and cut the bead with tin snips. Where pieces run
to the floor, cut them about 1/2 in. short. The baseboard will
cover the gap.
2 MUD THE CORNER
Spread a thick layer of all-purpose joint compound on both sides
of the corner and smooth it off with a putty knife. Avoid light-
weight joint compound because it doesnt adhere as well to the
corner bead. Strive for an even, consistent layer of joint com-
pound about 1/8 in. thick. Dont leave any thin or dry spots.
PAPER
FACE
METAL
INSIDE
PAPER-FACED
CORNER BEAD
6" PUTTY
KNIFE
5 EMBED THE TAPE
After positioning the bead, wipe and smooth off excess joint
compound with a 5- or 6-in. putty knife. Press the edge of
the tape with the knife blade to ensure a tight bond with the
drywall.
6 USE STAPLES TO ALIGN CORNERS
Beads that intersect at corners have to align perfectly where
they meet. But without nails to hold them in place, the beads
can slide out of position. The solution is to slide the corner
bead into alignment with the adjoining bead and hold it in
place with a few staples.
ALIGN
CORNERS
5" KNIFE
EMBEDDED
CORNER
7 CHECK THE CORNER
WITH YOUR BLADE
A perfectly positioned corner bead pro-
trudes slightly at the corner to allow a void
for joint compound. After you place the
bead, check for a void by setting your 6-in.
putty knife against the corner to make sure
theres a space under it. Check both sides
in several places along the length of the
corner. Slide the corner in or out to make
adjustments. Use staples to hold the cor-
ner in place if it wont stay put.
8 SCRAPE AWAY EXCESS
MUD BEFORE IT HARDENS
Scraping dried joint compound
from the corner can damage
the paper tape. Remove excess
joint compound before it hard-
ens. Carefully slide a putty knife
along the outside edge to knock
off excess joint compound.
9 FINISH UP WITH TWO MORE COATS
OF JOINT COMPOUND
After the embedding coat of mud is dry, apply another
coat of joint compound and smooth it. Do a final coat
after the second coat dries. Sand the corner with
150-grit drywall sandpaper mounted on a drywall
sander. Sand carefully and only enough to blend the
joint compound into the drywall and remove high spots.
If you sand too much, youll damage the paper face on
the corner bead. If you do sand through the joint com-
pound and create a fuzzy area, cover it with a thin layer
of joint compound and resand when it dries.
DRY JOINT
COMPOUND SECOND
COAT
DAMAGED
PAPER
VOID FOR
MUD
We went
hunting
for new
faucets
and
found
some
treasures
that
will
A faucet is the hardest working part
of your house. Think about how
many times a day you use it and
how tough life is when its not working.
But aside from supplying water, a
faucet can deliver the wow to your
kitchen or bathroom. Your faucet is like a piece of func-
tional artwork, says kitchen designer Mary Jane Pappas.
Its design and the way it feels in your hand have a major
impact on the mood of your entire room.
Sure, you can buy a basic faucet for $50. But youre like-
ly to get something nondescript that will cost you more in
the long run for repairs or replacement. Spend about $250,
however, and youll get something spectacular thats
packed with features and will last your lifetime. You can
also spend a lot more on style, high-tech features and
exotic finishes. You can even buy a faucet that lets you
check your e-mail! (Check out the ultra-cool faucets at
trendir.com.) Here are just a few of the gems we found.
add
practical
pizzazz
to your
kitchen
and
bath
aucet
finds
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by Elisa Bernick
editors@thefamily-
handyman.com
FHMOct10_27-34+.qxp 8/25/10 3:53 PM Page 27
Kohlers touchless
battery-powered gooseneck
faucet (K-10952-4-CP) for
single-hole installations has
a mixer handle that allows
you to preset the water
temperature. It features
solid brass construction
and includes a 6-volt
lithium battery that lasts
three to five years.
$516 at homedepot.com
Not completely touchless,
Deltas Pilar Waterfall
high-arc faucet lets you tap
it on and off with your
forearm, elbow or any other
body part. The handle adjusts
the flow rate and tempera-
ture, and the faucet operates
manually, too. $400 at online
retailers and home centers.
deltafaucet.com
Nearly hands-free,
Brizos Talo faucet
with SmartTouch
technology is activated
by a light touch
anywhere on its spout
or handle. An LED light
indicates when
SmartTouch is active
and the faucet is on.
$460 at online retailers.
brizo.com
Totos Axiom EcoPower faucet uses a small internal turbine
to generate its own electricity when the water runs. Isnt
that cool? It has to be used 10 times a day to stay fully
charged, so its best in high-traffic areas. $700 at online
retailers. totousa.com
Hands-free, sensor-activated faucets are moving beyond
public restrooms into residential bathrooms and kitchens.
Why would you want one? Aside from the cool factor, they
save water by automatically switching the flow on and off
while you shave or brush your teeth. They also help pre-
vent the spread of germs, which can be a big deal with kids
and is nice in the kitchen when you have raw chicken on
your hands. Just make sure yours has an override switch
that lets you keep the water running when you want to fill
pots. Most are powered by standard AA batteries or can
be hard-wired to a 120-volt circuit, and some even gener-
ate their own power.
Hands-free operation
The Lumino faucet has a storage cell that transforms light into
electrical energy. The illuminated ring visually indicates the
water temperature. $550 at online retailers. sloanvalve.com
Shop where the pros shop to get high-end
faucets for less. Check out plumbing supply
stores, irawoods.com and faucetdepot.com.
The finish affects the cost. Chrome is the least
expensive. Color finishes, nickel, oil-rubbed bronze,
and stainless add $50 to $250 to the price.
For reviews and ratings of faucets
and faucet manufacturers, visit
starcraftcustombuilders.com.
Its as friendly to
the environment as it
is to your budget.
The more efficient a system, the less fuel it uses and the better it is for the environment. ENERGY STAR
- qualified
York Affinity
Furnaces have an off - the- charts 98%

**
efficiency rating. As a matter of fact, the York Affinity
Modulating Furnace is the most efficient gas- fired residential furnace on the market today. Rather than simply
switching on or off, it works like a dimmer switch evenly replacing the amount of heat leaving the home and
automatically adjusting itself to maintain the desired temperature setting. Quiet, eco- friendly Affinity systems
save energy, money, and the planet. Now that feels nice. Call your York Dealer at 800-910-YORK to learn more.
Visit us online at yorkupg.com/comfort.
**Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings up to 98% on select models, and no lower than 97.5% on all models with variable- speed motors.
*Offers only available on select products. Call your participating York Dealer for promotion dates and details. Only available through registered York Dealers.
The eco-friendly York Affinity

Series Furnaces and Heat Pumps.
UP TO $1,300 INSTANT CASH BACK
*
UP TO $1,500 TAX CREDIT
CASH BACK CAN ALSO BE APPLIED TO EXTENDED WARRANTIES OR FINANCING OFFERS
There are lots of water-saving faucets on the market, and
manufacturers have gotten much better at balancing con-
servation and performance so you dont have to sacrifice a
strong stream to save water. Most water-saving faucets use
special aerators that increase airflow to compensate for
decreased water flow, giving you the same flow strength
as other faucets. Youll find a huge variety of EPA
WaterSensecertified faucets for the bathroom, and the
choices for kitchen faucets are on the rise. Most let you tog-
gle between two or three flow rates.
Water-savers
The Pasadena lavatory faucet is a stylish, economical
and eco-friendly option from Price Pfister. Prices range
from $58 to $98, depending on the finish, at home
centers and pricepfister.com.
Totos Ryohan EcoPower lavatory faucet is a sleek,
water-saving, hands-free model that uses a small internal
turbine to generate its own electricity when the water runs.
Beautiful and spendy. $1,824. totousa.com
Moens Dorsey eco-performance
faucet is a budget-friendly, low-
flow option for the kitchen. It
has a traditional-style pullout
spout and three water-flow set-
tings. $178 at Lowes.
The highest quality faucets are made of solid
brass. These are especially recommended for hard-
water areas where corrosion is a problem.
Better valve systems are worth every
penny. Leak-free, washerless ceramic
disks and cartridges can last your lifetime.
Deltas Leland kitchen faucet offers water efficiency in a
high-arc pull-down model with a spout that swivels 360
degrees for complete sink access. $287 at home centers
and online retailers. deltafaucet.com
Kohlers Revival wall-mount lavatory
faucet (shown on our cover) keeps
countertops uncluttered. $500 and
up at online retailers. us.kohler.com
Danzes Opulence lavatory wall-mount
faucet lends old-world style to any bath.
$270 at online retailers. danze.com
Two-handle faucets are cheaper and
give you precise temperature control. But
single-handle faucets are easier to use.
Price Pfisters
Contempra is a modern
low-flow lavatory
faucet with an easy-
to-operate joystick
handle. $89 in chrome
and $99 in brushed
nickel at home centers.
pricepfister.com
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Pull-down and pullout faucets are the most popular style.
They let you move the water to where its neededlike the
farthest corners of your sink or on top of your counter. Most
are designed for kitchens, but there are a few for bathrooms,
too. Pullouts are shorter than pull-
downs and may fit better in smaller
kitchens with overhead cabinets.
Pull-down models have high-arc
spouts, which give you more
working room in your sink but
can splash more. Buttons or tog-
gles on the spray nozzle let you
pause the flow and switch
between different flow rates
and water patterns.
Kohlers Purist faucet offers a pared-down style that works well
in contemporary or transitional kitchen designs. The pullout
spout has a push-button diverter to switch from stream to
spray. $425. us.kohler.com
IKEAs commercially inspired
HJUVIK single-lever kitchen
faucet includes a flexible dish
sprayer that rises 18 in. above
the countertop. $249 at IKEA
stores and ikea.com
Moens Arbor
single-handle pull-down
faucet in oil-rubbed
bronze is the lowest
priced pull-down avail-
able in that finish. $400
at dealers and special
order at Lowes and
Home Depot.
Price Pfisters
Avanti is the
smallest pull-down
on the market and
works well in compact
kitchens. $178 at
home centers.
Unlike most other kitchen pull-down faucets, Price Pfisters
Petaluma faucet has two handles. $168 at home centers.
Pull-down & Pullout
Be sure the faucet youre considering uses
the same number of mounting holes as your
sink, or get a base plate to cover extra holes.
Two-handle faucets are easier to clean if the han-
dles are 8 in. apart instead of 4 in. Single-handle
faucets are the easiest to clean.
Some faucets are available with extra-long water
supply hoses that are easier to connect lower in the
sink cabinet.

We have had the Sleep Number bed for a few years now and can say it is the
very best investment we have ever made. Back pain was a fact of life for me for years.
After sleeping on the Sleep Number bed, I have improved signicantly. It is amazing
to go to bed in pain and wake up refreshed and pain free.
Janet D., Mt. Vernon, WA
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O
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$
5
0

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*Descriptions of clinical studies conducted on the Sleep Number bed are available
at 1-800-831-1211.
If not satised after 30 nights, call within 45 days of delivery to arrange return. Well
reimburse the purchase price less your initial shipping or Home Delivery and Setup fees.
You pay return shipping. No returns or exchanges on adjustable bases, closeout or demo
bed models.
Restrictions apply. See card for details and expiration date.
2009 Select Comfort
Name_________________________________________________________________
(Please print)
Address_______________________________________________________________
City_________________________________ State______________ Zip___________
Daytime Phone________________________ Ext. 39278
Email___________________________________________________________________
Mail to: Select Comfort, 9800 59th Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55442
Restrictions apply. See card for details and expiration date.
An innerspring mattress
creates uncomfortable
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A Sleep Number
bed
adjusts to your body,
relieving pressure points.
Call Now!
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sleepnumber50.com
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T YES! Please send me a FREE

Brochure, DVD and Pricing.
FIRMNESS ADJUSTS ON EACH SIDE
SOFTER FIRMER
Are You Frustrated by the
Quality of Your Sleep?
Do you toss and turn at night?
Cant seem to nd a comfortable
position? Does your back ache
when you awake? These are signs
that your mattress may not be
supporting you properly, robbing
you of the sleep you need.
SUFFER NO MORE!
You Customize
the Firmness
The Sleep Number Bed by
Select Comfort
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is unlike
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adjust to your exact comfort
and rmness preference, your
SLEEP NUMBER
setting. Our easy-to-use handheld

remote and advanced air-chamber technology allow
you to quickly adjust the rmness from extra rm to
feather soft at the touch of a button.
Each Side of the Bed
Adjusts Independently
Best of all, each side of the SLEEP NUMBER

bed adjusts independently, making it the perfect
bed for couples.
Get Relief from Back Pain
Its the bed clinically proven to relieve back pain and improve
sleep quality. Clinical studies show an amazing 93% of
participants reported back-pain relief while 90% said other aches
and pains were reduced.
*
The Sleep Number
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Makes Innersprings Obsolete
A traditional innerspring mattress offers only
hard metal coils for support. By contrast, the
Sleep Number

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features air-chamber technology that adjusts
to your ideal level of rmness and support.
TRY IT FOR 30 NIGHTS, RISK FREE!
Were so sure youll sleep better, you can take up to one month to
decide, or your money back!
Youve got to sleep on it

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Receive a Special Thank You Gift!
For a limited time, inquire about our revolutionary bed and well
send you a special $50 Savings Card to use toward the purchase
of any Sleep Number bed or accessory items of $100 or more.
Less
Pressure
More
Pressure
Sleep Better On Air

KWCs Eve faucet transforms the stream of water into
a glowing light source thanks to an LED activated by a
switch in the pull-down spray nozzle. Pricey but gorgeous.
$815 or more from online retailers. kwc.com
American Standards Green Tea widespread bathroom
faucet has a pullout wand spout that makes giving your pet
a bath, washing your hair or cleaning the sink area a breeze.
$418. americanstandard-us. com
Most lavatory faucets include the drain assembly,
but most kitchen faucets dont. You have to buy the
drain and basket strainer separately.
Some manufacturers sell faucet bodies
and handles separately, so you can mix
and match styles and finishes.
Gooseneck (high-arc) faucets have
higher clearances for pots but can
cause splashing in a shallow sink.
New faucets are all about convenience and function. Gone
are the nonpivoting spouts and hard-to-turn handles.
Todays faucets feel good in the hand and provide extreme
flexibility to help deliver water where and when you need
it while adding high style to your home. Slim joystick-
style levers have replaced clunky handles; highly articu-
lated spouts fold, lift and stay where you put them; and
wall-mounted faucets can give your room a sleek look and
make cleanup a snap.
Ergonomic Design
IKEAS OXSKAR
single-lever
kitchen faucet is
a study in ultra
modern, easy-to-
use design.
Available in
chrome-plated
brass, its IKEAs
priciest faucet at
$299. Simplicity
doesnt always
come cheap.
ikea.com
Kohlers Karbon
faucet (available
in both wall- and
deck-mounted
kitchen and bath-
room models)
has a pivoting
multijointed
spout that lets
you park the
multifunction
spray head
wherever you
want. At $850
and up, its
pricey but cool.
us.kohler.com
Jabsaw
Sheetrock / Utility
Carpet
Carpet / Roong
The most versatile knife on the market is also the easiest to use.
The Clauss SpeedPaks 10-Blade cartridge system is a piece of cake.
No digging for spare blades or a screwdriver. Just snap the cartridge
into the knife and get a new blade in seconds. Allowing you
to stay sharp. Utility, Hook, Dubbed and Serrated...
4 Blade cartridges, one solution...
SpeedPak.
ClaussCo.com
(800) 835-2263 X126
Quick. Easy And Powerful
Available at
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T
his vanity top would be at home in
any luxury bathroom. Even though
we chose relatively expensive glass
tile, the completed top only cost us a little
over $200, less than half the cost of cus-
tom granite, marble or solid-surface tops.
Glass mosaic tile like we used is perfect for
a project like this because you can adjust
the size of the top to use only full tiles and
avoid cutting. Plus, you can choose from
hundreds of colors, textures and patterns to
create a look thats perfect for your dcor.
Youll be able to finish this project in a weekend
using standard carpentry tools and a 3/16-in.
V-notch trowel, a grout float and a grouting
sponge. A microfiber cloth works better than a cot-
ton rag for cleaning off the grout haze. You can buy
them at home centers, hardware stores and most
discount retailers. Youll also need buckets for
mixing thin-set and grout and for rinse water.
Dont forget a pair of rubber, vinyl or latex gloves
and safety glasses.
Round up the materials
Start by choosing the tile. (This could be the hardest
part!) If your local tile shops or home centers dont
have tile you like, shop online like we did.
Cooltile.com is one source that offers an almost
unlimited selection and reasonable prices. To dupli-
cate our project, choose a 3/4-in. square mosaic
thats 1/8 in. thick and has a mesh backing. Avoid
mosaics that are held together with a removable
paper face. Theyre difficult to install.
by Jeff Gorton
1 DESIGN THE TOP TO AVOID CUTTING TILE
Cut a paper pattern the size of the vanity cabinet and lay it over the tile. That
makes it easy to size the top for full tiles.
glass tile
vanity top
A dramatic weekend face-lift
2 BUILD THE PLYWOOD BASE
Two layers of plywood make a stiff, strong base for the tile. Mark and cut the
plywood carefully to make sure the top is perfectly square.
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VANITY CABINET
PATTERN
TWO LAYERS
OF PLYWOOD
3 COVER THE BASE WITH BACKER BOARD
Tile backer board forms a waterproof layer for a long-lasting countertop.
Quarter-inch-thick backer is all you need over the strong plywood base.
Figure A Vanity top detail
Save yourself some
headaches and get
better-looking results
by sizing the base
to fit the tile.
Plan to spend $7 to
$24 per square foot for
glass tile. Heres a list of
other materials youll need:
Plywood. We used two layers

of 5/8-in. plywood, which, com-
bined with the 1/4-in. backer board,
resulted in a 1-1/2-in.-thick top, a perfect
thickness for two courses of our 3/4-in. tile.
If your tiles are a different size or you want a
different top thickness, adjust the plywood and
backer board thicknesses accordingly.
Tile backer board. We purchased Custom

Building Products EasyBoard (custombuilding-
products.com) from a local tile shop. EasyBoard is
a lightweight tile backer board that you can cut
with a utility knife. Hardibacker or any similar
cement backer board would also work well.
Thin-set mortar. Look for special glass tile mor-

tar. Its white and specially formulated to stick
well to glass tile. Its available in a powder that
you mix with water. Standard modified white
thin-set will also work.
Cement board screws. Choose screws that are

labeled for use with cement board. They have a
special corrosion-resistant coating.
Cement board tape. Check the labelit must be

cement board tape so the mesh will hold up to the
alkaline cement products.
Grout. We used nonsanded grout because we

wanted smooth grout lines. You can also use sand-
ed grout. Make a sample board by gluing a few
glass mosaic tiles to a scrap of wood and grouting
them to make sure you like the result.
Size the base
Glass tile is a nightmare to cut. Save yourself some
headaches and get better-looking results by sizing
the base to fit the tile. With the tile in hand, you
BACKER BOARD
CEMENT BOARD
SCREW
THIN-SET
BACKER BOARD
THIN-SET
THIN-SET
PLYWOOD
CEMENT
BOARD SCREW
MESH
TAPE
can figure out exactly what size to build the ply-
wood base. One easy method is to carefully lay out
the sheets of mosaic with an equal grout space
between the sheets. Make a paper pattern of your
vanity cabinet including the thickness of the door
or drawer fronts. Arrange the pattern over the
sheets of tile and adjust the position until theres
an equal-width tile on each side. Use the pattern to
determine the overhangs, based on where full tiles
occur. Aim for about a 1/2-in. overhang on the
sides and between 1/2-in. and 1-in. past the draw-
ers on the front. Cut the mesh backing so the sheets
of tile are the size of the top. Now carefully meas-
ure the width and length of the tiles. This will be
the finished size of your countertop after its tiled.
The plywood base has to be smaller than the
size of the finished top to accommodate the
backer board, tile and thin-set. To figure the size
of the plywood, add the thickness of the tile (1/8
in.), the tile backer board (1/4 in.) and the thin-set
(1/16 in.) and subtract this amount from the width
(front to back). Deduct twice this amount from the
length (side to side). Its critical that you cut the
plywood to exactly the right size, so double-check
all your math (Photo 1).
Build the base
Cut both layers of plywood, being careful to make
exact cuts. Then plan the sink location and make
the sink cutout. Self-rimming sinks usually include
a template that you can use to trace the cutout onto
the plywood. Cut the backer board to the same size
as the plywood and make the sink cutout. Youll
also need strips of backer board to cover the edges.
Screw the two layers of plywood together.
Space screws about 8 in. apart. Then screw the
plywood to the vanity cabinet, making sure the
overhang is even on both sides and that the front
edge is parallel to the vanity cabinet (Photo 2).
Next, cover the plywood with backer board
(Photo 3). Cut and test-fit the backer board first.
Then mix powdered thin-set mortar with water to
about the consistency of peanut butter. Spread it
onto the plywood with a 3/16-in. V-notch trowel.
Finally, screw the backer board to the plywood,
placing screws about 8 in. apart.
The last step before tiling is to wrap the corners
of the backer board with cement board tape. Start
by vacuuming and then wiping the top and edges
with a clean cloth to remove dust. Wrap the adhe-
sive-backed tape around the corners and press it
down. Then cover the tape with a thin layer of
thin-set mortar. After the thin-set hardens, scrape
off any lumps and dust off the top again to pre-
pare it for tiling.
5 START SETTING THE TILE AT THE CORNER
For perfectly aligned grout joints, start by setting a strip of tile on the front
and side edges, and a full sheet of tile on top. Adjust the tile until the grout
lines on the top line up with the grout lines on the front and sides.
6 EMBED THE TILE WITH A WOOD BLOCK
Tap the top of the mosaic tile with a flat block of wood to level the surface
and ensure a secure bond with the thin-set.
4 COMB OUT, THEN FLATTEN THE THIN-SET
Use a 3/16-in. V-notch trowel to spread a layer of thin-set over the backer
board. Then flatten it with the straight side of the trowel.
FLATTENED
THIN-SET
LINE UP
GROUT SPACES
FLAT WOOD
BLOCK
7 GROUT THE TILE
Work the grout back and forth in different directions to completely fill the joints and
eliminate voids. Well-packed joints are the key to a lasting grout job.
8 TOOL THE GROUT WITH A
DAMP SPONGE
Wait until the grout starts to set up before
tooling. Wring out the sponge until its just
damp. Then rub it over the tile in a circular
motion to smooth and shape the grout
and fill tiny voids and pinholes.
9 BUFF OFF THE GROUT FILM
Wait until the grout is hard before buffing
it. Then polish it with a microfiber cloth to
remove the haze.
Tile the countertop
Photos 4 6 show how to spread the
mortar and embed the tile. Before you
start, cut the mesh backing to form
strips of tile for the edges and make
the sink cutout. Trim the mesh tight to
the tile so you dont have any mesh
whiskers sticking out. Then arrange
the tile in the shape of the vanity and
within easy reach of the vanity top so
you can easily reach it after spreading
the thin-set.
Mix and spread the thin-set. Pay
close attention to Photo 4; it shows an
important tip. Flattening the mortar
after you spread it with the notched
trowel prevents thin-set from filling
the grout spaces when you embed the
tile. Any thin-set that gets into the
grout spaces has to be cleaned out
before you can grout the tile, so this
tip will save you a lot of time and
effort.
Set the tiles on the top and edges as
quickly and accurately as possible
(Photo 5). You need to work fast so you
can make slight adjustments to the
tile before the thin-set starts to set up.
When youre satisfied that the tile top
and edges are perfectly aligned,
embed the tile (Photo 6). Let the thin-
set harden overnight before grouting.
Grout the tile
Photos 7 9 show how to grout the tile.
Start by mixing the grout according
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FHMOct10_41+.qxp 8/26/10 11:38 AM Page 41
Buyers Guide
TILE
HotGlass Aventurine blended 3/4-in. glass
tile in Tigers Eye Blend on mesh-backed
sheet. $19 per sheet (HAK-34313). Available
online from cooltiles.com.
SINK
Elements of Design, Mission Bathroom Sink
(EDV9620-black), $280. Available online at
everyvesselsink.com.
FAUCET
Price Pfister Kenzo single-center faucet
(T42-DF0), $195. Available online at
everyvesselsink.com.
Glass tile
mirror
The mirror frame is made
from a 3/4-in. x 4-1/2-in.
oak board with a 1-5/8-
in.-wide dado on the face
to accommodate a band
of tile and a 3/8-in. rabbet
on the back to hold the
mirror. We cut the dado
with dado blades mount-
ed on a table saw. A router
would also work. We sized
the frame so we wouldnt
have to cut tiles at the
corners. After mitering the
parts and staining the
frame, we set the tile
strips in a thin bead of
construction adhesive.
Then we finished it off by
masking the wood and
grouting the tile.
familyhandyman.com
For more tiling tips, type tile into the search box.
Learn how to install a faucet. Type faucet into

the search box.
For help with bathroom floors, type bath floor

into the search box.
to the directions on the package. Let
it rest for about 10 minutesthis is
called slaking. Then mix it again.
Itll often thicken a bit after slaking
and require a bit more water. The
grout should be the consistency of
mayonnaise.
Here are some grouting tips:
Work the grout from all angles

with the float to completely fill the
joints (Photo 7).
Scrape off the excess before it

starts to set.
Wait until the grout starts to hard-

en before cleaning it with a sponge.
If you cant make a fingerprint, its
hard enough.
Keep the rinse water clear and

wring all the water out of the sponge
when youre cleaning the grout. Use
a clean side of the sponge for each
cleaning stroke.
Use a damp sponge to tool the

grout after it sets up (Photo 8). Wait
about 15 minutes after cleaning
before tooling the tile.
Coat the grout with a grout sealer

to help prevent staining and make it
more water-resistant. Wait two or
three days before sealing.
Finishing touches
We added a backsplash before setting the
sink. A backsplash could be as simple as
tiles attached to the wall with thin-set, or
something more elaborate. We screwed
3/8-in. plywood to the wall, covered it
with 1/4-in. backer board and surround-
ed it with 3/4-in.-thick oak trim. Then
we tiled over the backer board, grouted
the tile and caulked the seam between
the countertop and the backsplash with
a fine bead of clear silicone caulk.
The usual way to lay tile diagonally is to
mark 45-degree diagonal lines on
the wall or floor. But when
that angle isnt 45 degrees, as
with the diamond-shaped
tile you see here, getting
exact lines is even harder. So
well show you a better way:
Mark a single layout line and
center the tiles over it by align-
ing the corners of the tile with
the line. Build a pyramid
centered on the line and use
the sides of the pyramid to
align each diagonal course.
Check the sides of the
pyramid occasionally
with a straightedge.
Protile
for diagonal layouts
Build a pyramid
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tps
Special tricks
for special tile
by Gary Wentz
LAYOUT
LINE
Nobody knows tile like our guru,
Dean Sorem. Over the past 25 years,
hes covered thousands of walls and
floors with tile of every type. Based
in Hudson, WI, Dean is the head
honcho of Sorem Tile and Stone
(soremtile.com).
Imagine
the
Possibilities
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to suit the tile
Size a niche
If youre planning a wall niche, lay out
the tile and take some measurements
to determine the size of the niche. If
you custom-size the niche to fit
between full tiles, youll get a better-
looking installation and avoid some
cutting. With a diagonal tile layout like
the one shown here, youll get full tiles
and half tiles. If trim will frame the
niche, be sure to factor it into the
layout.
for big tiles
Special mortar
Thin-set mortar is the best bedding
adhesive for most tile. But if youre set-
ting tiles larger than 12 x 12 in., look
for terms like medium bed, large
tile or large format on the bag label.
Bigger tile requires a thicker bed, and
unlike standard thin-set, medium-bed
mortar doesnt lose its bonding strength
when you lay it on thick. Its also firmer
and shrinks less, so tiles stay in posi-
tion better while the mortar hardens.
Medium-bed mortar is available at tile
stores and some home centers.
Eliminate
lippage
Lippage is the technical term for uneven tile
edges (though @%&#! is more common). Lippage
is hard to avoid with large tile and easy to see with narrow
grout lines or tile that has squarerather than roundededges.
In any of those circumstances, leveling clips and wedges help you
lay tile flat. Just slip the clip under the tile and push in the wedge.
After the thin-set hardens, break off the exposed clip. LASH brand
clips are available at most Home Depot stores ($20 for 96 clips and
wedges). To find other retailers, go to qep.com.
NICHE
TRIM
CLIP
WEDGE
LOOK FOR
THIS!
in porcelain
Clean cuts
Porcelain tile is incredibly hardand incredibly brittle.
So it often chips along cuts or cracks before the cut is
complete. Heres a three-step routine that eliminates
those problems. The first step only works with saws that
allow you to adjust the depth of cut. If yours doesnt, you
can still make the second and third cuts to avoid cracks.
1 SCORE
Make a shallow cut across the tile about 1/8 in. deep.
This minimizes chipping.
2 SLIT
Cut a finishing end slit about 2 in. long. This prevents cracking
as you approach the end of the main cut.
3 SLICE
Make the main cut as usual. Dont rush it; slow, steady pressure
creates the cleanest cut.
When youre shopping for tile supplies, take a detour to
the sandpaper aisle and pick up a pack of fine abrasive
pads ($2). Along with a little water, theyre great for
removing stubborn thin-set smudges on the face of tile.
And they wont scratch the glossy glaze.
Gentle
smudge remover
Dont trust
Your thin-set probably has a chart like this on the label.
Dont rely on it. The recommendations are a good starting
point, but they dont guarantee a thin-set bed thick enough
to provide full contact with the tile. And without full con-
tact, you dont get full support or adhesion.
As the chart shows, larger tiles require larger trowel
notches (to provide a thicker bed). But other factors matter
too: the flatness of the wall or floor, or the texture of the
tiles back. So the only reliable way to know that the bed is
thick enough is to set the first few tiles, then immediately
pry them up. If the tile hasnt made full contact, youll see
it. The easiest solution is to use the next notch size. With
tiles larger than 12 in., its a good idea to also back butter
them with thin-set. Also keep an eye on squeeze-out dur-
ing the job. If you dont see thin-set squeezing out between
tiles, pull up a tile to check coverage.
this chart
Get a handle
A suction cup ($10) lets you lift a
sunken tile or adjust a crooked
one. Some home centers and
hardware stores carry them;
most dont. To shop online,
search for suction cup
handle. Keep in mind
that they only work on
smooth-faced tile.
on tile
trowel
Tile setters use a margin trowel for everything: prying
up sunken tiles, nudging crooked ones, cleaning out
grout lines, mixing up small batches of thin-set or
grout, scooping mix out of the bucket and scraping up
messes. Makes a great back scratcher, too. If youre set-
ting tile, youve got to have one ($6 at home centers).
Absolutely essential
Big cuts
Huge tiles are popular these days, and the best way to cut
them is with a big, expensive tile saw. Heres the next best
way: a handheld wet saw guided by a straightedge (we used a
plywood scrap). The Ryobi TC400 saw shown ($90), along
with the three-step cutting method shown on p. 48, gave us
perfectly straight cuts in porcelain tile (but with some chip-
ping). A cement-mixing tub ($10) caught most of the mess.
without a big saw
familyhandyman.com
Master the toughest cuts with a
wet saweven cut curves. Search for
tile saw.
A lasting tile job starts with the backer
board. See how to install it right by
searching for tile board.
Browse our entire collection of tile
articlesfloors, showers, countertops
and more! Search for tile.
CEMENT
TUB
STRAIGHTEDGE
Built-out trim
If youre using tile trim, its often necessary to build out the trim
so it protrudes from the surrounding field tile. A strip of tile backer
can help you get the build-out just right. Any kind of backer board
will do; just slather one side with thin-set or mastic and stick it in
place. In this case, the trim wasnt quite thick enough to overhang
the tile below, so we set the trim over a strip of 1/4-in. backer. To
make adjustments of less than 1/4 in., you dont need a strip of
backer; simply apply a heavier bed of thin-set.
A rag
An old shirt makes wiping your hands quick
and convenient. And that keeps thin-set
smudges off the tile. When the job is done, just
toss it. Bet you have some shirts that belong in
the trash anyway.
thats always there
BACKER
STRIP
Vanity top: Cambria
Oakhampton, $750.
cambriausa.com.
Niche: Cambria Oakhampton,
$500. cambriausa.com.
Light fixtures: Murray Feiss
VS10501-BS, $50 each.
murrayfeisslight.com.
Faucet: Kohler K-T16106, $500.
kohler.com.
Sink: Decolav LVC1410-301,
$300. decolav.com.
Tile: We bought all the tile shown
through Olympia Tile. Go to
olympiatile.com to find a location
near you. Item numbers are
below. If there isnt an Olympia
Tile location nearby, finding the
exact tile we used will be difficult.
But most tile retailers can supply
similar tile.
Lower wall tile: Rondine Doranda
beige (12 in. x 24 in.). $20 each.
Bullnose trim: TM26LS. $10 each.
Brick joint border: PS-PP3-BJ
(12 in. x 12 in.). $25 each.
Chair rail: TM-26CR. $12 each.
Diamond tile: PLAF. (5 in. x 8 in.).
$22 per sq. ft.
look Get the
Thin-set today is a lot stickier and
tougher than it used to be. Thats a
good thing for your tile job, but not so
good for your tools. For easier cleanup,
toss a coarse sanding sponge ($4 at
home centers) into your water bucket.
The grit cuts through partially dried
thin-set or grout. And unlike rags or
sponges, it doesnt snag on the teeth of
notched trowels.
for tools
Tough
scrubber
...and live to
tell about it
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We believe in safe DIY. Thats why weve always been reluc-
tant to show readers how to open a breaker box and connect
a new circuit. Even with the power shut off, theres a chance
you could touch the wrong parts and kill yourself. But then
we figured if we didnt show you, youd just go search the
Internet. And that scared us even more. So were going to
walk you through the process, showing you the safest way to
open the breaker box, wire a new breaker and test your work.
AddaCircuit
by Rick Muscoplat
JOIN OUR
TEAM
Readers like you are our most
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Join The Family Handyman Powerhouse
Panel, our online community of do-it-
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on key topics, new products and more, and
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Sign up today!
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Go to www.fhpowerhouse.com
and enter code: 2010
No purchase or survey completion necessary to win. Open to
U.S. residents age 18 and over. Sweepstakes ends on 12/31/10.
Void where prohibited. For entry details and ofcial rules, visit
www.fhpowerhouse.com/rules
PROMOTION
An inside look at
your main panel
Opening the main breaker box and
installing a new circuit is actually pretty
easy. You only have to connect three wires,
and each is color-coded. But there are some
safety precautions, and if you ignore them,
you could kill yourself. Really. If you follow
our safety steps in order and to the letter,
youll be fine. But if at any point youre
unsure how to proceed or feel uncomfort-
able with the project, call an electrician.
Stay away from the large wires and lugs.
Theyre always live, even with the main
breaker (service disconnect) shut off. If you
touch them, you could die. Cover the live
areas with a cardboard shield (Photo 3) to
prevent accidental contact while installing
the new circuit. If you have any doubts
about which areas stay live, contact an
electrician.
Your main panel might not be exactly like the one above. The one shown below, for
example, has the large cables and lugs at the right, rather than in the center. With any
panel, find the large cables and the lugs theyre connected to. Theyre the parts that
are always live, even when the main breakers are switched off.
familyhandyman.com
Learn how your electrical system works and how to
avoid overloads. Search for electrical overloads.
Remodeling or adding a room? See how to rough in
the new wiring. Search for rough-in wiring.
Get tips on how to run new wire through existing
walls. Search for fish wire.
A A
B
D
G
F F
C
B
Never ever touch!
Never ever touch!
E
KNOW YOUR WAY
A MAIN LUGS. Theyre always liveeven
when the main breaker is off. NEVER
TOUCH THEM.
B MAIN CABLES. The black ones are
always live. And although theyre insulat-
ed, avoid touching them.
C MAIN BREAKER. Always switch it off
before removing the panels cover.
D BREAKER. The hot wire (usually red or
black) from each circuit connects to a
breaker. If youre installing an AFCI break-
er (as shown on the following pages),
youll also connect the neutral wire to the
breaker (Photo 7, p. 58).
E BREAKER BUS. Distributes power from
the main breaker to the individual circuit
breakers. Each breaker snaps onto the
bus (Photo 6, p. 57).
F NEUTRAL BUS. All ground and neutral
(white) wires connect here. If youre
installing a standard breaker, the neutral
(white) wire connects here, too. If youre
installing an arc-fault circuit interrupter
(AFCI) breaker, youll connect the neutral
to the breaker and run a pigtail wire to
the neutral bus (Photo 8).
G BREAKER SPACE. This panel has room
for three more breakers. You can install
your new breaker in any open space.
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Get the right parts and tools
Before you go shopping, open the door of your breaker box
and copy the manufacturers name, the box model number,
and the style numbers of the breakers that are approved for
your box. Then buy one of those breakers. If your home cen-
ter doesnt sell the right model or brand, youll have to go to
an electrical supplier. You cannot install a circuit breaker
style that isnt specifically approved for use in your box
even if it fits inside the box. While at the store, pick up a few
1/2-in. plastic snap-in cable clamps to secure the new cable.
1 DONT BREAK A BREAKER
Remove three of the panel cover screws. Then hold the cover
securely while you remove the fourth screw. If it slips while youre
removing screws, it can damage the breaker handles.
2 NO LIGHT MEANS NO POWER
Be absolutely certain all the power is off. Touch one lead of a
test light to the neutral bus and the other lead to the screw on
each breaker.
3 SMACK IT DOWN, TWIST IT OUT
Jam a needle-nose pliers or a short screwdriver into the knock-
out to bend it down. Then grab the slug with your pliers and
twist it back and forth until it breaks off.
Theyre safer than metal clamps because you dont put your
hand in the panel to install them.
You have to shut off the power to your whole house, so
youll need a powerful work light. An LED headlamp is also
a great idea so you wont have to juggle a flashlight, wire
strippers and a screwdriver. Round up a utility knife, wire
strippers, electrical tape, a circuit tester (not a voltage snif-
fer), and a flat-blade screwdriver or No. 2 square-drive tip
for your multi-bit driver.
4 RUN THE CABLE THROUGH THE CLAMP
Snap in a plastic clamp and then feed in the cable. Tape the wires
together so one doesnt stray behind the cardboard.
BREAKER
SCREW
NEUTRAL
BUS
SLUG
CARDBOARD
SHIELD
CLAMP
SNAP-IN CLAMP
TAPED
ENDS
5 PUSH UNTIL THE JACKET ENTERS THE CLAMP
Keep pushing the cable into the clamp far enough to get at least 1/4 in. of the
outer jacket inside the box. Then secure the cable outside the box with an insu-
lated staple within 12 in. of the clamp.
SNAP-IN CLAMP
1/4" MINIMUM
JACKET
INSIDE BOX
Power down, then remove the cover
Turn off all computers in the house before you switch off the power.
Then switch off the main breaker (the service disconnect) and follow
the cover removal procedure in Photo 1.
Once the cover is off, cut out a cardboard shield and stick it inside the
box to keep you from touching any of the live parts (see Photo 3).
Its dangerous to assume the power is really off just because
youve flipped the service disconnect to the off position. Theres a slim
chance that the service disconnect didnt work properly, keeping power
to some breakers. So test each and every breaker to make sure
6 HOOK AND PUSH
Install the breaker by slipping the tab into the hook. Then snap the breaker into
place, forcing the slot onto the bus. Were using an AFCI breaker (see p. 59).
BREAKER
BUS
TAB
HOOK
7 STRIP AND CLAMP
Strip off 5/8 in. of insulation from the white and black wires and insert them into
the AFCI terminals. Tighten until snug.
8 GROUND AND PIGTAIL GO TO THE NEUTRAL BUS
Route the AFCI neutral pigtail and ground wires to empty screws on the neutral
bus and tighten. If youre installing a breaker on a subpanel, place the neutral
and ground on separate bus bars.
AFCI PIGTAIL
NEUTRAL
HOT
NEUTRAL BUS
AFCI PIGTAIL
NEUTRAL
NO. 2
SQUARE-DRIVE
SCREWDRIVER
GROUND
its really dead (see Photo 2). If the test light lights up, stop and call an
electrician.
Remove a knockout and feed in the cable
You can insert the new cable into any knockout on the top, bottom or
sides of the box. Find the least congested area and remove one small
knockout (Photo 3). Then snap in a plastic cable clamp (the screw-style
ones shown arent as easy to use).
Hold the cable up to the box to determine how much of the outer jack-
et you should strip off. Slice off the jacket and remove the paper insula-
tor. Then wrap the ends of the loose wires with electrical tape to prevent
them from touching a live portion of the box (see Photos 4 and 5).
DIYers often ask how many receptacles and lights they can install on a
branch circuit and what size circuits they should install. We can give you
some general guidelines, but electrical codes vary by state and local authori-
ty. Since your local codes always trump our advice, contact a local inspector
before you start running cable.
1. You can usually mix lighting and receptacles on the same circuit. But its
not a good idea to place lighting and receptacles in the same room on a
single circuit. If the breaker trips, youll lose all the light fixtures and recep-
tacles at the same time.
2. If youre wiring living areas, you can install 10 to 13 lights and receptacles
on a single 15-amp circuit. Locate the receptacles so youre never more
than 6 ft. away from one on each wall.
3. Run a separate 15- or 20-amp circuit for each of these watt-sucking appli-
ances: garbage disposer, dishwasher, microwave, vent hood, trash com-
pactor and space heater.
4. Run a separate 20-amp circuit to each bathroom and laundry room.
Install a minimum of two 20-amp circuits for the kitchen. Protect the
receptacles with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker or
GFCI-style receptacles.
5. Use 12-gauge cable for 20-amp circuits and 14-gauge for 15-amp. Many
cable manufacturers color-code the outer jacket of their cable, but the
color schemes are not universal. So always double-check the wire itself to
be sure (see photo below).
6. New branch circuits to all living areas (bedroom, living room, family room,
den, dining room, library, sunroom, closet, hallway and similar locations)
must be connect-
ed to an arc-fault
circuit interrupter
(AFCI). AFCI
breakers are
pricey ($40), so
you may be
tempted to buy
an ordinary $5
breaker. Dont.
The electrical
inspector will just
make you change
it out.
How to plan a new branch circuit
CHECK WIRE GAUGE WITH
YOUR LOOSE CHANGE
Fourteen-gauge wire is the thickness of a dime;
12-gauge is the thickness of a nickel.
14-GAUGE
DIME
NICKEL
12-GAUGE
Route the cable and install the breaker
Neatly route the black and white wires to the empty breaker space. Attach
the wires to the breaker and then snap it into the box, or install the break-
er first and insert the wires last. Just be aware that wiring an AFCI-style
breaker is different from wiring ordinary breakers. The neutral (white)
from the new cable attaches to the AFCI (Photo 7). On a main panel, you
connect the ground wire from the new cable and the neutral (white) pig-
tail from the AFCI to the neutral bus (Photo 8). If youre installing a break-
er on a subpanel, place the neutral and ground on separate bus bars.
Test the installation and finish the job
Remove the panel cover plate knockout that corresponds to the slot
where you installed the new breaker (bend it back and forth until it
breaks off). Then install the cover and turn on the main breaker. Switch
the new AFCI to ON. Wait a few seconds and press the TEST button.
The breaker should trip. If it doesnt trip, refer to the package instructions
for troubleshooting or call an electrician.
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Build it before
lunchspray
on the finish
after dinner
S
ure, you can buy a shelf similar to this one for about
$30 at a discount store, but you wont be able to
choose the size or finish. We designed ours with a
wider top to hold vases and other collectibles, but you can
make yours bigger or smaller. Plus, you can finish it to
match your room. The shelf is versatile and goes together
fastit would make a great gift. Made from cherry, our
shelf cost $64. It would cost about half that in oak or pine.
Tips for building the shelf
Youll need a miter saw and a table saw for this proj-
ect. A finish nailer isnt necessary but is very helpful.
If you dont have a finish nailer, drill pilot holes for

the finish nails to avoid splitting the wood.
You can use scraps of less expensive lumber for the

base (E) and cleats since these arent visible.
Glue the parts together. Because you can use fewer

nails, youll have fewer nail holes to fill.
We finished this cherry shelf with a coat of Varathane
American Walnut stain (test the color on a scrap) and three
coats of spray satin lacquer. Photo 5 shows how to mount
the cleat that supports the shelf. Then you just drop the
shelf over the cleat to hang it on the wall.
Saturday morning
shelf
by Jeff Gorton
familyhandyman.com
For more great shelving projects, search for shelves.
Learn how to make perfect miters. Type miter into the search box.
For tips on wood finishing, type wood finish into the search box.
1 MARK TRIM PARTS IN PLACE
Cut the 1-in. band and the cove moldings extra long. Fit the miter on
one end, then mark the opposite end for cutting.
2 CENTER THE TOP
Measure the overhang on each end and adjust the top until
its centered.
3 NAIL ON THE TOP
Glue the band and nail through it into the top.
4 INSTALL THE COVE MOLDINGS
Add the 1/4-in. spacer and bottom board. Then finish up by fitting
and nailing the cove molding.
5 MOUNT THE CLEAT
Level the cleat and screw it to the wall. You can locate studs or
use drywall anchors.
Cutting List
The Cutting List gives finished lengths for the top, front, sides, cleats
and bottom. You can cut these to the exact width and length listed
and nail them together. The lengths listed for the 3/4-in. x 1-in. bands
and the 3/4-in. cove moldings are oversized. Youll mark these pieces
in place for an exact fit (Photo 1).
KEY QTY. SIZE & DESCRIPTION
A 1 3/4" x 5-1/2" x 36" (top)
B 1 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 32" (front); miter both ends at 45
B2 2 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" (sides); miter one side
C 1 3/4" x 1-1/4" x 30-1/2" (cleat); 30-degree bevel
D 1 3/4" x 1-1/4" x 30" (cleat); 30-degree bevel
E 1 3/4" x 2-3/4" x 30-1/2" (base)
F 1 1/4" x 2-1/2" x 30" (plywood spacer)
G 1 3/4" x 2-1/2" x 30" (bottom)
H 1 3/4" x 1" x 36" (band); miter both ends to fit
H2 2 3/4" x 1" x 6" (bands); miter both ends to fit
J 1 3/4" x 3/4" x 36" (cove); miter both ends to fit
J2 2 3/4" x 3/4" x 6" (coves); miter both ends to fit
K 1 3/4" x 3/4" x 36" (cove); miter both ends to fit
K2 2 3/4" x 3/4" x 6" (coves); miter both ends to fit
Materials List
ITEM QTY.
3/4" x 5-1/2" x 8' finish-quality board 1
3/4" x 2-1/2" x 3' finish-quality board 1
1/4" x 30" x 2-1/2" plywood 1
3/4" x 5-1/2" x 3' softwood board 1
3/4" x 3/4" x 8' cove molding 1
Finish nails
Figure A
CLEAT (C)
BASE (E)
BASE (E)
SIDE (B2)
BAND (H)
SIDE (B2)
BAND (H2)
TOP (A)
BAND (H)
BAND (H2)
FRONT (B)
A
C
D
E
F
G
K
B
H
J
BAND
(H2)
TOP (A)
COVE
CLEAT (C)
CLEAT (D)
BASE (E)
SPACER (F)
STUD LOCATION
COVE
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
36" x 5-1/2" x 5-1/4"
QUESTION
& COMMENT
by Rick Muscoplat
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A

Im pretty handy, and Id like to install a solid-surface countertop myself and
hopefully save a boatload of moneyif thats possible. Is this a DIY project
and where would I buy the stuff?
Yes, its possible and there are sources that will sell to DIYers. But only
if youre talking about the acrylic material (like Wilsonart, Avonite and
Meganite), rather than engineered stone (quartz/resin) products like
Cambria and Silestone. Engineered stone materials are only available
through authorized dealers and are custom made for each job.
DIYers can buy solid-surface materials at wholesale
prices from solidsurface.com. It sells surplus and dis-
continued sheets from several major manufactur-
ers. Full-sheet sizes vary but are usually 30 in. x
144 in. x 1/2 in. (partial sheets are half that
size). The square-foot prices vary by pattern
and manufacturer, ranging from $10 to $20 per
sq. ft. plus shipping ($150 to $300, depending
on your location). The total is about one-third
of what youd pay an authorized dealer if it
would even sell to you. Solidsurface.com also
carries the special adhesives youll need for the
joinery. And youll have to spend about $250 for
special tools and materials (see photo).
Its possible to do the installation yourself if
youve built a cabinet or two or are an intermediate
woodworker. Solid-surface materials can be cut and rout-
ed just like wood. Use sharp, carbide-tipped bits and blades so
they cut cleanly through the material instead of heating it up and
melting it.
The supplier provides great instructions on its Web site, but heres
the routine in a nutshell. Simply rip the sheets with a table saw or cir-
cular saw and straightedge to get the 4-in. backsplash and the
1-in. front lip. Then apply the adhesive to the front lip and clamp the
pieces together for 30 minutes. Use the special router bit (with a nylon
bearing) to rout a decorative edge. Then lay down 3/4-in. plywood over
your existing cabinets and install the new countertop. Glue the back-
splash and seams and sand them with the special discs.
Besides your countertop material, youll need
a two-part adhesive gun, adhesive, router bits
and abrasives to fit an orbital sander. Then use
your regular woodworking tools to rip and
crosscut the solid-surface material.
QUESTION
DIY
solid-surface
countertops?
ADHESIVE
GUN
ABRASIVE
DISCS
ABRASIVE
DISCS
ADHESIVE
ADHESIVE
NOZZLE
ROUTER
BIT
FHMOct10 QandA+.qxp 8/25/10 4:49 PM Page 62
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COLD WATER
PIPE
TEE
FEMALE PIPE
ADAPTER
QUESTION
Water heater puddle? Replace the TPR valve
Lately Im seeing a puddle of water on the floor next to the water heater. The drain valve isnt leaking and I cant find a leak in the pipes.
Whats going on?
FIRST, REPLACE THE
TPR VALVE
Cut the overflow tube on a top-
mount TPR with a hacksaw. Then
unscrew the threaded fitting from
the old TPR valve and install the
new valve. Reattach the overflow
tube by soldering in a coupler, or
use a push-on connector.
see if it has made any changes to the
system that would boost water pres-
sure. If not, go ahead and replace the
valve (less than $10 at a home center).
Shut off the gas valve or flip the break-
er to your water heater. Wait three
hours for it to cool down, or run the
hot water until its lukewarm. Then
shut off the water and bleed the pres-
If youve had the heater for a long time
and the problem just started, chances
are the temperature pressure relief
(TPR) valve is bad. The TPR is a safety
device that releases water pressure
when it becomes dangerously high
within the water heater. But before you
run out and buy a new TPR valve,
check with your local water utility to
NEW
TPR
TEFLON
TAPE
sure by opening a hot water faucet near
the heater.
If a new valve doesnt solve the prob-
lem, its time to install an expansion
tank (about $40 at home centers). The
tank has an internal air bladder that
acts like a shock absorber to prevent
overpressure in the system. Consult the
chart at the home center store for prop-
er tank sizing. Install the tank
on the cold water line and sup-
port the line with metal strap-
ping (photo below).
IF THE NEW VALVE LEAKS,
ADD AN EXPANSION TANK
If a new TPR valve didnt solve the
problem, solder in a tee and a
female-threaded fitting on a hori-
zontal cold water line near the
water heater. Then wrap the tank
threads with Teflon tape and
screw in the tank. NOTE: Toss the
saddle tee that comes with the
expansion tank and install a tee
and threaded fitting instead.
Saddle tees always leak over time.
READER COMMENT
Roofing tip from an expert
On p. 23 of your April 10 issue, theres a photo of some guys putting a roof on a
garage. I immediately noticed some things that should be done differently. Theyre
placing a starter strip right on top of the ice-and-water barrier. The barrier really
needs to be covered by roofing underlayment.
If its not, the shingles will fuse into the ice-
and-water barrier and make reroofing
much more difficult. The extra layer of
underlayment costs very lit-
tle and goes down fast.
Steven Falstad, Eau Claire, WI
[Steven is a Field Editor and professional roofer.]
OLD
TPR
ROOF
UNDERLAYMENT
ICE-AND-
WATER
BARRIER
ROOF
SHEATHING
STARTER
STRIP
DRIP
EDGE
SHINGLES
1 REINFORCE THE FILM WITH TAPE AND CUT THE HOLE
Apply four strips of cellophane tape to the window film surrounding the wand hook.
Overlap each strip at the corners so they reinforce each other. Then cut out the cen-
ter of the square with a new utility blade (a dull blade will rip the film).
QUESTION
Winterized mini blinds
Every winter I put that shrink film on my windows. But since my mini blinds are
mounted on the interior of the casing, I cant open or close them until the following
spring. Is there a way to keep out the chill and still have light during the day and pri-
vacy at night?
2 EXTRACT
THE LIFT
CORDS
Pull the lifting
cords out of
the hole. Then
you can raise
and lower the
blinds all win-
ter with the
shrink film in
place.
Cut holes in the shrink film so you
can access the wand and lift cords.
Start by removing the rotating wand
from the blinds before you apply the
shrink film. To unhook the wand,
lift the retaining ring (if any) and lift
the wand off the hook. Apply the
window film, shrink it in place,
apply tape and cut holes (see Photos 1
and 2).
TAPE
REINFORCEMENT
66 October 2010
READER COMMENT
The correct order for
attaching terminals
There is a great article on pp. 64 and
65 of the July/Aug. 10 issue that
requires a comment. One photo vio-
lates an old safety rule that I learned
years ago. The person has a wrench
connected to the batterys positive
terminal while the negative terminal
is also connected. One slip of the
wrench and it can short to the frame,
weld itself in place, burn the persons
hand and potentially start a fire. The
rule is: Negative off first, negative
back last.
Bobby E. Cammer, Lexington, SC
Whoops, Bobbys right. Always
remove the negative (black) bat-
tery cable first and install it last.
MISUNDERSTANDING
Softened water
contains a lot of salt
Softened water does contain
sodium. But the actual amount
depends on how hard your water
is. Three quarts (12 glasses) of
softened water (10 grains hard-
ness per gallon prior to softening)
contains only 223 mg of sodium.
An average person consumes
5,000 mg of sodium per day. So
softened water adds only a small
percentage (4.3 percent) to your
daily intake. By the way, adding
and maintaining a reverse osmo-
sis system eliminates 90 percent
of the sodium in softened water.
AVERAGE PERSONS
DAILY SALT INTAKE
ADDED SALT FROM
3 QTS. OF WATER
FIRST OFF,
LAST ON
October 2010 67
1 SEAL THE ENDS
Wipe off the condensation and wrap a
few winds of the sticky poly tape on the
tubing where it exits the house. Then dry
and wrap the service valve on the con-
denser end of the tubing. Squeeze it in
tight around the tubing.
2 INSTALL NEW FOAM
Slip the new foam over the tubing and
on top of the cork tape. Remove the
adhesive liner, align the edges and press
the seam together as you go. Be careful.
Once the glued ends touch, you cant get
them apart again.
QUESTION
Fix rotting
A/C insulation
The black foam on one of my outside A/C
lines is rotting and falling off. I suspect its
costing me money because the cold tub-
ing is always covered with condensation.
Is this something to worry about?
Youre rightthat condensation is
reducing the efficiency of your A/C
and raising your energy costs. You
should remove all the old foam insu-
lation and install the correct foam.
Unfortunately, you wont find it at
any home center. Measure the out-
side diameter on the larger of the two
tubes (the skinny tube doesnt need
insulation). Then contact a refrigera-
tion supply house or online supplier
for new foam and insulating tape
(Insul-Lock tubing insulating foam,
$4 for 6-ft. lengths, and Nomaco Poly
Tape, $5, both from pexsupply.com).
INSULATING
TAPE
LARGE A/C
TUBING
ADHESIVE
SEAL
by Rick Muscoplat
CAR &
GARAGE
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Chrysler did a major redesign of the 2011 Jeep Grand
Cherokeeits flagship SUV. Like many other automakers,
Chrysler ditched the heavy body-on-frame design for uni-
body construction and beefed up body stiffness by weld-
ing the heck out of it. So the new Jeep hits the dirt with
all its off-road capabilities intact. Feel free to cruise the
highway and the dunes without losing body partsyours
or the Jeeps.
Jeep also added independent front and rear suspension
for carlike comfort on bumpy roads. But if youre going
off road, consider the optional Quadra-Lift suspension
and adjust the ride height from 4.5 in. to 11.1 in. And, if
you never know how to set your 4WD, get the Selec-
Terrain feature. The system will select from five terrain
settings: Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow and Rock.
The interior is all new for 2011, and its luxurious and
roomy. Youll get reclining rear seats, more legroom and
17 percent more cargo space. The base model engine is the
new Pentastar V-6, which delivers 290 hp and gets 16/23
mpg (2WD). Thats a whopping 38 percent increase over
the previous engine. Or you can upgrade to the 5.7-liter
Hemi V-8, which puts out 360 hp and tows up to 7,400 lbs.
Jeep didnt skimp on the safety features either. In addi-
tion to electronic stability control, youll find electronic
roll mitigation, active head restraints, adaptive cruise
control, forward collision warning and a blind
spot/rear cross-path detection system.
Chrysler lowered prices on 2011
Jeeps by about $500. The various mod-
els range from $30,995 to $42,995 for
the Jeep Overland 4x4 model.
Whos this for?
If you need an SUV with comfort and
backwoods capabilities along with a
smooth ride on city streets, consider the 2011 Jeep
Grand Cherokee.
2011
SUV and
truck lineup
E
verybody knows that SUV
and car sales have tanked
in the past few years. In the
meantime, auto engineers have
been working their buns off
redesigning their vehicles. These
new 2011 models reflect their
hard work. Theyre lighter, more
fuel efficient, peppier and
loaded with high-tech electron-
ics to make driving safer and
more fun.
The new engines have higher
compression ratios, turbocharg-
ers and high-tech gasoline direct
injection (GDI) systems. GDI
vaporizes the fuel right in the
combustion chamber (instead of
in the intake manifold). The
vaporization cools the combus-
tion chamber and eliminates the
need for premium (91 or higher)
gas. Bottom lineyoull be get-
ting more zoom for less ka-ching
at the pump.
The new models are also loaded
with creature-comfort electronics
like MP3-based audio systems,
GPS navigation, Bluetooth hands-
free phone systems and DVD
entertainment for the kids. But
dont quote me on any of the pre-
release specs or prices given here,
since Im writing this before the
models actually come out. If
youre interested in any of the
vehicles, check with the dealer for
the latest information.
A
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FHMOct10_68_77+1+.qxp 8/25/10 4:54 PM Page 68
Bobcat
and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States
and various other countries 2010 Bobcat Company. All Rights Reserved.
www.bobcat.com/newbreed
1
0
4
4
B
-
0
You deserve a vehicle thats as tough and productive as you are. The new Bobcat
utility vehicles are powerful,

sure-footed and comfortable to quickly take you, your cargo and your passengers from one task to another,
helping you get more done in a day. Give in to your animal instinct and put one to the test at your Bobcat dealer.
The New Breed
Nissan Juke
Nissan added a new model
to its crossover inventory
for 2011. The all-new
Nissan Juke is a compact
crossover SUV, but its
strictly for the streets (even
though it sits high on 17-in.
tires).
Its peppy turbocharged
1.6-liter direct-injected engine
puts out 180 hp, which is more than
enough power to get you cruising. To move the power down
to the road, Nissan uses a next-generation, continuously
variable transmission (CVT) for a totally shiftless feel. The
Juke also has a control system that lets you choose among
three throttle/transmission/steering response settings.
Choose the normal setting for everyday grocery-getting
duties. Switch to sport mode if youre having a midlife cri-
sis and want to pretend youre 20 years old. Or click on the
Eco mode to save as many pennies as possible.
The Juke is available in two- or four-door varieties, with
fold-down rear seats for hauling your DIY stuff. You can
also choose between two-wheel and all-wheel drive. The
interior comes with two-tone multitextured seats and a
painted (yes, painted) console that looks just like a motor-
cycle gas tank.
EPA mileage figures werent available when I wrote this,
so youll have to check
with a Nissan dealer.
Prices are expected to
start at about $20K, or
mid-20s for the AWD
version.
2011 GMC Terrain SUV
The GMC Terrain didnt change a lot for 2011 because it
jumped past its competitors in 2010. The Terrain already
included the 2.4-liter (146 hp) four-cylinder GDI engine and
high-efficiency six-speed transmission to deliver best-in-
its-class 22/32 mpg. You read that right: 32 mpg on the
highway. Just flip the ECO button on the console.
The base model Terrain is a great family and DIY project
hauler thatll still tow up to 1,400 lbs. But if you need more
towing capacity (up to 3,500 lbs.), upgrade to the 3.0-liter
(183 hp) V-6 engine.
Creature features for 2011 include GMs innovative Active
Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that measures ambient
noise levels inside the passenger cabin and broadcasts
noise-canceling sound waves through the vehicles speakers.
ANC provides a quieter ride at all driving speeds. The
Terrain also includes XM radio, rearview camera system and
stolen vehicle assistance through OnStar.
Prices for the 2011 Terrain
werent out when I wrote this,
but 2010 prices range from
$24,250 to $31,300. The 2011
Terrain is covered by a five-
year/100,000-mile power train
warranty.
Whos this for?
If you want an all-around
full-size SUV with lots of
options, good gas mileage
and a comfy ride, check
out the GMC Terrain.
Whos this for?
If you love the SUV look but
need it in a downsized version,
and you want to make a fashion
statement, the Juke is where its
at. Small, sporty and fun.
2011 Dodge Ram
The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup will
be in showrooms by the time you read
this. But, besides prices, few specs were
available at press time. So the most we
can say is that we expect many of the
2010 features to carry over to the 2011
model. The 2010 model delivered a
great ride, using rear coil springs instead
of the stiffer leaf springs in most other
trucks. And it gets respectable fuel econ-
omy (20 mpg on the highway). In fact,
Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) recently
named the 2010 Dodge Ram pickup as
one of the Top 10 Road Trip Vehicles.
The Ram 1500 pickup starts at $21,510
for the 2WD regular cab version and
tops out at $42,485 for the crew cab 4x4
L ar ami e
edi ti on
with just
about every
feature you
could hope
to find in a
pickup.
Whos this for?
If you use your truck
for road trips and you
want a comfortable
ride, check out the
2011 Dodge Ram 1500
pickup.
The Tucson also includes standard
safety features like anti-skid braking
and a new uphill and downhill
assist system. The assist function
prevents backward roll on steep
hills and reduces speed to a crawl
on very steep inclines.
The 2011 Tucson comes with a five-
year/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper
warranty and 10-year/100,000 miles on
the power train. Prices are expected to
start at about $20,000 for the base
model and rise to about $28,000 for the
Limited model with AWD.
2011 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai engineers continue to shave
pounds and improve gas mileage
on their lightest-in-class Tucson
crossover SUV. The 2011 version has a
more fuel-efficient six-speed transmis-
sion. Hyundai ditched the heavy V-6
engine and dropped in a lighter
2.4-liter four-cylinder. The four-cylin-
der engine produces about the same
power (176 hp) as the older V-6, but
with 20 percent better fuel economy.
The changes add up to a projected (not
yet officially EPA) mpg of 23/31.
Whos this for?
If youre sticking to city streets, want a
lot of cargo space, 4WD or AWD, a long
warranty and a reasonable price tag,
take a peek at the Hyundai Tucson.
Ford Super Duty Pickup
In 2011, Ford kicked its entire
Super Duty Pickup truck series
(F-250, 350 and 450) into high
gear with major leaps in engine,
transmission and electronics
technologies. The new 6.7-liter
V-8 turbocharged diesel engine
is a total redesign of the old
engine. Ford fabricated the engine
from compacted graphite iron for
reduced weight and maximum
strength. The twin turbochargers are
gone, replaced with a single turbocharger
that spins two compressor wheels. The new design
reduces turbo lag and gives much faster response when you put the pedal to
the metal. The end result is a power plant that puts out 390 hp (40 more hp
than the older engine).
The Super Duty also includes the completely new TorqShift six-speed trans-
mission. Every component in this baby is designed to pull heavy loads. In fact,
the specially designed torque converter damper lets you lug heavy loads with
engine speeds as low as 900 rpm. That would toast most other transmissions.
With its more powerful engine, this rig can tow a whopping 24,400 lbs. (F-450
with fifth-wheel trailer).
On the electronics end, Ford dishes up tons of features like trailer sway con-
trol, integrated trailer brake control and a tow-haul mode that modifies trans-
mission shift points to provide maximum power while towing. The hill start-
assist system prevents the truck (and those heavy loads) from rolling backward
or forward when you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator. And just
set the hill descent control to your
desired speed and the system auto-
matically keeps the rig at that speed
without applying the brakes.
Prices start at $35,855 for the
F-250 (less with the 6.2-liter gas
engine).
Whos this for?
Whether youre hauling construction
materials, a large boat or a horse trailer,
the Super Duty does the job without
breaking a sweat.
The newest
shape in
cargo vans
2011 Ford Transit Connect
Got your own small business and need
to move it around town? Forget those
boxy rear-wheel-drive vans of yester-
year. Get noticed with the new-to-
America styling on the Ford Transit
Connect. Named in 2010 as the
International Van of the
Year by European vehi-
cle journalists, the
Transit Connect offers
many features the old
cargo vans simply
cant match.
For starters, load
just about anything
through the 52.1-in.-tall
rear doors (59.1-in. floor-
to-ceiling height inside
the doors). The truck
provides 135.3 cu. ft. of
cargo space, 72.6 in. of
load length, and up to
1,600 lbs. of payload. The
space between wheel arches is
48.1 in. The doors are available with or
without glass.
The Transit Connect gets you where
you need to go with front wheel drive
and a 2.0-liter, 136-hp, four-cylinder
engine. Sure, its a small engine, but it
gets better gas mileage (22/25 mpg)
than a regular cargo van.
Add the Ford Work Solutions in-
dash computer ($1,395) and turn
your Transit Connect into a mobile
office, complete with built-in key-
board and printer, GPS voice-activat-
ed navigation and Internet. If you
work with (and lose) tools, opt for
the DeWalt Tool Link ($1,220) feature
that performs a complete inventory
check of your tools before you leave
the job site (attach a special radio tag
to each tool).
Starting price for the 2011 Transit
Connect is $21,475, including destina-
tion charge. Want to combine work and
family? Just order the XLT version
($23,450) and load the kids in the sec-
ond row (total seating is five adults),
and still have room for cargo.
Whos this for?
Perfect for small-business owners
who need lots of cargo space and
want a happy accountant.
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SHOP
work
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9. DECKRITE
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12. ELMIRA
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www.elmirastoveworks.com
13. FROG TAPE
FrogTape

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14. GEICO
You could save 15% or more. Get a
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16. GRKFASTENERS
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The best selection, quality and prices
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FH or for more information, visit our
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Includes installation instructions
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Johns Manville is the only
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TO GET FREE INFORMATION ON THE LATEST HOME PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
CircIe the corresponding numbers for each advertiser on the attached Reader Service Card,
stamp and maiI, OR
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adver ti sement
29. PURDY
Purdy is the brand of choice for
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for more information.

Rheem Water Heating Division is an
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SLASH YOUR HEAT BILL UP TO 50%
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Protect your deck from even the most
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it looking beautiful with long-lasting
protection from Thompsons WaterSeal.
The most powerful protection against
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37. WEATHER TECH
Complete coveragefor whatever
you drive! Visit WeatherTech.com
for custom-t products, available for
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38. WOODCRAFT
Quality Woodworking Tools
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or to nd your local Woodcraft store,
visit www.woodcraft.com or call
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Beautiful wood projects are within
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23. LOCTITE
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world. Like yours. Learn more at
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24. LUMBER LIOUIDATORS
Lumber Liquidators sells brand-
name, hardwood ooring,
including Bellawood Pre-Finished
Hardwood. No one beats Lumber
Liquidators for price or quality. Call
1-800-HARDWOOD for a free catalog.
25. MARK E. INDUSTRIES
Goof Proof Showers: Shower
installations made easier with our
own unique products. 866-771-9470
www.markeindustries.com
26. WOOD BEAUTIFUL
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
This helpful series of brochures is
designed to inspire your creativity and
get you started with easy, affordable
ideas for your home that highlight the
beauty of wood and wood nishing.
FREE. For more unique and inspiring
ideas, visit minwax.com
27. MORTON
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contain a patented formula that
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SHOP
RAT
by Travis Larson
shoprat@thefamilyhandyman.com
Yes, you can buy a clamp rack similar to this one for about $150, but why not
have this good-looking version for a lot less? Plus, its another shop project!
Ultimate
clamp rack
If you have a big shop, a roll-
around clamp rack is better
than any wall-mounted sys-
tem. It holds every type of clamp in one compact
space, and you can wheel it right up to your work
area. That saves miles of walking back and forth to
the clamp rack.
This version is built from oak legs and 3/4-in.
plywood shelves. Note that the front and back
edges of the plywood are all the same length but
have 7-degree bevels. The shorter pieces of edge
trim also have 7-degree angles. When you cut the
edge trim to length, it should be measured and cut
to the bottom, longest part of each board.
Assemble the legs first and then preassemble
the shelves. Then screw on the top and bottom
shelves. Rest the rack upside down and slide in
each shelf. Make sure theyre evenly spaced and
screw each one to the legs. Add the wheels, var-
nish it and youre done.
7 BEVEL
7 BEVEL
ON PLYWOOD
13-1/2" x 23"
ALL SHELF FRONT AND BACK
EDGE TRIM THE SAME
SWIVEL
CASTERS
1x2 x 13-1/2"
1x2
1x2
1x3
1x3
1x3
2-1/2"
SCREW
FINISH
WASHER
1x2 x 24-1/2"
16-3/4" x 23"
16-3/4"
20-3/4" x 23"
23-1/2" x 23"
Figure A
Clamp rack
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Homemade bench pucks
Rockler sells ingenious little things
called Bench Cookies for $12 for a set
of four (rockler.com; 800-279-4441).
Not a bad price, Id say. Theyre very
useful when you need to space projects
above the workbench for clamping, fin-
ishing or routing. But if you need lots
of them, or you love saving a few
bucks, you can buy hockey pucks for
about $1.25 each and stick shelf liner
on both sides with spray adhesive. Rob
Rowe suggested this tip. Im guessing
hes a bored NHL player/woodworker
with a mountain of old pucks.
Workbench power strip
This oldie-but-goodie tip comes from David Gersic. Screw
a power strip to the side of your workbench and you wont
have to monkey with extension cords anymore when using
power tools for bench work.
Use screws for clamps
You dont always need clamps. Cut your workpiece a little
long, fit the parts, then drill holes near the ends. Glue up
the pieces and screw them together; theyll line up perfect-
ly. Add clamps in the middle if no glue is squeezing out
there. Then just cut off the ends when the glue dries.
Most playhouses stand empty after the kids get older. But this one wont. Dave
Mensch made it large enough for big kids (or even adults) and finished the
interior like a house. Complete
with insulation and electricity,
it will evolve from a playhouse
into a place for sleepovers or a
quiet homework spot as his girls
grow up.
You can pay someone to build just
about anything. But you cant buy the
satisfaction that comes from doing it
yourselfthe moment when you
stand back and say to yourself, I built
that. That moment is also a good
time to snap a few photosand then
send them to us.
Permanent
playhouse
BRAG
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Reincarnated cabinet
These secondhand cabinets sat in
the garage for two years before Janet
Johnson got the inspiration to turn
them into a bathroom cabinet. She
built a small box to act as a cubby
between the cabinets and covered
the sides with 1/4-in. plywood. The
base is a piece of routed MDF, and
crown molding trims the top. The
feet are drapery rod finials.
My projects clutter up
the garage and drive my
husband crazy. But even
he has to admit
that this one
was worth it.
Janet Johnson
Our daughters can use it as
they get olderand hopefully
grandchildren will
use it someday too.
Dave Mensch
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Show off your project Send us your project photos and well
send you a check for $100 if we use them in the magazine. E-mail digital photos to
editors@thefamilyhandyman.com. Please put Brag Board in the subject line.
Stores oat|oow|de! For a F8 cata|og or a store oear yo0 ca||
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The cherished, time-honored elegance
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No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Contest is open to legal residents age 18 or older of the U.S. and its territories and
possessions. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Feb. 20, 2011. To enter and for official rules, visit thefamilyhandyman.com/myproject. We reserve the right to use any entry
in the magazine and pay you $100 for the photo. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Contest sponsored by The Readers Digest Association, Inc., publisher of The Family Handyman. E
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One of the best things about being a DIYer is that
you can create your own spaces. And if youre a
guy, youve builtor at least dreamed about build-
inga haven just for you and your buddies.
Whether its a game room, a home bar, your garage
or just a place to hang out, we want to see your
photos. If we choose your project as the contest
winner, well send you $500. To enter, go to the-
familyhandyman.com/myproject.
Cabin on wheels
Ever since high school, Adam Fisher dreamed of
turning a school bus into a hunting and fishing
cabin. And heres his masterpiece. It has a
knotty pine interior, a TV and bunks for six, as
well as a built-in air conditioner and a wood-
burning stove for year-round comfort. Outside,
theres a rooftop deck. All this for less than
$4,000 (and a couple thousand hours of work).
The bus itself cost about $1,400.
Exclusive nightclub
Bullochs Neighborhood Pub is a great place to
relax with a cold one. But you cant get in unless
you know the ownerthe bar is in his house.
Don Bulloch built it all himself, from floor to
ceiling. And for most of the project, he was
playing injured, with his hand in a cast (the
result of a nasty table saw accident when he
was laying the floor). To top off his tavern, Don
set up a model train that circles the room just
below the ceiling.
Adam Fisher
A place for
the guys
Don Bulloch
My wife suggested a new
laundry room in that space.
But I wanted something
more useful.
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On our wedding day, my bus was the
limo for the entire wedding party. It was
quite a spectacle.
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86 THE FAMILY HANDYMAN OCTOBER 2010
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THE FAMILY HANDYMAN OCTOBER 2010 87
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88 THE FAMILY HANDYMAN OCTOBER 2010
Now Is The Time
To Advertise!
Contact
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at
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ext. 30
or
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Specialists in Original Equipment and
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Our thanks go to Jonathan Carson for this idea.
Get $100 for your Wordless Workshop idea!
See Contributor Guidelines on p. 4.
WORDLESS
WORKSHOP
Recharging dock
by Roy Doty
wordless@thefamilyhandyman.com
TM
FHMOct10_90+.qxp 8/25/10 5:18 PM Page 90
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HM-EMAILAD-FULL+.indd 1 4/8/10 5:29:56 PM
GREAT
GOOFS
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Most expensive step ever
We hired a contractor to replace our front step. Once it was removed, he
attached an auger to his skid loader and told one of his workers where to
drill holes for the footings, then he left. After lunch, he returned to pour
the concrete.
All seemed well and good until after supper, when we noticed that our
laundry room floor drain had backed up. I thought that tree roots had
grown into the sewer line againit happens every year. But when city
workers inspected it, they discovered something elsethe contractor
and his guys had drilled through the sewer line and filled it with con-
crete. Replacing the line involved digging up 40 ft. of yard and 12 ft.
under the house (taking out my basement floor) and cutting down a
50-year-old tree. What I learned is this: Anytime youre planning to dig
big holes, have everythingmarked, including the sewer line.
Rod Stapleton
Nailed it!
For a remodeling job, I ordered $800 of prefinished cherry for
a countertop. I was pinning a 3/4-in. cherry strip to the
underside of the countertop with 1-1/2-in. brad nails,
angling them slightly so they wouldnt break through
the piano-grade finishscary! In the middle of the
project, one of my carpenters asked to bor-
row my gun for a few minutes.
When he returned the gun, I
finished nailing on the trim. But
when I tried to lift the piece up, I
realized there was a definite problem
the countertop had been nailed through the drop
cloth into the floor. What my knucklehead carpenter didnt
tell me was that when he took my gun, he exchanged my nails for ones
that were about an inch longer. I had to spend $200 to hire a furniture
restorer to fix all the splintered nail holes. I still get mad at that idiot
every time I think about it.
Marty Huwald
Ice dam destroyer
A monster of an ice dam had formed
on my roofit must have been 2 ft.
thick. I wanted to break it up before
it caused any damage. I stood on a
ladder and hit the ice with a ham-
mer, but it wouldnt break. Heck, it
wouldnt even crack. So I decided to
go at it with heavy artillerymy
sledgehammer.
I smashed the ice with the sledge-
hammer, and it workedit worked
too well. A chunk of ice the size of a
bathtub calved off, nearly knocking
me off the ladder. Although I man-
aged to escape, my gas grill didnt.
The glacier landed right on it and
completely destroyed it. Now I stop
those good-for-nothing ice dams
before they start.
Bob Clement
from our readers
greatgoofs@thefamilyhandyman.com
Got your own do-it-yourself mistake?
Get $100 for your Great Goof!
See Contributor Guidelines on p. 4.
FHMOct10_92+.qxp 8/25/10 5:27 PM Page 92
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d
.
For more about the Anabelle
TM
pullout faucet and other Moen
products designed for your life, go to moen.com.

Funny... took out a wall
got new appliances
and a faucet ends up being
my favorite improvement
My kitchen
Designed for my life
,
,
.
.
.
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Handyman

THE FAMILY #1 i n DIY Home Improvement

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FHMOct10_27-34+.qxp 8/25/10 3:53 PM Page 33

Plywood. We used two layers

Tile backer board. We purchased Custom

Thin-set mortar. Look for special glass tile mor-

Cement board screws. Choose screws that are

Cement board tape. Check the labelit must be

Grout. We used nonsanded grout because we

and get to work.

Learn how to install a faucet. Type faucet into

For help with bathroom floors, type bath floor

Work the grout from all angles

Scrape off the excess before it

Wait until the grout starts to hard-

Keep the rinse water clear and

Use a damp sponge to tool the

Coat the grout with a grout sealer

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If you dont have a finish nailer, drill pilot holes for

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Glue the parts together. Because you can use fewer

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