Category: DIY

Simple Tips for Repairing and Maintaining Your Clothes Washer

Dear James: My clothes washer leaks a little when in the drain and spin cycles. What things should I check to locate and repair the water leak? What are some maintenance tips?—Teddy L. Dear Teddy: It is good that you noticed the leak before it got too bad. Generally, people just load the clothes in…


Remove and Replace Drywall Tape Over Joints

Dear James: The drywall tape is coming loose on the walls and in the corners, so I pulled it off. What is the correct method to retape the corners so that it stays on longer? —Pamela D. Dear Pamela: If you have ever watched a professional tape drywall, it looks easy with little sanding needed….


Turning Scraps Into Liquid Gold

My approach to cooking with vegetables radically changed about two years ago, during the first lockdown of the pandemic in Italy. At that time, I was three months pregnant, living next door to my parents and grandmother in the open countryside, with a job that I could already do from home. Except for not seeing…


How to Assemble a First-Aid Kit for DIYers

Dear James: I have worked with hand and power tools for years, but recently hurt myself with no one around. What things should I include in a first-aid kit for my toolshed?—Isaac L. Dear Isaac: It definitely is a good idea to have a complete first-aid kit readily available, even if you are not alone…


Making Your Own Italian Seasoning Couldn’t Be Easier

The one seasoning blend I reach for every week is a mixture of my favorite dried herbs. A sprinkle of homemade Italian seasoning adds flavor to roasted potatoes, simmering marinara sauce, juicy roast chicken, and more. Thankfully, making your own Italian seasoning couldn’t be easier. Simply mix together a few dried herbs already in your…


Connect 2 Rooms With a New Door

Dear James: My living room is adjacent to the children’s bedroom. I would like to add a door between the two rooms. How can I open and frame the new door opening?—Carla T. Dear Carla: Adding an additional opening between rooms is a relatively easy and popular project. By installing the proper type of door,…


Man Built His Own Open-Air Training Center

The skills he learned are more valuable than any money he saved.


Air Power Tools Need the Correct Hose Type

Dear James: I bought an air compressor because I think pneumatic tools are better than electric tools. Now I need a long hose. What type of pneumatic hose is good for tools?—Juan K. Dear Juan: For many home projects, pneumatic tools are better than electric or battery-powered ones. Electric tools, and particularly battery-powered tools, are…


Is Your Home Working for You?

We ask a lot of our homes. We ask them to function crisply, to store all of our stuff neatly and with precision, to give us shelter, warmth, water, and electricity, and to provide us with special places to eat, bathe, sleep, and enjoy peace and quiet. They’re also the central hubs for our family…


How to Have a Chef-Approved Kitchen Without Remodeling

You can cook like the pros without ever firing up a restaurant-caliber range—or tearing out countertops. Here are some ideas that won’t require a contractor. Choose Easy-Grab Cabinet Hardware Quick access to gear and ingredients makes a kitchen run smoothly. One small but important detail: cabinet hardware. Long, rectangular pulls are easier to grip than…