Archive for the ‘Handyman’ Category

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What Is A Mattock?

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013

What Is A Mattock? - Handyman

If you are a gardener, you may be aware of the many tools needed to create the perfect garden or flower bed. Some of these tools, such as shovels and watering cans, are easy to identify because they are familiar.

There are many other tools that are not as well known and can even look like they are from another planet. A mattock is one of these tools. The mattock has been around for centuries and was used by many ancient cultures, including the ancient Greeks. If you have ever wondered about a mattock, this information will help you.

What Is A Mattock?

A mattock is a hand tool that is used to dig holes and small trenches. It resembles an ax and has a double-headed, dull blade on one end. These tools range in size from three to four feet long and can weigh as much as eight pounds. They typically have wooden handles, but some are made from metal and other materials as well. A screw holds the head of the mattock in place so it does not fall off the handle as it is being used.

What Is A Mattock Used For?

Mattocks have all sorts of uses, most of them in the garden. Many gardeners and farmers use the tool to crush up dirt so that plants can be planted in soft soil. They are also used to dig holes for bulbs, plants, and even seeds. Many people will even use a mattock to cut down small trees, break up and remove gravel, or cut up small logs and stumps so they can be removed and the area can be used as a garden or flower bed.

The mattock may look a little strange but it is a very useful tool. Once you have mastered the technique, you will not know how you every lived without such a versatile piece of garden equipment.

Need Gardening Help?

Whether you are looking for a place to buy a mattock or scouring for help in your garden, TalkLocal has all your resources on one, convenient website. Through our innovative service, you will be connected with professionals of all industries right in your local area. We’ll have you on the phone with the right professional in just minutes.

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Tapered Fence Rails

Thursday, June 20th, 2013

Tapered Fence Rails - Handyman

Tapered fence rails can give any fence a decorative feel. You can buy tapered fences from a variety of places. When you are shopping, be sure to compare prices and consider delivery and installation deals.

Here are some of the best places to shop for these fence rails.

Home Improvement Store

A home improvement store is one of the best places to find tapered fence rails. They often have these types of rails in stock. If they are not available in the store, you can ask a manager or employee to order them for you. It usually only takes a few days before they are available and can be picked up or delivered to your home.

Online Stores

If you cannot find the rails you need in stores, consider shopping for them online. Many major stores have websites which offer a selection that is much larger than what can be found in stores. You can order the items online and have them shipped right to your home or the store that is the closest to you. Then you can pick up your rails, take them home and start installing them.

Classified Sites

If you don’t mind buying items that have been used, you may be able to get a good deal on your fence rails. Check online classified sites for the exact size and style of rails that you want. You can contact the seller and make arrangements to see the rails before your purchase them and even negotiate the price or try to barter with the seller to get a deal on the fence rails.

Regardless of where you buy your tapered fence rails, make sure you measure properly and purchase the right size and amount. Take advantage of sales, clearance products and coupons to get the best price possible on your purchase.

Need Help Installing Them?

You might not know it, but your local area is likely loaded with handymen capable of installing tapered fence rails. TalkLocal is the best way to find them. Visit our site and, minutes later, you’ll be talking with people who can help.

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Rust Removal From Concrete

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Rust Removal From Concrete - Handyman

If your once-white driveway is now a frustrating, spotty orange, you may be looking for methods of rust removal from concrete. Unlike stripping paint off of concrete, rust is a bit trickier as the concrete tends to absorb the rust color more than it does paint.

Your best option is to work with a highly acidic substance known as muriatic acid. The end result will be the stripping of a thin layer of concrete away, lifting the ugly tint with it.

Then Follow These Steps

1. Suit up: Make sure you have excellent rubber gloves, boots, and junk clothes that will cover your skin. Additionally, you will want to wear a respirator, as muriatic acid produces acidic vapors. If any acid makes contact with your skin, wash it off immediately.

2. Mix acid with water according to package directions. Always pour the acid into the water instead of water into acid.

3. Using a long-handled floor brush, apply the acid mixture to the desired area. The area will bubble. Give it about five minutes to work on the concrete. Apply more as necessary.

4. Once the stain is removed, use a fresh bucket of water to remove all traces of acid. The concrete will be a bit rougher than the surrounding area, but that will not hurt it.

5. Dispose of the remaining acid mixture according to package directions. Remove safety gear and shower in order to ensure you do not sustain acid burns.

6. To prevent rust stains in the future, seal the concrete with a concrete sealant. This will stop moisture and metallic elements from penetrating the surface.

Feeling Lost?

If you are concerned that the task of rust removal from concrete might be either too time-consuming or too dangerous for your comfort level, let an expert handle it. TalkLocal can find a qualified handyman in your area at no cost to you. Our service is fast and easy, and you will be speaking with a local professional in no time.

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What Does Asbestos Look Like?

Monday, June 17th, 2013

What Does Asbestos Look Like? - Handyman

If you are currently looking into the purchase of an older home, or are considering renovating your current home, you may be asking yourself: What does asbestos look like? Unfortunately, asbestos cannot be determined on sight alone. Determining if you may have this dangerous substance in your home takes a little research into your house and searching for warning signs.

Research

If your home was built after 1981, you can be reasonably certain that there is no asbestos in your home. Many homes built prior to 1981 have already been updated, with the old asbestos removed. If your home was built prior to 1981, here are some places to look:

Fireproofing Material

If the material used to fireproof your home is fibrous, fluffy, crumbly, and muddy, it may contain asbestos if your home is older. You will need to contact a professional experienced in asbestos to be sure.

Thermal Insulation

This type of insulation will be on pipes, boilers, water heaters, etc. It will appear to be like cardboard or paper and is typically white in color.

Plaster

If your walls are not drywall and were plastered prior to 1981, they may contain asbestos. It was typically mixed with the plaster material prior to that date.

Floor tiles

Although typically floor tiles containing asbestos are from the 1920s, some were made in the mid to late 1970s. They are typically black, as the asbestos was mixed with an asphalt material.

Only professionals can accurately answer the question: What does asbestos look like? It also takes the right person with the appropriate tools to safely remove it from your home or business.

Where Can You Find Those People?

You should not, under any circumstances, attempt to remove the material on your own. To find a professional near you, try using TalkLocal. Our free service is fast and incredibly easy. We will only find professionals qualified to handle your problem based on information you give us. You will be talking on the phone with someone who can help in just minutes.

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Different Fencing Types

Saturday, June 15th, 2013

Different Fencing Types - Handyman

Installing a fence can be a huge asset to any homeowner. Their ability to keep pets and children in, intruders out, and provide privacy makes fences desirable. Choosing among the different fencing types can seem overwhelming at first, but once you know which material is best for you, the decision becomes much easier.

Here are a few of the more common types of fencing:

Wood: Prior to metal and vinyl, wood was the only material used to build fences. Modern wooden fences no longer carry with them the problems of older ones, as metal fastenings are now designed to prevent warping. Often, wooden fencing provides excellent privacy and is usually chosen over other types for aesthetic purposes. Also, wood is commonly more affordable than the other materials.

Steel: These fences are very durable and require little maintenance. They are susceptible to rust and are rarely used for privacy purposes. Steel fencing can be produced in a variety of ornate designs, and would be chosen over wood for its rigid structure or aesthetic purposes.

Vinyl: This type of fencing has become very popular in privacy fence construction. It is lightweight, cleans easily, and requires little to no maintenance. While it is durable, it is not (generally) as durable as steel or wood. It does, however, provide a less expensive alternative.

Chain Link: This is probably the most common of the different fencing types. Available in a variety of sizes, chain link fences are easy to construct with the right tools, and are relatively inexpensive compared to their more private counterparts. They also are very durable. If your main concern is keeping pets and children in or intruders out, chain link may certainly be the best of the different fencing types.

You Are Not Alone

If you need help choosing from the different fencing types or simply want help installing a fence, call in an expert. TalkLocal will put you in touch with a handyman near you at no charge. Let us help you improve the function of your yard.

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Outdoor Cleaning Detergents

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

Outdoor Cleaning Detergents - Handyman

If you have patio furniture with cloth cushions, you may notice that they have become dirty and dingy. Before you spend money on new cushions or an entirely new patio set, consider using one of the many outdoor cleaning detergents on the market that will clean your cushions. These detergents are affordable and effective and will have your patio furniture looking as good as new in no time.

How To Use Outdoor Cleaning Detergents

1. Determine the type of fabric that your patio furniture cushions are made of. Certain outdoor cleaning detergents are made for specific types of fabric. If you use the wrong detergent on the wrong fabric, it could damage the cushions. Once you know what the cushions are covered and stuffed with, you can read the detergent bottle to find out if it is safe to use on them.

2. Dampen your patio furniture slightly to prepare it for the detergent. Most outdoor cushions are treated with products that cause them to repel liquid. When the cushions are damp, they will be more likely to absorb the cleaning solution. Read the instructions on the detergent bottle to find out how long the solution should stay on the cushions and if it needs to be rinsed off at any point.

3. Consider spot cleaning the furniture instead of trying to clean it all at once. If you have stained or very dirty cushions, spray on the detergent and let it soak in for a little longer than what the bottle says. Use a soft scrub brush to help work the detergent into the cushions and remove stains and heavy dirt marks.

4. Store your furniture during the winter months to prevent it from becoming damaged. Before you store it for the season, be sure to clean it. If you store your cushions while they are dirty, the dirt and stains will have longer to set in, and will be harder to remove when you are ready to use the furniture again in the spring or summer.

There are many types of outdoor cleaning detergents on the market. Some can be used on multiple fabrics and others are designed to be used on one or two specific types. Regardless of what type of cushions you have, you can be sure that you will find a detergent that works for you.

Need Help Cleaning?

Cleaning outdoor furniture and equipment isn’t usually a job reserved for a maid. A more qualified handyman is usually in order. At TalkLocal, we can connect you with the right professional. Simply enter in a little bit of information about the services you require, and we’ll go to work finding someone for you.

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How To Reface Your Cabinets

Saturday, June 8th, 2013

How To Reface Your Cabinets - Handyman

If your cabinets are looking old and worn, but you are also on a tight budget, fight the urge to replace them. Learning how to reface your cabinets can have them looking new and allows you to update the look of your home.

Here is a quick crash course on how to reface your cabinets.

Disassemble all cabinet doors and drawers: This is somewhat of a painstaking process as you also must remove all of the hardware, like cabinet door hinges or drawer handles. Make sure you keep all components of your cabinet doors and drawers in order so that you know how to reassemble them easily.

Sand and fix any divots: Sand the cabinets to make sure the surface is smooth. If you encounter any gouges or divots, simply fill those in with wood putty.

Install wood veneer: Applying this thin coating of decorative wood can instantly transform the aesthetics of your cabinets. To do this, coat the area you are veneering with a light layer of wood glue. You can hold the veneers in place by using brads that are set in place with a nail gun. You can also purchase wood veneer tape to help speed up the process of veneering the edges of cabinet doors. Make sure all the veneer is trimmed accordingly and runs flush with the cabinets, doors, and drawers.

Applying stain: Once the veneer is in place, you can go to work staining your cabinets. You can use either an old rag or a brush for this job. Start staining in the tight, harder to reach places that require most precision. These will be harder to reach if you started staining the large areas first. Give all components of your cabinets significant time to dry.

Reassembling cabinets: After the cabinets are completely dry, you can reinstall the hardware and put the cabinets back together. This is where your method of sorting the disassembled cabinet parts comes in handy.

Finding A Local Resource

While it might seem like a quick and easy process, a lot of precision is required in learning how to reface your cabinets and make them look good. There are a number of professionals that are trained in this art and reface cabinets regularly. Now, with TalkLocal, they are easy to find. Just log on to our website and type in what you’re looking for. We will do the rest.

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Installing A Driveway Gate

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

Installing A Driveway Gate - Handyman

Having a driveway gate for your home provides multiple benefits. Not only does it just look nice, but it also prevents unwanted visitors from driving to your home. You can choose a design that offers extra privacy or one that speaks to your artistic taste. Regardless, installing a driveway gate can be a do-it-yourself task that offers multiple benefits.

What you’ll need if you’re installing a driveway gate:

– A post hole digger

– A shovel

– A level

– A Plumb Line

– Some fast-setting concrete

– An electric drill or screwdriver

– The gate itself

– The gate hardware (the necessary hinges and screws, etc)

– A wrench

– A partner

Steps for installing a driveway gate:

1. Dig the post holes two to three feet deep on opposite sides of your driveway, according to the necessary distance of the gate.

2. Set the posts in the holes using the level and the plumb line to make sure they’re completely straight before you pour concrete into the holes and let that settle over night.

3. The next day, drill the holes into the posts for the gate hardware. Make sure your gate has enough room to open the way you need it to open.

4. Using the holes you just drilled, mount the gate’s hinges and hardware.

5. Now, you need your partner to help you. Mount the gate onto the hinges. Your partner should hold the gate while you make sure the hinges are tightened properly (not too loose, not too tight).

6. Screw on the gate latch assembly hardware at the proper height.

7. If your gate is electronic, this is the time where you want to mount the gate opener brackets and such. Make sure your access pad is at a height that is comfortable for you when you are in your vehicle by measuring.

8. Test the gate to insure it opens and shuts properly.

For More Complex Projects…

If you need help picking or installing a driveway gate, TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who can help. Each driveway gate requires a slightly different process, so turning to a professional might be your best bet. We have revolutionized the way customers can get a hold of service professionals. Come see how quick and easy it is!

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Closed In Porch Designs

Friday, May 31st, 2013

Closed In Porch Designs - Handyman

As the weather warms, many of us want to be able to enjoy the outdoors. After the long months of being cooped up for the winter, we tend to forget the side effects that come with warmer weather: sweltering sun, insect bites, wind, and rainstorms.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to enjoy the warmth, wildlife, and fresh air without experiencing all of those side effects of summer, while simultaneously adding curb appeal?

A closed in porch is one viable solution. Depending on your climate and personal preferences, here are some ideas for closed in porch designs.

Closed In Porch Designs

– If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, you may consider a mostly glass enclosed porch. Leave some panels with screens that can be replaced with glass in the winter time. This way, you can enjoy the sunlight and winter wildlife from the warm comfort of your porch. In the summer, remove the selected glass panels with screens and enjoy the warm breeze.

– If you live in a mostly warm climate and enjoy an old-fashioned look, consider installing full-length shutters. These are popular in places such as Louisiana. When opened, they allow for the warm breeze and sunlight to shine through, creating a feeling of southern hospitality. They can be closed to shut out blowing rain.

– Consider using refurbished or Bamboo blinds and curtains. These are a great way to not only protect the environment but also add features to your porch that will blend with the outside flora and fauna. It will help create a more “outdoors inside” feel.

– If you are simply looking for an economical way enjoy the outdoors in decent weather, without worrying about insects, consider installing screens or mosquito netting around the porch.

Closed In Porches Can Be A Great Addition To Your Landscape

A professional handyman can help you determine which closed in porch designs will be best for your home and budget. TalkLocal can help you find one in your area for absolutely no charge. Our service is fast, and we will only locate qualified individuals for you.

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Cheap Soundproofing Material

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

Cheap Soundproofing Material - Handyman

If you have noisy neighbors, you may feel the need to soundproof your house in order to get some peace and quiet. Or maybe, you are the noisy one, and you do not wish to bother your neighbors. Either way, soundproofing can be very expensive, but there are some more cost effective ways to soundproof your house. This article will describe some cheap soundproofing material.

Green Glue

The cheapest way to sound proof your house is with Green Glue. Applying Green Glue in between drywall layers will reduce noise coming in and out of the walls.

Silent Panel

Another low cost way to soundproof your house is with a silent panel. Silent panels are boards made of polypropylene that can be put in ceilings or walls. They are also helpful in preventing the growth of mold and mildew, so a silent panel is an excellent choice for an area that room that might have moisture, such as a room with a swimming pool, or a public building that might not always be treated with care, such as a school or gym.

American Sound Isolation Tape

Another sound proofing option is American Sound Isolation Tape. American Sound Isolation type provides a similar function to foaming a ceiling or wall, but it is less expensive and less of a hassle.

Find Cheap Soundproofing Material

If you do not know how or do not wish to soundproof your house yourself, you can contact a professional handyman to do the soundproof installation for you. A professional handyman should also be willing to give you some advice about what material is both the cheapest and most effective in soundproofing a room or a house. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three, high-quality handymen in your area that are available when you are.

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