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In This Issue:

1) Feeling the burn again… a message from the Natural Handyman

2) Back at ya’… in appreciation for media citations or web links!

3) Sweepstakes Central... Win great home repair stuff!!

4) News from the Basement Annex!!

5) Q&A with our readers

6) Linkmaster’s Corner

7) Pass the hammer, would ya?"... NH's readers speak out!

8) Featured in the Natural Handyman Bookshop...
“Mastering the Miter Saw, Parts 1 and 2” by Gary Katz

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FEELING THE BURN AGAIN… a message from the Natural Handyman

In this spot, I’ve occasionally mentioned my love of the pursuit of physical fitness. I say “pursuit” because I have yet to catch it. Sure, at times I have felt physical fitness brush against my fingertips as I lunged forward, only to have it’s cozy warmth slip from my grasp. Of course, my fall is usually cushioned by a soft, snoozy couch or a fully popped bag of microwave popcorn. That, my friend, is the rub… too much sitting and not enough doing has made some unwanted anatomical changes in your favorite handyman!

As if turning 55 this January wasn’t enough stress, my wife thought she’d be cute and buy me something we’d both benefit from. No, we didn’t go shopping to Victoria’s Secret, and she didn’t pack a new Rowenta Steam Iron in that little envelope. (She knows well enough to keep me away from the laundry!) No, I found a gift certificate for 5 sessions with a personal trainer. Hmmm… turn nice handyman into eye candy. Who’s this gift for, anyway?

One condition was to experiment with different training techniques and to work on bodyparts I had avoided. The one’s that require the most agony, of course! Most of my training had been linear, straight movements without a lot of bending or stretching. That was about to change. My trainer “du jour” was a young, tough little dominatrix named Tarra. Her soft spoken, quiet assurance was ready to kick my sorry abs from here to Sheboygan!

Since my teens, I had been weight training with varying intensities and differing goals, sometimes athletic, sometimes aesthetic and sometimes therapeutic, but hard enough to know that the pain ALWAYS precedes the gain. Yet aside from a 5 year stint in Tang Soo Do karate back in the seventies, I have never been so sore! Or so loving it! To paraphrase a Carly Simon song, “I feel my abs… burn… under my shirt… I feel my spine tight’ning down, a tight’ning down!” Oh, the joys of asprin!

All kidding aside, there is something to be said for hard, smart training. The hardest part can be keeping on track and motivated. And there’s something special about having a “tour guide’s” unique perspective, while leading you into muscular places you thought you knew, but really were only driving by!

Or, as Dr. Frankenstein was heard to say, “It’s alive!! It’s alive!!”

Ouch. Yes, it hurts when I laugh!

NH

==== NEED A HANDYMAN? LOOK NO FURTHER!! ===

Our growing NATURAL HANDYMAN NETWORK reaches thousands of cities and towns from sea to shining sea. Yes, even Hawaii and Alaska! Get your own devoted and skilled handyman ready, willing and able to help you with those pesky home repair chores! Does it get any better than that!!

THE NATURAL HANDYMAN NETWORK has NO FEES and we don’t ask for any personal information from you. Our only goal is to help you find the home repair assistance you need!

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/network

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2) BACK AT YA’.. in appreciation for media citations or reciprocal links…

DECORATIVE XTRAS in a contemporary, online furnishing accessory store specializing in mirrors, lighting, Clocks, figurines, memorabilia and extensive galleries comprising of prints, framed pictures and canvasses.
http://www.decorativextras.com
 

ABC AUTO UPHOLSTERY features quality auto interiors including upholstery, carpet, dash caps and dashboards, door panels, sun visors, headliners, convertible tops, classic auto glass, and more at reasonable prices. They sell auto carpet and upholstery kits all over the United States to the do-it-yourselfer car enthusiast.
http://www.abcautocarpetandupholstery.com
 

Want to “LINK UP” with the NATURAL HANDYMAN?
We REALLY appreciate links to our site… you might even get your site mentioned here! Click below for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkmeister.html 

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3) SWEEPSTAKES CENTRAL

CONTESTS CLOSED

We finally have a full list of Gel Gloss CLEANUP CREW winners. The winners are:

Lisa Munselle from El Paso, TX
Jannet A Kwan from San Leandro, CA
John Pauzauskie from Jasper, TX
Michele Wesley from Avon, IN
Julie Barcelou from Mountlake Terrace,
Colleen Estep from Bull Shoals, AR
Carol D Gillespie from Addison, TX
Jeffrey Levine from White Plains, NY
Brian Heurung from Mokena, IL
Terry Murphy from Chicago Ridge, IL

LAMPSLIGHTING.COM’s contest is also over, and the winners of $50.00 gift certificates are:

C. Maxwell from Abilene, TX
Larry Childres from Indianapolis, IN

Two other contests have closed since our December Newsletter, the CUSTOM SPAS CD giveaway and the HANDYMAN BUSINESS CD giveaway. The winners have been contacted. As soon as we have a complete list we’ll post them right here!

NEW CONTESTS

WIN AN OFFICIAL NATURAL HANDYMAN LOGO BASEBALL CAP!
If that weird noise you just made is a “yes”, you may be in luck. We’re giving away the coolest hat for the coolest handymen. The first drawing will be March 1 for February entrants. All entries each month only count for that months drawing. Good luck!!

The smoke has hardly cleared from LAMPSLIGHTING’s successful contest and they want to start another fire! We have two more $50.00 gift certificates hot off the presses! You can’t win it if you’re not in it!

FEATURED “OFF-SITE” CONTESTS…

Win a PT CRUISER WOODY from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Ends March 31, 2005
http://www.rockler.com/ptcruiser/index.cfm?sid=AF035
 

OTHER CURRENT CONTESTS…

(1) Win a case of LOCTITE POWER GRAB adhesive from Henkel Consumer Adhesives!
(2) Win a Do-It-Yourself basement LEAK STOPPING SYSTEM from WEBAC (ends 5/1/2005)

TO ENTER CONTESTS on our website, follow this link:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/contest 

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4) News from THE BASEMENT ANNEX

ARE YOU A “WEEKEND WARRIOR”??
We recently received a note from Dominique Skamra of Home and Garden TV (HGTV), and we think she may be looking for you! Have you ever watched a home improvement show and thought, "I could do that!" Well, here¹s your chance! HGTV’s WEEKEND WARRIORS is the show where you are the expert. It’s a unique reality television series that highlights real people enjoying the challenge and adventure of completing a home improvement project on their own. Interested? Click the link below for more info…
http://www.pietown.tv/shows/wwclientreqs.html
 

IS THERE AN AQUARIUM IN YOUR FUTURE? If so, you might be interested in this fun article by Jeanine Hughes on choosing a tank and its occupants for your own “fish tale”.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infaquarium/infchoosetankfish.html
 

CONSERVE ENERGY AND KEEP YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Conserving energy doesn’t always mean sacrifice when you can fit it smoothly into your lifestyle. Roy Macklin gives some personal insights into his own experiences that may inspire you to think about how conservation can benefit you.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infenergysavers/infconserveenergy.html
 

SELLING OR BUYING A HOME? We’ve started a new area with articles to help you buy, sell or invest in real estate with articles by people who have been there and done that! There’s sure to be something of interest to anyone who owns a home or has home ownership in their future.
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infhomesale/infhomesale.html 
 

INSTALLING AND REPAIRING DRYWALL can be an endless chore for the modern homeowner… or a great big hole in the wallet! The fact is most drywall work can be done by any able-bodied man or woman with a little guidance. So we have begun a collection of repair and installation articles to give you that nudge you need to fix that darn hole!!
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infdrywall/infdrywall.html

TELL A FRIEND about our newsletter! They’ll appreciate it!
http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/rec.html?ez=handym

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5) Q&A WITH OUR READERS...

Dear NH,

Is it possible to repair corroded brass plated bathroom fixtures? After years of cleaning they aren’t very brassy any more.

LE from Venice, CA

LE,

Unfortunately, once the brass plating is corroded through to the base metal, there is no cost-effective repair. Some fixtures, however, do allow limited parts replacement. I suggest visiting the website of the manufacturer and see if the corroded part is available separately. Many of the larger manufacturers now have blow-up views of their fixtures posted online. All you have to do is disassemble the faucet and replace the part.

Alas, this is the price to be paid for purchasing brass-plated as opposed to solid brass fixtures. Given that solid brass fixtures are so pricey, it’s usually cheaper to replace the less expensive faucets every few years than to buy the upscale brass! Another bonus to replacing a bathroom fixture is the room will feel almost brand new!

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Dear NH,

I have a cabin and was told to leave hot water on because the cold water will rust the tank faster? Is there any truth to this?

PE from Deerwood, MN

PE,

Chemical reactions such as oxidation... the technical name for rusting... always occur faster at higher temperatures, meaning that hot water would technically speed up rusting. That said, water tanks are coated inside with a ceramic material that helps resist rust, but this is an imperfect coating subject to cracking which is why all tanks eventually rust and leak.

I don't know of any scientific studies on whether or not letting a domestic hot water holding tank cool has any significant effect on the lifespan of the tank, but my guess is that the difference would be minimal.

However, there are other factors to consider before leaving the water heater on. Keeping the tank hot will shorten the life of all the electrical components (through normal use, that is). Also, it wastes electricity... and your money... to keep the tank hot through long periods of non-use. So unless you use the hot water every day or two, you're probably wise to turn the tank off between visits. Needless to say, if the tank may be subject to freezing temperatures you'd probably want to keep it on but adjust the heater's thermostat(s) to the lowest setting.

When the tank fails "someday", you might want to consider a tankless water heater, which draws no electricity when not being used but will give you hot water instantly when you need it!
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Dear NH,

My new toilet flapper closes too quickly for an effective flush. It has a chain, and attached to the chain is a small yellow float disc, then the flapper. How do I adjust these parts for a longer flush time?

SW

SW,

Some water-saving toilets use a special flapper that will not float by itself when you push the flush handle. In technical terms, the flapper lacks the hollow thingamabob underneath that holds an air bubble to make the flapper buoyant. Instead, the plastic foam float attached to the chain pulls the flapper up when flushed.

To increase the length of the flush, simply reposition the float so it is closer to the flapper. Conversely, to decrease the length of flush you must reposition the float further from the flapper. Overadjustment in either direction may cause the toilet to either not flush at all or flush very “nonproductively”.

Regarding adjustment, many of these floats utilize plastic retaining disks that interlock with the chain to hold the float in place, often one disk above and one below the float. Unlock the retainers, slide the float down to the position you want and relock them to hold it in place.

If it's too tight in the toilet for you to do this easily, disconnect the flapper and bring it up top to make the adjustment.
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Dear NH,

I've scraped the pop corn finish off of my ceiling. I washed the ceiling to remove dust. I then applied Behr's enamel undercoater, primer and sealer. Now that it's dried, I can scrape the primer off. I accidentally hit it with my putty knife and it will peel off like a vinyl sheet. Why?

DP of Casavant, FL

DP,

Behr's enamel undercoater is a good water-based primer meant to be used on smooth wood surfaces to prepare them for latex or alkyd (oil) enamels. But I would never recommend a water-based product such as this for the circumstance you describe.

The lumpy paint on sprayed ceilings is primarily a gypsum-like product (that's what wallboard is made from) in a water/adhesive suspension. Scraping and then simply washing the ceiling will still leave behind some dusty residue. (This is also the case after wallpaper removal where there is almost always some slight glue residue and/or dust.) That coating of dust keeps the Behr primer from adhering as strongly as you'd like. Though it might never have loosened without your “accident”, you can see the result of using the wrong primer.

An oil-based primer/sealer such as Kilz or Zinsser 123 adheres much better in this situation than water-based products. (I acknowledge that there is some difference of opinion in this, but you're asking my opinion.)

Of course, you can try to strip the entire ceiling but I doubt you’d want to. Mondo work! If you're lucky, the enamel primer will adhere acceptably on most of the ceiling. Instead of removing the primer, recoat the entire ceiling with an oil-based primer/sealer to totally seal it from future moisture which may cause it to lift when, for example, you apply a water-based ceiling paint. Then, do a repair on the section you gouged with wallboard compound. Reprime the repair and coat the ceiling with whatever paint you want.
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Dear NH,

I have a question about my refrigerator. The manual says to clean the dust off the front of the metal coil at the bottom of my fridge. I removed the plastic guard but I can see lots of dust inside the coil towards the back, bottom and top. I can't clean this unless I turn the fridge upside down! What good is it to clean the front part when the other 3 sides are caked in lint? Does the air still get through?

Also, does turning my refrigerator’s temperature controls from10 down to 2 save me on energy cost? Or does it make my refrigerator run more? At 2 it runs for 7 minutes and stays off for 24 minutes. Thanks.

TP from Jackson, MS

TP,

There is a long, thin brush designed to clean this area. Unplug the refrigerator and carefully work the brush back and forth around the coils. The dust will drop to the floor and then can be vacuumed up. You can slide a piece of cardboard or paper underneath the refrigerator to catch some of the dust if desired. Sometimes it’s easier to roll the refrigerator into the middle of the room to do this.

Regarding your energy consumption question, the higher the number on the dial the colder the refrigerator (or freezer) will be. Making the refrigerator colder will increase the energy it uses, so it will cost a little more to run.

You shouldn't raise the temperature too high (by lowering the number on the dial) or your food will spoil prematurely. Aside from leaving it at the manufacturer’s recommended setting, the only way to know for sure if your food is cold enough is to put a thermometer inside. Recommended temperatures are:

Refrigerator: 40 degrees F
Freezer: 0 degrees F

Of course, lowering these temperatures may keep food safe longer BUT do not let the refrigerator area get below 32 degrees or some fresh food may be damaged by freezing. Again, use a refrigerator thermometer to know precisely what’s what!

Take care,

NH
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6) LINKMEISTER’S Corner

These are the latest additions to our “Links Library”. Don’t have time to visit them now? Don’t worry… every link has been saved for future reference by category at:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkslibrary
 

WATERFILTERSONLINE.COM has a large selection of replacement water filters, reverse osmosis membranes, testing kits and water filtration repair parts for online buyers. You can purchase a single water filter or reverse osmosis membrane or order larger quantities for case-quantity discounts.
http://www.waterfiltersonline.com
 

BUFFALO LUMBER offers wholesale lumber prices for cedar siding, cedar fencing, redwood lumber, and redwood decking. Volume lumber price discounts. Nevada and California delivery discounts.
http://www.lumber-liquidator.com
 

THE COVER GUY is the largest and #1 Canadian distributor of quality hot tub (spa) covers and accessories. If you live in cold weather regions you will want to purchase our replacement covers. They are specifically designed for Canadian winters. Not only are our covers the best quality, they are wholesale priced.
http://www.thecoverguy.ca

DIVERSE IMAGING creates custom backsplashes and tile murals by using full-color "Direct Digital Imaging." They help create the perfect environment for your home or office. Matching accent tiles are also available and they offer a huge selection of exclusively licensed artwork which cannot be found anywhere else!
http://www.diverseimaging.com
 

CROREY BUILDERS feature the “Blind Mark” and “Arc Mark” drywall tools. Locate outlet and switch boxes behind drywall effortlessly with the magnetic Blind Mark for walls or the Arc Mark for round fixture boxes. These magnetic helpers save loads of time and assure accurate cuts every time!
http://www.blindmark.com
 

HOMELIFE ENVIRO offers products and services related to improving air and water quality, comfort, safety, efficiency, automation and control. They offer advice on air and water purifiers, filters, R/O, softeners, iron and hydrogen sulfide removal units, HEPA vacuums and HEPA filters, humidifiers, home security systems, full spectrum therapy lighting, test kits and allergy relief accessories.
http://www.homelife-enviro.com 
 

We REALLY appreciate links to our site. We also accept suggestions of quality websites we may have missed! Click below to suggest a link or for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/linkmeister.html 
 

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7) PASS THE HAMMER, WOULD YA? ... NH’S readers speak out!

Dear NH,

In your article on compression fittings, you state, “Though the primary advantage of compression fittings may seem to be in their ease of assembly, their real advantage is in their ease of disassembly! If you look throughout your home, you will see that the use of compression fittings is generally limited to appliances and fixtures that will... given enough time, normal use, and wild beatings with a hairbrush... wear out and need to be replaced. Look under your bathroom vanities, behind your toilets, under your dishwasher or behind your refrigerator... and you will see compression fittings in flagrante delicto!”

By your last comment, "in flagrante delicto", do you mean the improper use of these fittings or the abundance use of these fittings?

DS from South Orange, NJ

DS,

"In flagrante delicto" has two typical meanings. One is to be caught in the commission of a crime. (Using compression fittings is not a crime, at least in my state!)

The second meaning is being caught in the act of having "adult relations". (Ooops! Have to be careful here… don’t want your spam filter to toss our newsletter!)

The use of the term in our article is intended as tongue-firmly-planted-in-cheek humor, hinting at how those sneaky compression joints are "doing their thing" in all sorts of hidden places. Obviously not as good a joke as I thought! Or, as my mother used to say, if you have to explain a joke, it isn’t!
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Dear NH,

On the page that recommends bending a hinge to keep a door from swinging, you say to remove the hinge pin and then keep saying to bend the "hinge." Reinstall the "hinge." You must mean to bend the pin? It seems to be a great idea but I don't want to bend the wrong thing.

BA from St. Cloud, FL

BA,

Time to shoot the editor! Sorry about that, BA. I meant to suggest slightly bending the hinge "pin", not the hinge itself. To be picky, I suppose you could have slightly bent one of the female sections of either hinge leaf to get a similar effect, but too much of a bend could make the hinge useless! Hinge pins are easier to replace!

Take care,

NH

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8) Featured in the NATURAL HANDYMAN BOOKSHOP...

“Mastering the Miter Saw, Parts 1 and 2” by Gary Katz

If you are looking to make the most of your investment in a power miter saw, or just want to improve your skill-set, these DVDs can make you a miter saw pro… with practice, of course! And there’s nothing like seeing the tool in action… words and still pictures can only teach you so much.

Part 1 covers all the basics, such as typical cuts and safety issues while Part 2 features advanced techniques. These videos are available direct from the author. Inexplicably Amazon.com does not carry them! Here is a direct link to Gary’s website:
http://www.garymkatz.com

See fine home repair books in our BOOKSHOP at:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/bookshop

HELP US HELP YOU!! Purchase your Amazon.com holiday presents and goodies through us! You will pay exactly the same price, but a small part of your purchase will come back to us to make our website bigger and better!!
Click below for more information…
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/amazon

"The Handyman Letter", formerly the "Natural Handyman Newsletter", is a publication of The Natural Handyman website.  This newsletter is sent to subscribers only by request.  Our mailing address is:   Natural Handyman; 16 Hilltop Drive; Canton, CT 06019

The Natural Handyman is a project of G. George Ventures, Inc.   Please visit the The Natural Handyman for information concerning terms of use, copyrights, liability, and other such information.

This newsletter and its contents are for informational purposes only. Because we cannot control the conditions under which our advice or suggestions are implemented and we cannot anticipate any unusual or unique circumstances of your situation, we cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage that may occur because of their use.

Home repair can involve dangers from tools and situations that can cause severe bodily harm or death. Many chemicals used in home repair can be dangerous or deadly. Please use good judgment and caution in undertaking any home repair, read all product instructions and cautions, and do not attempt any repair or project that you are not mentally or physically capable of doing. Not even professionals are immune to injury!

All advertisements, sponsors, website links and their descriptions are for informational or educational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information offered at those sites. Each site is responsible for its own content, design, software and privacy policies.

To send comments or questions about this newsletter or our websites, click HERE. You may also mail positive comments, helpful suggestions, or donations to:
The Natural Handyman; 16 Hilltop Drive; Canton, CT 06019

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