D.I.Y. CATEGORIES

McLendons.com, as a division of McLendon Hardware, Inc., recognizes that some do-it-yourself projects are more complex and difficult than others and may require greater knowledge and more experience than the reader of this material possesses.

With this is in mind, all information presented is intended to serve as a first step to assist with a project. We do not and will not take any responsibility for the particular results of the above referenced project, nor will we assume any liability for personal injury or damage that may result from the information presented.

We strongly suggest that professional help be consulted if the above project is beyond the comfort or experience level of the reader. As with any project, please also make sure all local building codes are followed and permits are obtained.

Canning - An Introduction

Traditionally, canning has been a safeguard against hard times. Now, however, it has become a nostalgic hobby - that just happens to be economical and delicious.

Canning Basics

While times and methods will vary depending on the recipe, certain elements of canning are constant. This quick start guide will get you started.

Choosing a Wood Glue

There are many different kinds of wood glue on the market. The trick is to know when to use each kind.

Cleaning Green

Many household cleaning agents are hazardous to our health and the environment. This makes storing them a dangerous practice, particularly if small children are in the house. Luckily, many earth and health friendly alternatives exist, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.

Clothesline Benefits

Clotheslines are an effective way to dry your clothes during warm weather. They are easy to put up, save you money and are good for the environment.

Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens are old inventions, but still are favored by many for their consistent heat and amazing versatility. Once the favorite cookware of early American kitchens, modern Dutch ovens still have a place in contemporary cookware.

Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquakes are devastating and unpredictable. Since they cannot be prevented, all anyone can do is take steps to minimize the amount of damage that they can inflict. Luckily, many of these projects are simple and require little in the way of time, effort and skill.

Flushing a Stain

There are two basic ways to flush a stain, both of which are described here. Each is an effective way to lift stains from fabrics on which both sides are accessible.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Laundry soap is an everyday item to which we don't often give much thought. The fact of the matter is that most people spend much more than they need to for laundry soap which is potentially harmful to septic systems and the environment. Making your own laundry soap is the best kind of green lifestyle change - the kind that saves you money.

Homemade Soap Recipes

There are a lot of varieties of soap out there, but these will serve as a good foundation for improvising new recipes of your own creation.

Knife Sharpening

People can spend hundreds of dollars on a set of fancy knives, but if they don't know how to properly maintain them, they may as well have saved their money. Luckily, knife sharpening is something that can be done at home. The equipment is specialized, but can be used on nearly every knife in the house.

Make A Tubular Fireplace Grate

Open fireplaces are terribly inefficient. A great deal of the heat is wasted as it travels up the chimney. Fireplace inserts and other fireplace improvements are fairly expensive, though, raising the question of whether the improvement in performance is worth the cost. A tubular fireplace grate is an inexpensive alternative that will keep you warm while you mull it over.

Making Lye

Lye is one of the basic components of traditional soap and is very easy to make. However, lye is quite dangerous and should be treated like the hazardous substance it is.

Patch a Carpet

Carpeting gets abused. Luckily, no matter if it is a burn, tear or stain, there is a simple fix.

Removing Dark Stains from Wood

One of the more difficult stains to remove from wood is a black blotch or ring. Often left behind when water has condensed on an iron pot or other item, removing the unsightly mark requires a little bit of work and a lot of time.

Removing Gum from Carpet

Anyone with kids will attest to the fact that children will, without fail, either end up swallowing their bubblegum, getting it in their hair or, worst of all, grinding it into a rug. Luckily, getting gum out of carpet is relatively easy with a little patience.

Repairing a Wood Dent

Table tops and other wooden features get abused. One of the more common indicators of this mistreatment is a dent in the surface of the wood. With a couple household items, though, raising the dented material is a snap.

Repairing Damaged Chair Joints

Wooden chairs are subject to a lot of abuse. Over time, the joints on all wooden chairs, no matter how rugged, eventually begin to loosen. If not attended to, it is only a matter of time before a rail pops off a stile or, worse, permanent damage is done to the chair. The key is catching problems early and, where there is severe damage, not destroying the chair in an attempt to repair it.

Restoring old wicker furniture

How to turn `junk' into a desirable collectible

Reupholstering A Chair Seat

Many older upholstered chairs begin to show signs of wear on their seats after years of nightly use. Often times, the rest of the chair is in perfectly fine shape and only the ratty cloth seat cover is keeping it from being an attractive part of the dining room set. Luckily, reupholstering a seat is a simple project.

Silence a Squeaking Office Chair

A persistent squeak, creak or groan from an office chair can start to wear on the nerves. Fixing it for the short term is a cinch. Fixing it for the long term can get a little messy.

Softening a Stain

For stains that seem to have taken up permanent residence, there is this lengthy procedure.