Project FAQs

A. Time delay fuses are used on circuits where appliance motors have initial surges of electrical power when the motor starts. This initial surge might blow a regular fuse.

A. No, laws require that they be recycled. This includes Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and small-sealed Lead (Pb) batteries. You can look for a battery recycling seal on the rechargeable batteries found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless telephones, laptop computers and camcorders.

A. Usually the problem is simply an overload and you only need to run fewer appliances on the circuit. However, if it is not overloaded and it keeps tripping, you should suspect a short. Also, look for a defective cord, socket or plug.

A. In most cases the answer is no. They are designed to blow at certain levels to protect equipment and for fire safety.

A. The tools needed for basic home maintenance should cost you less than $150 and include:

• Tape measure
• Handsaw
• Hacksaw
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Utility knife
• Pliers
• Locking pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Plunger
• Tool box

A. A hammer with a curved claw provides leverage for pulling nails. A rip (straight claw) hammer is often the choice of professionals because it is usually a slightly heftier tool that is used to rip apart wood that has been nailed together.

A. I would consider a cordless drill, a bench grinder, a palm sander, a level, a square, a chalk line or a new ladder.

A. Generally, more amps translate into more power for electric tools.

A: Locksmiths can re-key existing or new locks to the same key. However, they have to be the same brand and use the same key blank.

A: If you are going to use existing holes, you need to know the spacing of the holes, or choose an adjustable latch.

A: A single-cylinder deadbolt is key-operated from the outside while a double cylinder is key operated on both sides. They both have their advantages.

A: Aluminum screening is more durable. It's also fireproof. However, fiberglass doesn't dent. Fiberglass is also easier to work with, but it may need to be re-stretched after it has been installed.

A. Just remember "up, down and all around." Nitrogen helps with growth above ground: leafy foliage and grass grow well with help from nitrogen. Phosphorus encourages plant growth below ground, and is most responsible for flower and fruit production. A fertilizer with a high middle number will help your new lawn settle in with stronger roots and it encourages leafy green plants to set flowers and bloom. Potassium benefits the overall health of the plant, making stronger plants that better handle environmental stresses like heat, cold, pests and diseases.

A. A 12-12-12 helps promote growth and is good for all vegetables, flowers, fruit and nut trees, shade trees, evergreens and shrubs. A 1-1-1 ratio (10-10-10, 15-15-15, 20-20-20, etc.) is widely used at the time of lawn establishment, but established lawns generally respond better to fertilizer ratios high in nitrogen. Two of the more common complete fertilizers used by homeowners for flowers and vegetables are 10-10-10 and 5-10-10. A high-phosphorus fertilizer, such as 6-18-6, is often recommended for vegetables when transplants are set out.

A. These are nutrients plants need in tiny amounts, such as sulfur and iron. Generally, micronutrient deficiencies are not common because organic matter and most soils and fertilizers contain sufficient amounts.

A. Some fertilizers are designed for certain uses or types of plants such as citrus food, rose food or azalea food. For example, azalea fertilizer has been specifically formulated to acidify the planting medium. Packaging of other fertilizers for specific types of plants is often based more on marketing then reliable research. Pick the most inexpensive product that supplies the correct amount of needed nutrients.

A. Paint has three components: the binder, the pigment and the liquid. The best paints contain a higher volume of solid materials. Pay close attention to the solid content. For example, a $13 gallon of paint with a solid content of 19 percent might cover about 200 square feet, while a $20 gallon of paint with 41 percent solid content will cover about twice that amount. The binder is the most important factor in the durability. Some paints also have additives to enhance their performance, such as mildewcide.

A. In addition to being thinnable with water, latex paints are:

• Less odorous
• Water cleanable
• Non-flammable
• Faster drying
• Easy of touch up
• Easy of apply
• More glossy
• Less fading on exteriors
• Not yellowing on interiors
• Less likely to crack or peel

A. Oil-based paints have resins and thinners in them that evaporate when the paint dries. This process forms a hard coating and provides heavier coverage on the first coat, more effective penetration and excellent adhesion. They are particularly good for chalky surfaces and surfaces that already have several layers of oil-based paint.

A. It refers to how shiny the paint is. Manufacturers use terms such as flat, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss to describe their paints, but there are no specific industry standards. The glossier the paint, the easier it is to clean.

A. It is sealing putty used for a variety of tasks including sealing basket strainers, garbage disposal rims and tubbing drains.

A. A basin wrench is a tool designed especially for that.

A. They provide a watertight seal and reduce friction in assembly, making your job easier.

A. They do the same job, but Teflon tape is easier to work with and makes a cleaner joint.