Repair & Replace Door Hardware

Whatever you’re reason for replacing hardware whether it be security, accessibility or for a new look, it’s important to use the right tools and the right hardware.

There are three hardware types for interior doors: privacy lock sets, passage latch sets, and dummy sets.

If you’re changing hardware for a bedroom or bathroom, opt for a privacy lockset with a simple push lock. If your door is a larger closet or a main room of the house like a living room or dining room opt for a passage latch set. If your door is a smaller closet or other room where the door does not latch, go for a dummy set.

(Image: Houzz)

1. How To:

1. Before you purchase your new door handle, measure your door. The standard door size is 1 3/8-inch thick, and modern door handles are designed to fit this size. Check your door’s thickness before you select your new hardware.
2. Next, decide what type of door handle you’d like: a knob-type handle or a lever-type handle. Knob-type handles turn with a round knob, while lever-type handles look like a sideways “L.” You push down on the lever to open the door.
   

   
   

   When you purchase your hardware set, make sure your package contains: interior and exterior sides of the handle set, the latch, a strike plate that goes on the jamb of the door, installation screws and key (if you’re using a privacy lockset). These items will be listed on the package.
3. 1. 

      Remove your old door hardware. To do this, look for two screws on the interior side of the handle (near the door). Take out the screws in the door edge and pull off the knob slowly.
      
       Remove the strike plate on the doorjamb. The strike plate is the metal plate affixed to a doorjamb with a hole or holes for the bolt of the door. Your doorjamb is the vertical part of the frame where the door is secured. Insert your latches into the faceplate holes and secure them with two screws.
      
      Now it's time to install the new hardware! Start by installing the faceplate. Make sure the plate fits flush with the door. If it doesn’t, use a hammer to lightly tap the faceplate until it sits flush.
      
      Next, insert the side of the handle set that fits through the middle of the latch. Then fit the exterior half of the doorknob over the interior half (it will fit snugly). and
4. Secure the two halves together with the two screws that came with the knob. Tip: Install the first screw loosely and then insert the second screw. That way, you’ll be sure they line up properly. Once they’re both in, then you can tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Lastly, install the strike plate in the doorjamb with two screws for wood.

Summer Energy Audit



Save money while you keep your cool by taking stock on your summer energy usage. Between 50%-70% energy usage in homes goes toward heating and cooling.
 

(Image: Houzz)

If you have in home air conditioning, not only are you lucky, you should be sure to replace your furnace filter every 4 to 8 weeks. This will keep your air conditioner/furnace running more efficiently. A dirty filter will increase the cost of running your system.

Block sunlight and keep the heat out by drawing your curtain during the warmest parts of the day. If you're not sure when that is, draw your curtains once daytime temperatures surpass a comfortable level. At work all day? Keep your curtains drawn to keep your house cooler while you're out.


Run your ceiling fans counter-clockwise. The counter-clockwise direction draws cool air upward, which increases air circulation and your fans efficiency during summer months. If you have an air conditioner, this can reduce the strain and save you money on your energy bill.


Clean your air conditioning unit. The more your AC works, the more leaves, grass and dirt get sucked into the unit. Condensing coils filled with dirt and debris shut off, leaving you with a hot house full of cranky people. 


Make sure all your ducts are properly sealed. Leaky ductwork attributes to 25 percent of cooling costs. If you have central AC and you notice that the temperature between rooms fluctuates drastically, then you have some leaks. Call a pro to have your ducts tightly seal. Professionals don't recommend sealing your air ducts with duct tape as it does not seal properly and can loosen over time.

Keep Cool Without the AC

Why not kick the AC for a day and make some homemade ice cream to enjoy out in the sunshine. Why not start with this recipe, no ice cream maker needed!

Keep Your Fans Happy

No we're not talking about your youtube fans and blog followers, we talking floor fans. During these hot summer days, your fans are in overdrive. While they are circulating that beautiful and welcome cool air around you they are also picking up loads of dust. Take a look, if your fan has some serious grunge this quick task will keep your home cool and your air cleaner.

(Image: Totem Building Supplies)

Turn off and unplug your fan. Never try to clean your fan while it is connected to a power source or running.

Remove the fans front grill by unscrewing it wit ha screwdriver. If your grill is not attached with screws it may be attached with clips. If you are uncertain on how to remove the grill consult your owner's manual.

If your fan has a blade cap, located at the centre of the fan blade, unscrew the blade cap until it is loose and pull it off.

Slide your fan blade off of the back grill. If you are unsure of how this is done on your particular model, consult your owner's manual. Optional: Remove the back grill. Some fans have a back grill nut that needs to be removed first. Consult your owner's manual if needed.

There should now be three pieces for you to clean. A front grill, fan blades and back grill. If there is quite a bit of dust build up, wipe the blades with a cloth to remove any large, easily removed debris before you rinse with water.

Fill a bucket with warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Using a rag wipe down all three parts of your fan. Be sure to rinse your rag frequently to prevent spreading dirt around. Warning: Be sure not to get any mechanical parts, such as the motor wet, as they can be damaged by water.

Once all dirt and debris has been removed, dry each part with a clean, dry rag. Place parts on a towel to dry completely before you reassemble the fan.

How To Clean Your Garden Tools

When you think of maintaining your tools, your garden tools are probably not the first ones that come to mind. All tools, regardless of the job need a little maintenance to keep them working properly.

(Image: iStock)

Follow these steps to keep your tools in tip top shape, and prevent weeds and disease from spreading in your garden.

Remove Dirt: Wet soil can cause your tools to rust. Use a stiff bristle brush and water to clean your tools after every use. The brush will help remove any stubborn dirt from metal parts.

Dry your tools: Dry tools with a rag or let them air dry in the sun.

Remove rust: If you find rust spots, cover the area with a lubricating oil such as WD-40, and scrub it with a wire brush. Wear garden gloves to prevent rust from getting onto your skin to avoid irritation. If this method is not successful in removing the rust, use a paste of one part lemon juice and one part baking soda. Cover the rust spots with the paste and allow it ti sit for 10 minutes. The paste helps dissolve the rust, allowing you to easily wipe it away with a cloth.

Repair handles: Check wood handles for splinters, cracks and roughness. Smooth problem areas with a medium grit sandpaper or emery cloth. If the handles are extra rough try rubbing against the grain first.

Sharpen up: Sharpen dull blades on any tools used for cutting or digging. The more you use your tools, the duller they will become. Use a metal file to sharpen edges at a 45º angle. Making long, smooth strokes in one direction. 

Oil tools: Blot lubricating oil onto a clean rag and rub a light coat of oil onto the surfaces of your tools. This will prevent wood from absorbing water or cracking, and protect metal parts from corroding. Fiberglass or composite does not need to be treated with oil.

Store: Keep your tools in a warm, dry place to prevent further corrosion. Avoid storing tools on the ground.