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August 1, 2006
Open the cabinet doors and remove drawers to try to access the screws. If you can, simply tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Or, buy corner brackets and screw them into the countertop and cabinet for a tight fit.
You can also reattach a countertop by filling the loose space between the countertop and the cabinet with silicone caulk.
Electrical Outlet Safety The plastic plates that surround many electrical outlets and light switches often become cracked. This is an easy piece to replace, but you need to be careful because you’re working near electricity.
First, switch off the electricity to the light switch or outlet at the main fuse box. Make sure that electricity doesn’t reach the outlet or light switch by testing it. On a light switch, make sure that flipping the switch doesn’t turn on the light. Plug something into the outlet and make sure that it won’t turn on.
Once you’ve made sure no electricity is flowing, remove the screws that are holding the plate in place. Replace the old plate with the new one. Reattach the plate using the screws provided with it. Finally, turn the electricity back on.
The wall around a light switch can easily get scratched or dirty over time. To protect it from wear and tear simply add some durable laminate flooring around the light switch. You can personalize it with special messages or create decorative looks with paint.
Loose Floor Tiles A loose tile on your bathroom floor is as annoying as a rock in your shoe. Each time you step on it, you wince. But it’s easy to fix.
Reupholster Dining Chairs Many upholstered chair seats start to wear away when they get old, simply go out of style, or both. But updating these seats is an easy fix.
Start by finding a bolt of heavy-duty cloth that you like at a fabric or furniture store. Then, remove the chair seat from the chair. Place your fabric flat on the ground, then place the chair seat in the middle of the fabric. Fold the fabric over the edge of the seat, and, while holding it tightly, staple it down. Cut off the excess fabric, then staple or hot-glue trim around the edges. Return the seat to the chair and screw it back into place.
You can use the same process to upholster bar stools. Just utilize foam for added comfort and fabric cut to size.
Loose Table Leg Having bumped into that side table one too many times makes for a wobbly situation. Fix this problem easily with a wrench. Turn the table upside down, then tighten the bolts in each corner.
Handyman Made Simple These are just a few easy repairs that most everyone can do on their own. For more involved projects, call in the professionals.
do-it-yourself, home maintenance, clean wood floor, family crafts, home and garden décor
Sometimes you don't want to go all the way to the garage or down in the basement just to get a screwdriver, or you know you have a pair of pliers in that drawer, but you just cant seem to find them when you need them. Put a box in the kitchen with a few small tools for any occasion that you might need. A screwdriver, either a big one or a small one, for tightening up those glasses or replacing the batteries in your child's tiny toy. A hammer, some wire cutters, anything that mom might need that she doesn't feel like sifting through her husbands toolbox down in the basement just to tighten up the handle on that skillet.
on some of your favorite brands, plus smart storage tips from Home Made Simple TV's Patrick Brown.
Take a positive approach to cleaning by using all the right tools.
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