Simple Fixes - DIY for everyone

percussive maintenance

Dare to repair!

There is a definite mindset when it comes to DIY and loving to fix stuff. Here's my theory and some examples on how to pull off an appliance or device repair.

perfect toolkit contents

Screwdrivers 101

Screwdrivers are a necessity around the homestead. What types do you need? A flat blade and Phillips to start. Read on to see what else you'll want.

plumbing

Plumbing repair, hex wrenches and dental picks

Do you like plumbing projects? This post talks about fixing a leaky faucet without a single trip to the hardware store. Spoiler - I had the parts from an earlier trip.

quick fix

If it should slide and doesn't

Soap and candles make great substitutes for lubricating sliding glass door tracks and wooden furniture drawers. Save some dough and use these simple fixes.

All about hammers

There are some things only a hammer can take care of. This article explores a few of the most common hammer types.

auto-related

Winter Road Travel Survival Kit

Winter's back and if you plan to travel through rural areas in snow or sleet, you need a survival kit in case you get stranded. This article tells you what to pack.

quick fix

Improv to solve a flood

Getting rid of basement floods calls for improvisation when you need to filter out debris. Read how to use an old furnace air filter for the job.

energy efficiency

Programmable versus Smart Thermostats

The latest generations of thermostats can help you save money and provide conveniences you might not expect. Should you go programmable or smart? Read on to see which you favor and how to install it yourself.

PPE

Shop Radio

The takeaway There are plenty of options to protect your hearing and still stay connected to your music and phone. This article offers some solutions you can consider.

energy efficiency

Electric space heater guidelines

Beware claims of huge energy savings from using electric space heaters. You can save a few bucks if you follow these guidelines.

quick fix Featured

Repairing a light on a string of mini-Christmas lights

Extend the life of your mini-light Christmas light strings with this simple replacement process.

corks

Drapery rod finial rescue

Use a cork to replace a spring threaded tube insert and give your drapery rods or metal tube furniture a new lease on life.

safety tip

Sight, hearing and respiration protection

Always use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when you are involved in a DIY project. This article goes over some of the options you can select from to stay safe.

percussive maintenance

Percussive maintenance and its role in the perfect tool kit

Percussive maintenance can be a Zen experience. Read on to learn to use this power wisely, Grasshopper.

safety tip

Work glove safety tips

Insects and spiders might decide to take up residence in your work gloves while they are not in use. Use this tip to avoid close encounters of the biting kind.

first aid

Minor first aid

Nicks, cuts and scrapes will happen when involved in a DIY project. Be sure to have some basic first aid supplies on hand to take care of these situations. Here are some simple fix tips.

energy efficiency Featured

The whole-house energy monitor

Whole house energy monitors are just the ticket to getting a detailed understanding of what uses watts in your home. The Sense SM3 is a fantastic product. Read about it here.

energy efficiency

Energy tips coming to Simple-Fixes

If everyone does one small thing to save energy, the results are amazing. Read this post for a simple fixes example.

Keep a project book!

​Why start a project book? Well, why not? Oh, wait, you aren't supposed to answer a question with a question. My bad. Let's try this again, to create a DIY journal and a design guide is the best reason to create a project book. There'

Removing the base of a broken light bulb

​Here's the scenario, a light bulb in a lamp has given up the ghost (burned out) and needs to be replaced. Easy fix, right? Yep, in most cases, you just unscrew the burned-out bulb and screw in a fresh new one, preferably LED. But, on occasion, the bulb

quick fix

Removing stripped screws

Make quick work of removing a stripped screw combining physics and hand tools.

quick fix

IKEA, let me introduce you to my little friend Sugru

Make IKEA furniture do what you want with a little Sugru.

quick fix

Easily clean up corrosion

Battery corrosion can ruin electronics and sap car batteries. A little vinegar or Coca-Cola applied with a stiff brush can resolve (or dissolve) the problem.

Sugru

What to Do with Sugru

Sugru's mouldable rubber glue can fix or repurpose an amazing number of things. Here are a few I can share.

rules

10 tips for achieving flat tire wizardry

Some among you may think it odd that flat tires should turn up as a topic. You'll discover over time that I'll write about nearly any subject as long as what I provide is useful to my readers, and simple to do.