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Whether you are a homeowner preparing for potential blackouts or need to power your devices while camping, RVing or tailgating, having a generator on hand is essential. Generators help you run your most-needed devices when power is limited, and some even power the whole house. How do you decide which is the best generator for you? The This Old House Reviews Team put together this comprehensive generator buying guide to help you make an informed purchase....

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Gluing together plumbing tubing and fittings makes assembly very easy, and the method eliminates the need for saws and fasteners. Over time, the copper will oxidize, giving the structure a worn patina that’s every bit as unique as the plants it supports. Follow along as This Old House special projects editor Eric Hagerman shows you how to create a timeless garden ornament. Finial: 6-by-6-inch Copper Ball Fence Post Cap, about $31; The Metal Peddler Download and print the cut list and dimensions....

All About Fire Pits The wood used for the fire pit cover was ipe decking—also known as Brazilian walnut, one of the densest hardwoods out there. Ipe can be found at the local decking supply distributor. Materials Tape measure Clamps Tools

He came up with a great idea for a place to store his cooking tools and set his platters of food—a cart assembled from wood planters and metal-wrapped plywood—and won the right to build his creation with TOH general contractor Tom Silva. With a few tweaks—hooks, hinges, and wheels—Tom turned Tony’s idea into barbecue brilliance. The pair built the handsome deck accessory for about $150, so now DiGangi can set aside the cooking clutter and put the emphasis back on the steaks....

How to Make Simple Knife Cuts to Drywall In most cases, drywall is cut by scoring through the paper on the finish side (the one with white paper) using a sharp drywall knife. As soon as you notice the blade dulling, turn it around or replace it. Blades are cheap. Once that side is scored, bending the drywall away from the cut breaks the gypsum core. Cut the brown paper on the back of the board at the break to complete the cut....

Can You Drill into Brick? Compared to wood, drywall, and vinyl siding, drilling through brick might seem impossible. Traditional methods using a multi-purpose or brad-point drill bit simply do not work. But is it possible? Absolutely. How to Hand-Cut a Brick Brick is not impenetrable. With the right tools, the proper technique, and a bit of know-how, drilling into brick is relatively straightforward. Tools and Materials Permanent marker Tape measure Bubble level Masonry drill bits Power drill (with a hammer function, if possible, but not necessary) Safety glasses Dust mask Earplugs Small shop vac Dustpan and broom Mop...

Beware: do NOT use commercial oven cleaners or products that contain bleach or ammonia. It is recommended to unplug your cooker before cleaning to avoid any chance of electric shock. Look below for the level of grime you need to remove and follow cleaning instructions accordingly. Minimal grime For light stains or splashes that have yet to dry down, you could easily tackle the microwave with warm water and dish soap....

Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Phoenix Precast Products.

Some walls scream for a classy touch of light. Whether it’s an upward-facing fixture that casts a warm glow on the walls and ceiling or one that aims downward for a bit of extra illumination over a cozy reading nook, wall sconces have a lot to offer. These fixtures can flank bathroom mirrors to provide task lighting, brighten an otherwise dark stairway, or add a soft light to a home office for top-notch remote meetings....

How to Mount an AC Unit in a Window You’ll need a few items in order to install a window AC unit correctly. Most DIYers will have them on hand already: 9 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Care Tips A sturdy stool or bench to place the AC unit on Utility knife Power drill Screwdriver Torpedo level Tape measure It can also be handy to have a helper for larger AC units, as they can be heavy....

How To Install Cobblestone Driveway Edging Resources Mark works alongside a homeowner to raise the sinking driveway edging. Ideally, the red brick edging acts as a barrier and helps to maintain the gravel driveway, but over time, grass or moss can grow over the edging, allowing water and gravity to pull the loose gravel over the edging. Driveway Edging: Installing Belgian Blocks Mark’s Pro Tip: Leave the space between cobblestones unfilled....

Steps for Insulating HVAC Ductwork Tools How to Seal Leaky Ductwork

What is a MERV Air Filtration System? MERV stands for Minimal Efficiency Reporting Value, a value that measures how effectively a filter stops particulates of varying sizes from passing through and into the air system. The higher the rating, the more effective the filter is at capturing smaller particles. Ratings 1-16 are HVAC use; in general, houses usually have around a MERV 5-12 system. MERV 17-20 are HEPA filters that are used in hospitals and laboratories....

And I don’t mean try to move it all by yourself—you’ll need help, at least three or four friends with strong backs. An empty hot tub can weigh between 500 and 1000 pounds. The most important thing is to first devise your plan and route. If you can’t find enough helpers or if the route is too complicated, do yourself a favor and hire professional movers. Hot Tub Installation 101 What you’ll need...

How do you professionally paint a room? Henrique and Rebecca went over everything that needs to happen before painting starts, including how to pick the right sheen, and the best way to mask window glass. Then he showed her some nifty tricks of the trade for brushing and rolling that help the work go faster, look better, and last longer. What to look for when buying paint Go top-of-the-line: Regardless of what paint brand you buy, Henrique says to choose the most expensive product in the line....

How To Repair a Chain Link Fence: Bent Rail Chain link fences are sturdy but fallen tree limbs or fence-hopping teenagers can bend a top rail. Fortunately, chain link fence repairs are fairly straightforward. How to Build a Custom Fence Gate Tools and Materials: Linesman’s pliers Reciprocating saw and metal blade Marker or pencil Adjustable wrench Replacement rail Rail coupling Wire ties Step One: Untie the fencing The first step in repairing a bent top rail is disconnecting the chain link fence fabric from the rail....

Raising the Level of a Sprinkler Raising the level of a sprinkler head isn’t difficult, if you’re up for a little digging. But before you do that, measure how much the top of each sprinkler head needs to be raised to bring it up flush with the ground. For each head that has sunk by 1⁄2 inch or more, get a cutoff riser with tapered male threads on both ends. (Heads sunk by less than half an inch should still function just fine....