Mark Spelman

How to

Pick a Lock with a Bobby Pin

Nobody likes getting locked out of their home. While locksmiths often do a good job, their services can be pricey and time-consuming. If you’re looking for an alternative solution, you might be able to let yourself in ...

How to

Disconnect a Washing Machine

A washing machine is not an appliance that is often moved around the house. The machine is usually found in the basement, in a dedicated laundry room, or in the garage, and that is where it stays for most of its life. Th...

How to

Install Metal Studs

Complete guide to installing metal studs, from hanging the track to padding with dry wall Steel framing is used in most office and commercial construction, and it has several advantages over wood. Steel studs are perfec...

Building a Shed from Scratch? Follow These Instructions

Learn how to erect a personal woodshed with these design plans and tips Whether you’re an avid gardener who needs somewhere to keep all their tools or you’re an avid outdoorsman running out of basement space for your...

Installing Corrugated Roofing Yourself: Everything You Need to Know

Measuring, cutting, and fastening roof panels to a shed, garage, or other structure Corrugated roofing is a great way to top a garden shed, shop, or patio. It's quick, easy, low cost, and, best of all, you can do it your...

How to Make Sure a Corner is Square with the 3-4-5 Rule

Line up any project perfectly with this simple formula The 3-4-5 rule is a handy and foolproof way to determine if a corner is perfectly square when doing carpentry or other DIY projects, from building a deck to laying t...

How to

Fix a Squeaking Bed Frame

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a bad night’s sleep because your bed is squeaking. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a new bed frame to get the squeaking to stop. By pinpointing t...

How to

Frame a Door Opening

If you want to install a door in your house, you have to first frame the door opening to prepare it for the installation. With a ladder, some nails and a hammer, you're well on your way to outfitting your own rooms at a ...

How to

Paint on Plastic

Plastic is a tricky surface to paint. Unlike wood, plastic is not porous, so the paint has little to stick to. With the right amount of preparation, however, you can paint plastic with success. Keep in mind, however, tha...

How to

Install or Replace Door Hinges

Door hinges play an important role in our everyday lives; they provide all of your doors with support. Hinges on exterior doors provide the first line of safety for the family inside, and offer protection from the elemen...

15 Ways to Stay Warm With No Heat

Stuck with no heat? Warm yourself up with these toasty tipsWhether you’re dealing with a power outage or living in an older home, one thing’s for certain: nobody likes dealing with a cold living space, especially whe...

How to Build a Carport: A Complete Guide

''Make a simple carport for your recreational vehicles'' Carports are standalone structures that create extra outdoor storage to protect your car, boat, and other valuables. They're protective structures that can help in...

How to Throw Away Glass Safely

Get rid of broken glass or whole glass panels with this helpful guideSo you need to dispose of some glass, but you’re not quite sure about how to do it safely. You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a help...

How to

Put Anchor Screws in a Wall

Anchor screws allow you to hang heavier items on your walls or hang items where there is no wall stud to support the nail. When they're installed correctly, anchor screws can support pieces that weigh up to 70-pounds, so...

How to

Install a Washing Machine

Having your own washing machine is a great way to save time and money doing laundry. Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, there may come a time when you need to install a washing machine. However, installi...

How to

Learn to Read Blueprints

Blueprints are 2-dimensional architectural design drawings that indicate the size of a planned building, the materials to be used in its construction, and the placement of its features. Learning to read blueprints is ess...

How to

Replace a Thermostat

A thermostat is a tool that regulates heating and cooling, whether it be in your home or in your car. Replacing inefficient thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or, in your vehicle, keep you safe on the ...

How to

Hide Smoke Smell Indoors

Smoking is a dangerous activity and is not recommended. While there are many health concerns that revolve around smoking, one of the most common day-to-day concerns people have about smoking is concealing the smell. Whet...

How to

Remove Grout

When remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, the hardest part can be removing the grout from pre-existing tile. Grout is made from water, cement and sand, which hardens over time to form a rock-like material. The strength of g...

3 Easy Ways to Throw Out Old Knives Safely

Discard, recycle, or donate your dull blades with our guideIf you’re replacing your old kitchen knives, it’s important to get rid of the old ones properly. While you can toss your knives in the regular trash after wr...