a

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m

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28
$f.*trql f*u ll-l l;r ir:
Create your own magical "water from a stone" in a single weekend. Our design requires almost no maintenance.

,'ffi:

42 7 ugXy ef:yw;ill
Lessons

ffr.i*f;,:i+l',*,,

from the pros. You'll save a lot of time and frustration if you hang dr1'wall the right way from the start. Sfi

54 tnncrcfe,
67
f,,,,1;;ke

:"d*n ber:ctr-l

Make this elegant and virtually indestructible garden bench from just three sacks of concrete and a handful of tile.

itfe

You don't have to cross a dark room or climb dark stairways.

-*,,:q!*y r"r/ith

3-way $wi.tch*s

Control the light from two places with a pair of three-way

switches.

72

{l}.;: ggir- i.t.F! i"{,j {iy'i ;.:!r!}#t' Build this simple, sturdy garden structr"rre for half the cost of a store-bought rnodel.

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vancH zooe 3

F{orne Car* & Reparr

How to stop a humming dimmer switch, renew single-pane windows and more.

15
21

Ask T'he Famiiy Hamdyman

A leaking water heater, a reluctant-flushing toilet and the mystery of the corroding brass finish.

Mirrkslr*:p TipsA simple, sturdy wolkbench; a chip-collecting router fence; a hardware storage solution; and more great tips.

26 80
83 87

Hi-T*eh Solutisns
With
a new' linked cordless phone system, you can have handsets with the features you want, wherever you want.

Auto Care
Three simple tire checks that keep you safer while driving.

Handy Hintso
Fellow readers tell you how to "ride" a sander in comfort, stick to your roof and store stuff under your bed, on ladders and on doors.

New Produets
Wonderful springtime problem solvers: a better grass trimmer, weed puller, deck scrubber, hose caddy and more.

109 7M

Wordiess Workshop*
A deck railing planter made from
a

vinyl gutter.

fireat GogfsA car going nowhere, insulation in flames and constipated pipes.
Cover Photos: Arbor and fountain by Mike Krivit; garden bench by Bill Zuehlke

? For new and gift subscriptions, a change of address or help with a subscription problem, write: The Family Handyman Subscriber Service Dept., Box 8174, Red Oak, lA 51591-1174, or call (800) 285-4961. Or send us an e-mail at FHI\4service@rd.com. Allow two issues for address changes.

Questions about subscriptions

Back issues/article copies

Some past issues are still available for $4.00 each, Photocopies of articles are available for $3.00 each. Call (715) 246-4344trom 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, lvlonday through Friday, for availability and ordering, or write to: Back lssues, The Family Handyman, PO. Box 83695, Stillwater, MN 55083-0695. Or send us an e-mail at FHMservice@rd.com.

Customer information
Reader's Digest may share iniormalion about you wilh reputable companies so they can offer you products and services of interest to you. If you don't want us lo share this information, please write to Reader! Digest Mailing List, Attn.: Circ. Dept., Reader's Digest Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570. Please include a copy of your address label.

Comments and suggestions

We welcome your ideas and opinions. Write to: The Editor, The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. Fax: (651) 994-2250. E-mail: fheditor@ readersdigest.com Web site: www.familyhandyman.com
THE FAMTLY HANoYMAN

vnncH zooo 5

Ttps, FtxEs &

GEAffi FSm

& TmSUSLffi*FmE#

by GaryWentz

ffiStffiffi

Silence a humming

dimmer switch

T for might think that a dimmer turns down the lights by turning I down the power flow. But it actually works like a super-fast strobe, -L switching the power on and off dozens of times per second. This
electrical pulsation causes the filaments in light bulbs to vibrate and that creates the humming sound you hear. An easy solution-which usually

works-is to try different brands of bulbs. Some

bulbs have beefier filaments, which vibrate
less. You can even

try

"rough-use" bulbs meant for garagedoor openers or trouble lights. These bulbs have heary filaments but are

pricey ($3 each). If bulb switcheroo doesn't

stop the hum, upgrade your dimmer switch. Dimmers that cost about $20 usually dampen the electrical pulse better than models in the $10 range. Swapping out a dimmer
switch is usually a simple matter

of

disconnecting and

reconnecting three
wires. |ust be sure

to work
power

safely.

Turn off

the

to the circuit-and
make sure it's
off using a noncontact voltage
detector.

High-quality dimmer switches are less likely to cause humming.

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

uaacn zooo

Scrape away ceiling texture for a neater paint job

A neat, straight paint line at the top of

Synthetic soap simplifies bathroom cleaning

In terms of chemistry, some soaps aren't really true soap. Any soap in a liqas Zest and Ivory, are synthetic soap. These non-soap soaps are much less likely to form that dreaded layer of tough scum on your sink or tub.

uid or gel form and some bar soaps, such

a wall is tough to achieve next to a bumpy ceiling. So before you paint, drag a narrow flat-head screwdriver lightly along the ceiling. You'll get a clean paint line and no one will ever
notice that the bumps are missing.

Twist the fins to silence a whistling grille

If you have a grille or register that hums or howls, all you have to do is twist the fins and open them a little. A pliers alone will scratch and kink the delicate fins, so apply electrical tape to a hinge that's about the same length as the fins. Then grab each fin

3
fl
,#

tr
B # ,J
i

between
slightly.

the hinge leaves and

twist

lO vnnct

2006 THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

windows
,%,

Renew single-pane
ri,''."

n older single-pane windows, the *i $glass is usually surrounded by 'ili,. -"'ir putty called "glazing compound," which holds the glass in place and seals out the weather. This putty often lasts decades, but over the years it

becomes

rock-hard,

cracks and even falls

Replacing the putty around one pane of will take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the pane and the stubbornness of the old putty. Replace broken glass while you're at it. This adds only a few minutes and a few dollars to the job. If you call a glass repair service to do the job, it'll cost $50 to $100 (under
glass "Glass" in the Yellow Pages). It's possible to replace glass and putty

off the window. Loose or missing

leak

d* caulk. Press glazing points into the

wood every 8 in. Let the excess caulk that oozes out under the glass harden and slice it off with a utility knife later. The next step is to get rid of the old putty. If the putty is badly cracked, you can pry away large chunks quickly (ptroto
1 ). Putty in good condition takes longer to remove. With a heat gun in one hand and

*3 Set new glass onto a bead of latex

compound lets with the window in p1ace, but you'll save wind and rain time and get better results if you can

in

around

the glass.

remove the window and clamp it down on flat surface. Ifyou have broken glass, get it out of the way before you remove the

old putty. Put on heary gloves and eye protection, place a cloth over the broken
pane and tap it with a hammer. With the

glass thoroughly broken up, pull the shards out of the frame by hand. Pull out
the old glazing points with a pliers. If the old glass is in good shape, leave it in place.

a stiff putty knife in the other, heat the putty to soften it and gouge it out. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands from
burns. Keep the heat gun moving to avoid concentrating heat in one spot. Otherwise the heat will crack the glass. If your heat gun doesn't have a heat shield attachment,

*1 Pry
$

out loose chunks of glazing compound with a putty knife. Soften remaining areas with a heat gun and scrape the putty away.

protect the glass with a scrap of sheet metai. When the putty is removed, prime any bare wood inside the window frame. A shellac-based primer such as BIN is a good choice because it dries in minutes. If you need new glass, measure the opening, subtract l/8 in. from youl measurements and have the new glass cl-lt to
full-service hardware store. Take a shard of the old glass with you to match the thickness. You'll pay from $5 to $30, depending on the size of the pane. Also buy a package of glazing points (92) to hold the glass in place while the new compound hardens. Glazing compound (95) is available in oil-based and latex/acrylic
size at a

versions. The latex products, which usually come in a tube, have a longer life expectancy and you don't have to wait
days before painting them as you do

with

oil-based putty. But they often begin to dry before you can tool them smooth.
'fi,3,{

--":Yl1r'"

,12n

',i, iiil

, i*i '| 3

\-,
1/

BRAD PUSHER

OUARTER-

FOUNp
MOLDING

Cover the perimeter of the glass with a heavy layer of compound. Be sure to completely fill in the recess; don't leave any gaps or hollow spots.

Applying a smooth, perfect bead

of glazing compound is

fussy,

time-consuming work. So when

good looks matter, consider wood moldings rather than putty to hold glass in place (1/4-in. quarter-

, Dip a putty knife in mineral spirits to ',ri'lubricate it and smooth out the compound. Wet the knife again and run over the compound as many times as it takes to create a smooth surface.

Drag the ridge of excess compound away from the finished joint and scrape it up. Be careful not to touch the smoothed surface.
r
,,'

round works for most windowsl. Set the glass in place over a light bead of latex caulk (see Photo 2). There's no need for glazing points. To nail the moldings in place, you can carefully drive in tiny brads with a hammer or carefully shoot in brads with a pneumatic brad nailer. But the safest method is to
use a brad pusher. A brad pusher is

If

neat, smooth results are important,

To complete the job, smooth out the

new glazing compound (Photos 4 and 5).

choose

an oil-based putty (such

as

DAP 33). For installation of new glass, the directions on glazing compound may tell you to lay a light bead of compound inside the frame and then set the glass over it. That works well with soft latex compound. But if you're using stiffer oil-based compound, lay in a light bead of acrylic latex caulk instead. Set the glass onto the caulk, then wiggle and press down to firmly embed the glass. Then apply new putty as shown in

Oil-based putty is easier to work with when it's warm. To heat it, set the can in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes. Remember that oil-based putty remains soft for days, so be careful not to touch it after smoothing. YoLill have to wait several days before you can prime and paint
oil-based putty; check the
Art Dlrect

simply a metal tube with a sliding piston inside. Drop a brad in the tube, push hard on the handle, and the piston pushes the brad neatly into wood-with little danger

of breaking the glass.

Most

hardware stores and home centers

don't carry brad pushers, but

you can order one at www.rockler.com, (8001 233-9359 (item No.
46920. $1 1).

label.

if

of

Photoqraphy

. LISA PAHL KNECHT . BILL ZUEHLKE

and BOB UNGAR

Photo 3.
vancr l3

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

zooo

by Brett Maftin

The Family Handyrnan

1..
: r.!x.;.:1r

fitt.

:r :j,,,:

.i..tti.J

r i.r'

l:i'

,;

:ii

I replaced our 50-gallon water heater two years ago and each year since l've had to replace a leaking T & P valve. We have hard water. ls that shorlening

the life of my valve?

Brian Akin, via e-mail

HEATER

The T & P valve, n'hich stancls fbr temperature and pressure reliefvalve, is a safety tlevice thJt Ir()tecls itgilill\l c\cessive tcr"nperatnle artd pressure levels in the
rvatel heirter'. Tl-re valve is located
o11

or lrear

thc top of thc tank. Part of the valr,c extencls into tl-re unit (see photo). I1'rvater- discharses (your "leak"), it usr,rally rleans the vrrlve is clef-ective (it opencd ancl clicln't close) or the rvater l-reater is operating tuncler toc'r high a temperatrlre or pressure.

il:

."

lrirst, check thc rvatcr tc'nrperature

arrd

nrllie. surc thc sctting is about 120 clegrees F (or'"mediunr" if youl thelnrostrrt doesn't have a degree reacling). If the valve continues to lcak, reurove it ancl exanrine it fbr nrineral buildup ancl siqns of corrosic'rn. Thc nrinelals in especially harcl rvatcr can clog it or attack the metal palts, resultinq in valve lailure. This is especially comnron rvith water fi-our a lvell. And if ,vou have n-rr.rnicipal rvater, check rvith your local r'vater departnrent to find out if the watel supply has a high concentration of n-rinelals. Ir-r eitl'rer case, vou'll l'ravc to softcn your'$'ater'. If the valve lool<s clean, cousicler-trvo othel possible causes: high water pressure irr thc nrr.rnicipal systenr or sonre sort of backflow preventcr arrottnd the wiltcr meter or- nririrr shutoff. YoLr'll need a licensed plur.nbel to diagnose and handle tl.rese probler.t-ts.

a nagging question or a mystery that you can photograph? Please send it via e-mail to askhandyman@readers digest.com or mail it to Ask The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. lnclude your name, address and phone number. Although our editorial staff reads each one, we can't respond individually.

!Effi.

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

unRcg :ooo 15

'tffi

ffiipir:* f*r c*rnx:n*s*mai

:.-

mir

What is the best material for Solder it using the same fittings as you piping compressed air to dif- would for water supply lines. (See

ffieIu*tc*f

flf

'lsF

ferent areas in my shop and garage: "Soldering Copper Pipe: Start to Finish," PVC or copper? April '00, p. 83. To order a copy, see p. 5.) Rod Golding, Harrisburg, NC If you don't want to solder, use galva'

: r,, For years my downI : stairs toilet worked

fine.-Now it drains slowly. I've used a drain cleaner many times, but it hasn't helped. The toilet on the second floor and all of the sinks continue to drain fine. l've noticed ads for toilets with power flush designs.
Do these systems work, and is there a power flushing kit

r,r Don't

use PVC pipe. If it breaks under pressure, the plastic will

nized or black steel pipe. Measure the pipe runs and buy exact lengths; otherwise you'll have to cut and thread the ends yourself.

shatter ar.rd send pieces flying like shrapnel. Use copper instead. It's available at most hardware stores and home centers.

Unlike gas and water lines, air compression lines don't require perfect joints, so don't worry if they leak a tiny bit.

li
n

that will conveft my existing

toilet to a power flush design? l'd rather not

replace the toilet, since the fixture color has been discontinued.
Gerald R. Doton, Pembroke, MA You're referring to the po*., flush design on pressure-assisted toilets, which use regular water pressure to compress air in a tank to increase flushing power. The bowls and trap on these toilets
'

';,

',,,

1/2'COPPER
COMPRESSED.AIR LINE

t
ltt &s-,/i"'":'r4'-"
!l;

are specially designed for these mechanisms and can't be retro-

fitted to another toilet.

Besides,

your slow-draining

problem sounds like a clogging issue, so changing the flush wouldn't help. You probably have a hard object (like a kid's toy) lodged in the trap of the toilet or in the drain line.
Use a closet auger ($10 to $20

at a hardware store or home center), which is specifically designed for toilets, to remove
the clog.

If

that doesn't work,

unbolt and remove the toilet

from the flange and check the
passageways as far as you can to see

if

anything is stuck in the

opening or the drainpipe.

If the toilet still flushes poolly, call a

drain cleaning service.

l6 unncs 2006 THE

FAMtLy HANDvMAN

lt: ::: ,r!

'.

N EXI
nance

Utl'
I

1"ror"p.orole mognesiumt
INDTAIONS AND USAGE
6
iIEXIUM N indmated mainte, weeks) in lhe healin0 and sympt0matic res0lution 0l draonoslically c0nfrmed

20-mg, 40-mg Deloyed-Releose Copsules

BRIEF SUMI'IARY Belore prescribing NEXIUM, please se lull Prescribing lnl0rmati0n. l0rthe shorl-lerm treatment (4 t0

msive tr0phagilis; lhe

0i sympt0m resolulion
and

and healing

0l

erosive es0phaqitis (conlrolled studhs d0 nol sxtend bey0nd

m0nths); and l0r the trmtment 0l

0lhersymploms associaled with GERD; andl0r rhk reducti0n 0lNSAl0-ass0ciatsd gaslric ulcer COMRAINDICAnONS NEXIUM is c0nkaindimtsd in pathntswith known hypemnsilivrlyt0 anycomp0nenl 0lthe lormulalion 0rt0 sub$ituled benzimidazoles. PRECATnONS Symplomalic lespons l0lherapy with ilEXlUl\,! d06 mt prmlude the presen0e 0l oaslric malignancy. Alrcph c 0aslril6 has been noled 0ccasnnally in gastric corpus bi0psies lrom palienls treated lono-term wilh omepro0le, 0l which NEXIUM is an enanli0msr lnformotion for Potienh
NEXIUM Delayed-Release Capsuhs sh0uld be swall0wed wholeand lakenatleastone h0urbelore meals.

heartbun

mpsuhs, one labhspoon 0l applesauce can

carelullyemptied

be added

Ffi palients who have ditlicultyswallowif,g lo an empty bowl and lhs NEXIUM l)elayed.Belease Capsuh can be opened, and the pellels wflllhe
applesaum and then swall0wed immedialery.

0nl0lheapplesuce.

ne

pellels sh0uld be mixsd

ne

applesauce used should

not be hot and should bf soll en0ugh l0 be swallowed wilhoul chewing. The pelhts should not be chewed 0rcrushed. The pslht/applsauce should not be st0red l0riulure l]se. Anhcids may be used the liverbyCYP2C19and CYP3A4. /rvltroand

mixluie

whihhkino

I'JEX|UM.

Drug lnrercclioni

Esorl]epratole is exlensively melab0lized in

haveshownthatesomepraole is nollikelyl0inhibitCYPS 1A2,2A6,2C9,206,2E1 ild 344. N0 clinically rehvanl interaclions wilh drugs metabol[ed bylhese CYP enzymtr would be sxpmhd. Drug intendi0n $udhs have sh0wn that m0mepnzole does not hav any clinically signrlicanl inlenclions wilh phenyl0in, warlaifl, quinidine, clarilhr0mycin 0r am0xicil in. P0slmarketing

lrvM$udhs

rports 0fchan0es in prolhrombin

measucs have ben rcceived am0ng palienls 0r c0ncomilant wadarin and ss0mepre0le

lherapy. lncreases in INR may

and prclhrombinlime may lead l0 abnomd bleeding and even dealh. Palienls lreated wilh proton pump inhibil06 and wadain conc0milanlly need t0 be m0nilord l0r increases in IlllR and prolhrombin tim. Es0mspra0le may polenlially

inlerlffi with

CYP2C19, lhe major esomepru0h

metab0lizing nzyme. Coadminhtntion 0l es0mepraroh 30 mg md diaepam, a CYPzCl9 subslrale, [esulled in a 45% decrease in charance 0l

diaepam. lnileased plasma levels 0l diuepam were 0bserud 12 h0ure atlsr dosing and onwards. Howver, al that time, the plasma levels 0l diapam wers belowthe lhenpeulic interyal, and thus lhis inhracli0n is unlikelyt0 b 0l cliniml resvance. C0administrati0n 0l 0ral conlrrceplives, diapam, phnyl0in,0rquinidine did n0l seem l0 changelhe pharmac0kinstic pr0lile 0lesomepraole. Sludis evaluating c0ncomrlafl admindnti0n 0t somepru0le and eilher naproxen (n0n-seleclive NSAIo) 0r r0lecoxib (C0X-2 sslmtive NSAID) did nol ldentify my clinically lehvant changm in the phamac0kinetic proliles 0i s0mepra0le 0r lhese NSA|Ds. Esomepruole inhibils qmtrh acid secruti0n. Therslore, esomeprude may inldsre wilh lhe absorption 01 drugs where gaslilc pH h an imp0rtant deteminant ol bioilailab Iy (e0, kdoconaole, ilon salls and

digoxin).Corcinereris, Mulsgenesi5, lmpoiment

0mepnz0le 0.710

ol ferlility

The

caflinogen[

potential
1

0l es0meprude was asmsd

1

using

sludies. ln two 24'm0nlh 0ral carcinogeniciry $udies in rats, omepra0h at daily doses 0f human d0se0l20 mg/dayexpressed 0n a body surlacearea

.i,

3.4,

3.8, 41.0

ild

40.8 mg/tg/day (about

5itimsthe

basis) produced qastric ECLcell caminoids in adoseJelaled mannr

in b0th male and lemale nls; the incidence 0l thh etlscl was markedly hi0her in lemah carcinoids seldom 0ccur in lhe unlrealed an addilional year wilhoul lhe drug.

ds,

whhh had higher bl00d levels 0l omepraoh. Gastric

nl.

ln addilion, ECI cell hyperplasia was presefll in all lreated groups 0l bolh sexes. ln one human

0fthse

sludies,

lemale nlswrelrealed wilh 13.8mq 0meprudeJtg/day{ab0ul5.6timesthe

dos

0n a b0dysudace

area basis)10r1

year, lhen foll0wed

l0r

llo

carcin0ids were seen in lhese rals. An increased incidence 0l lrcatmenl-related

ICL cell hyperplasia was

obserued al lhe end 0f 1 year (94% lrealed vs 10% c0ntrols). By the sc0nd year lhe ditlerence belwmn trsaled and conlrol rats was much smaller (46% vs 26%) bulstill sh0wsd mor hypeelasia in lhe trealed gr0up. Gaslic aden0mrcinoma was seen in oro ral (2%). N0 simrlar tumor was seen in male 0rlemale nlstreatsd for2yars. Forlhis slrain 0l nl n0 srmilartumorhas ben noled hhtorimlly, bul aiinding involving onlyonetum0r is ditlicull t0 inlerp[el. A 78-wesk mouss canin0oenicity sludy 0l ompraole did nol show increassd lunor occufiencs, but lhe $udy was nol conclusive. Esomtpnz0le was neoative in the Ames mulalion lest, in the /h yiyo nl bone marow cell chromosome aberalion le$, and lhe i, yiy, mouse micronucleus lesl. [somepn20le, howver, was p0silive in the in yilro human lymphocyle chron0s0me abeffation lesl. omeprude was posilive in the in vilru human lymphocyle chrom0s0me aberralion te$, the in yryo mouse bone matrow cell chr0mosome abenation te$, and lhe
I

F-

j i

vMmouse micronuchus lesl. The p0lential eflcts 0l esomspraoh 0n lerlilily and repr0duclive perlormance were assessed us n0 0mepraoe at oral doss up l0 138 mg/kg/day in nls (ab0ul 56 times lhe human dose 0n a b0dy sudace area basis) was l0und t0 have flo ellecl 0n rcpoductive ped0rmanm 0l parental animals. Pregaoncl lenllg|,nic Effecls. Pregnancy Caleg\ry BIenlolouy sludies have been slrdies.omeprude
ped0rmed in

i,

ntsatoni

d0ses upt0 280 mgitgiday(ab0utSTlimeslhe

human d0se 0n a b0dy sudacearea

bass) and in rabbitsal0ral doses up l0

86 mg/kgiday(about35timslhe human dose 0n a b0dysurlaceara basis) and have revald n0 evidence 0fimpaired ferlility 0r harmt0lhe lelus duet0 s0meproole.Thsrsare, however, n0 adequale and well-c0nlnllsd studies in pregnanlwomen. Becase animal reproducli0n studhs are not aiways prediclive 0l human resp0nse, thisdrug should be used durin0 pregnancy 0nly ifcleaily ndd. Teralol0gysludis conducled wilh 0meprazole in rats al 0ral doses upt0 138 mo,4q/day (aboul 56timeslhe humafl dos 0n a b0dy sudacearea (ab0ut 56 basis) and in rabbils at

$'
:

d0ss upt0

69 mg,4(q/day

timtr lhe

human d0se 0n a b0dy sl]dace area basis) did not discl0se any evidence for a leralogenh polenllal 0f omepruole. ln rabbils,

Lc:$inti
*.-,--""";J

\ra | """"

]i"ii i:t.ls:n

0f6.9 t0 69.1 mgikg/day (aboul 5.5 l0 56 tims the human dose 0n a body surface area basis) produftd dosFrelaled increasss in embry0-lethdity, lelal res0rplions, and preonancy disrupli0ns. ln nls, doscJelaled embry0,{elal l0xicily and poslnalal devel0pmental toricity were obseryed in 0llspring resulting lr0n parenls trgatd wilh 0mepra0h at 1 3.8 t0 1 38.0 mo/kg/day (aboul 5.6 l0 56 timss lhe hu mafl doss 0mepra0h in
a d0se range

0n a body surlace a[ea bash). There are n0 adequale and wellcontrolhd $udies in prugnant womn. Sporadh rep0rts have btrn lemived
conqenital abnormalilies 0ccurilno in inlanls bom lo womefl who have rumivd omepraolo duin0 pregnancy.

01

NuEing MofiersThe

exretion ol

, . i ,
r

momspra0h in milk has notbeen $udied. However,omepruoh concenlralions have ben measfied in brua$ milk 0la w0man loll0wing onl adminhtration 0l 20 mg. Becaus esomeprilole is likely t0 be excrted in human milk, bemuse 0l the polenla ior sri0us advem remti0ns in nuning inlants lrom esomepru0h, and because 0lthe polential 10r lum0rigenhity shown 10r 0mepril0k in rat caminooenicily $udhs, a dechion should be
made whetherl0 discontinue nunin0 0rl0 disc0ntinuethe druo, taking inl0 accountths importance ollhe druq l0 lhe

molhr Pediotric

U*

Salety

We have two matching basins side by side in our master bathroom. One has a dirty ring around the perimeter of the brass drain. I clean it weekly, but a few days later, it's back. Both sinks are used the same

and eitmtivnss in pedialric palienls have not been eslablished. Geriohic Uie 0lthe 101a1 numbtr 0l patients who nceived NEXIUM in clinical triah, l45g were65l0 i4years 0l ageand 354 palienlswerc >i5years 0fage. N0 ov*all dittereaces in salelyand etlicacywrc obserued betwtrn the eldillyand y0ungerindivid[als, and 0thr rp0rtsd clinical erperience has nol idenlilied ditlerences in responss betwtrn the eldillyand younqil patients, but oreater sensilivily 0t some older individuals cann0t be ruhd oul. ADVEnSE REACnONS The Mhty 0i NEXIUM wm evalualed in ovil 15,000 palients (aged 18-84yea6) in clinhal trials w0rldwide includinq over8,500 pationts in the Uniled Slales and ovr6,500 pal[nls in Eur0pe and Canada.over 2,900 palientswentrealed in long-lerm studiesl0rup 10612 m0nlhs. ln general, NEXIUM waswelltoleraled in b0lh shon-and lonq-

amount.
Tod D. Labrie, North Andover, MA

lem

clinical

lials.

The safty in lhe trcatment 01 healino 0l erosive esophaoith

was assessed in iour randomized comoanlive clinical triah, which

included 1,240 patients 0n NEXlUt4 20 m9,2,434 palienls 0n NEXIUM 40 mg,

ild

3,008 patients 0n 0mepnz0le

20 m0 daily. Ihe m0stlrquently

occuffig adve6e

evenls (>10/o) in all three qroups was headaclre (5.5, 5.0, and 3.8, respectively) and diatrhea (n0 dillilence am0nq lhe three and dry moulh 0ccurcd al similar rales am0n0 palients lakinq NEXIUM or omeprazoh.

gr0ups). l,lausea, tlatulence, abdominal pain, c0nstipati0n,

, I ,

Addilional adv6e vents thal were rep0ded as p0ssibly 0r pmbably relahd l0 NEXIUM wilh an incidence <1% are I sled blow by body sysleml

80dl as t lyirlsiabdomen enlarged, dhruh reaclion, aslhenia, back pain, chesl pain, chesl pain subslemal, lacial edema, perlpheral edema, hol llrshes, lati0ue, lever, llu-like disorder, gsnilalized edema, leg edema, malaise, pain, rig06; Cildnyrscdafllushing, hyperlension, lachycardia; fud\uine: goilel Gash'int5linl:bowel iregularity, constipalion aggravaled, dyspepsia, dysphagia, dysplasia Gl, epiga$rc pain, eructati0n,
esophageal disordsr,lrsquentslools,gastroentritis, Gl hemorrhage, Gl sympt0ms not0thsruisespscilied, hiccup, melena, m0uth dh0rder pharynx

disordel reclal d$0rdsl serum oaslrin increased, t0ngue disorder, l0ngue edema, ulcsrative $omatith, v0miting; l,srlrol eanche, tinnitus; ,lrmrlololit: anemia, anemia hyp0chromic, crruical lymph0adenopathy, pistais, leukocyt0ss, leukopsnia, thromb0cyl0penai lleprltr; bilirF
binemia, hepalic lrnclion abn0rmal, SG0T increased, SGPI tncteased, hernia, p0lymyalgia

tlelal'lic/lfuIilimal:

glyc0suria, hyperurhsmia,

hyporalremia increased

cramps, Jibr0myalgia syndrome,

rheumalimi l{effors

Slslsn4ryrtialdri

an0rexia, apathy, appelile increasd, coniusi0n, paresthesia, sleep

depression agqravalsd, diziness, hypertonia, neru0usness, hyposslhsia, imp0lence, ins0mnia, mi0raine, mignine aggravaled disorder, somnohnce, trem0r, vertiqo, vrsual lield delectt vated, c0u0hing, dyspnea, larynx edema, pharyngitis, fiinilis, sinusdis;

Errmdurtiwr dysmenofihea, msn$rual disorder, vaginils 8rsri,rloryi asthma aogra' Sfir rrdrppsrdrgesjacne, anqi0sdema, dilmatith, prunlus. pruritus ani,

rash, rash e0'llremat0us, resh maculopapular, skin inJlammati0n, swealing increased, urlicana; Sp?rialSerses:0lills media, par0smia, lasle l0ss, ta$e p8rue6i0n; Urogrrihf abmmd urine, albuminuria, cyslilh, dysuria, lunoal inlecti0n, hematuria, micluilion frequency, m0niliasis, genilal yisrrf m0niliash, p0lyudai conjunctivitis, visi0n abnormal. Endoscopic findings that were rcporled as adveBe vnts includer du0denilis, ss0phagitis, esopha0eal strictuo, sophaoeal ulceration, es0pha0eal vaices, gaslic uhet gasldth, hrnia, benign polyps 0r n0dules, Barrett's m0phagus, and m[cosl discolorati0n. Two placeb0-c0nlr0lled sludies wile c0nducled in 710 patienls iff the lrealmenl 0l symplomalic gaslr0e headache (3.8y0), and

wile reporled as posibly 0r probably related l0 NEXIUM wile dnrfim (4.3%), ildomiml Fin (3.894. Po$maiketin0 Reports-Ther have bmn sponlaneous rep0rts 0ladveGe evenlswith poslmarteling us 0f esomeplilole. These rep0rts have included nre uses 0l anaphylactic reaclion af,d myalqia, severe demal0logic reacli0ns, mcludm0 l0xic
sophageal reflux disease. The most commofl adveBe svsnts lhal

epidormal nmr0llais (TEll, some laial), StvensJ0hns0n syndrome, and e0'lhema mullilorme, and pancrealith. Rarely, hepatith with 0r wilhoul jaundice has btrn reporled.otheradveBeevents nolobseoed wilh NEXIUM, bul 0ccuringwith omepra0lecan beloufld inlheomepraz0lepackage

intrrt,

ADllEfiSE RtloTll)ilS smtion. OVERDOSAGE A sin0le oml d0se 0l somspraoh at 510 mq,fto (ab0ul 103 tims the human dos 0n a b0dysudace area basis), was lethal t0 rats. The maj0rsions 0l acuteloxicilywere rudumd m0t0raclivily, changes in ruspiratoryirequency, trem0r,

atdia, and inlemittent clonic

c0nvulsions. There have been s0me rup0rts 0l 0vsrd0sqe with es0meprilole. Eeporls have bsen recsived 01 ovildosao wilh omepra0le in humans. Doses nnged up t0 2,400 mg (120 timm the usual rccommended clinical dose). Manifeslali0ns were

variabl, bul included conlusion, drowsiness, reactions similar t0 lhose

strn

blutred visi0n, tachycardia, nausa, diaph0resis, llushing, headache. dry m0uth, and othil adveise in n0md clinhal experience (se 0meprude package nserl-Al)lltRst 8EACIl0ilS). N0 spcilic anlidole l0r As wilh lhe management 01 any overd0se, th p0$ibility 0t mulliple drug inoestion should be

esomeprazole is known. Since esomeprude rs exlensively prctein boufld, it is nol expecled t0 be rem0ved by dialyss ln the event ol ovedosage. tratmnt sh0uld be symplomalic and supporlive. c0nsidered. For curenl inlomalion 0n lreatment ofany drug overd0s, a csrtiiied Reglonal Poison C0ntr0l Centsr sh0uld be c0ntacled. Telephons numbers are lisled in th Physicians' Desk Eelerenm (PDR) 0r lmal lelsphone b00k. Prescilbing

lnlormali0ni0r recommeded adultdosagesand dosage adjustments capsulsan ruqisteredlrademarks

DOSAGE AND ADMINISnAnON l0rSprcial PoNlali0mf0r NEXluM.

Phase see full

Most likely the brass coating on the drain is corroding, causing the ring you have in your sink. Abrasive cleaners and some hair care products, especially hair coloring, can be particularly corrosive. If a family member habitually rinses hair products in the one sink, that could explain why only that sink has the problem. The best solution is to replace the pop-up and drain assembly. The drains are available (or can be ordered) at home centers and plumbing supply stores. If you want to stick with brass, choose one of the newer types that have a nearly indestructible brass finish. These finishes are applied with an electric charge that vaporizes the brass and affixes it permanently to the drain. Delta Faucet Co. (800-345-3358 or www.deltafaucet.com) is one of many companies that offer this type of product. Or, replace the brass drain with a nickel chrome or brushed stainless steel drain, which won't corrode and discolor your sink. To keep your two basins matching, replace both drains. Also examine the porcelain surface around the drain. If it's scratched or worn (dull), dirt will also cause a ring. Then replace the sink as well.

NEX|UMand lhe c0l0rpurph asapplifdi0the

0lthe Aslrazenecagnup 0lc0mpanhs

0Astnzeneca 2005. All ilghls reserued.

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LB Wilminglon,

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Producl ol France

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2006 THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

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Bonds hundreds of materials including ,' wood, stone, meal, ceramic and more! lncredibly strong and
I

00% waterproof!

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I have an outdoor faucet that makes a loud vibrating noise when I open or shut it. How can I fix it? I have another outdoor faucet that works fine. Larry Carrier, Lewiston, ME Thc faucct washel is probably rvom out.
YcrLr

screw
er'.

ilt the er-rcl of the stcrr (bot-

tom photo) irncl

rct.t.tove thc rvashBuy ir nerv u'aslter tlritt nratchcs the old onc at ilnv hardrvrre stot'e. Then reirsscnrble the titucet. C)ccrr sionall,v tlrc washcl is tlne but thc scrov holclinc it is loose . If so, put a clrop ol Loctite Threadlocker ($,1 at

|- .: I , ". r' I:. ;' Extra Thick Extra Stick.

New Gorilla Tape sticks to things
ordinary tapes simply cant - metal, glass, brick, stucco, wood and more.

can casily

harclrvare stores) on tl-re threacls ancl

rcplircc

it without

removing the

tighten
e

cntire lirucet. First. turn off tl-re water to the faucet. Then use a rvr-ench to reurove the rettrining nut that's attached to the sill cock (top photo). Sliclc thc hanclle ancl stcnr lsscnr bly or.rt of the sill cock. Renove the

it. Sonrc fir-rccts havc tr spring loaclecl slecve near the n'ashr. If you l-rave tl-ris type, r'eplace the entire firuce{ t-.1

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roLo!]rapry

. BOB UNGAR . BlLt ZUEHLKE

and RAMON MORENO

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vnncH zoos 19

by Bruce Wiebe

lnstant workbench
o on, take an hour to build reader fared Vergith's sturdy, simple workbench from a single sheet of 3/4-in. plywood. Then spend only a couple of seconds tapping it together whenever you need it. It can hold heary power tools, large project assemblies or even that old outboard motor you're overhauling. Cutting list: ro Two 38-in. x 8-in. stretchers x Two 27-112-in. x 23-in. legs * One 48-in. x 30-in. top ru Two 26-in. x314-in.x314-rn. side cleats m Two l2-in. x314-in.x314-in. end cleats
Saw 4-in. x 314-in. notches in the legs and stretchers, spacing them 3 in. in from the edge on the legs and 4 in. in from the ends on the stretchers. Tap them together to create an inter-

locked base. Lay the top upside down on the floor, then
position the base so the top overhangs

all four sides equally. Screw cleats on the top so they will fit just inside the base.

,l

Position them slightly away from the base ' to make assembly easy. Stand everything right side up and put your instant workbench to work!

ffiffi

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127-112" t23"1

"LEG"

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

unncg zooo 2l

It'll onlv trrlic;r scconcl to nrrb the pcrfict size nuts ()r l'irshers llonr t]t.tt l)iq cirn lorrtlcti n'itl-r 20 yerus'l'orth oi lcf-tover hirrcln'alc. Irour the crtr.qo onto a rubbcl cill'nti.lt (52 at cliscount store.s), rirkc throrrglt thc pilc LrntiJ
t'ou llrtd thc riglit tvhatever, then usc tlrc ntat its it cltute to 1'r1r1;1-the htirp bacl< into thc can. This can-c1o tip rs coLrrtcsv ol-r'caclcr Aliclis Illistrunt.

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22 vancr
2oo6 THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

Chip-swallowi ng router fence

This made-from-scraps router fence-along with your shop vacuumcollects wood chips while you work. On a table saw, cut a straight piece of 2x4 to 2-ll4 in. wide for the fence's height, being sure the vertical face and bottom edge of the fence form a 90-degree angle. Saw a "mouse hole" in the center of the fence to fit over the router bit, then screw together a plylvood box with a hole in the top to fit your shop vacuum hose (1-1/4 in. or 2-ll4 in. diameter). It's noisy to run a router and vacuum at the same time, so wear hearing protection! Many thanks to Blair Thompson for routing this great tip our way.

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Need small containers for mixing and

dispensing stain, paint and epoxy? Save and reuse Jell-O and Crystal Light plastic cups. Customize the
larger fell-O cups with ounce markings for precise measurements when you're mixing two-part formulas. Just borrow the kitchen measuring cup,

pour water-an ounce at a timeinto the disposable cups and trace each level with a fine-tip permanent
marker. Thanks to Ralph Molling for cooking up this tip.
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN vnRcH zooo

23

i:rii ii'.,-iri,

:r.ir

1.i:..1

tl*tipS

Hijacked tackle box

When the fishing urge stops biting, put that old tackle box to use as a portable hardware and tool tote. Load the nifty fold-out compartments with screws, nails, bolts, tape, electrical 66nng61s15-\iv'hat have you. Stash your pliers, screwdriver, wrenches, hammer, tape measure and other frequently used tools on the bottom level. When chores and repairs start nibbling at your conscience, you'll have the right tackle handy for the job. Thanks to Scott Bakos for this alluring tip.

1l

,r-rr. t**a^-a*,
Art Direct on

Photography e

LISA PAHL KNECHT MIKE KRIVIT

lf you

have a shop tip you'd like to share, send

it

to

tfhtips@readersdigest.com or Workshop Tips, The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. We now pay $200 for tips we print. 0riginal contributions become our property upon acceptance and payment. We're sorry, but tips cant be returned.

Great Garage Gontest Rules

This contest is open to residents of the United States, its territories and pos-

sessions who are 18 years of age or older. Employees

oI

The Family

Winners will be selected on or about June in one month of selection.

15, 2006, and

notified by mail with-

Handynan, The Reader's Digest Association, lnc., or affiliated or subsidiary companies, or members of their immediate families, are excluded from entering. No purchase is necessary to enter. Entrants should send a photo and a description oftheir garage explaining why it should be named the winner in one of the lollowing live categories: Garage Hints and Tips, show us how you have made your garage a better space, inside or out Best Garage Shop, show us your dream workplace; Most Organized Garage, show us how you ended garage clutter; Most lnteresting Use lor a Garage, anything unusual you have done to your garage; Coolest Garage, show us your comfortable, organized, creative, inspiring and iust plain cool garage. Send slides, prints or digital photos. Digital photos must be a minimum of 900 x 1,500 pixels, and should be sent on a CD. lnclude a written description of your garage or garage tips and a
over sheet that indic ates whic h c ateg ory yo u're enterin g, you r n a me, street address, daytime phone number and e-mail address. Entries will be judged based on the broad appeal of the garage or garage idea {60%), originality of approach .20%1, and quality of photography and description (20%). One winner will be selected in each category, and from these five winners, we will select one grand prize winner, one second prize winner and three third prize winners. All judging will be accomplished by editors of The Family Handyman and the decisions are final.
c

Prize information: The grand prize winner will receive the following Ryobi tools and accessories, courtesy of Ryobi Power Tools: l8-v 0ne+ caulk gun, 18-v 0ne+ chain saw, 18-v 0ne+ Corner Cat finish sander, l8-v 0ne+Torque lV drill/driver, 18-v 0ne+ hammer drill, 18-v 0ne+impact driver, 18-v 0ne+jig-

saw, 18-v 0ne+laminate trimmer, 18-v 0ne+ laser circular saw, l8-v
0ne+nailer/stapler, 18-v 0ne+ reciprocating saw, 18-v 0ne+ right angle drill, 18-v 0ne+ speed saw, 18-v 0ne+ Tuff Sucker wevdry vac, l8-v 0ne+flashlight, (a) l8-v 0ne+ battery packs, (7) 18-v One+ lanyards, (2) l8-v 0ne+ chargers, l8-v 0ne+ vehicle charger,'10 in. bandsaw, l0 in. portable table saw, 12 in. compound miter saw, universal miter saw stand, multiTASKit, 0ne+ accessories kit,21s-pc. super drilling kit, pressure washer, cultivator and 18 in. straight shaft string trimmer (total retail value = $2,633.10). Second prize winner will receive the following, courtesy of E3 Spark Plugs: Ryobi l7 in. curved shaftstringtrimmer, Ryobi blowervac, Ryobi gas pole saw, and (3) E3 small engine spark plugs (total retail value = $454.) Three (3) third prize winners will receive one case of Castrol GTX High Mileage motor oil, courtesy of Castrol USA (retail value = $18 each. Total retail value $54).

The prizes are non-transferable. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if any of the stated prizes are not available
at time of award.

All entries must be sent by mail. Please place the completed entry in

an

envelope addressed to: "Great Garage Contest," The Family Handynan,2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. All entries must be postmarked by June 1,2006, the closing date. 0nly one entry per contestant is allowed.
Contest entries will not be returned. All submitted materials become proper-

Winners will be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility within l4 days of attempted notification. Noncompliance within this time period will result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. All taxes are the responsibility oi the winner. Winner will be requested to give permission for the use of his or her name in promotional material.
The total number of contestants anticipated nationwide is 5,000. Gonsumer lnformation: lf you wish to receive a winners list, write to: Winners List, The Family Handyman,2915 Commers Dr., Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55l2l.

Iy oI The Family Handyman and its parent and affiliated companies. We

reserve the right to use your entry in all print and electronic media, and to edit it for brevity and clarity.

2/l vqncH 2006 THE

FAMtLy HANDyMAN

A new generation of

GordKmffiffiWh
Replace your old phones with a single,

linked system that can do it all

byTravis Larson

veryone loves the freedom of being able to roam around the house while gabbing on a cordless phone. And a new generation of"linked" cordless phones is even better. Now you can park extra handsets all over the house even if there's not a phone jack in sight. Here's how it works. You buy a system that consists of a home "base" station with one or more additional handsets. You plug the home base into a phone jack and an electrical outlet just as you would any conventional cordless

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26 vancn
2006 THE FAMtly HANDvMAN

Remote stations
phone. Then you plug in the extra handsets wherever you want the convenience of an additional phone. These handsets send and receive calls via the base station. They don't require a phone jack, only an electrical outlet for charging. That means you can place a

handset

just about

anywhere-garages,

basements, bathrooms or simply better wall locations in places that don't have convenient phone jacks. (If you worry about miss-

ing those "check-in" calls from roaming

teenagers, place a handset by your bedside.)

A single phone system also simplifies the

home phone network. No more confusion regarding the differences of unmatched phones-which buttons to push for activating calls or hanging up, which phones have speed dial, etc. With the new system, each
phone works the same. Features that are included with systems vary widely. Decide on your priorities before you go shopping. r Some base units will only support one extra handset, others nine or more. Buy a unit that'll handle as many extra handsets

as you think you'll eventually

need

(-ayb. one or two more!). If you're addicted to caller ID, make sure
the extra handsets feature it as well. Ifyou're hooked on one-touch phone dialing, make sure the handsets have it too.

If your home has other wireless devices,

buy a system that operates on a different

wavelength

to

avoid interference (2.4

G-Hz-based phone systems are the ones most commonly affected by wireless (WiFi) video game controllers and wireless computer systems). Check specification plates on any devices to find out their operating wavelengths. If your family makes conference calls (you

kit that

and Junior visiting with Grandma), get a has the conference call feature. A walkie-talkie feature makes the handsets a whole-house intercom.

Linked systems are available everl'where

phones are sold. Prices start at $60 for a no-

frills kit with one extra handset and go to

$200 and up for more elaborate models con-

taining four or more

Art Direction
Photoqraphy

handsets.

ft

.
.

DAVID SIMPSON BILL ZUEHLKE

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byTravis Larson
28 vnncH
2006 THE FAMTLy HANDvMAN

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f yodre looking 1c,r an eye-catchir.rg feature for your patio, deck or eveit fror-rt entry, this natural-lookir-rg artesian fountain ,,vill do the trick. We desigr.red tl.ris fountain arouud a special stone, one with a I-in. hole drilled through it. Water fron.r the pun-rp gr.rrgles up through the hole and overflows the stone. To reduce maintentlnce, we elin-rinated the collectior.r pond. A gravel-filled reservoir below collects the overflow for recirculatiorr. Since no sunlight can reach the watel in the reservoir and support algae grorvth, the water stays pristine. You'll have algae growir-rg near wet areas, but it o'rly contriLrutes to the r-ratural look. L'r tl.ris article, we'll shor,r yor-r how to select and drill a boulder that'll mimic a natural artesian well. We'll also show you l-row to constrllct a sirnple under'-gravel reservoir using 5-gal. pails. The decorative cl'roices-the top-6lr.r.ir.rt stones, foun-

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The rvhole builcling process is simpler than vott miqht think, irnd ,vou don't ueeci irn), special skills or tools. But it's r.rot a cornpletel,v no-srveat iob. \bu'll have tct dig ln 8 x lO-fi.
I.role

r"rinely heavy
r-rir-rg

about 2 fl. cleep and dr.rr.r.rp in gravel. That's the otrlv seuwork. You can easilv have this proicct ulr, rr,lnand finisl-red
ir-r a

dav once

volive gathered tl'rc materials.

The four-rtair-r rve shou'cost about $1,000 incluciing thc purlp-r, rock flll, pond liner and pac1, and all of the boulclels, incluclir-rg the or-re that's drilled. Ilut vcur por-rd doc-sn't have to be irs large ancl elaborate als ours. )bu ciur clcsign a smaller versiot-t that will cost as littlc as $200. All vou need is one \\,ater-spout ing boulcler restit-ts ir-r a sn-rall arca of decolative stotte firt' it beautiful conversrrtior-r piece fbr' 1,or,rr gardeu.
THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

F%

vancH zooe 29

The planning steps

The water basin is a two-tiered hole:
a

shailow end where the boulders rest and a deeper end that serves as the reservoir

(Figure A). The 5-gallon pails (photos 5 - 8) create a large reservoir volume, so the pails but the one containing the pump you don't have to add water often. They are positioned about 5 in. below the suralso reduce the amount of coarse gravel

fill the hole. (We ran this founBegin your search for fountain stone by tain most of the summer and found that calling stone suppliers that either customwe only needed to add water every week drill stones or have a selection of or two, depending on the weather.) All of predrilled stones ("Stone, Natural" in the
needed to

Yellow Pages). Prices

will range

between

face to leave room for potted, water-loving plants. We elevated the pump pail so the lid lies just below the surface for easy pump access. We drilled all of the pails with holes sized to keep out the gravel (Photo 5) but let the water seep in.

$50 for small stones and upwards of $2,000, plus delivery and placement
charges,
basins.

for l-ton

stones with natural

If you build a smaller fountain with fewer 5-gallon pails, monitor the water
level more frequently. If the reservoir goes dry, the pump may be ruined. Bring water from home and pour it over

Deciding on the fountain stone is the hard part. Bring several gallons of water with you and pour water over your stone selections to see how it flows. Adjust the stone to alter the flow. Look for a stone that has natural chutes or channels if
you're seeking a "stream-like" flow, or one

the stone you

choose to test

the water flow.

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*11 s{

Just about any stone is "drillable," with only a few exceptions {petrified wood being one}. You'll need to rent a rotary hammer drill ($40 for four hours) and a
1-in.-diameter masonry bit (rental prices depend on ":t6'1",i., I ' '''..,t.,; the length of the bit) long enough to drill through the stone you choose. Drilling your own stone may only take a few minutes, depending on the hardness and thickness of the stone. ltt noisy, so wear hearing and eye protection. Dont force the drill; let the weight of the hammer drill do the work. Pull the bit out of the stone every inch or so to clear the dust. lf you've picked out a rounded stone, stabilize it before drilling by digging a little crater in the ground to rest it in. The f -in. bit may slide off the rounded surface when you start drilling. lf so, drill a 1|2-in.-deep pilot hole with a 1/2-in. bit.

3O vnncg 2006 THE

FAMtLy HANDvMAN

that has a natural basin if you're after a gurgling-up-from-the-ground look. Pick a stone that's less than 15 in. thick at the fountain hole location; that's the limit for available drill
shafts.

Our fountain stone cost $75, and we paid $150 for the boulders that supported and surrounded it. If you don't have a

source for drilled stones, buy a stone and

drill it yourself. It's easier than you think.

(See

"Drilling

a Stone," p. 30.)

t, i/ "1 t

$r.

,&,i

'-t\: PUMP

t*-::*-'\,,-:*,

-#fA :;rA

-'-/'AH

/j

,/

5.GALLON
PAILS

<-

1/2. HOrES

Figure

Fountain details

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vencH zooo 3l

Add the pails and fill in the hole

Use either a spade

bit or a twist bit to drill

l/2-in. drain holes in all the pails as we show in Photo 5. To make accessing the
pump easier, we suggest cutting off the lid-locking lip of the pump-containing
pail (etoto 6). When you start backfilling around the pails, they'll want to shift a bit, so keep a foot on the lids while you shovel a few inches of rock around each base. Be sure to keep the height of the pun.rp pail about 2 in. below grade level (Photo 7). Stop filling at this point. The pea gravelwill fill the final 2 in.

""1i1'

Unfold the liner and center it over the hole. Push it into
recesses and

,fi

pleat it wherever
necessary to fit against the sides of the hole.

Lay in the top-dressing rock and arrange the fountain and filler stones
Hook up the pump to the water line and rest it on the bottom of the pump pail

(ehoto s). Position the larger base rocks at this point, and then pour the pea gravel around them and top off the rest of the feature (enoto s).
Arrange the fountain stone and other
stone supports or features in the shallow end of the hole. Use a flowing garden hose near the hole in the fountain stone and tinker with the stones until the flow pattern approximates the look you're after (Photo 1o). When you're satisfied, tip over the fountain stone to expose the hole, cut the water line to length and clamp on the plastic fittings (Photo 1i). Test-fit the fitting end in the fountain hole; you may have to grind or chisel offthe plastic barbs on the fitting to make it tight. Coat the fitting with silicone caulk and slip it into the hole. Let it set for an hour and then reset

j].,. Drill four

r,.J columns of 1/2-in. holes around the middle and near the bottom and top
of each pail. Then snap on the lids and rest the pails
in the hole.

\
SLOT FOR WATER AND ELECTRICAL
LINES

the stone.

Now fill the reservoir by laying a garden

hose on the gravel and running water through it until the pump pail is full. Rest the pump at the bottom of the pail and then plug it in for a test run. Readjust the stones as needed to get the ideal water
flow. If you stack boulders and smaller stones to form a more elaborate fountain, use expanding "pond foam" between the stones to stabilize the pieces. Protect the stones from overflowing foam by tucking

i..., Cut offthe i. :'f rim from the

pump pail and cut and fold down a 1-1l2-in.-wide x 2-in. flap at the top for the water line and electrical
cable.

35

nnncH 2006

THE

aluminum foil in the areas you want to keep free of foam (photo 12). Start with small amounts of foam and try to keep it out of sight by shoving the dispensing tube deep into the crevices. After the foam sets (about two hours),

tear away the

foil and cut off

any

exposed foam with a knife or saw.

*# d

Backfitt around the

reservoir pails

with 1-in. to 2-in.

gravel, resting the pump pail on the gravel so its top
becomes even with grade. Keep the gravel 2 in. below grade,

water "sticks" to the side of the it runs off and your goal is a mini waterfall, let the stone dry and then apply a bead of silicone to the water side of the stone. The silicone will repel the water and help it "fall."
stone as Finish the water feature by trimming off the overhanging liner and pad even

If

with the rim of the hole. The liner

best cut

is

with

utility knife and the pad

with a scissors. Add whatever other top-dressing or perimeter stones and plants you wish.

the ffi Connect water line to

the pump and route it to the stone fountain location, avoiding areas where
heavy stones will rest.

If you live in a cold climate, take your pump in for the winter and store it in a pail of water to keep the seals wet. Don't worry about draining the reservoir; freezingwon't hurt it a bit.

F,+"qLflslr"l.q

*.ir.:lr,:

A 300-gph (gallons per hour) water pump will give you the type of flow you see in our opening photo. lf you'd like a smaller, gurgling flow, buy a 200-gph pump or install a restrictor valve at the pump to allow you adjust the flow. We selected a low-voltage Pump (see Buyer's Guide, p. 40) because it's safer and the wiring is easier to install. In fact, you only need to bury the cable an inch or two below grade. For a standard 12O-volt pump, however, you'll have to apply for an electrical permit, bury the wire much deeper and install a GFCIprotected outlet. We'd love to receive photos of and comments about your project. Send them to: travis_larson @readersdigest.com. I promise a
resDonse.

the gravel until it's even with the

Pour in and ffi pea e*# level

edges. Then use a steel rake to even out the surface.

'-/f-------L,ae</)

38

ranncH 2006 THE

1'MALE
ADAPTER

Figure

B Fountain fittings

Slide

it int0
'uf; o:i

ty adjust the fountain boulders using a garden hose placed near the fountain hole to simulate the water's path. Then flip over the boulder to access the underside of the hole.

:,

i;r

il

Place and rough-

wall.>
Ask for Johnson Hardware's Pocket Door Frame.
Gives home a mofe spacious feel without sacrificing privacy.

$ $ Cut the water line t # to length and

attach the fountain fittings. Goat the plastic elbow with silicone sealant and work the fittings into the hole on the underside of the

HandicapAccessible. Iifetime Guarantee. Exclusive design eliminates "str.rck" doors, allows door removal for painting after walls are in place. For an even smoother glide, ball bearing wheels arc avarTal'ie.

fountain stone.

1.800.837 .56(t4 for a Free

the water ii ;l.l* flow by filling the basin and running the pump. Shim the stones as necessary, then fill around the stones with pond foam to lock them
'r]1 'i'.,i1 Test

Ideas Brocbure.

into place.
HANDYMAN unncH zooo

Engineered Excellence

www.iohnsonhardware.com
39

You'll find all the materials for this project, besides the fountain stone, at home centers or large nurseries. Here's what you'll need: 1- to 2-in. smooth round stone for the main filler stone. A large fountain like
ours will require about 1,000 lbs.

wtvr'v vttuvtTLIBING

,/

A small roll of indoor/outdoor carpeting or any other old carpeting you may
have on hand. Pond liner padding and waterproof liner: Know your pond dimensions and make sure to allow for the hole

into the stone fountain hole. You'll find the fittings in the lawn irrigation area at thr: home center.
One tube of silicone caulk and one can of pc'nd foam. Use silicone caulk to
seal the elbow

contours before you go shopping. Five 5-gallon pails with lids.

Pea gravel: Buy

into the fountain stone

hole.
Wayne Water Systems offers the 300-9ph low-voltage pump shown in this story for g1'14.69 plus shipping. Call (800) 237-0987 and order part No.
57924-WYNG.

it in bulk or in bags for

the 2-in.-thick top rock layer (our feature required 25 bags).

Scoop out the pea gravel and set in potted pond plants, then finish

tubing only. Cheaper, thin-walled vinyl tubing will collapse under the overlying stone. Buy
two tubing clamps, a l-in. elbow and l-in. male adapter to feed the water
a

Select corrugated pond

ii
Ad Direction
Photoqraphv

the water feature with decorative topdressing and perimeter edging stones.
4O vancH 2006 THE
FAMtLy HANDyMAN

.
.

BOB UNGAR

lllustration

MIKE KRIVIT DON MANNES

on Wall Scanner

Use the MultiScannero i700 from

with exclusive. next-generation Auto-Corecting Technology (ACT) for unmatched, all-around performance.
Zircon,

It Works Where Others Don't.

dryxara}ling tips

:.: , !.,.r. .:r.i!:1i::rr.:t:::.:i:i : ' 1' ,: , ' ,:' ,:::1 1 -';' ,l ;':

Providihg poor

support at edges

TOO LITTLE
BACKING

raming at inside corners is often inadequate or lacking altogether, making it impossible to fasten the edge of the drywall. The solution is to inspect the framing before you start hanging drywall. Make sure there's at least 1 in. of exposed framing at corners. If not, add another 2x4

alongside

the existing framing (photo right).

Especially check along the top of walls that run parallei

to the ceiling framing. Normally biocking is nailed to the top plate of the wall during the framing phase, but it's often missing. If you have to add blocking and don't have room to swing a hammer, drive screws into the blocking at an angle from below.

44

MARCH 2006 THE FAMTLY HANDvMAN

f you fbrget to

nrarrk the loca-

tior-r

ol franring

mernbers

Guessing at

framing locations
NO FRAMING MARKS .

befbre you cover then.r with drpvall, you'll have a hard tirne

placing tl-re scl'ews accurately (photo left). Fol foolproof screw

placenrent, n-rake these r-narks and use them as ir guide to draw a light

.7
(

SCREWS

the sheet (photo below). Then you'll be able to place screws quickly and arccurately. And
per-rcil lir-re across

Mlss

yon wolr't have to waste time retrloving sclews lltat rttiss tlrc flanrirrq.

Mark the location of ceiling joists

or.r

the top plate of the wall framir"rg.

Then r-nark the center of each stud or-r the floor. Make r-rote of unusual framing so yodll know where to place sclews after it's covered witl-r dr1.wall. After the ceiling drywall is htrng, nrark tlre stud locatiorrs t-tn

tlie ceiling

r,r,ith a pencil befole you start to l.rang drywall on the walls.

lfl

.t
,(

ng
JOIST CENTER MARK

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vnncg

zoos

47

ling tapered along

I you hang a sheet of drl.wall with the tapered corner, it will be hard to i,-rrl,url th.".orn.. bead accurately. The corner of the bead will lie too low, making it difficult to cover with joint compound. The solutior.r is to place cut

I I I

.i*. ulolrion outside

CUT EDGES; NO TAPER

edges along an outside corr.rer

(photo right).

Forci over

ven with careful measurir-rg, you'll often run into an outlet hole that doesn't quite fit. The commor.r mistake is to screw the dri'wall to tl.re framing before trimming the opening. Ther.r the drlnvall will break around the electrical box (photo above), requiring extra time to patch. The key to solve this problem is to check the fitbefore you press the drpvall tight to the wall. After carefully measuring ar.rd cuttir.rg out the openings in your' sheet of dr'yr,vall, hold the dr1'wall ir.r place. If the fit is close, faster.r the sheet with a few screws along the top edge or rvell away from the ont1et openings. Trim excess dr'1.wall awav alor.rg tight box edges with a utility knife (top right) until the drywall slides easily over the outlet boxes (bottom right). Then fir.rish fastenir.rg the dr1.wall.

48 nnncs 2006 THE

FAMTLY HANDyMAN

for a tight

Gutting

fit
i
- ,--7

1/8-in. ps at edges
l'"i
.

S:r

#:,
;:i:]
dL1i

TOO T|GHT

1/8't:G4P,

o l,

t;"-'

to measure and cut drywall for an exact fit. It'll usually just cause tlouble. lar-r-rn-rir.rg ilr a piece that's too tight will clun.rble the edge or break olrt a cor ner (photo left). And removing a piece to shave tr too-tight edge is messy and time consuming. A loose fit avoids this problen.r. Cut it to leave about a i/8-in. gap at edges. In fact, when yotire hangir.rg the ceilir.rg, keep in rnind that 1i2 ir.r. along the perimeter rvill be covered by dLywall or.r the walls. And the sarne is true of inside wall corners. So you car.r safely cut these pieces 1/4 ir.r. less than the actual measurernent ancl leave a gap in the corr-rer if necessary. Even a
here's r-ro reason

piece whose edges arer.r't covered should be cut a little short. It's eirsier to fill a 1/S-in. gap rvitl.r setting-type compound than to cut and repair a broker-r edge or corner.

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vlncs

zoco

49

dr:nnralling tips

ng
<----BUTT JOINT

8' SHEET OF DRYWALT

aping dry.wall is time consuming and tedious enough without adding extra joints, especial-

ly those hard-to-tape butt joints

left).
So plan your

(photo

job to

use the longest and largest

sheets possible.

And don't scrimp on materials.

_----- .' -: ; '*_--.-'-,

DRvwALL
i
I

Drywall is cheap.

If
8 ft.

8'sHEET oF

the walls you're planning to drywall are between I in. and 9 ft. I in. tall, consider ordering special

BUrrJorNT l. \l

54-in.-wide sheets of drywall to avoid an extra horizontal joint. You'll find 54-in.-wide drywall at drlwall suppliers, or you can special-order it from most home centers and lumberyards. You'll also speed up your

--=tl

.j.
I
I I

'l'
I

job by using l2-ft.-long sheets ofdrywall rather than standard 8-footers (photo below). However, hauling
house can be challenging. For large jobs, have the

].1
.L

I M

12-ft. sheets is difficult and getting them into the dry-

wall delivered. Many drywall suppliers will even stack the drywall in the house for an extra fee.
t'

sheets possible
12' SHEET OF DRYWALL

12'SHEET OF DRYWALI

.:i,

:*

5O

rvnncH 2006 THE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

,{
AROUND i

/t NorcH j
DOOR
:

,/

./ ///

void lining up a sheet of drywall with the edge of a door or window oper-ring (photo
above). Your home tends to sl.rift and settle slightly, ar.rd that movement shows up at the corners of windows ar.rd doors. A joint at tl-ris location, even if it's well taped, is weaker than solid dry'wall. Chances are it'll crack in the future. It's better to notch drywall around openings rather than to make a joir.rt. For interior walls, simply continue over tl-re oper-rir-rg with a hrll sheet and cut out the opening after you fasten the sheet (photo right). Windows on exterior walls are a little trickier. Measure and r.rotch the sheet before hanging it. Get help when

hanging notched sheets because the skinr.ry sectiot.t above the opening is often fragile. It's OK to join sheets over an opening (and ofter-r easier if you're working alone) as long as the joint isn't in line witl.t
either

side.

L1

Art D rect of . MARCIA WRIGHT ROEPKE Photography . BILL ZUEHLKE

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

ttaRcl :ooo 53

Make two simple forms,

add three bags of concrete

.-:Ti:

-' '

:.;:: :'""-'
1 (

..'-lll:.':lx

$!

.-':-

by David Radtke

and you'll have a bench in two weekends!

The concrete forms for this bench are not

r-r the mood to create something timeless and beautiful for your garder.r? Build this fun three-piece concrete ber.rch a little at a time over the course of a week or so. You can give it a unique personal desigr.r and then sit and enjoy it for a lifetime. All you have to do is build simple plywood forms, mix and pour your own concrete to fill

only cheap but also reusable. You'll

spend

about $40 for form material and hardware. I found I could make about five benches from a single set of forms before they started to deteriorate. And with concrete at $4 per bag, this is
one inexpensive project.

them, ar.rd then install the bench ir.r your favorite garden spot. You can buiid the plywood and hardboard forms over the weekend, buy three 80-lb. bags ofdry concrete nrix, pour the fonns after a few days and wait for the

The bench details come from panels built into the forms that appear as recesses once the form is poured. You can leave the recesses empty to create lines and shadow or fill them with tile or stone to add color and texture.
Note, however, that you can raise the cost sub-

magic. You can follow the plan exactly as shown to learr-r the process and then experiment with your own shapes and designs.

stantially if you buy fancy tile or stone. I spent about $50 for the cut stone mortared into the top recess, but you can achieve similar results

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vLncs

zooe

55

Using a pencil and twine, scribe the two concentric arcs onto a sheet of 2 x 4-ft. plywood to form

'lI

2 S.r"* 3/4-in. plywood ends (B) to the llorm base with 1-5/8-in. deck screws.
Then cut strips of 1/4-in. standard hardboard, predrill pilot holes and screw them to the sides of the form base (A) and to the form ends (B). Use 1-1l2-in. truss screws.

Q V

Cut a piece ol 114-in. hardboard and 5sygvl, it to the seat form with a pair

the basic shape of the bench. The

two arcs should be

14 in. apart.

of 314-in. screws. Then scribe the panel a compass to mark an equal reveal on each side. Remove the panel, cut it to the line, then glue and screw it to the

with

seat form base (A).

using bulk flat river stones, which are available from landscape suppliers for a fraction of the cost. You can also use ceramic tile, even broken tile, to create a unique personal design. You can complete the project with ordinary carpentry tools, including a circular saw and a jigsaw. But a table saw would be helpful to cut the thin l-in.-wide strips of hardboard for the details in the form. Also, a wheelbarrow is handy for mixing the concrete, but if you don't have one, you can buy a tough plastic bin at a home
center.

Shopping List
DESCRIPTION

OTY
2
)

3/4" plywood (2'x 4')

1/4" standard hardboard (2' x 4 1-5/8" deck screws

2 lbs.
1 tb.
1

Ordinary twine works gieat for marking the curyes

Find
a large,

3/4" drywall screws 84" No.4 rebar 80-lb. bags of 5,000-lb. concrete mix Polyurethane varnish Silicone spray 2" paint brush Wood glue
1-112" truss screws

wide-open space like

a garage

floor or a flat driveway to mark the curve

onto the base of the seat form. Thpe to your floor a large washer (photo r ) with a length of twine tied to it. Draw a center line on the 2 x 4-ft. piece of 3/4-in. plywood as shown. Align the plywood so the taut twine falls right over the center line. Be sure the far edge of the plywood is 12 ft.6 in. from the washer. Tie the pencil to the twine at this distance and scribe a curve along the whole length of plywood, keeping the twine taut. Next, scribe another arc 14 in. shorter than this onto the ply'wood. Now look at the dimensions on Figure A, p. 58, and mark the outer sides of the plywood. Cut out the shape with your jigsaw and sand any irregularities along the curve with your belt
sander.

3 1 qt.
1 can
1

1 pt.
'1

pkg.

1/2" wire nails

1 pkg.
1 tube

Get the right

stuff

PL Landscape Block Adhesive

Our local home center sells 2 x 4-ft. panels

ofplywood and hardboard next to the fullsize sheet goods (plyuood and paneling).
These small, easy-to-handle sheets are all you need for this project. Make sure to get standard hardboard, not tempered, for this project. Tempered hardboard has a very hard, slick surface that won't make the tight
56 vnncs
2006 THE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

you'll need for the curved pieces on the two leg forms.
bends

Not all concrete mixes are the same. For

this project, use only Quikrete or Sakrete 5,000-lb. concrete. If you can't find it at your home center or hardware store, call
(800) 282-5828 for a dealer near you.

fi:,ii*.

sC #r-Bi* ?,.rrty** fi't

1-in.-wide strips of hardf Soat< the leg form sides (Hl and the strips ^to board and glue and nail them to r/ lft overnight. The next day. assemble a the middle of the form sides to form pair of leg forms. Clamp the center of the the edge recesses in the bench top. hardboard side and gently squeeze it to the Use water-resistant glue. curved base of the leg form. Then screw it into place with truss screws.

AT

A ri, the 1-in.-wide hardboard strips to [J the insade of the leg form to male
the recesses in the leg fionts and backs. Let the curved side pieces dry for a couple of hours to get better glue adhesion before installing the straps. Tack them in place with 1/2-in. nails. Let the form and
strips dry overnight, then disassemble.

;\

I
1.T/2'PAN HEAD
TBUSS SCREWS

&\
B1
--...-t7

u\ ffi r+"

ffi\ {'

&.1
3-314"

ff.]**-'-u,
\ '1{.
r-s/8'DE.K
scREws

Figure

Seat details
Scribe the inner 1/4-in. panel (enoto s) to the curve of the seat, then glue and screw it to the base of the form (this will form a recess in the top ofthe bench once you pour the concrete). Ifyou plan to make a deeper
recess, use

Next, measure each end of the form base and cut the end pieces (B) from the other
sheet of plywood. Predrill and screw these to the base (Photo 2). Next cut the 3-314in.-wide sides from 1/4-in. hardboard, predrill them every 4 in. and screw them to the form base with pan hed truss screws (see detail).

however, that any panel thicker than 3/8 in. will make it tougher to remove the form

from the concrete. To finish the seat form, rip strips from

l/4-in. hardboard and then glue and nail

3/8-in. plywood instead. This them to the form sides with 112-in. wire may work out better if you plan to use nails, which are available at any hardware thicker tile or stone for your inlay. Be aware, store (Photo 4).

58 rvancn

2006 THE FAMtLy HANDyMAN

Patient lnlormation

LEVITRA@ lrun-vee-rran;
(vardenafil HCI) Tablets
7105

08918646tP,

R.2

Read the Palient lnformation aboul LEVITRA belore you srart laking it and again each lrme y0J get a relill. There may be new inlormatron. Y0u may also lind it helpful t0 share this information with y0ur partner. This leaflet does not take the place 0f talkinq wilh your doctor. You and y0ur d0ct0r should talk about LEVITRA when you starttaking it and at regular checkups. ll you d0 not understand lhe intormation. or have quesl ons,

. .
.

ritonavir (Noruip) or indinavir sulfate (Crixivan@) ketoconeole or itraconeole (such as Nizoral@ or Sporanox@) eMhromycin other medicines 0r lrealments f0r ED

HOW SHOIJLD YOU TAKE LEVITRA?

lalk with your doctor 0r pharmacist.

WHAT IMPOBIANT INFORMAIIOI'I SHOUTO YOU KI,IOW ABOUI

I.EVITRA?
LEVITRA can cause your

il00d prcsure l0 droD suddenly lo an unsale level il il is laken with cedain 0ther medicines. With a sudden drop in blood pressure, you could getdiz],faint, or havea heartaitack 0rstroke.
Do not lake LB'ITF.A

ifyou:

. lale

any medicines called "nilnles." use recrealional drugs called "p0[pe6" like amyl nitrale and butyl nitrate.

(See "Who Should Not Take LEVITRA?")

Tell all your heallhcare provideF lhat you ta[e LEVITRA. ll you need emerqencv medical care f0r a heart pr0blem, il will be inportanl for youl
healthcare oroviderto know when y0u last took LEVITRA. WHAT IS LEVIIRA? LEVITRA is a prescription medicine taken by mouth torthe treatment 0f erectile dystunction (ED) in men. ED is a condjtion where the penis doBS not harden and expand when a man is sexuallv excited. 0r when he cann0t keeo an ereclion. A man who has lrouble qeitinq 0r keepinq an erection shorild see his doctor 10r help it the condition bothem him. LEVITRA may help a man with ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited.

Take LEVITRA exacty as your doctor prescribes. LEVITRA comes in ditferent doses (2.5 mq, 5 mq, 10 mg, and 20 mg). For most men, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg.lake LEVITRA no m0rethan 0nce a day, D0ses sh0uld betaken at least24 hours apart. Some men can only take a low dose of LEVITRA because 0l mediml conditions 0r medicines theytake. Yourdoctor will prescribe the dose that is right lor you. . lf you are older than 65 or have liver problems, your doctor may start you on a lower dose oi LEVITRA. . lf you have prostate problems 0r high bl00d pressure, l0r which you take medicines called alpha-blockers, y0ur doctor may start y0u on a lower dose ol LEVITRA. ll you are taking certain other medicines your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose and limityou t0 one dose of LEVITRA in a 72-h0ur (3 days) period. Take 1 I FVITBA tablet about t hour (60 minutes) before sexual activity. Some form 0l sexual stimulatron rs needed tor an erectron to happen with LEVITRA. LEVITRA may be taken with 0r wiihout meals. Do not chanoe your dose 0f LEVITRA without talking to your doctol Y0urdoctor may loweryourdose 0r raise yourdose, dependinq on h0w your body reacts to LEVITRA. lf y0u take t00 much LEVITRA, call your doctor or emergency ro0m right away.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECIS OF TEIIITRA?

. . .

LBIITRA does not: cure E0 increase a man's sBXUal desire protecta man 0r his partnerlrom sexually lmnsmdted diseases, tncludtng HlV. Speak to your doct0r about ways to guard against sexually transmitted diseases. . serye as a male lorm of birth control

erustr on two coats of polyurethane varnish or shellac to protect the insides of all the forms. lt's best to take apart the form to get the entire surface.

]t

LEV|TRArsonryt0rmenwithED LEVITRA'snotl0rwonen0rchildren. LEVITRA musl be used only under a doclois care.

HOW DOES TEVITRA WOBK? When a man is sexually stimulaled. his body's normal physical response is to rncrease bl00d tloil to h6 penrs This rdsults in an erdction. LEVITRA helps ,ncrease blood llow to the penis and may help men with ED get and keep an erectlon satistaclory torsexual activrty. 0nce a man has completed sexual aclivity, blood llowto his penisdecreases. and hrs ereciion goes away. WHO CAN TAKE LBIITRA? Talk t0 your doctor to decide il LEVITRA is right for you. LEVITBA has been shown to be eflective in men ovel the age of 18 years who have erectile dysfunctl0n, including men with diabetes or who have

The most common side ellects with LEVITRA are headach, flushing, slutfy or runny nose. indigeslron, upset stomach. 0r diziness. These side effects usually g0 away after a lew hours Call your doctor if you get a side efiect that bothers you 0r one thal will not g0 away. LEVITRA may uncommonly cause: . an ereclion lhat w0['t go away (prialism). lf you get an Brection that lasts morethan 4 hours, get medical help rioht away. Priapism must be treated as s00n as possible or lasting damage can happen r0your penis including lhe inability to have erections. . c0l0r vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge t0 0bjects 0r having ditficulty telling the ditlerence bet\ileen the colors blue and green. ln rare inslances, nen taking PDE5 inhrbrl0rs (oral ereclrle dyslunction nedicines, including LEVITRA) rep0rled a sudden decrease 0r loss ot vision in one or both eyes. lt is not possible to determine whether thes8 events arB related directly t0 these medicines, t0 otherfactors such as high blood pressurB0rdiabetes, 0rt0acombination 0lthese. If you experience sudden decrease 0r loss 0f vision, stop taking PDEs inhibitors, includino LEVITRA, and call a doctor right away. These are not all the side efiects ol LEVITRA. For more inlormation. ask your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW SHOUTD TEVITRA BE STORED? Store LEVITRA at r00m tempenture between 59' and 86" Keep LEVITRA and
F

undergone prostatectomy.
WHO SHOUTD N(}T IAKE TEVITRA? Do not lake LEVITBA il you: any medicines called "nit]ales (See What imporlant irformalion snould you kn0w aboul LEVITRA? J. Nitrates are commonly used t0 trat anqina. Angina is a symptom of heart disease and can cause pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm. Medicines called nitrates includ nitroglycerin that is f0und in tablets,

all medicines out 0l lhe r8ach 0l

ABOUT TEVITRA.

chi

0 5' to 30' ldren.

C).

GENERAL INFOBMATION

lale

sprays.ointments, pastes. or palches. Nilrates can also be found tr othei medicines such as isos0rbi0e drnrlrate or rsos0rbide monontrate S0me recreational drugs called "poppers" also contain nitrat8s, such as amyl nikate and butyl nrtrare. Do nol use LEVITBA riyou are using these drugs. Ask your doctor 0r pharmac$l if you are not sJre if any 0f y0ur medicines are nilrales. you have been l0ld by your hallhcare pr0vider l0 nol have serual activitv because 0l heallh pr0ilems. Serual activity can put an exlra strain 0n your hearl. especially il your heart is already weak from a heart attack 0r heart disease. are alleruic l0 LEVITRA 0r any 0l ils ingredienls. Tl'e active rngredrenl 'n LEVITRA iscalledvardenalil Seetheendof lhis leafletl0ra complete list of inoredients.

Medicines are s0metimes prscribed f0r conditions other than those described in patient inlormati0n leallets.00 not use LEV|TMfora condition for which it was not prescribed. D0 not give LEVITRA to 0ther people, even if they have the same sympt0ms thatyou have. lt may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about LEVITRA. lf you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about LEVITRA that is written l0r health professionals. For more information you can also visit www.LEVlTRA.com, 1.866.LEVITRA,
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF LEVITRA?

or call

Active lngredient vardenaf il hydrochloride lnaclive lngredients: microcrystalline cellul0se, crospovidone, coll0idal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide. Noryir (ritonavir) is atrademark 0f Abbott Laboratories Crixivan (indinavir s!lfate) is a kademark 0l lvlrck & Co., lnc. Nizoral (ketoconaole) is a kademark 0t Johnson & Johnson Sporanox (itraconeole) is a trademark 0f Johnson & J0hnson Hytrin (tereosin HCI) is a trademark 0i Abbott Laboratories Flomil (tamsulosin HCI) is a trademark 0l Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical
Co., Ltd.

Soak the hardboard for the lee forms in water o'vernight

Cut the pieces of l/4-in. hardboard for the sides to the dimensions in the Cutting List. The lengths for the sides (H) are about I in. longer than needed, so it'll be easier to fasten them to the curved
base

WHAI SHOULD YOU DISCUSS WTH YOUB DOCTOR BEFORETAKIT'IG LEVITRA? Belon lal(ng LEVITRA, tell y0urdoctoraioutall your medical protlms, includinq il you: . have iaailproblems such as angrna. heart failure. irregula' hearlbeats. ol have had a heart attack Ask your doctor il it is sate tor you l0 have sexual

activity.

have low blood pressure 0r have high blood pressure that is not
conkolled have had a shole 0r any lamily members have a rare hearl c0ndilion knowfl as pr0l0ngati0n 0l lhe 0T interual (long 0T syndr0me) have liver problems have lidney problems and require dialysis have retinitis pigmenlosa, a rare qenetic {runs in families) eye disease have ever had severe vision loss, 0r il you hav an eye condilion called n0n-aderilic anleri0r ischemic 0ptiI neur0palhy (NAl0N)

(doxeosin mesylate) is a trademark ol ffizer lnc. [/]inipress (praosin HCI) is a tmdemark ol ffizer lnc. Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCI) is a trademark ol Sanofisynthelabo
Cardura

. . . .

Manulacl!rcd by:

Bayer HealthCare
Bayer Pharmacell ca s Corporarion 400 Moqan Lane West Haven. CT 06516

. . .

bottom and the sides. You can trim

. . . .

iave stoma[h ulcem

have a bleeding problem have a deformed lenis shape 0r Peyronie's disease have had an erection lhal lasted more lhan 4 houF have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

@cru"osmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline Besearch Triangle Park NC 27709

them after assembly. Soaking makes

them flexible enough to conform to the l3-in.-radius arc in the leg form. Before you assemble the form, cut the base (F) and ends (G) to the dimensions in Figure B. Predrill and screw the sides to the base using 1-5l8-in. deck screws.
vancs
zooe

CAN OIHER MEDICAIIONS AFFECI TEVITRA?

59

Tell your d0cl0r about al' lhe medicines you take rncluding prescription and non-prescription medicrnes. vitamins. and herbal supplernents. LEVJTRA ;nd otlier medicines may ailecl each 0ther. Aways check wilh your d0ct0r belore srartrng 0r stopping any medicines. Especiallylell your doctor if Vou take any of the lollowino. . medicines called nitrates (See "What imporlant inlormation should you know about LEVITRA?") . medic nes carled alpha-b ockers. These include Hytrino (teraosin HCI), Flomax@ lramsulosrn HCll. Cardurao (doxaosin mesylale). l\4inrpresse (prdosrn HCI) or llroxalralo (alfuT0sin HCli. Alpha-blockers are aometimes prescribed 10r prostale problens 0r high blood pressure. ln s0me Datnls the use 0l P0E5 in'ibitor druos. rrclLdin0 LEVITRA. wilh a.pha-bl0cke6 en l0wer bl00d pressure snilicantly lead,ng to tairting. You should conracl lhe prescibinq physrcian 'l alpha-blockers 0r other drugs lhat lower blood pressure are prescrioed oy an0ther healthcare orovider. . medicines that treat abn0rmal heartbBat. These include quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol.

Distibured and Markeled by:

Ql)

t^

Schering-Plough
Schering corporalion Ken wodh, NJ 07033

LEVITRA is a regislered lrademark of Bayer Aktiengesellschatt and is used under license by GlilosmithKline and Schering Corp0ration.

Ii ftly
08918646tP,

R.2

7105

12771

02005

Bayer Pharmaceuticals

C0rp0ration

Printed in tl.S.A.

Multi-Sander

ONE SANDER DOES

Spruy the entire inner surface of all the forms with a silicone spray lubricant. When the lubricant beads up, brush it into an even layer with a paintbrush.

Q lJ

Vfi* the special concrete mix to the consistency of oatmeal. lt should clump and settle a bit as you dump it into the form.
-j
lB" _____________>_

Q r.f

<_
5-314"

1 1

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13'L RADIUS CURVE

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33-DEGREE

IncLurct

Anacxutnts

'Lii:!:":i::::fr::,"t!:::"
. . .
Built-in work lghl - increases visibility in dark corners

<-

ANGLED
ENDS

Dust canister for keepng a clean work environment

Soft grip handle for comfoft and better control

Figure

Leg details
Don't fuss about the 33-degree
ar.rgle.

You'll r.rotice the angle cut on each end of G is about 33 degrees. You can cut this by set-

If

it's off by a couple of degrees either way,

your circular saw at a 33-degree bevel and then using a square as a guide against the foot of the saw to end-cut it square.
tir.rg

it'll still work out.

Now grab the wet hardboard out of the soaking tar.rk (a laundry tub works

6O vnncs

2006 THE FAMTLY HANDvMAN

F?.,:1,i*{.:affi

#3 $:r*l m r":tt

l03;iTrJTJ:'iHfl:"#:''"'
horses at each end to settle the concrete. Then hold a vibrating sander firmly along the entire perimeter of the forms and vibrate until you get air bubbles to appear (about two minutes).

great) and set it onto the form (ehoto s). Gently squeeze the clamp onto the form until it bends into position. Then predrill and screw it every l-ll2 in. alor.rg
the curve. Work one screw at a time from

the center out to keep the bottoms flush.

GI|MPTETE KIT

REAllY.Tll.ASSEMBTE

iit.:.?:i'qry

llil

YllUR DEGK lln PATIll

Once you've fastened the long edge, screw the sides to the end pieces (G). Check the end pieces with a framir.rg square to make sure they're square to the base (F). Complete the other side and then the second leg form using the
same method. Let the hardboard

air-dry
as

* Build it in a weekend! * Converts from screens

to windows in minutes!
u Factory direct pricing, delivered to your door.

for about three hours before gluing and

nailing the hardboard strips (K),

shown in Photo 6.

* Standard & custom sizes.

Remove the thin l-in. hardboard strips (K) from the soaking tank. Cut them to length so they fit snugly into the corners against the ends (G). Next, glue the bottom and r.rail them into place as shown in Photo 6. Use the 1-in. spacers as shown to get them positior.red properly. Let the strips and glue dry for several hours before the next step.

* Meets codes for snow

and wind loads.

FOR GATALOE, SIZES

www.sunpotch.c0m
Promo Code: FHA

& PFIGES:
$unPorchs
off
32nd Ycal

r-800-221-2550
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62 vnncs
zooo

,i'!:

,ii

i:

'l'l I I

PounU the rebar into the concrete as soon as you're finished vibrat-

ing it. Push it about 1-112 in. below the surface. You'll notice this fast-setting concrete getting stiff already.

aoat an even surface to the tops oI the forms. Add a little concrete if necessary. Now wet the concrete left in the wheelbarrow and add the other bag, mix and pour the leg forms. Let it harden for two days.

l) IL

t"t the seat onto a pair of 12 IU blocks, unscrew the sides and
remove the forms piece by piece. The top is tricky to get off. To loosen it, gently pry it up, working your way around the form. Pull the top free and clean the forms for your next bench.

pouring concrete

Seal the forms before

on each side for about 30 seconds each. The vibration from the sander will bring all
the trapped air bubbles to the top. Now, grab your rebal'lengths and insert thern into the form as shown ir.r Photo 11. Tap the r ebar into the mix about I - 1/2 in. deep with a stiff-blade scraper. When both rebar

When the forms are completely dry, label each piece and disassemble them. To help

your forms release better later, ease the sharp inside edges with 100-grit sandpaper. Lay the pieces out on a workbench

and brush two coats of waterborne

poll.urethane on the inside of all the Let them dry for two hours.

Mix the concrete

a Stiff COnSiStenCy
your for ms onto sawhorses as shown in Photo 9. This special concrete sets up a bit faster than normal, so cancel all appointments and avoid distractions. Mix two bags of concrete to a firm but fluid consistency.
Set

pieces are submerged, sr.nooth the top again

forms. tO

even with the top edge of the forms

(photo

Now you'll need to apply a lubricant to help release the forms from the hardened concrete. You can use silicone spray) vegetable oil or paste wax. We used silicone spray with good results. When you spray the
silicone, it'll have a tendency to bead up on the polyurethane. To break the surlace ten-

sion of the liquid, brush it after spraying ur.rtil it srnooths out into a uniform coat. Let the surface dry to the touch and then screw the forms together. Next cut two lengths of rebar to 42 in. and prebend then.r to follow the curve of the form. Set them aside.
64 vnncH

Shovel the concrete ir.rto the large seat form to about two-thirds full, then grab one end of tl.re form and lift it a few inches and drop it onto the sawhorse. Do this several times on each end to settle the concrete arrd work

12) and let the mix harder.r. You'll have a bit of concrete left in your wheelbarrow. Dump the next bag right in with it, add water and mix it again. Fill the leg forms to the top in the same way, vibrate them with your sander and level the tops. Let the concrete set for two days before you continue.

Remove the forms

The concrete seat top inside the forrn is heary. Carefully lift the seat form and place it on your wolkbench upside down with some scraps of wood ber-reath it to elevate
it above the worktop. Renrove all the screws

it into the form. Now fiIl the form and then use a float to level the top. Next load your vibrating sander or random orbital sander with 10O-grit sandpaper ar.rd place it firmly

2006 THE FAMtLy HANDyMAN

Potient lnformolion VEslcore -VEs.ih-corel {solifenocin slccinot'e)

Y,rJH6pc,
h

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Rmd lhe Pdienl lnlomolion lhot oms wfth Vtslmre betore wu rtofl toking it ond mch ime you qet a refill. There mov new infdmoion. This leqllei dos nol toke the oloe of tolkim wirii vour dmor or ofier hmlthrcre Drolessionol oboui wur onditioin or nbdment Onfu rcur
VEslcore is dghl

dooor or hmhhmre prcf*sitinol rcn dercmine il rremeni forwu.

iryith

Whot lsVtslcor^?
VEslcore b o prscription medicine usd in odulF to feot ihe followina qmptoms due lo o mndirion olled mroctiw blodder; . HwirE l] qo lo ttE bohm tm ofrcn obo mlled,.urinoru {rfluow.' . Hoving o,slrong ned to 90 m fie bottmom dghl mV, olsb colfed

"uroenw.'

. .._l-eolingbrrening oeidenn olso rclled "udnory VEslcore hos not ben sludied in children.

insntinene."

Whol is overoclive blodder? Owrcc{iw blodder omts when wu mnnol ontrol wur blodder onfoctions When hge musde onirooions hoomn lm ofien or mnnot be conholled, you mn get lmptoms of owrctdve bloddet which ore urinoryhequency, udnory urgency, ond urinory inontinene (leokoge), Who shorld NOTtoke VEslcore'?
Do nol toke VEslcore if vou: . ore not oble lo emptyyour blodder{olso colled "uilnory relention"l, . how deloyed or dow emptying ol your stomoch {olso cblled "gosrric retenlion"l,

.hove on..eye problem colled "uncontrolled ncrrow.ongle

qloucomo",

. ore ollergic loVfslcore oronvol i$ inqredients. leoflet for o complete lisi of inqredienls.

See the end

otthis

Whol should I tell mv dNlor belorc stqrtino Vtstcore ?

Before slortina VESlcoie tell vour doctor or heolthcore Drole(sionnl obout oll of your medicol conaiions includina if vou: . how ony smnoch o intstinol prcblems or oiobllru with ontimfim . hm lrouble emptying yourblodderorvou hm o urine smrn ' hove cn eye problem colled norrow:ongle gloucomo, . hove liverirniblems, . hove kidnev problems, . ore- pregnont or trying to become pregnonl (h is not known if VESlcore con horm vour unborn hobirl. . ore breo#eedina ([ is not known ilVdsimre Dosses into br{st milk pur ond il it mn hom hbv You shdld dftidd whether to hmrfeed orloke VEslcore, but not both.).

wk

Betore slodinq on VEslcore, tell vour doctorobout oll he medicines you toke including prescription 6nd nonorerdDlion medicines, viiomins, ond herbol suoDlemenr. While rolind VESlrcre. tell vour docrororheolthccre prblessionol obour oll chdnqes in medicines lou ore loking including prercription ond nonprei-criDlion medicinet vilomins ond he$ol supplemen$. VEslcore ond olhir medicines moy oflecl mch oftel

fi!

How should I loke VEslcore'? Toke VEslcore exocilv os Drescribed. Your doclor will orescribe rhe dose thot is ilght forvbu. Ydur dodor mov prescribe the lowesr dose il you hove cenoin mediccl condilions such 6s liver or kidnev oroblem' ' . You should toke one VEslcore loblet once o .You should takeVtSlcore wirh liquid ond swollow lhe lobler whole. . You con toke VE5lcore wilh orwilhout food, . lf you miss o dose of VEslcore, beqin lokinc Vtslcore oooin the nexl dov Do not loke 2 doses ofvEilcore in-the some do-u ' lf you toke too mudr VESlmre or owrdsq sll Vour locol lbison Conhol Cenler oremergency room right owoy.

Position the legs onto a solid patio or slab. Turn them in slightly to a pigeontoed look and set the top onto the legs. Adjust the legs so the seat overhangs the legs about 6 in. on each side. Glue the legs to the top with landscape block adhesive.

llll I-T

ease any sharp edges with an abrasive block, which is sold at tile stores and concrete suppliers. Work slowly and use a

{I r/ [

light touch.

dou

that hold the form pieces together.

Remove the long hardboard sides first and then gently pry the ends away from the concrete. The top piece of the seat form is the

Cutting List
KEY PCS. A 1 B C1 C2 D E1 E2 F G H J K 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 2 8
SIZE & DESCRIPTION
314" x24" x 48" plywood seat form base (scribe to size) 314"

Whot ore the possible slde ellects with VEslcore'?

The mosl common side effecB wittl VEslcore ore: . blurred vision. Use coulion while drivino or doino donoerous oclivilies unlil you know how Vtslcore otfe'c$ you. 'dry mouih.

' conslipolion. Coll Vour doctor if Vou qet severe stomoch oreo (abdominou poin oi become constiDored lor 3 or more dovs, . heolprosholion. Heot proslrolion (due lo decreosed sweotinq) con occuwhen drugs such osVEslmre ore used in o hol envircniient

most challenging. Tap the stiff-blade scraper in between the top of the form
and the concrete. Wiggle the blade back and forth, moving from corner to corner

x3-3/4" x 14" plywood seat

(ends of the form)

Tell your doctor il you hove ony side eflects ihot borher you or rhot do nol qo owov. These ore not oll lhe side effecls with VEslcare. Formore inlormotion. osk yourdoctor, heohhcore professionol or phormocist

'll4 x 3-3/4" x 45" hardboard seat (side of the form)

114" x 3-3/4" x 48" hardboard seat (side of the form)

to coax the form free. Once the form is

removed, use a concrete-sanding block to
ease the edges

How should I slore VEslcore'? . lGepvEslore ond oll oltH medicuim oi of itE rmd of dildm. . Slore VEslcore or rcom lemperoture, 50" lo 86"t (1f m 30" Cl. Keeo lhe bot't'le closed. . S,ofely dispce of VtSlmrc thol is out ol doie or rhor yo! no longer ned. Cenerol lnlormolion oboul VEslcore' lvledicines orc sometimes prescribed for condilions thot orc nol menlioned in potient informotion leoflers. Do not use VEslcore lor o condilion for which h wos nol Drcscilbed. Do nol oive Vtslcore lo other people, even it lhey hove lhe same symprom; you hove. lt
mov horm lhem.

(Photo 15).

1/4" x 10" x 42" hardboard inset (trim to size) 114' x'1" x 46-112" hardboard strips (trim to size)

To remove the forms on the leg pieces,

start with the 3/4-in. plywood ends, then move to the flexible hardboard sides and gently pry, being careful not to force the

1/4 x
314"

1" x 14" hardboard strips

(trim to size)

x 10-3/4" x 14" plywood x5-3/4" x

11-718"

leg (base of the form)

314"

This leoller summorizes the most imDorlonl informotion obout Vt5lcare. lf Vou would like more infomiotion, rolk whh vour docror You con osk your doctoror phormocist lor informolion obod VEslcore thot is wriren for heolth professionols. You con olso coll (800)
403-6565 roll free, or visit wiw.VESlCARE.com,

form from the concrete. You may need to slide a screwdriver into the grooves of the recesses to pry out the strips.

plywood

leg (ends of the form)

1/4" x5-3/4" x 17" hardboard leg (sides of the form) 1/4" x 3" x 7" hardboard inset
114" x 1" x 1 6" hardboard strips (trim to size)

Whoi ore lhe ingredlenls in VESlcor'?

Active ingredienl: solilenocin succinole lnocfive ingredienr: loctose monohvdrote, com $orch. hvDromellose 2910, mognesium steorote, tolc,'polverhvlene olvcol- 8000 ond tilonium dioxide wilh yellow teilic oxidd {5 irg VESt-cire rcbler) or red leric oxide (10 m9 VE$mre toblet) Monutocturcd bv:

Finishing touches
You can now add tile or stone to your bench or leave it as is. To set up your bench, set the legs onto a level, stable base. The legs should be arranged about 6 in. in from the edge of the seat top and pigeon-toed slightly to follow the curve.
Use landscape block adhesive to fasten the legs to the patio stones. Then apply it
66 vlncg
2006 THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

Phomoiehnoloqis, lnc, Nomon, Oklohomo 73072 Morketed bv: Ashllos Phomo, lm, Der'lield, lllinois 60015 n/lo*eted ond Dishibuled bv: GloxosmithKline, Rsmrctr iriongle rhr{, Norrh Corcllno 27709
Astellos

to the tops of the legs to fasten the seat (Photo 1a). Let it set up for a day before
you use your
Art Direction.
Project

)hastelras @
Phomo, lm. ond The ClorosmilhKline Grcup of Componie. VPI-001 Novemher2004
e 2005 Aslellos

bench.

6laxoSmithKline

BOB UNGAR

PhotograPhy. BILL ZUEHLKE

Design. DAVID RADTKE

Vt500498MK-04/05u0

Make life
s&K
'
t*.-

easrcrwith

".$
-_ri ''

by Br..tt lvlar'i r'

The simple technique for adding a second switch to that kitchen or stairway light

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67

make life easier with 3-way switches

LIGHT

I I

inspector can check

your work. tf your wall framing is open (an unfinished

If

possible,

I basement or garage, cable straight ' for example), you can up through , easily run the new the stud cavicable and complete ty in the wall

start at one switch location, run the

CAUTION
Turn off power at the main circuit breaker panel

before unhooking the existing switch, then check the wires with a voltage detector to verify that the power is off.

r this job in or.rly two to the attic, I hours. However, if the then come back down through the wall cable has to run to the second switch. Or feed the cable
through closed walls,
down into the basement or crawl space,

allow several nlore then come back up. If neither option hours. ln addition to works for your situation, you may have standard tools, you to run cable horizontally through the

, i I I i

rnay need a "fish tape"

($15) to pull wire in closed walls. Also, if you don't have a voltage detector, buy one ($10) so you can check for live wires and avoid
hazardous shocks. You

walls or through the ceiling. This takes extra effort because you have to cut into, and later repair, finished surfaces. Avoid

exterior walls, where you'll run into

obstacles such as windows, doors and
ar.r unobstructed path for the cable, move the new switch location. Once you decide on a path, measure the

Flglr* & Ivirir:;:i i:iri-;iil fr;tti';ij

To add a second switch, find

insulation. If you can't find

the easiest way to run a new cable from the existing switch to the best second switch position.

I can find them at a ' hor-r-ra center or hardware store.

ired of having to walk up a flight across the room to turn on a light? The solution is to add a second switch in a convenient location. No more extra trips across the room or furnbling up a dark stairway. Controlling a light fiom two switches is a bit more complicated than first meets the eye, especially if you re dealing with finished

Plan the wire path

To start, decide where you want the sec-

of stairs or

ond switch. You'll run cable from the existing switch to this new switch location, so look for the most accessible path between the two (flgure n).

amount ofcable you need, then add l0 ft. so you'll have plenty to work with. It's better to waste a couple of feet than to come up short! You'll also need a wire stripper (95), l4-3 or l2-3 cable (match existing wire gauge; $12 for 25 ft.), two three-way switches ($5 each) and two remodeling
boxes (93 each).

walls. The key ingredier.rt is a special

rlpe of switch called a "three-way" switch. You'll

need two of them, one to replace the existing switch and another for the new switch location. With these, you ll have the convenience

of turning a light on and off liom t\,vo spots. In this article, we'll show you how to run a

new electrical cable and connect the two switches. We'll also tell you how to resolve
the most common

complication-replacing

an undersized electrical box so your work is

safe and conforms to the electrical code.

While this project isn't difficult,

it

does

require basic electrical skills: running cable correctly and making solid wiring connections. If you don't have wiring experience or ifyou get in over your head, don't hesitate to

call in a licensed electrician. Apply for an electrical permit at your local inspections department before starting so an electrical
68
rr,tancH 2006 THE FAMtLy HANDyTvIAN

Remou" the cover plate to the existing switch (the power is off). Then unscrew and remove the switch. Cut the electrical box loose and remove it.

'lI

Cut a hole for the second switch box. Drill holes as needed in the framing and fish a new cable through the wall back to the old switch position.

J L

Pre;-r t["r*

*witch k:*nti*ns

Shut off power to t1-re existing switch, unscrew it flom the electrical box and pull
the switch or.rt of the box. Avoid touching the screw terminals ur-rtil you cor-rfinn that the power is offwith your voltage detector. If the detector lights up, ther.r the power is still on. Find the circuit breaker (or'ftise) that shuts it off. Unhook the wires to the switch (Photo 1). In r.r.rost cases, the existir.rg electrical box will be too sr.r.rall to contain the additior.ral wires ar-rd connectors needed for tl-re threeway switch (see "Sizir.rg the Box," p. 71, to find oi.rt). You'll have to replace the old box with a "rernodeling box" anyway so you can

use the new box as a pattern, trace around it on the wall, ar-rd

er.rlarge it ivith a drpvall saw. Dor.r't cut the hole too large;

14-3 CABLE

you want a tight fit. Next, fine-tune the position for the second switcl.r. Use a stud finder to find potential obstacles, such as framir.rg. If possible, keep the second switch the same height off the floor as the first switch. Trace an outlir-re of tl.re box on the wall, tl.ren cut the oper.ring with a dr1'r,vall saw. Dor-r't r-nount the new boxes ur-rtil you run the new cable.

/ i..t \ d
$'"..' ;

;*

t i'l-

r"

pull in the new cable (enoto 3). A rer.r.rodeling box has clamps that secure tl.re cable to the box. You can moLlnt it solidly in drywall without cutting open the wall.
Label and ur-rhook any wire connections that are ir.rside the existir.rg box (wires that

ffiur: tri.-S triiill*

Three-way switches are always installed in pairs to control a light from two locations. The switches have three hot screw

betw**sr th* switch*s

We won't go into the details of running the cirble, because each situation is differer.rt. But if the walls are open, your job is
easy.

terminals-one "common" and two "travelers"-and a

grounding terminal. The posi-

tion of the screws varies by

manufacturer, but the common

Drill a 314-in. hole into the center of

cable fror-r-r one box oper-ring to
ar.r

terminal is always a different

color than the other two hot terminals. Unlike other switches, you

weren't connected to the switch). Then Llnscrew the grounding screw and cable clamps (if any) in the box. Slip a hacksaw blade between the old box and the wall stud ar.rd cut the nails. (You may have to pry the box away from the stud slightly to create space for the blade.) Saw with short strokes to avoid dan-ragir.rg the dr1'r,va1l on
the other side

each stud between the box locations and

run l4-3

the other. If yor"ire goir.rg up througl.r

attic or down tl-rrougl-r an open basement, drill through the center of tl.re wall plates (top ar.rd bottorn framing mernbers). (See pp. 74-75 of tl-re Dec./lan. '06 issue for details. To order a copy, see p. 5.)
If you car-r't go up or down, you may have to run the cable horizor.rtally thror-rgh finisl-red walls. Ilso, cut a3-ll4-in. by 5-ir.r. slot

wont

see "On" and "Off" markings on the toggle, since either switch can control the light. You'll find 14-3 cable at any

Yofll

the wall. probably have to enlarge the wall

ol

home center or hardware store. lf the circuit breaker is 20 amps rather than 15 or the existing wire is 12 gauge, use
size 12-3 cable.

opening slightly for the new box. Simply

:(
o*orto,*ot

-1"

scREW (

dF \
-

TRAVELER

TERMINAL

*\
COMMON TERMINAt

lnsert the cables into a remodeling f Ct"-p the first eiectrical box to the t wall. Connect a three-way switch, box from the backside at each box the ground wires and all other wires follocation. Pull the cables from the front lowing Figure B. as you push the boxes back into the wall.

{} f)

e)
69

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN tunncH zooo

smffikffi

}if* ensf*r rnritle S-wray

mwitrfu*m
WIRE TO POWER
GROUND WIRES TRAVELER WIRES

14-3 CABLE

SECOND

swtTcH
BOX

GROUND WIRE TRAVELER WIRES

COMMON TERMINAL
3.WAY
SWITCH

COMMON TERMINAL

:l :l :r'r'

.j

The key to wiring two three-way switches is to run the two wires that were originally connected to the old switch (Photo 1) to the "common" terminals. The "travelers" can go to either terminal. into the drywall at each stud, notch the studs, fish the cable though the wall, leavir.rg at least I 8 in. of cable projecting fiom each opening, tuck it into the stud notches. Cover the notch and cable with special r.rail gr.rards and patch the drywall holes.
ther.r

with electrical tape where the

ends to help

sl-reatl.ring

when the box flanges are snug against

the wall.

it slide into the box. Pull the cables from the front as you slide the box into the wall openir.rg. Pull the cable at an angle that n-rir.rimizes
pressure or.r the plastic cable clamp ir.r the box. Otherwise, the sheathing could snag

Tighten the screws at the top and bottom of the box to clamp it into place.

Wlrs tir* switches

Strip 3/4 in. of insulation from the
er.rd

Strip 12 in. of sheathing off the ends of the new cable. L.rsert the cable into tl.re electrical boxes fi'om the backside (photo 3). It's easier to push cable through the back than to pull it from the front. The first switch location has an existing l4-2 cable lunnir.rg to the light. Wrap the cable

or the clamp could break. The

of

cable

sheathing should extend l/4 in. into the box (the clamps should push against the sheathing and not the wire; see Photo 6) and make sure the wires extend at least 3 in. past the outside edge of the box

each wire, then connect the wires following Figure B and Photo s. The black electrical tape on the white wire indicates that

it's a hot lather than a neutral. For secure connections, hook the ends with a needlenose pliers before placing them under the screw terminals (Pnoto a). Make sure the wire ends face clockwise around the screw for better clamping strength. Clip the plaster ears off the switches so

they'll

fit tight on the remodeling

box

(Photo 6). Gently fold any excess wire into the boxes, then screw the switches
into place. Be careful not to apply so much pressure that you loosen the box. Instali the cover plates, then turn on the power. Ideally, both toggles should be in the up or down position when the light is off. If necessary, remove the second switch, rotate it 180 degrees in the box, then reattach it so the two toggle positions are coordinated.

Hxtr* wir*s in the Llnx

Wrap the second white wire with black tape to show that it acts as a hot wire. Fold the wires back into the box and screw the switch into place.
7O vnncH 2006 THE FAMtLy
HANDyMAN

f J

ft Ct"-p the second electrical box to [J the wall and wire a three-way
switch, following Figure B. Snap off the plaster ears and install the switch.

You might find two l4-2 cables in the existing electrical box ir.rstead of the one
we show in Photo 1. There may also be

other cables present. Don't

Regardless of what you

worry. find in the existir.rg

RECLAIM OVERGROWN IAND

Sizing the box
The National Electrical Code requires electrical boxes to have sufficient volume to hold all the wires, switches, clamps and other components that you intend to put inside them. You have to calculate the minimum size required for each box. The basic rules are: s Add 1 for each hot or neutral

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field grass, weeds, even saplings up to 2-1 /2"-thickl

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u Multiply by 2 cu. in. for

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8 8 x 2 cu. in. (size 14 wire) = 16

Remodeling boxes have the volume or the number of wires that it can contain stamped onto the inside back of the box. To determine the volume of a metal box, measure and multiply the inside height by the width and the depth.

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box, the wiring for the three-way
switches will not change.

HANDLE A TOUGH JOB.

You only need to focus on the two wires connected to the existir.rg switch. Keep the other connections the same, even if you have to disconnect them when you change to a larger box. The two wires you unhook frorn the

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only wires you need to work
Art Direction

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o2oo6cHp,Nc

uancs zooe 71

his simple, elegant arbor is tall and wide enough to span a path in your

Figure A

backyard or make an attractive garden entry. It's strong and durable too.
We used 4x4s for the corner posts and 2-by lumber for all crosspieces and the overhead

Arbor

structure. And we built the entire project

h

J
.i

out of cedar, for its natural rot resistance. For the gardener, we added plenty of lattice, so it can support climbing vines and
other plants. In this article, we'll walk you through the simple techniques for building this arbor, including one tricky part, cutting pockets in the posts for the crosspieces. For a touch of style, we made the crosspieces look as if they extend right through the posts, as if we had cut fancy mortise-and-tenon joints. However, the pockets only extend 3/4 in. deep and the "stubs" on the outside are only 3 in. long. You can cut these pockets quite easily with a

i
1l a

t
t

.l-l-ll*-l-rl--lJl--!r-LlLl

ll

special Forstner

bit and sharp

Trunmffitl:lH l]rrrynTml i

chisel

(Photos 3 and 4). In fact, you can complete

all the joint work as well as rnost of the assembly in your shop or garage. Then it'll
only take you about half a day to assemble the project in your yard. All together, give yourself a full weekend to build it. Other than a little experience with basic carpentry tools, you don't need any special skills to build this arbor. A table saw comes in handy for ripping the 2x3s from 2x6
lumber. Otherwise,
a

\0
r. .-:Jt.' {q. \.
'?u.-

ffilJ
l,
I'
venlrcal urrrce.
nonriorvrar-nrrro

lr , .--,/r.a
i'.*

CROSSPIECE

i.ir@JJ
-----/'- -::--1-

I ll I fJ

I I

ii'rN'+*:";.. ". '-ii?;:'l ''4}-i:"

35-1 12"

circular saw will do.

h.r

\*zi

<

t
i

addition, a pneumatic finish nailer will

speed up lattice assembly, and a

drill

guide

that turns your hand drill into a simple drill press ($30; see photos, p. 74) will speed up pocket cutting. We recornmend that you buy a 1-1/2-in. Forstner bit ($19) to cut splinter-free holes for the crosspiece pockets and a ll4-in. drill bit that's 12 in. lor.rg to bore completely through the posts and lintels (Photo 11 ).

Shopping List
ITEM
OTY,

Cutting List
SIZE & DESCRIPTION 3-112" x3-112" x 9'cedar posts
1-112" x 2-1/2" x 30" cedar PCS.

4x4 x 10' cedar 2x6 x 8' cedar

1x2 x 8'cedar
1x4 x 8' pine (temporary braces)

4
5

4 6 4
10

The cedar and othel materials for this

project cost about $200. You could cut that

12 2 7

crosspieces
1-112" x5-112" x73-112" cedar lintels

cost

treated wood, which would look iust flne painted or stained.

to about $100 if you use pressureif

2x2 x

I'

cedar

Wolfcraft Model No. 4525 Drill Guide/multi-angled ($30) 1-112" Forstner drill bit {$19)
114"

3/4" x 'l-112" x 59-1/4" cedar vertical lattice

314"

1-112" x 25-1/2" cedar 16

horizontal lattice
1-112"
1

12" drill bit

3/8" and

($8.50) l" spade bits

x 1-1/2" x 42-112" ceda(

14 12

1 ea.
8

1-112"

top lattice x 2-'l/2" x 3" crosspiece stubs

3/8" x 6" carriage bolts ({lat washers, nuts) 3" deck screws No. 10 galvanized casing nails Tube of construction

Buyer's Guide
Wolfcraft Model No. 4525 Drill Guide/ multi-angled: (630) 458-4000. www.wolfcraft.com

adhesive

rHE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

unncr

zooe

73

/
!.

trim off the rounded edges to reach the 2-1|2-in.width dimension. Cut them to length.

Rip Z*Os in half for the crosspieces. Then

tt'

Q l,

C9n1er a 1-112-in. Forstner bit and drill overlapping 314 in. deep at each crosspiece location. The drill

keeps the drill perpendicular.

holes / guide t

Square and clean out each pocket with a hammer and sharp wood chisel until a ciosspiece fits snugly.

f;i St # $jl +, ?T;J t

;,, \ \ - .gi

*[1
llf I
:: ;:
HANDvMAN

S I-F*tt*

siritd rhe side pmneis *n # fler aren

*f****$W#fi',1'ffijr",,":':#
side to bring the width down to

Ai \ tL ] gi B,, :i DR'LL HERE :: curDE

^ ^-

in. make sure they cut accurately and cleanand ly. The drill guide we're using helps leaves all four corners crisp and square. steady the drill and has a stop to ensure a
2-ll2
This eliminates the rounded edge
(Photo 2).

lumber (Photo r ). Then rip the cross- a flat hole bottom. If you use other types piece 2x6s in halfand trim offthe factory of bits, test them on a scrap of cedar to

# * #,/

ffi

Next, mark the crosspiece locations consistent depth. If you don't have a stop, Be sure to mark a center line at drill gradually and measure often until

ii.;H[di*#; ffiJ#r#

;:]":'J'H":'I"ili

il+*#$m;ffirr*l

ff,;t*5,il:

74 vnncH 2006 THE FAMtLy

2" STOP
BLOCK

r-1l4"

NATLS

Stip the crosspieces into the pockets between two 4x4 posts and fasten them with 3-in. deck screws driven through the outside pockets.

f J

4 t\f

Squut" the frame, then attach the vertical 1x2 lattice to the outside of the crosspieces with a pair of finish nails. Use a 2x4 with a 2-in. stop block to space them evenly.

J f

nip the frame assemblies over and glue and nail the horizontal 1x2 lattice to the inside of the vertical 1x2s.

\l

1Q Cut the four

cutl-112 in. from one edge.

2xG lintels to length, then cut the 45-degree decorative angles on both ends of each lintel. Start the

(Photo +). Trim it slightly on the srnall Space them 3-ll2 in. apart using two 2x4 arbor-the 2x6 lintels as well as the top it with a crosspiece, then shave it scrap pieces as spacers. And since the 2x2hntel cross lattice (ptroto a). larger as needed. lx2s will overhang the top and bottom
side, test

Now, lay the posts on a flat surface and crosspieces by 2 in., screw a 2-in. piece of insert the crosspieces. You'll probably 2x4 onto the bottom of one of the spachave to stand the assemblv ers to quicklyalign them (photo z). Keep on edge and knock n mind that the vertical lattice goes them together until toward the outside of the the inside measurepanel and the horizontal

Sr*t tf:e il#il*f$; nr:** *rJcJ th* t*rF]

Lay out the arbor dimensions (35-ll2 x 5l-112 rn.) on the site and dig 8-in.-diameter round holes 2 ft. deep. With a helper, carry the panels out and drop them ir.r the holes. To level and plumb them:
1.

ment from post to

post is 28- l/2 in. Check the assembly for square

and screw it
(Ptroto s).

together

BLocK S$^,

STOP--.-1\-

,/'
1.

, '/ '

lattice toward the inside. The nailed joint between

the two lattice members

is the weakest; strengthen

Assemble the lattice ir.r two

it with

Clamp a leg support to each post at ground level so you can lift or lower a post to level the panel. Set the bottom
crosspiece about

a dab of construc-

l2 in. from the grour.rd

stages-first the vertical lx2s and ther.r the horizontal lx2s (photos e and z).
76 vnnct
2006 THE FAMtLy HANDyMAN

tion adhesive (Ptroto z). The final task in the shop is to precut the pieces for the top of the

(enoto s).
2. Screw lx4 braces to the posts to keep them perfectly plumb (vertical).

OiS holes 2 ft. deep and erect one side panel. Level the panel with leg supports and clamps and plumb it with angle braces.

O rJ

erect the second panel, levet it and ptumb it by connecting it to the first panel with 1x2 horizontal braces. Measure diagonally to check for square.

{ fl I lf

Drill 3/8-in. holes and bolt the lintels to the posts. (See text for details.) Push the crosspiece stubs into their pockets and toenail them with 2-112-in. galvanized nails.
3. Attach

{ { I I

Uart the lintel positions and clamp them to the posts.

four lx2 horizontal braces to the top and bottom of both panels to hold the second panel plumb and evenly

Cutthe top lattice 2x2s to length and attach them to ttre top of the 2x6 lintels with 10d galvanized nails. Use a 2x4 spacer to evenly position each 2x2.
a 3/8-in. spade bit. Now tap the 3/8-in. bolts into place and tighten the washers and nuts with a socket wrench. Next, cut the crosspiece stubs, add construction adhesive and insert them into the outer pockets in the 4x4s. After nailing them, bevel their edges slightly wirh a router and 45-degree chamfer bit. Finish by nailing on the top lattice (photo 12) and applying an oil-based stain for a more attractive appearance and greater longevity.

llJ I C-

spaced from the first panel (photo 1o). Level across from one panel to the other to make sure they're at the same height.

* Drill in from both sides with

4. Measure diagonals and shift the panels until they're equal

(enoto ro).
Fix the post positions by filling the holes with soil. Tamp the soil

firmly

as

you fill.
heads less visi-

Drilling the lintels and posts to make the bolt

ble can be tricky. Follow these steps: ro Position and clamp the 2x6 lintels to the posts (enoto rr ). n Locate and drill 1-in. holes l/2 in. deep for the carr.iage bolt
head.

s Drill

through the center of the l-in. hole and on through the 2x6 lintels and the 4x4 with a 12-in.-long l/4-in. bit.
recess

Art Directiof lllustration

s Drill a ll2-in.-deep
78 uaRcH

in from the other end with a l-in.

Editor. DUANE JOHNSON . BECKY PFLUGER Photography. N4IKE KRIVIT

bit for the washer and nut.

2006 THE FAMtLy HANDyMAN

DON MANNES

Project Design

MARCELLO VALDEZ and KURT LAWTON

/f ostdriversdon'tgivetheirtiresasecondthoughtuntil I \/ I they make strange noises or worse yet, go flat and L Y lleave them stranded. In this article, we'll show you l\

how to check your tires' air Pressure, we'll explain tire rotation, and we'll show you the telltale signs of tire wear and what to do about it. You'll drive more safely, improve your gas mileage and riorate faster-all extend the life of your tires. mileage.

at any auto parts store. We found that the $lo-and-up dial and digital gauges performed better in the long run than the lessexpensive pencil-style gauges. Tires typically lose pressure slowly (usually about I psi per month). If you neglect them, they can get dangerously low, build up excessive heat, wear unevenly and dete-

of which spell bad handling and

reducecl

Maintain tire preSSure check your tire pressure regularly and

above). Pressure

DtctrAL cAUGESJ\ cAUGES\

f,I

il..'",::.Ti"ff'.*il''-Tj'iil::'J,,^,-ffi.No-te:Fortheproperinflationpressure
is
measured

}t J' It

To get an accurate reading, check the tire pressure when the tires are "cold." obviously"cold" Obviously "cold" can mean completecomplerely different things in a northern Minnesota win-

in cnuce df;;$

l: k?-

poundspersquareinch(psi)witha
tire pressure gauge. You can buy
8O vancH 2006 THE
FAMtLy HANDvMAN

q one *dffi;z
-.

V'

.-

for your vehicle tires, look for an inflation chart on the driver's-side door
rear pressures may differ.

;i;ffiyourmanuar.Frontand

ter and an Arizona summer. For tire pressure, however, it simply means the air temperature inside the tires is the same as the air temperature outside the tires. The temperature usually takes about three hours to equalize after your tires are hot from driving. For the proper inflation pressure, Iook in your owner's manual or look for a sticker on the driver'sside door post. Note: Extremely low temperatures (below 0 degrees F) may cause the inflation valve to stick, and all the air will leak from the tire. So if it's really cold, drive the car a few miles to warm the tires first. The reading may be a bit higher, but at least you won't be stranded.

Fig+*r*

A $uEg**tcqj tir* rotetion

FRONT.WHEEL. DRIVE VEHICLES

REAR- AND 4-WHEELORIVE VEHICLES

I
REAR WHEELS

n n I I

Rotate regularly
Many auto owners I've talked with know they
should rotate their tires but don't do it. When you rotate tires from one wheel to the next, you distribute the wear more evenly over all four tires, giving them a longer life. This service is usually provided free by the tire dealer or you can get it as part of a maintenance contract for just a few dollars. Or take a half hour and do it yourself. Manufacturers differ on the rotation pattern and the process can difler depending on whether you have a rear-wheel-, fiont-wheel- or four-wheel-drive auto, so checkyour owner's manual. Most vehicles should have their tires rotated every 4,000 to 8,000 miles, or about
every other

n nn
Note: lf your vehicle has directional wheels or tires, rotate them front to back on the same side of the vehicle. Gheck with your dealer or tire manufacturer if you're unsure.

oil change.

Watch for uneven wear

Check the condition of your tire treads every month or so and watch for the telltale signs of
uneven wear (see Figure
Art Direction
Photoqraphy

B).

fr

. DAVID SIMPSON . BILL ZUEHLKE

f-i"{. ir Lj {j

..

iif

i.:rrir"'l.r:i i l

ri

lf your tires show wear on the center of the tread only, you have overinflated tires. Check the tread depth and replace the tires if necessary or fill them to the proper pressure.
WEAR ON
CENTER

lf your tires show wear on the outer

edges of the tread, you're probably driving on underinflated tires. Check the tread wear and replace the tires if neces-

lf your tires are worn on either the inside or outside of the tread, you'll need to have your vehicle's alignment checked.

sary or fill them to the proper pressure.

WEAR ON OUTER EDGES

-\

THE FAMTLv HANDvMAN rranncl zooo

8l

FROM OUB BEADERS

WE PAY $1OO FOR TIPS

Hanging shoe bags are great for closets, but they

can also cut lhe clutter in your garage, workshop or

lf you have a hint you'd like

to share, send it to handy

hints@ readersdigest.com or

laundry room. A shoe bag like this one costs about

$12 at discount stores.

Handy Hints',The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive. Suite 700. Eagan, MN
55121. Original contributions

Lori Steiner

become our property upon acceptance and payment. We're sorry, but tips can't be
retu rned.
GARY WENTZ Art Direction. LISA PAHL KNECHT Photography . BILL ZUEHLKE and RAMON MORENO
Editor

ij

\usr,$

ii:

"! J

es*;*v

l'

.u; F:
-ti:=,
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I

If vibrating tools leave you with aching joints, try on a pair of cycling gloves. The gel-filled palms are designed to absorb vibration. A pair costs about $15 at discount stores. Gary Stefaniak

*itT,1".

Ifyou're getting rid ofyour old dishwasher, hang on to the lower dish rack. Slip it under a bed for convenient

roll-out storage.
J.

Hubscher

#)
There's no need to load up your tool belt when you're working from a ladder. Any type of hook, pouch or pocket
made for a tool belt works just as

well when mounted on

ladder.

Marie Picha

An old foam cushion from a sofa or chair not only saves your knees but also grips asphalt shingles and keeps you from sliding down a steep pitch. It won't prevent falls, though, so it's no substitute for safety equipment like a harness and roof jacks.

GlennWilk

8C uancH 2006 THE FAMtLy

HANDvMAN

q q

dirffiH$i,
"++'t:'ffi.

m**#'
by George Vondriska

lndestructible
Line Trimmer
adn-rit that I'n-r hard on strir.rg trimrners, which means I'rn constantly replacing the string. The Mach4 Trinrming system uses tough, flexible blades instead of string, so I was excited to give it a try. Well, the Mach4 did an excellent job of standing up to tough weeds and wasn't perturbed by an occasional (OK, fiequent) run-in with a fer.rce post. Plain old grass was a walk in the park. You'll l.rave to remove the existing head frorn your trimmer to make the swap. The Mach4 ($22) cornes witl.r a variety of bolts and hardware, so it'll fit 99 percer.rt of the gas-powered trimmers on the market. But before you buy, check with the manufactttrer to make sure it'll work on your r.nodel. Replacement is sirlple, in fact easier than winding string onto a spool.

A 10-pack of blades goes for

$5.

The Mach4 and replacen.rer.rt blades are available directly from the manufacturer.
Aero-Flex Technologies, (888) 88O-2376. www.aero'flex-com

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

unRcs zooe 87

Find youn r*ots {and yank them

or-rt weeds?

*ilt}

Sick of crawling around the yard yankir.rg

Well, folget the crarvling par-t,

add sorne leverage to the yanking part, and you've got tl.re Fiskirrs Uproot Weeder ($33). It r.nakes pullir.rg weeds
fr-rn (aln.rost).

Tl-re Uproot Weeder cor-rld also be called tl.re Upright Weeder, since there's
r.ro ber.rding or stooping involved. fust plunge the prongs into the ground so they surround tl-re weed, and as yor.r pry backward tl.re pror.rgs grab the weed, alor-rg witl-r the root, trnd out contes the offendir.rg little devil. Then slide tl.re handle down the shalt ar.rd the weed pops free of the prongs nnd ir-rto your weed

bucket. Dirt simple.

The Uproot Weeder is avtrilable at home centers or througl.r the Web site.
Fiskars,
(aOO) 5OO-4449.

www.fiskars.com

for Small larruns!

$mart Mower

The NEUTON'Gordless Electric Mower uses no gas on oil, so it's quiet, clean, and stants instantly everytimel lt is lightweight, so it's easy for ' . j: anyone to use. So economical it costs just 1O0 to mow youn lawn and neyer needs a tune-up. lt's the only lawn mowen that will also TRIM

ily:'-:]i""-'"Tff#T""lilo"*"'J$[:r_l!El::Qg_B_:lg_t:qg!_g
coupon to the r"ight, visit us

at:
c0

www.

neu

to

nmo

on call us Toll-Fr.ee to receive a FREE Catalog and Video wirh

we rs.

mi
i

YES!

ntease rush my FREE Catalog and Vdeo all about

jT:il:,1:l,l;?:;,1il*:XiF,','jl[#:ffi :::
ru"."

:J

"
FH

,+l t

comprete

details!

i " i Address

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Equipmentp, o.pt s:ozax
88 nlancs 2oo6 THE
FAMtLy HANDyMAN

;rpeuroN power
127 Meigs
Road,

&E[
r'

TilTE

PI'WEffi OF A FilVE IilHIT EffiEWY

ease

y' New Easy-Flow'" unloading / Hitches to nearly any riding mower y' Powerful engine-driven vacuum mulcher gives you 10 times the lifting power of mowers 5loner' Folds up f lat in minutes for easy storage
AFFORDABLE FOR HOMEOWNERS

of lawn debris with sitting-down y' 40o/o more capacity- up to 415 gallons
Clear tons

Families Hove Soved Up To 50o/o

And never hove lo buy fuel

0n Heqting (osts

Scrub-a-dub a deck
If you regularly
power-wash your
driveway, deck or any other lar.ge sur-

Hydro-Sil represents ecoflomy in heating: insicle the hc;rrcr . U.-i'liri;l'""'* """'-"" case is :t seltlecl copper nrbe fillecl ri'ith a h:rmrless silicone fluicl. . Preosembled lo use - reodv It's perrnanenL You'll never run ouL Hvclru>Sil Ener!), St:rr . No furnocel duds, or rhimneys orpg1msnen1122gy1 thc-ttlostlttcor.rtrolsavaliablel'atthydroelementthatisoir{r, '' lrsi6{r'Podoble(ll0V) strlrlrlictl t DltDptlipllTl,,,u,,rilrr , ,l l;, )\\ r,r , )r'r iI) ' Whole house heoting or single room
as-neeclecl l'rasis. \X/hen H1,clr>Sil is rurnccl ()n. tlte srliconc licpricl is cltrickly hcutecl. uncl n.ith its heut rctc-ntion quulities. contiltues [o heat aftcr the Hvclrt elentcnt shuts of}. Hycln>Sil s nxrrnJtl-nrour ''Energ1, Star" cligitel cor.rtml tecltnologr. gleatlv increases energl' savings ar-rcl confon. 220VOLT
DFDMANFNT

Hlclr>Sil is a unique roomJry-ruxm heeting sl'stenr thrt Your Benelilr with Hydro-Sil: Slosh heoting ost with Energy Stor tech, save you hundreds of dollars in lrorre heating cgsts lry r.epl;rcipg 1'losetviceconlrotls olcl encl inefTicienthearing. Ircunr.eplace.,rrupplen].ni ll9llT:l-llllnfy. elccric hcar. gas c,r oitrirrn,,ce

wood, oil, gos, kerosene

r.ur

evir ogoin!

ancl.icxxtsto,e,.

\.,,iu. ':

l*ljllilXiXlffi,ij#i,l,r,rrn

face (or would like to), the Deck'N Drive surface cleaner (No. PWl09t; about $50) from Campbell Hausfeld is sure to save you time. It has a l2-in.wide head that contains a rotor that spir-rs under water pressure. The
Deck'N Drive makes clear.ring
easy as lr-ropping a floor'.
a

Approx. fueo

Discount

deck as

D.i.^

Quontilv

8' 20OO watis 6' 1500 watts 5' 1250 watts 4' 1000 watts

250-300 s.f. 180-250 s.f. 130-180 s.f.

1

$289 $259 $239

s21 S
$1

The Deck'N Drive fits most electric

ar-rd gas pressure lvashers, br"rt you'll rteed a unit that ploduces a minimum

3' 750 watts

2' 5OO raratts

00-1 30 s.f. 75-100 s.f50-75 s.f.

89

of 2,500 psi at 2.2 gallorrs per rninure

for it to operate. The handle length car.r be adjusted, deper.rdir.rg on how close you want to get to the action. You can even skip the long handles and just grab the har.rdles on the head, which is easiest for vertical work (fer.rces, walls). Pressule can be regulated on the r.rnit, givir.rg you the control you need to avoid marring a surface.
Gampbell Hausfeld, @66, 247 -6932. www.chpower,com

s1 69 exact healer needed Discounl

Price

Thermostats
I

Call for options

l0 votT

PoRTABltS

llhermoslst lncluded)

Quontity

5' Hvdro-Max 750-1500 watts 4' Convector - Dual watt 3' 750 watts - Silicone $15.00 shipping per heater
Total

s219
$1 $1

79 79

Amount

$
$

Order bdoy or conbct us for more inb. Cltcck. tu'lastcrclrrcl . \'isr

:frl'il'

rMoil ilii:.1;,il;iiil;
I{1'clro-Sil. P.O.

-800-622 -92t6
Iirr.
662.

City

St

Zip

Frn t{ill.

SC 29715

l\4astercard or Visa Account lnformation: Acct # Expiration Date

9O vnncn 2006 THE FAMtLy

HANDvMAN

rHE WONLYS EEST AIE FITTER

nt drevc n nrtt[igry t{'fitu^gn

- ltsr tbutnn - (nrtludlce '-;;ilftq'Y
$tuwn{o
i'

$K(rix-{ nirfttt(rt'
!'oui'imnfr

j..ini.j

i ],:"l\.nri+r"#{'i

*ir*ir r :;;;::i;

Here's a chain saw that starts or-r the first pull, every timel That's because you're the
er.rgine

that drives the Ur.rbelievable Saw ($23). This is a handy tool for getting into tight spots, or if you jr"rst don't want to fire
up a chain saw. Tl.re Unbelievable Saw cuts usir.rg a flexible 21-in. cl.rain with a handle on each end. Just wrap the chain around the wood to be cut (also works great on PVC pipe) and pull with or.re l.rand while ploviding a little resistance witl.r the otl.rer. Once you get the rhythn.r, it's well, ur.rbelievable how

$ev0d "$art vsruni

KA[{ *ffi; il
Eeiack

*t,$$-fi [n rs$[ns$tl]n[}t fr lusulllng hY t*ters

i l.r', i,i,,i

usu$hr his trushu

'-ffi1ffffirffifiosnkr$his
fy>PP

$falksr

'i

;'

:':r -"r"

",,' .';r.,i|,,,t

,.:

well

it

cuts. Guess that's how

it

got its

ltame.

The Ur-rbelievable Saw is available directly fron.r the r.nanufacturer.

Supreme Products, (A771 3aA-9474.

www.unbelievable-saw.com

THE FAMILY HANDYMAN

venct

zooo

91

Don't trusl your valuables to just any metal building manufacturer.

For more than a quarter of a century Heritage has been pro-

viding affordable, superior quality metal structures to do-ityourselfers, contractors, ranchers and farmers nationwide.

lf you'd like to

receive

a free quote, talk to a

satisfied

Heritage customer or just want more information, call us today. Our project specialists are eager to help in any way
they can

0r log on to our website for

complete line of metal buildings

Your toys deserve the best.

No-sweat log splitter

The clich6 is that firewood warms you more than once-once when you cut it, once when you split it and once when you bur.n it. Frankly, I don't want to get real warm when I'm splitting it. The Craftsman Tow Behind Manr.ral Log Splitter ($230) provides a simple and fairly effortless way to spiit firewood. It uses a hydraulic jack to push the log into the wedge. One harrdle position provides a rapid advance of the jack to get started. The other provides a slower speed, for the actual splitting. The splitter needs to be mour.rted to a trailer hitch to keep it stable while you're working the handles. This isn't fol those who heat with wood exclusively; it,s simply too slow. But if you're an occasional fireplace user, and can't, or don't want to, swing a splitting maul, you'll find the Log Splitter easy to use. And unlike its gas-powered cousins, it's very quiet. Available from Sears.
Sears,
(8OO)

FIERITAGE BUILDING SYSTEMS*

Establl:hed 1979
Building reliability, service and trust

1.900.643.5555
www. heritagebuildings. com
A division ol NCI Building Systems listed on the NYSE as NCS

349-4358. www.sears.com

92

unncH 2006 THE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

s?*e6r ptr#dexffitrs#

G*ing to seeC, in a gn*c* way

Here's a great way to get a row of seeds down in a hurry. It's the Seed stick planter (g69), available from Johnny's Selected seeds. Just load the hopper with your seeds, and walk

along with the seed Stick. As you push down on the stick, you're pushing a seed from the hopper into the ground. It comes with three interchangeable sizes of seed-sifting bars to handle different sizes of control the insertion depth to get the best pianting depth for the seed. No more bending or crawling through the garden on your hands and knees. Johnny's Selected Seeds, (a77) 564-6697. www.johnnyseeds.com
seeds. You can also

Unfinished To Finished In Half The Time

Now wood finishing is twice as fast, twice as easy with Minwaxo

Polyshadesa.

longJasting protection and a warm

hster. Polyshades comes

in

a variety

of

That's because

Polyshadesa

combines stain and polyurethane in

one. Stain to add rich color and enhance wood's natural grain, and pollrrrethane for

colors, and can be used over raw wood or even previously finished wood, without having to strip away the old finish.
Polyshades. Abeautiful

-."'

finish in

a lor less time.

Srnw & PoryunETHANE IN ONp

Makes And Keeps Wood Beautiful@

minwax.com
02006 Minwax
Company.

All righ6

reserved.

ffi
94 vnncg
2006 THE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

What $ize? llow Many? Hour Much?

Set lt Rism lhe fir$ Time! PnoncfcAtc' Pltts

I
il="e+ " SE

Tiles/Blocks...
0uickly find the number of standard or custom Tiles, including the Grout, to cover any Area.
Easily determine Pints, ouarts and Gallons of Paint required for an Area or find the Area of coveraoe per Gallon.

i:ii:i,,1i l,:.:,*,J iri:i:iii r':{j

The hose at my house spends n.rost of its time stretched across the yard, because it's too much trouble to rewind. Thanks to Hydro-L-rdustries, the garden hose snake is now returned

to the reel

as soon as its work is dor-re. That's because watel pressure, instead

of my arm, is providing the power to

do the rewind.

Wallpaper.."
Simple keystrokes calculate Wallpaper coverage by Area or per ro l.

@w w w EUtr m ffi WH H F @U U T--1 @t3 tf H

Find it in the tool department.

Fences/0ecks...
Euilt-in function solves for the number ot boards and rails needed, plus spacing for 0ecks and Fences.

The ReelSmart reel gets connected to your spigot just like any otl.rer hose reel. All it takes to rewind the hose is one finger or.r the rewind lever with

the water still flowing. Discharge

water from the rewinder exits the unit
nearby.

Design, install, apply and finish your jobs with precision and confidence. Easily plan like the Pros. ProjectCalc P/usworks in Yards, Feet-lnch-Fractions and Meters, including Area and Volume. Dedicated function keys convefi dimensions to the amount of

material needed for 100's of home improvePainting, Wallcovering, Tile, ment projects
Decks, Fences, Carpet, Gravel, Concrete, Roof Bundles, Blocks, Bricks and much more! I nstantly calculate costs.

Save time, naterial and noney!

fhe Tools Pros Select ond Rely On!

Csskrrlion-A4o* olcuhtss
Powerful tools tor construction pr0fssionals! Built-in functions save lime and assure greater accuracy with construction-math. Perlect tor plans. bids and estimales. Convert dimensions; solve Square-ups, Rafter, Roof and Framing measurements. Stair layouls, Circles and much more.

ReelSmart products are available in a variety of sizes and styles. They're capable of rewir.rding 50 ft. to 150 ft. of

hose. Prices range from $40 to $80. Find them at home centers, discour-rt stores and online.
Hydro-lndustries, www.hydro-industries.com

JI,CALCULAiED jL- tuottsfnlEs"

4840 Hytech Drive
Carson City, NV 89706 '1 -775-885-4900 Fax: 1-775-885-4949

For the nearest dealer call

Visit us on the web at:

Toll-Free 1 -800-854-8075

www.colculoted.com

It

Promo Code: FHM-305

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

vancr

zooo

95

mower into a poweful yard clean-up machine!

LEAF and LAWN VACUUM:

To Learn More or to Order CaIITOLL-FREE

o VACUUMS

leaves, grass clippings, pine cones, pine needles, nuts, and twigs from your lawn using an incredible 85 mph suction force!

. SHREDS .

most everything it vacuums.

collected material.

Reduces the volume of leaves by 90"2.

o DUMPS OR BAGS

I I CHIPS fallen tree branches and prunings up I I to 2" thick with builtin chipper.

til-888-394-OO33

YE5! Please rush me a FREE Video and Catalog with

full details of the DR! LEAF and LAWN VACUUM. including your 6 month free trial offer, low. factorydirect prices, and seasonal savings now in effect.

. THREE SIZES,
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5 gallon capacityl

Try it for 6 Months Risk-Free!

lfyou are notl0olo satisfied, we'll take it back and give you a complete refund ofyour purchase price, inducing shipping!

iDRo POWER EQUIPMENT, Dept.

1

53023X

127 Meigs Road, Vergennes, VT 05491

www.DRleafiiac.com

to get rid ol bloadleaf weeds tl.re easy way? Try

Want
Fertilorne's Weed Free Zone weed

killer (about $13 for an 8-oz. bottle), which will treat r-rp to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn when Llsed in a lrose-errd sprayer. Or, rnix rrp a batch ir.r a plrmp-up sprayer to

spot-treat smalleI irrf'estations.

Weed Free Zone contains a differer.rt chernical agent thar.r the

one found ir-r most

other

The hest selection, qaaliu, and prices!

clesien ancl frbrication olspirrrl stain. 1bda1', utilize conrputer-aided tcclinologr throuqhour our prociuction prccess succcsshrllv nrixing -wc state-oflthe-:rrt manufacturinq wifi Old $florlcl qualitr: C)librinq thc larqest selecrion, hiehesr clualiry end lowest prices in spird srairs-we nuke srut thirt lou qcr clie rieht spirrrl ro meer l,our nrc.ls. a,lail"lrlc in any heisht ancl BOCA/UBC code models. Ancl our spirirls art still made u,idr pric{c in rhe U.S.A. Since 1931,'l'he Lon Shop has cnjovccl

broadleaf weed killers. That makes it more effective on hardto-kill weeds like clover and
creeping Charlie. Call aror-rnd to

r repurrtion fbr oursrandins

find a garden center that carries Fertilon-re

products or go to the Web site to find a retailer near you. f_l
Fertilome, www.v-p-g.com
Art
D

Call lor the FBEE color Catalog & Price List:

0t visit ou Web Site at www.ThelronShoo.com/Fil

l'800'523'7427

rc* ror

Ext. FH

lnsta I I ati o n Vi d e o le aluri n g

"The Furnilure Guys"

rectiof

EVANGELINE EKBERG
N,4lKE

MainPlant&Sh|wmhm Dept. FH. P0. Box547 400 Reed Rd. Broomall, pA19008 Showoons/Warchouw:0rtario. CA. Saras0ta, FL. Holslon, TX. Chica00. lL. Staml0rd.

and MARCIA WRIGHT ROEPKE

CT Plrotoqraphy

KRIVIT

t
!

The Leoding Monufocturer of Spirol Stoir

Kits@

96 vnncs

2006 THE FAMtLy HANDvMAN

I
t:.

Deck Railing Planter

by Roy Doty

i:,r,1.

illrriili.::

S,1,$**-{$

S*;*lp .$'* .{}{'r for any ideas published, so send in those sketches and notes!

.1,'

l| ,'i.rfjl

: r,'::r+,

ll!rljtirtiri,

i?I1,

ir-:i lri!r i,.i+,r.

Submit your idea to wordless@readersdigest.com or Wordless. The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121 Only ideas we purchase can be acknowledged. Original contributions become our property upon acceptance and payment. vancs lO3

THE FAMTLY HANDYMAN

zooo

Insulation conflagration
While paneling his basement, my neighbor drove a nail into a copper water pipe. No big deal. He just turned off the water, cut the pipe and slipped on a
repair coupling. But while soldering, he set the insulation's paper facing on fire. As the small fire grew, he ran for the garden hose and his wife calied 911. Only after dragging the hose into the basement did he remember that the water supply was off. Luckily, there was a fire extinguisher handy and he finished off the flames just as a fire truck arrived.

Gt

...'4

George

Impellizeri

':W,

Ramped-up romance
My college girlfriend and I were on the skids. So when her new car was ready for its first oil change, I saw my chance to show that I was both a gentleman and a handyman. I brought my car ramps over to her place

and ir.rched up

Constipated pipes
We had a chronically slow drain

the

ramps

But not enough. Clunk!

carefully. carefully
wheels

l/
7

that resisted all the common

drain cleaners. One day my wife came across an old container of
Metamucil and had
a

The

brainstorm:

rolled right off the ends of the

ramps and the car
was stuck there like

out people's "pipes," it should clear out plumbing, too.

cleans She dumped the whole container

If it

beached whale.

Needless

to

\)

say,

this did not rekindle our romance.

down the drain. The Metamucil absorbed water and expanded into a solid l0-ft.-long clog. We tried liquid drain openers,
a drain snake and even a big drillpowered snake, but none of them could penetrate the monster clog.

Kenneth Power

Finally, I duct-taped a spoon to a pole and scooped the gelatinous

Got your ovvn do-it-yourself mistake?

jf

We pay $lOOfor each one we print.Writeto greatgoofs@readersdigest.com or Great Goofu,The Family Handyman, 2915 Commers Drive, Suite 700, Eagan, MN 55121. Originat contributions become our propefty upon acceptance and payment.
AMUNDSEN
LISA PAHL KNECHT lllustratron. STEVE BJ0RKMAN

mass out through the cleanout opening, spoonful by spoonful. It was like getting cranberry sauce out of a 1O-ft.-long can. Richard Ferrari

Editor. LUCIE

Art Directi0n.

lO4

nanncH 2006 THE FAMtLy HANDyMAN