Lay Out a Square Corner with Two Tape Measures

Most builders know a simple geometry trick that makes it dirt simple to lay out a square corner for your patio, deck or other structure. All you need is a couple of tape measures. It’s all because of the Pythagorean Theorem and the 3-4-5 right triangle.

Skip the Explanation and go straight to the How to ==>

If you happened to sleep through class that day (or ditched school instead) you may not remember who Pythagoras was or what his “theorem” means to you. So let me refresh that vague memory.

The Pythagorean Theorem says that the sum of the squares on the sides of a right triangle are equal to the square of the hypotenuse.

Easy Method to Find the Center of a Circle

Circles have an unusual geometry: they are the most regular, most symmetrical shape possible; but because there are no corners, finding one's center is harder than you might expect. To find the precise center of a square or rectangle, you only need to draw lines from the opposite corners: the center is the point at which they cross. The trick to finding a circle's center is creating corners of your own to use. For small circles, all you need is a piece of paper, book or some other object with a right-angle corner. If the circle is larger, a sheet of plywood or some other solid rectangle will do the trick. 

Simple Method to Determine the Radius of an Arch

An arc is a section of the outline, or circumference, of a circle. This common shape appears in many forms, like the arch of a bridge or the top of certain windows. 

If you want to create a copy of an arc, you can either trace it or build one like it from another circle the same size. Tracing is easy, but if you want to build your own circle, you need to find the radius of that circle. If it's complete or nearly complete, it's not hard to find the center, and that will let you measure its radius and diameter. But if the arch is only one small segment of the whole circle, finding those values might seem hopeless. It's easier than it looks, though: all you need is a tape measure and a pencil. Well, maybe a calculator, too...

Replace a Doorknob

Whether you've decided to re-key an entry door by swapping out an exterior door knob or replace interior knobs to freshen the decor, changing the hardware is essentially the same process. There's little difference between the construction of interior and exterior door hardware, although the strength and quality of the material used to build the hardware will vary widely.

How Doorknobs Work

The visible parts of doorknobs are fairly simple. You see a knob or a lever on both sides of the door, a raised disk called the rose between the knob and the surface of the door, and a metal latch protruding from the edge. Turning the knob retracts the latch into a flat latch plate;and  the latch engages with a matching metal strike plate on the door jamb when the door is closed. If the knob includes a lock, there is a keyhole on the outside and some form of lever on the inside to engage the lock.


The parts inside the doorknob have much more variety. Consumer-grade exterior locks only differ from interior locking knobs by being weatherproof and somewhat more sturdy. Security of these locks should be enhanced by installing a deadbolt. Cylinder locks provide additional security but are more difficult to install and replace. Regardless of the style, the working parts mount inside a large hole with a standard diameter of 2-1/8” that's bored through the door, while the latch is connected through a long hole drilled into the space from the door's edge. The inner and outer knobs connect with a spindle through the middle and a pair of screws. When you turn either knob, the spindle rotates and retracts the latch. When you release the handle, springs return the latch to its extended position.

Removing the Old Knob

1) Remove the screws holding the knobs together. For locking knobs, you may have to rotate the rose on the inside of the door, lining up holes in the rose with the screw heads.
2) When the screws are completely out, remove the knobs and roses on both sides. This will expose the interior workings.
3) Remove the screws from the latch plate on the door's edge, pull the latch bolt out through the edge. Fit the parts together and set aside to donate to an architectural salvage shop or recycling center for building materials.

Installing the New Knob

4) The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole is called the backset. Two different backset distances are common: 2-⅛ and 2-¾ inches. The new knob must have the same as the old knob to keep the latch bolt centered in the space. Many knobs in stores are adjustable to fit either backset. Consult the packaging for instructions to adjust  the backset if needed.
5) Push the new latch assembly through the hole in the side of the door with the curved or angled face of the bolt facing in the direction the door swings when closing. The new latch plate will likely be the same size as the old one, but if it's larger, enlarge the mortise with a wood chisel. TIP: Most of the time the screw holes will line up, but it helps to “tighten” the old holes by pushing a broken wood match or toothpick into each hole, coated with wood glue.
6) Allow the glue to dry before screwing the latch plate into the side of the door. Swing the door until nearly closed to ensure that the latch lines up with the strike plate and is at the right orientation.
7) One knob is usually fixed to a spindle that goes through the hole in the door and a matching hole in the latch. The knob with exposed screw holes always goes on the lock side, usually the inside Thread the spindle through the latch bolt, then press the rose against the face of the door. If you can still see the hole through the door, adjust the backset distance and repeat. The knob must be centered for the rose to completely cover the hole.
8) Place the second knob on the spindle and verify that the knobs are correctly oriented: a lock knob or lever belongs on the interior, while a keyhole or lock release hole belongs on the outside. The installation convention is to have the widest part of the keyhole up. Compare to the directions that came with the new knob, as needed.
9) Test the knob and lock function before you close the the door. If the new latch will engage the strike plate already installed on the jamb and the finish is correct, you can leave it in place. If the old strike plate has a different finish or is damaged or if the new latch doesn't engage, replace the strike plate. The mortise for the strike plate may need reshaping, as above. Old screw holes that will be re-used or are too close to new screw holes are best plugged with wood and glue as above.
10) Verify that the door closes smoothly and locking knobs lock securely.

NOTE:  Replacing mortise locks (flat boxes fitted into the edge of the door; rare except in old buildings) or cylinder locks requires different techniques. Mortise locks especially may exceed the kills of a novice.

How to Replace a Timex Watch Battery Yourself

Dead watch? Install a new battery yourself.

You used to be able to walk into the local discount department store and buy a replacement battery for an inexpensive wristwatch like a Timex Indiglo or Timex Expedition, and the person at the counter would replace it for you; free. You don't get that service any more - now you have to go to a real jeweler (and suffer their disdain over not having a Tag Heuer) or a kiosk in the mall where they'll sell you a battery and install it for about the same price you paid for the watch in the first place.

You could, of course, replace it yourself... like I do. Timex stamps the battery size on the back of the case, and you can buy these batteries at your local grocery. They're usually CR2025 or CR2032 button-type batteries. Once you have a new battery, you're set.

What You'll Need

• Replacement battery: verify the battery size/style printed on the back of the watch case.
• Size 0 Phillips-head screwdriver (you can find one in a set of jeweler's screwdrivers for a couple of dollars)
• Sheet of plain white paper

Emergency Plumbing Repairs in Pipes

According to Murphy's Law, plumbing emergencies only occur on holidays, weekends, or in the middle of the night. A pipe that suddenly springs a leak can create a royal mess in your kitchen, bath or basement. Fortunately Mr. or Ms. Average Homeowner can make short-term repairs with things you can find around the house. One of these fixes can keep you dry until your plumber handyman comes to make permanent repairs, though you can't count on them to last for the long term.

What You'll Need

• Pencil
• Duct tape or wide plastic tape
• Bicycle inner tube or garden hose
• Utility knife or scissors
• 3 hose clamps or stiff wire
• Screwdriver or pliers

How Many Days Old Are You?

Ever wonder how many days you've been on this earth? It's easy to calculate a child's age in days, but the older you get the tougher the math gets. Not only that, after a few leap years everything just gets out of whack. There is a super-simple way to do it, though, that doesn't involve pulling out a calculator. You just use a spreadsheet.

You can either use Microsoft Excel® or, if you don't have that software handy, make a spreadsheet in Google Documents.

Install Your Own Storm Door

A storm door at your home's entrance will add curb appeal and improve weatherproofing. A door cuts down on drafts and heat loss during winter, and offers ventilation when the weather's more pleasant. Installing a storm door can also protect the finish of expensive wooden entrance doors, plus a door with its own lock means added security.

Installing a new storm door yourself can save a hundred dollars or so, and it's a task that fits the skill set of most weekend DIYers. The job requires tools you'll find in most basic tool kits and, whether the house dates to 1905 or 2005, the steps are the same. Door manufacturers make the job easier for a consumer by including detailed instructions. Many companies also provide on-line forums, toll-free advice or both.

Tools You'll Need • Measuring tape • Drill and drill bits • Carpenter’s (spirit) level • Screwdrivers • Stepladder • Putty knife or scraper (optional) • Caulk and caulking gun (optional)

Install Hidden Hinges in Cabinets and Furniture

Hinges for cabinets and other casework come in a wide variety of designs and finishes. The correct hinges will complement the design and finish of your cabinets by carefully balancing form with function. A lot of modern cabinet designs, however, look their best without visible hinges on the surface. These designs often use “European” hinges, the kind that are out of sight when the doors are closed. Installing ordinary leaf hinges on the surface of the door and frame requires little more than a drill and a screwdriver. With hidden hinges, however, the working parts must be inset into the rear of the door frame. To install this type of hinge you'll need different tools and different techniques.

What You'll Need

A set of hinges (template usually included)
Tape measure
Pencil
Power drill or drill press
Forstner bit (may be included with hinge set)
Drill bit