Home DIY

Carpet used to almost be an afterthought, merely a decorative addition. Now it's one of the basic building materials that help determine a home's value. When you're shopping for carpet, the fiber will be your most important consideration.

By John Kelly

Whether it's a kitchen sink full of murky water or an overflowing lavatory, you've probably experienced a clogged drain before and reached for the drain cleaner. But how do drain cleaners work?

By Linda C. Brinson

Pepper spray is a common law enforcement and self-defense tool -- it's easy to carry and easy to use, and although it's extremely irritating and debilitating, it generally doesn't cause any problems in the long run. How does this spicy weapon work?

By Caitlin Uttley

Once you've chosen new carpet for your home, the next step is to make sure it's properly installed. If you go the professional route versus tackling the job yourself, how do you choose the right vendor for the job?

By Thomas Moore

The United States has nukes, and so does Russia. Iran and North Korea have conducted nuclear tests, as well. In the event of a nuclear attack, what are you supposed to do?

By John Fuller

In movies, burglars can open a lock using a paper clip. Is it really so easy? The basic process of picking a lock is simple, but it takes practice to get it right.

By Marshall Brain & Tom Harris

Laminate flooring is cheaper than wood, doesn't need to be nailed, sanded, stained or finished, and is quite resistant to scratches, denting, fading and stains.

By Richard Winter

Today's dog houses can go way beyond four walls, an arched doorway and a peaked roof. With a little time and the right materials, you can build a palace for your pooch.

By Sarah Siddons

Wood stoves have evolved quite a bit from their potbellied ancestors. Today's wood stoves are clean and efficient, and have several environmental arguments on their side.

By Eleanor Duse

A router might just be the most versatile tool you can own -- but in a world without router bits, it would be nothing more than a spinning motor.

By Elizabeth Abbess

With all of the parts involved, fireplaces can lose more heat than they provide. However, there are tools, tricks and green options so you can enjoy the look and warmth of a traditional fireplace.

By John Kelly

Asbestos has been used for thousands of years, dating as far back as the ancient Greeks. Its ability to withstand heat and erosion made it attractive to builders, and it was even used in some clothing because of its fire-resistant qualities. So why is it so dangerous?

By Tiffany Connors

Learn how to unclog a drain, whether it's hair in a bathroom sink or a major blockage in your home's main drainpipe. These tips will help you out.

By Fix-It Club

A dripping faucet is the most common plumbing problem but one of the easiest to repair. Yet many people ignore it and leave it unrepaired. Imagine each drip as a penny lost and you may reconsider.

By Fix-It Club

Find out how to fix a spray hose in this article, whether your issue lies in the aerator, flexible sink hose, diverter valve, or other area.

By Fix-It Club

Learn how to fix pipes in this article, which addresses such common problems as pipes that leak, make a lot of noise, or become frozen.

By Fix-It Club

Is Grandma's hand-me-down hutch looking a little worse for wear? Instead of tossing out those favorite furniture pieces, why not take on a refinishing project? Find dozens of tips in this article.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Repairing driveway cracks is a simple and rewarding project. Find out the keys to repairing driveway cracks to stop a smaller problem from becoming a larger one.

In places where uranium is common in the soil, radon is a popular topic of discussion. Even though radon is "completely natural," it can be a real health hazard. Learn how radon forms and why it is so dangerous.

By Marshall Brain & Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

Have you ever wondered how a house is built? Or what holds up the ceiling and walls? And how do you keep the rain out? It's a complex process that involves quite a bit more than you may think.

By Marshall Brain

People use safes to keep their valuables, well, safe. But in movies, thieves can open one using a little concentration and a good ear. Could you crack a safe that easily?

By Robert Valdes

A forced-air distribution system is just what the name implies. Air is forced from the furnace through ducts to registers in various rooms. Learn to troubleshoot a forced-air distribution system.

By Walter Curtis

Repairing floors is easy if you know what you're doing. From annoying squeaks to sanding hardwoods, learn how to do it yourself when it comes to floor problems.

By Walter Curtis

Windows are a major source of heat-loss in most homes. They also may stick shut when they're painted or swell shut from humidity. Learn tips on how to keep your windows working properly.

By Fix-It Club

Painting can be a task that takes a couple of hours, a half day, or more. Whatever the size of your painting job, the techniques remain the same. Learn how to paint a room.

By Walter Curtis