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Yard and Garden

CRITTERS

MolesMoles: Are maddening moles tearing up your yard? Let them choke on chewing gum, run from repellent, find a famine, get a noose around their necks or skedaddle to a newer lawn.

 

DECKS/PORCHES

Joist hangers: Building a deck or porch? Here's an easy way to get joist hangers to fit snugly, squarely and evenly against rim joists and/or ledger boards.

 

Removing long joists alone: If you need to remove a long joist single-handedly, here's an easy way you can do it by yourself without any help.

 

FALL

Wood SplitterSplitting wood: Skip the ax! Harness the power and majesty of a hydraulic cylinder. They're powerful machines and dangerous when used improperly. Be sure to follow these safety tips.

 

GARDEN

StrawberriesStrawberries: If you hull them on the vine like the pros, you'll save lots of time in the kitchen -- especially if you plan to make jam or freeze them for smoothies. Learn this technique.

 

 GRILLING

Charcoal Chimney Starter 1Charcoal chimney starter, Part 1: Start your charcoal for outdoor cooking quickly with this charcoal chimney starter. All you need are a few things from around the house.

 

Charcoal Chimney Starter 2Charcoal chimney starter, Part 2: Here's how a charcoal chimney starter works and how to use it. The metal gets very hot -- and the handle can, too! Use hot pads or oven mitts.

 

Grill IgniterFix your grill's igniter. If the igniter or electronic ignition on your grill isn't working, try this simple fix -- which is not often mentioned in the owner's manual.

 

Grill IgniterProtect your grill from rust. Tired of discarding your rusty outdoor gas grills after only a couple of years? Guard against rust and protect your investment with this simple procedure.

 

LAWNMOWERS

Mower Maintenance 1Tuneup Part 1: Make sure your lawnmower blade stays sharp. A dull blade will tear the grass and expose it to disease. Hardware stores also provide this service for a minimal charge.

 

Mower Maintenance 2Tuneup Part 2: If your lawnmower has a four-cycle engine, you'll need to change the oil regularly. If you don't, you could end up changing your lawnmower regularly!

 

Mower Maintenance 3Tuneup Part 3: Changing the air filter will help keep your mower operating at peak efficiency. You may be able to remove dirt buildup with compressed air.

 

Mower Maintenance 4Tuneup Part 4: Don't forget to lubricate your mower's moving parts. It's a simple but often overlooked task and can prevent trouble -- such as rusted or broken parts -- down the road.

 

Mower Maintenance 5Tuneup Part 5: Change the spark plug in seconds using a spark plug socket wrench and a spark plug gap gauge. Spark plugs are available at your home center or hardware store.

 

Mowing in JanuaryWinter mowing: Mow the lawn in January? In Michigan? No kidding! It's the middle of winter, and there is not a drop of snow on the ground. You'll have to see it to believe it!

 

PATIO

Pella Sliding Screen DoorPella Sliding Patio Door Screen: Do you find the written instructions a bit confusing? See step by step how to easily install your Pella sliding door screen (Rolscreen). 

 

Pella Sliding Screen Door LatchPella Sliding Patio Door Screen Latch: Sooner or later, this little $50 plastic latch on your Pella sliding door screen will break. Make this replacement yourself from a mirror clip.

 

UNDERGROUND SPRINKLING

Underground SprinklerWinterize your sprinkler system: Get your self-draining underground sprinkling system set for winter! (This is NOT for systems that must be "blown out" with compressed air.)

 

WINTER

SnowblowerSnowblower: Change the oil in your snowblower (4-cycle engines). It's less complicated than it looks, but you may need to use a little ingenuity. Sometimes, draining the oil can be messy.

 

Wood SplitterSplitting wood: Skip the ax! Harness the power and majesty of a hydraulic cylinder. The log splitter is powerful (and dangerous machine if used improperly). Follow these safety tips.