Tools, Books & Gifts

HOME WORK

Gary Dymski: Finding a small mower to replace old faithful

I have enjoyed the use of an 18-inch, rear-bag, gas-powered lawn mower for 24 years. The machine, like the owner, has become tired. As a senior with a small yard, I have searched long and hard to either rebuild my mower or find another 18-inch mower. The new 21- or 22-inch models are too heavy and too large for my property. An electric model with a cord is not an option because of the layout of my property. Any ideas?

House Doctor: Top 10 Things Homeowners Should Know

A few years ago, while working on a story about finding an old-fashioned handyman, one such fellow told me of a specific task he did for a couple each spring. Both husband and wife were so mechanically challenged that they'd hire him to change their light bulbs.

House Doctor: Put together your own hurricane survival kit

By the time they reach us, hurricanes that ravage our Southern neighbors along the Atlantic Coast have mostly played out. Usually, the worst that happens here in the Northeast is a slight change in weather, some rain - at times heavy - and cooler temperatures.

HOME WORK

House Doctor: Dispose of old tools with the Woodworkers Club

Both of my parents have passed away, and I am getting ready to sell their house, which has been in the family for 80 years. My father and his father were tool-and-die makers, so I have to dispose of a lot of tools and some large machinery. Many of the hand tools are not a problem; they will be divided among the children. But there are some specialized tools that we don't have a clue about, and there are also some larger tools, like a lathe and a drill press. Could you tell me who might be interested in these old machines? -- Carol S., Carle Place

House Doctor: Hail to the hammer

My father was 34 when he died unexpectedly in 1959. I was just 3 years old. Except for some snapshot memories, he didn't leave much behind.

Gary Dymski: Tools That Get the Job Done in Style

When it comes to do-it-yourself home repairs, Barbara Kavovit says she knows exactly what a woman wants.

House Doctor: Checking Out the Claims

Tucked high in our kitchen cupboard is a collection of gadgets my family rarely uses, from dicers to ratcheting tools to ravioli folders. We even have the blooming onion machine.

House Doctor: Multipurpose Products

Multipurpose products are a unique attraction. An item that can perform several functions usually translates to saving both time and storage space.

House Doctor: Professionals' Favorite Tools

IF YOU want the job to look professional, then use the tools of a professional.

House Doctor: Gary Dymski's Book Recommendations

Q. I live in a house that is more than 200 years old, and I can sure use a book that covers many of the things you write about. Can you recommend a book that can guide me through some repairs? Every time I undertake even a minor repair, it seems to turn into a major job. -Michael Patrey, Great Neck

House Doctor: Recommended Books

MORE than a few homeowners have admitted to me their fear of working with electricity. They'll try any number of do-it-yourself projects, but even the simple task of replacing a faulty wall outlet stops them cold.

House Doctor: Sharpening Tools

Q. You recently wrote an article on sharpening tools, and I'm trying to find somewhere to get some items sharpened. Is there somewhere in Queens to get this work done? - Patty C.

House Doctor: Gift Books and Tools

GIFT-GIVING IS one of the great holiday joys and also one of the great sources of anxiety. The look on Uncle Jack's face says he really doesn't need another tie. And who wants to even guess what to get the do-it-yourselfer or the handyman in the family? So with a couple of shopping days left before Santa visits, here's a suggestion. There's always space on the shelf for a well-written home improvement book, or room in the toolbox for a useful hand tool. I consider it a good book if it contains plenty of photographs or illustrations, easy-to-read steps and easy-to-find repair topics. Look for a book that deals with a wide range of general home- improvement repairs rather than specifics, such as bathroom and kitchen repairs. A useful tool is usually backed by a reputable company (Stanley, Black & Decker, Craftsman, to name a few) and in a pinch can do the work of two or three other tools.

House Doctor: Home-Improvement Books

What's a thick-bed installation? What's a come-along used for in fencing?

House Doctor: Replacement Parts for Tools, Appliances

If your power tool or appliance is running with the aid of duct tape, glue or C-clamps, you have a problem. From the looks of your repair effort, that problem appears to be getting a replacement part.

House Doctor: Rechargeable Batteries for Power Tools

Q. I have had virtually no success with rechargeable batteries that come with cordless power tools. I bought a new drill that came with two batteries, and within three years both batteries are dead. Now, I have a great drill but can't use it unless I spend another $70 or so for a new battery. Is this a racket? Am I doing something wrong?

House Doctor: Painting Primer

MY DAUGHTERS, 15 and 13, are going to paint their bedrooms. Their brothers, 11 and 9, are going to help.

House Doctor: Nylon and Natural Paint Brushes

Q. I read one of your recent columns ("Painting 101," April 19), which was great except for one little thing. You mentioned people should buy top quality brushes, but you neglected to mention that for latex one should get a nylon bristle brush and for oil-based paints one should use a brush with natural bristles. Some people think that "top quality" means "higher price," and natural bristle brushes usually sell for more money than nylon bristle brushes.

House Doctor: Handsaws

WHEN'S THE last time you dusted off one of your handsaws for a woodcutting job? Did you slice through with ease or did the blade stick and bite?

House Doctor: Selecting Nails

WE'VE BEEN using nails to build things since before Noah, which is perhaps why we assume there's nothing new to know about them.

House Doctor: One Mow Time: Keep It Tuned Up

With a little care, that gas-powered lawnmower tucked in the corner of your garage can be one of the most dependable machines you own.

House Doctor: Put a positive spin on dryer woes

Your Nov. 10 column on air filters prompts this question. Recently, I received a LIPA bill that was extremely high. I started to pay attention to my electric usage. I noticed that my electric clothes dryer is taking quite long to dry clothes, much longer than it seems to have in the past. The dryer is 10 years old. However, I wash and dry about 12 loads of laundry a week. I am not sure if a dirty exhaust vent could be causing the problem or if it is simply time for a new dryer. Any insight?