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Book Cover: Recipes For Home Repair

Recipes For Home Repair
by Alvin Ubell & Sam Bittman

How-To Tutorials: Home Improvement

The complete print edition available for download. Step-by-step procedures, accompanied by clear, precise illustrations, provide excellent instruction and make any home repair seem easy. “Go Forth and Fix!”.

Home Repair Tutorials

Complete Online Edition

  1. Tool Basics: Beginners Guide to Using Tools (Safety Guidelines)
  2. Carpentry Basics: Furniture, Windows & Doors, Wall & Floor Repairs
  3. Electricity: Home Wiring Basics
  4. Plumbing: Toilet Repairs, Drains, Water Pipes, etc.
  5. Masonry: Home Foundation and Exterior Repair
  6. Charts & Tables: Measurements & Materials Reference
Learn the Basics of Tool Use

1 - Tool Basics:
Beginners Guide to Using Tools

Please read the tool safety guidelines. Tutorials for men and women who have never turned a screwdriver or wielded a hammer. Each lesson is a recipe. Tools are the utensils and materials the ingredients.


# Tool Lesson (PDF) PDF
 0) Overview: Tool Basics PDF Download: 63KB
 1) How-To Use A Hammer PDF Download: 32KB
 2) How-To Use A Screwdriver PDF Download: 25KB
 3) How-To Use A Saw PDF Download: 27KB
 4) How-To Use A HackSaw PDF Download: 39KB
 5) How-To Use A Hand Drill PDF Download: 41KB
 6) How-To Use An Electric Drill PDF Download: 35KB
 7) How-To File Surface Edges PDF Download: 46KB
 8) How-To Use A Wood Chisel PDF Download: 70KB
 9) How-To Use A Cold Chisel PDF Download: 26KB
 10) How-To Use A Carpenter's Plane PDF Download: 37KB
 11) How-To Use A Level PDF Download: 32KB
 12) How-To Use A Soldering Iron PDF Download: 31KB

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Chapter 2: Carpentry

2 - Carpentry:
Furniture, Windows & Doors, Walls & Floor Repair

Learn to make commonplace repairs to wooden and related structural objects in the home.


# Lesson (PDF) PDF
Intro Chapter 2: Carpentry PDF Download: KB
 13) How-To Repair A Shaky Chair PDF Download: 63KB
 14) How-To Repair Loose Table Legs PDF Download: 58KB
 15) How-To Repair Broken Furniture Legs PDF Download: 72KB
 16) How-To Repair Loose Balusters PDF Download: 49KB
 17) How-To Loosen Stuck Wooden Drawer PDF Download: 50KB
 18) How-To Repair Wooden Drawers with Loose Joints PDF Download: 64KB
 19) How-To Repair Squeaky Floors PDF Download: 32KB
 20) How-To Repair Broken Window Pane PDF Download: 51KB
 21) How-To Replace Broken Sash Cord PDF Download: 89KB
 22) How-To Open Stuck Window PDF Download: 69KB
 23) How-To Repair Rattling Window PDF Download: 54KB
 24) How-To Install Window Latch PDF Download: 61KB
 25) How-To Install Window Nail Latch PDF Download: 45KB
 26) How-To Repair Door that Sticks PDF Download: 49KB
 27) How-To Repair Rattling Door PDF Download: 95KB
 28) How-To Repair Rattling Door Latch PDF Download: 50KB
 29) How-To Install Rubber Door Tack PDF Download: 72KB
 30) How-To Repair Loose Door Hinges PDF Download: 57KB
 31) How-To Install Wall Mounted Door Knob Stopper PDF Download: 61KB
 32) How-To Install Solid-Type Wall Mounted Door Stop PDF Download: 54KB
 33) How-To Install Floor Mounted Door Stop PDF Download: 67KB
 34) How-To Install Hinge Type Door Stop PDF Download: 80KB
 35) How-To Repair Sagging Clothes Rack PDF Download: 41KB
 36) How-To Install Window Louvers PDF Download: 60KB
 37) How-To Repair Loose Insulation PDF Download: KB
 38) How-To Hang Picture Frame PDF Download: 52KB
 39) How-To Hang Heavy Picture Frame PDF Download: 71KB
 40) How-To Remove Broken Screw From Wood PDF Download: 79KB
 41) How-To Remove Broken Screw From Metal PDF Download: 62KB
 42) How-To Repair Dry Wall Cracks PDF Download: 68KB
 43) How-To Repair Plasterboard Cracks PDF Download: 54KB
 44) How-To Repair Ceiling and Walls PDF Download: 68KB
 45) How-To Repair Torn Window Screen PDF Download: 71KB
 46) & 47) How-To Repair Holes in Window Screen PDF Download: 147KB
 48) How-To Repair Cracked Tiles PDF Download: 63KB
 49) How-To Replace Broken Tiles PDF Download: 72KB
 50) How-To Regrout Tiles PDF Download: 48KB
 51) How-To Replace Cemented Tiles PDF Download: 78KB
 52) How-To Replace Bathroom Tiles PDF Download: 59KB
 53) How-To Repair Window Caulking PDF Download: 69KB

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Chapter 3: Electricity

3 - Electricity:
Home Wiring Basics

Basic wiring repairs are accomplished easily, but don't let this be a shocker, take safety first and remember to turn-off the source of electricity at the fuse box or circuit-breaker before working on home wiring projects.


# Lesson (PDF) PDF
Intro Chapter 3: Electricity PDF Download: KB
 54) How-To Change Blown Fuse or Reset A Circuit Breakers PDF Download: 49KB
 55) How-To Repair Loose Electrical Plug PDF Download: 61KB
 56) How-To Repair Defective Male Plug PDF Download: 95KB
 57) How-To Install & Replace Female Extension Plug PDF Download: 50KB
 58) How-To Replace Female Appliance Plug PDF Download: 45KB
 59) How-To Replace Lamp Socket PDF Download: 72KB
 60) How-To Remove Broken Light Bulb PDF Download: 54KB
 61) How-To Repair Defective Light Switch PDF Download: 72KB
 62) How-To Repair Defective Electrical Wall Outlet PDF Download: 49KB
 63) How-To Install Grounded 3-Prong Adapter PDF Download: 32KB
 64) How-To Replace Porcelain Ceiling Fixture PDF Download: 57KB
 65) How-To Install Ceiling Fixture PDF Download: 64KB
 66) How-To Install Canopy Ceiling Fixture PDF Download: 50KB
 67) How-To Repair Broken Doorbell Button PDF Download: 58KB
 68) How-To Repair Broken Door Buzzer PDF Download: 63KB
 69) How-To Read Home Thermostat PDF Download: 69KB
 70) How-To Measure Indoor Temperature PDF Download: 89KB

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Chapter 4, Plumbing: Toilet Repair, Water Pipes, Hot Water Heater, etc.

4 - Plumbing:
Toilet Repair, Water Pipes, Hot Water Heater, etc.

Stop annoying leaks! Diagnose typical plumbing concerns that cause many homeowner and apartment dweller the willies. Simple instructions and detailed diagrams provide quick solutions.


# Lesson (PDF) PDF
Intro Chapter 4: Plumbing PDF Download: 70KB
 71) How-To Retrieve Jewelry Stuck in Sink or Unblock Trap PDF Download: 49KB
 72) How-To Repair Leaky Faucet? Replace Defective Washer PDF Download: 43KB
 73) How-To Repair Leaky Faucet? Try Grinding The Valve Seat PDF Download: 46KB
 74) How-To Repair Leaky Faucet? Replace Defective Washer PDF Download: 74KB
 75) How-To Repair Single Handle Ball Type Faucet PDF Download: 98KB
 76) How-To Repair A Clogged Drain: Plunger Technique PDF Download: 51KB
 77) How-To UnClog A Toilet Bowl PDF Download: 53KB
 78) How-To Remove & Replace An Old Toilet Seat PDF Download: 67KB
 Reference How-To Troubleshooting Toilet: Flush Tank Problems PDF Download: 86KB
 79) How-To Fix Flushing Problems: Adjust Water Tank Float Rod PDF Download: 485KB
 80) How-To Stop Trickling Water: Check The Flush Ball PDF Download: 67KB
 81) How-To Toilet Water Runs Constantly: Replace Worn Washers PDF Download: 57KB
 82) How-To Prevent Condensation: Insulating Toilet Tank PDF Download: 65KB
 Reference How-To Troubleshooting Flush Valve Problems: Diagnostic Chart PDF Download: 39KB
 83) How-To Repair Diaphragm on Flush Valve PDF Download: 85KB
 84) How-To Adjust Timing of Flush Valve Water Flow PDF Download: 75KB
 85) How-To Adjust Water Flow: Correcting Flush Valve PDF Download: 58KB
 86) How-To Water Flushes Non-Stop: How To Unclog Bleeder Valve PDF Download: 73KB
 87) How-To Insulate Water Pipes to Prevent Condensation PDF Download: 92KB
 88) How-To Repair Leaking Pipe at Thread Join PDF Download: 87KB
 89) How-To Repair Pinholes in Pipes PDF Download: 77KB
 90) How-To Temporary Fix for Leaking Pipes PDF Download: 90KB
 91) How-To Repair Large Holes In Pipes or Water Tanks PDF Download: 72KB
 92) How-To Repair a Hot Water Tank PDF Download: 61KB
 93) How-To Clamp a Leaking Pipe PDF Download: 58KB
 94) How-To Install a Kitchen Sink Spray Hose PDF Download: 53KB
 95) How-To Replace Sink Spray Head Nozzle PDF Download: 53KB
 96) How-To Repair a Leaking Garden Hose PDF Download: 69KB

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Chapter 5: Masonry

5 - Masonry:
Home Foundation and Exterior Repair

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but eroded masonry work is a nuisance and possibly even dangerous to bystanders and long-term building health.


# Lesson (PDF) PDF
Intro Chapter 5: Introduction to Masonry Repairs PDF Download: 133KB
Reference Cement Mixing PDF Download: 32KB
 97) How-To Repair Loose Bricks PDF Download: 101KB
 98) How-To Repair Loose Mortar PDF Download: 77KB
 99) How-To Repair A Cracked Foundation (Pointing) PDF Download: 72KB
 100) How-To Repair A Leaking Basement Wall (Foundation) PDF Download: 53KB
 101) How-To Repair & Patch Sidewalk Cracks (Concrete) PDF Download: 73KB
 102) How-To Repair Asphalt Driveway PDF Download: 73KB

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Chapter 6: Charts & Tables

6 - Charts & Tables:
Measurements & Materials Reference

Measure Twice, cut once. Save time and money by familiarizing yourself with sizes, weights and measures. Also find helpful charts for materials usage such as adhesives, lubricants, sandpapers and paints.


# Reference (PDF) PDF
Intro Chapter 6: Materials: Nail Sizes PDF Download: 39KB
Reference Fasteners:
Nuts Bolts & Machine Screw Sizes
PDF Download: 73KB
Reference Basic Safety PDF Download: 10KB
Reference Furnaces:
Troubleshooting Oil, Gas, Electric Furnaces
PDF Download: 73KB
Reference Handy Engineering Formulas for Home Repair PDF Download: 11KB
Reference U.S. Weights and Measures PDF Download: 35KB
Reference The Metric System PDF Download: 33KB
Reference Materials Charts PDF Download: 34KB
Reference Lubricants Chart PDF Download: 21KB
Reference Exterior Paint Selection Chart PDF Download: 38KB

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Related:

Consumer Guides:

Download consumer guides from the Family Circle Archive & get expert home improvement advice.


Tool Safety Guidelines:

(Also review TERMS OF USE) Tools are for everyone and proper safety is key to learning safely. Adult supervision is recommended for young adults. If your are an adult, we still suggest you have a friend nearby. It's good for morale and you'll learn more that way.

Seriously, if you are tired, under the influence, hurried, do not use any tools until you are calm, rested and of good mind. If you are under 21 years of age, you must have adult supervision!

Before starting any project, find an area in your home where you have good light, an area free of clutter and a table to work on. You should wear fitted clothing, not loose, heavy duty shoes, goggles(your vision is a gift) and gloves. Finally, if you've got long hair, bundle it up under a hat so as not to cover your eyes or tangle with the tools.


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