Share your thanks with Mark Spelman
Your thanks is on its way!
Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Q&A Comments (283)
Co-authored Articles (45)
How to
Pick a Lock with a Bobby Pin
Nobody likes getting locked out of their home. While locksmiths often do a good job, their services can be pricey and time-consuming. If you’re looking for an alternative solution, you might be able to let yourself in ...
How to Disconnect a Washer (And Prep It for Moving)
Plus, learn how to quickly disconnect your dryer and move it, tooYou don't often have a reason to move your washer around the house. The machine is usually hooked up in the basement, in a dedicated laundry room, or in th...
How to
Install Metal Studs
Complete guide to installing metal studs, from hanging the track to padding with dry wall Steel framing is used in most office and commercial construction, and it has several advantages over wood. Steel studs are perfec...
How to Make Sure a Corner is Square with the 3-4-5 Rule
Line up any project perfectly with this simple formula The 3-4-5 rule is a handy and foolproof way to determine if a corner is perfectly square when doing carpentry or other DIY projects, from building a deck to laying t...
How to
Frame a Door Opening
If you want to install a door in your house, you have to first frame the door opening to prepare it for the installation. With a ladder, some nails and a hammer, you're well on your way to outfitting your own rooms at a ...
Installing Corrugated Roofing Yourself: Everything You Need to Know
Measuring, cutting, and fastening roof panels to a shed, garage, or other structure Corrugated roofing is a great way to top a garden shed, shop, or patio. It's quick, easy, low cost, and, best of all, you can do it your...
Building a Shed from Scratch? Follow These Instructions
Learn how to erect a personal woodshed with these design plans and tips Whether you’re a gardener who needs somewhere to keep all their tools or an outdoorsman running out of basement space, a shed is sure to solve you...
How to
Fix a Squeaking Bed Frame
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a bad night’s sleep because your bed is squeaking. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a new bed frame to get the squeaking to stop. By pinpointing t...
How to Throw Away Glass Safely
Get rid of broken glass or whole glass panels with this helpful guideSo you need to dispose of some glass, but you’re not quite sure about how to do it safely. You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a help...
How to
Install or Replace Door Hinges
Door hinges play an important role in our everyday lives; they provide all of your doors with support. Hinges on exterior doors provide the first line of safety for the family inside, and offer protection from the elemen...
How to Build a Carport: A Complete Guide
''Make a simple carport for your recreational vehicles'' Carports are standalone structures that create extra outdoor storage to protect your car, boat, and other valuables. They're protective structures that can help in...
How to
Paint on Plastic
Plastic is a tricky surface to paint. Unlike wood, plastic is not porous, so the paint has little to stick to. With the right amount of preparation, however, you can paint plastic with success. Keep in mind, however, tha...
How to
Put Anchor Screws in a Wall
Anchor screws allow you to hang heavier items on your walls or hang items where there is no wall stud to support the nail. When they're installed correctly, anchor screws can support pieces that weigh up to 70-pounds, so...
How to
Start a Weed Whacker
Starting a weed whacker can be tricky when dealing with a model you’ve never seen before. You should know that weed whackers fall into two main categories: some use gas while others are electric. A gas weed whacker sta...
How to
Remove Grout
When remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, the hardest part can be removing the grout from pre-existing tile. Grout is made from water, cement and sand, which hardens over time to form a rock-like material. The strength of g...
How to
Learn to Read Blueprints
Blueprints are 2-dimensional architectural design drawings that indicate the size of a planned building, the materials to be used in its construction, and the placement of its features. Learning to read blueprints is ess...
How to
Hide Smoke Smell Indoors
Smoking is a dangerous activity and is not recommended. While there are many health concerns that revolve around smoking, one of the most common day-to-day concerns people have about smoking is concealing the smell. Whet...
How to
Make Whitewash
Whitewashing is a type of surface covering that is used as a sealant typically on farms for the inside of barns and chicken coops. Traditional whitewash is made by mixing powdered lime with water and provides a paint or ...
How to
Lay Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a great alternative to wood. Besides looking like wood, termites are not attracted by them, and they are easier to install. The easiest type of laminate floor boards are the type that lock in place...
How to
Install a Washing Machine
Having your own washing machine is a great way to save time and money doing laundry. Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, there may come a time when you need to install a washing machine. However, installi...
