| Mail Slot |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-511 |
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Q: My mail gets wet in the hanging mailbox outside my front door. Any ideas on how I can keep it dry? A: (Brad Staggs, licensed contractor and Ask DIY Home-Improvement expert) Why not install a mail slot in your front door? It's not hard to do, and it will help keep your mail nice and dry on blustery days. Materials:
Mail-slot kit
Measuring tape
Level (optional)
Safety glasses
Drill with 1/2" spade bit or paddle bit
Masking tape
Jigsaw - Measure the rail of the door to find the center point (figure A). Then measure the trim ring and center it on the door.
- Use a level to place the trim ring (figure B) -- or trust your own judgment. Sometimes something can be level but look crooked, so in cases like that, you can just "eyeball" the trim ring to make it look right.
- Trace around the inside of the trim ring to make a template (figure C). At this point, you don't need to worry if the line isn't exactly straight -- you can always do some trim work later.
- Wearing safety glasses, use a drill with a 1/2" spade bit or paddle bit to make a hole at each corner (figure D). Each hole should intersect both the vertical and the horizontal line. Don't drill all the way through the door -- that encourages the wood to split. Just drill halfway through, then continue from the other side so the holes meet.
- Place strips of masking tape along the lines you drew earlier to help you keep from marring the door while you do the next step (figure E).
- Carefully cut along the lines with a jigsaw (figure F). Once the opening has been cut, remove the excess wood and peel away the tape. Check to see whether the mail slot has "ears" on the corners. If it does, be sure to cut notches in the corners of the opening to fit them.
- Mark for screw holes on the door and drill pilot holes (figure G).
- Attach the mail-slot door piece with screws (figure H).
- Attach the hardware to the inside of the door by the same method. That's all there is to it! Now you're ready to get mail in any weather!
Q: My oven doesn't heat up anymore. What causes this problem, and can I fix it? A: It depends on whether the oven is gas or electric, but here are a couple of troubleshooting tricks you can try. If the oven is gas, make sure the gas is turned on and working properly. This may sound elementary, but you'd be surprised how often this turns out to be the problem. If you have an electric oven, first turn off the breaker, then remove the heating elements (they're in the oven and look sort of like horseshoes) by removing the brackets that hold them in place. Take the heating elements to a home-improvement or appliance store for replacement. Q: My cat spilled latex paint on the carpet. Is there any way to get the spot out? A: Try cleaning it with mild detergent and warm water; or use denatured alcohol (try this in an inconspicuous place first).
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