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  • Bathrooms and Tools
    		•
    From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement"
    episode TTD-425F


    Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the questions --

    Removing Stubborn Caulking

    Problem: What is the best way to remove stubborn caulking around my bathtub?

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    Solution:

    • Apply a caulk-weakening solution and let it sit.

    • Scrape away old caulk with a putty knife, dental tools, etc.

    • Clean away old caulk -- being cautious not to scrape the surfaces.

    • Replace with caulk containing silicone that is made for a sink or tub.

    What Type Wood Under the Tub?

    Problem: I am going to remodel my bathroom and take out the tub, toilet and sink. What flooring should be under the tub?

    Solution:

    • There should be 3/4" plywood subfloor under the tub.

    • When investigating the area, make sure the subfloor is dry.

    DIY Tips:

    • When remodeling a bathroom, think about where the shelves, towel racks and grab bars will be installed. A piece of 3/4" plywood installed under the drywall at these spots will provide great stability for screws and nails.

    • Create a hiding place for the trash in the bathroom by mounting two mirror clips inside the cabinet door. Make sure the clips are level and that the trash can is able to clear the cabinet facing once the door is shut. Hang the container on the clips -- and the trash is completely out of sight!

    Removing a Galvanized Tub

    Problem: Can you tell me how to remove a galvanized tub?

    Solution:

    • Demolition crews would use a heavy-duty sledgehammer.

    • You could also use a jigsaw, but you would use up a lot of blades.

    • A reciprocating saw with a metal blade is a good choice (figure A) and easy to handle.

    • You could also rent a heavy-duty wet saw with a diamond blade (figure B), which will cut through metal, concrete, etc.
    Photo

    Figure A
    		Photo

    Figure B

    PHOTO

    Figure C
    Stabilizing Base of Shower Stall

    Problem: How do you stabilize the base of a shower stall?

    Solution:

    • Make a wood frame around the area.

    • Level the area with thin set, the same adhesive used to put tile on the wall.

    • To close the gap between the shower and the floor, try some PVC quarter-round (figure C) and be sure to seal the edge with caulk because the thin set isn't water resistant.

    Repairing Cracks in the Tub

    Problem: Could you please tell how to repair cracks in a fiberglass tub.

    Solution:

    • You could use a resin kit with pigments to fill the crack.

    • If it is a big crack, use a cloth meshing over the crack.

    • First, clean the crack well with rubbing alcohol.

    • Rough up the area with sandpaper.

    • Apply the filler and sand the area once hardened.

    • Cover the sanded area with a two party epoxy paint.

    PHOTO

    Figure D
    Pocket Hole Jig


    Problem: What is the best way to use a pocket hole jig?


  • First, clamp the wood in the jig (figure D).


  • Second, drill down into the wood using the openings in the jig.


    Water Level


    Problem: How do you use a water level?


    Solution:


    • Find the length of what you need to level, and fill tubing to that measurement with some colored water (with a couple drops of food coloring).


    • Make sure the ends are open to release all the bubbles.


    • Run the tube from one end of what you are measuring to the other end -- you will need a friend to look at one end for you. Agree on a place to mark.


    • Pre-made water levels are available.


      DIY Tip: Plastic levels tend to slip and slide out of place. Put a few rubber bands over each end to give it some traction.


    PHOTO

    Figure E
    Tools for All Materials

    Problem: What is a good tool to use for all materials?

    Solution:

    • A jigsaw can change the blades (figure E) to cut through different materials.

    • A reciprocating saw is a little more heavy-duty and the blades change accordingly.

    • A twin cutter has two blades going in the opposite directions that allows you to cut through materials without kickback..

      DIY Tip: Be sure to read all the manuals and instructions that come with your power tools before you use them for the first time. And most of all, pay attention to any manufacturers warnings because they are there to protect you.


    PHOTO

    Figure F
    Tools for Cutting Holes for Outlets

    Problem: Could you please tell me what kind of tool you use for cutting a hole for an outlet?

    Solution:

    • There are several options. First, there is the key hole saw. It is a hand held saw used to saw through drywall.

    • A battery-powered rotary tool has changeable bits and it does the job much quicker than the key hole saw.

    • Finally, there is the Python Outlet Cutter (figure F). It has a vacuum connected to a template to hold it up to wall changeable templates to fit different size boxes. It is great when you have a lot of outlets to cut. Use the rotary tool to cut around the template.

    Darker to Lighter Stain

    Problem: What can you use to switch from a darker stain to a lighter stain?

    • You could try oxygen bleach, Star 10, or OxiClean -- they are all good products to use. Do not use chlorine bleach.

    • Try using non-caustic products that are better for the environment.

    • Spray on and let it sit, and then brush it off with a strong bristle brush.

    Extra DIY Tip:

    • If you find yourself struggling with a stubborn screw, use a thin bladed screwdriver and turn it on its side to get a better grip and more leverage.


    RESOURCES :

    Hitachi
    Phone: 800-829-4752 (catalog)
    E-mail: market@hitachi-powertools.com
    Website: hitachipowertools.com

    OxiClean
    Toll-free: 800-781-7529
    Website: www.oxiclean.com

    Star 10 Paint Stripper
    575 W. Hume
    Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
    Phone: 231-830-8070
    Toll-free: 800-726-4319
    E-mail: sales@starten.com
    Website: www.starten.com

    Craftsman
    Website: www.craftsman.com

    Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
    Kreg Tool Company
    201 Campus Dr.
    Huxley, IA 50124
    Toll-free: 800-447-8638
    Phone: 515-597-2234
    Fax: 515-597-2354
    Website: www.kregtool.com

    Python Tools 224 E. Douglas Ave.
    Suite 500
    Wichita, KS 67202
    Toll-free: 800-860-8709
    Phone: 316-261-9200
    Fax: 316-261-9201
    Email: sales@phythontools.com
    Website: www.phythontools.com

    Ryobi Laser Level
    Ryobi Technologies, Inc.
    1428 Pearman Dairy Rd.
    Anderson, SC 29625
    Toll-free: 800-323-4615
    Website: www.ryobitools.com


    GUESTS :

    Richard Lehner
    Construction Innovators
    10710 Coward Mill Rd.
    Knoxville, TN 37931
    Phone: 865-560-1970
    Website: www.constructioninnovators.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• Bathrooms and Tools
    		•