Q: I found a lot of tiny holes in a straight line behind my kitchen cabinet. It's not really a problem, but I am curious if you have any idea what all these holes may be?A: I bet someone was trying to find a stud in the wall. They thought the best way was to continue to drill horizontally until they found it. A stud finder would have solved this problem. Let’s talk about a couple of stud finders.
- Some stud finders are inexpensive. The magnet inside these move when it finds the nails in the stud. However, these may not work well through a thick wall.
- A battery powered stud finder is more accurate and will find a stud through a thicker wall. The more expensive stud finders can find a hot AC wire in a wall and metal behind two inches of concrete.
Q: I bought an old home that has push-button light switches. Can these be replaced?
A: These were common around the turn of the century. As electricity was added to homes, being able to turn the lights on was a big deal and a fancy switch was the appropriate way to do it. Many of the buttons were brass, with inlaid pearl. You should buy a modern switch and not an original. The newer ones will be made of safer materials and will last longer. Replacing a push-button switch should take a novice only 30 minutes. However, with electricity, if you don’t know exactly what you are doing...call a professional!
Q: I would like to replace my cabinet fronts with tin punched panels. Where can I get large enough sheets of tin and what kind of finish should I apply to the tin?
A: There are a couple types of metal to consider: copper, alumnium or tin. In time, each will age differently. Purchase tin that is already plated so you won’t have to finish it and it won’t rust. If you just want to add pre-punched panels to the cabinetry, look to the web for a wide variety of patterns and styles. Measure the space you want to fill and choose the pattern. Your local home improvement center may have metal sheets, or try your local crafts store. Look for a kit that has patterns and a metal punch. Remember, use a block of wood under the metal as you tap your pattern.
Final Tip: If you come across a rusted bolt that just won’t loosen, give it a good squirt with penetrating oil. The key is patience. Let it sit for 15 minutes or so. If that doesn't work, heat the area with a propane torch or hair dryer on high heat. If you’re going to use a micro-torch be very careful. Hold the flame away from your body and wear goggles and gloves. The heat will make the metal expand and loosen the rust. If that doesn't work, then grab your safety glasses and favorite hacksaw!
