Project center
Welcome to our Project Center! Check out our recent blogs and resources below to learn new tips and tricks for DIY projects, home projects, or any seasonal projects, and more!
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Plumbing Tools
Plumbing tools are specialized-they fit the job. For example, if you buy a handle puller to pull tub or shower faucets, you will also need a box end or hollow-core socket wrench to remove packing nuts which are soft brass, easily distorted and practically impossible...
Plumbing Sundries
WATER-SAVING DEVICES The basic idea behind water-saving devices is to restrict water consumption rates where heaviest use occurs. Indoor water usage runs at about 40 percent for toilets, 30 percent for baths and showers (more for baths), 15 percent for clothes washers...
Plumbing Accessories
FAUCET SPRAYS The heart of a faucet spray is a mechanism called a diverter or butterfly valve located inside the faucet in a chamber just below the base of the swing spout. This valve normally permits water to flow freely through the spout when the spray attachment is...
Pipes, Fittings, and Valves
These materials may be made of metal or plastic. Plumbing components made of bronze and brass contain 3% to 8% lead. Lead serves two purposes in the copper alloys from which these materials are manufactured. First, lead aids in the manufacturing process by providing...
Faucets
COMPRESSION FAUCETS Water flow in a compression faucet (a common residential faucet) is regulated by turning a lever, T or four-ball handle attached to a threaded spindle. When the spindle is turned down, the washer or disk attached to its lower end is pressed tightly...
Learn about Painting Supplies
PAINTING AIDS TACK CLOTHS A clean, well-prepared surface is essential for good paint results. The best way to clean a surface before painting or repainting is to use a tack cloth - a varnish-impregnated, open-mesh cloth that picks up and holds loose dirt, sand and...
Learn about Painting Chemicals
BRUSH AND ROLLER CLEANERS Commercially prepared brush and roller cleaners substantially reduce cleaning difficulty. Before these preparations are used, excess paint should be brushed or rolled from the tools. If directions are followed properly, cleaning is not a...
Learn about Paintbrushes
APPLICATION TOOLS: BRUSHES Brushes are highly efficient for painting all areas - small, medium and large - and for all types of paint. A poor brush, however, will result in a poor finish. Filaments used in paint brushes are hog bristle and other animal bristles, as...
Learn about Paint Application Tools
OTHER APPLICATION TOOLS ROLLERS The major advantages of paint rollers include speed of application and versatility. Since most wall paints are formulated for roller application, you will do a quicker, smoother job with a roller. Standard wall rollers, used in large...
Learn about Paint
LATEX PAINTS Latex paints can be thinned with water and are easily applied. Compared to oil-based paints, the advantages of latex paints are: Less odor Water cleanup Nonflammable Rapid drying Easy touchup Easy application, even on damp surfaces Better gloss and color...