Home Maintenance Tips
Got a loose screw? Dip it in glue or putty before you screw it back on. A wooden match can also be placed in the hole to provide more grip for the screw. You can also wrap a few strands of steel wool around the threads before you put the screw back in.
If you’ve got a rusted bolt, try applying a cloth soaked in any carbonated beverage, or use a couple of drops of ammonia to loosen it. Make sure you coat it with petroleum jelly to prevent more rusting before you screw it back on.
To prevent rust on your tools, place chalk, charcoal or a few mothballs in your toolbox to attract the moisture.
If you need an occasional special tool that you can’t borrow from someone else, rent it rather than buy it.
Get a good home repair manual. Even, if you still decide not to do it yourself, you’ll be better prepared when you negotiate with the contractor.
Unless the task is dangerous, try to do minor repairs and maintenance yourself first.
Don’t buy appliance service contracts or extended warranties (that applies to cars too). Sales persons usually get a commission for it so don’t be surprised if they try to give you a sales pitch.
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