Carpet Repair
Carpet is one of the most popular floor coverings in homes, and it sometimes needs extra attention. This Fix-It Guide on carpet repair tells how carpet works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to remove chewing gum from a carpet, how to patch a carpet, and how to repair a carpet seam or tear.
Door Repair
“Close the door!” “I can’t!” We often take doors for granted–until something goes wrong. This Fix-It Guide on door repair tells how a door works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to remove a door, how to plane a door, how to service a sliding closet door, how to repair a sliding glass door, and how to weatherstrip a door. See door hardware repair if needed.
Door Hardware Repair
Door hardware problems can make it difficult to get into or out of a door. But you can fix a sticky lock or loose hinge. This Fix-It Guide on door hardware repair tells how door hardware works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It gives instructions for how to remove the lock assembly from a door, how to align a cylinder, how to fix a bolt that doesn’t move, how to realign a strike plate,how to tighten hinge screws, and how to adjust the height of a hinge. See door repair for issues with the door itself.
Doorbell Repair
“Hey, your doorbell doesn’t work!” “I know. I know. I was going to fix it this weekend.” This Fix-It Guide on doorbell repair tells how a doorbell works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to test the doorbell push button, how to test and replace a doorbell sounding device, and how to test a doorbell transformer.
Drywall Repair
Drywall covers the walls in most homes built in the last 50 years. It’s relatively easy to repair. This Fix-It Guide on drywall tells how drywall works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to hide a popped nail, how to restore a wall corner, how to repair split drywall tape, and how to repair a dent, gouge, and hole. Then you will want to refer to paint repair to finish the job.
Fire Extinguisher Repair
To make sure your fire extinguisher is ready when you need it, periodically check your home’s fire extinguisher(s) and perform any maintenance needed. This Fix-It Guide on fire extinguisher repair tells how a fire extinguisher works, what often goes wrong and how to identify the problem. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to use a fire extinguisher. A Fix-It Tip explains the classes of fire extinguishers.
Fireplace and Stove Repair
A fireplace or stove offers ambiance and heat. This Fix-It Guide on fireplace and stove repair tells how a fireplace or stove works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to sweep a chimney, how to install air vents in a wood floor or subfloor, how to replace a corroded stove connector, how to replace a door gasket, how to check and replace igniters on a gas fireplace or stove, how to clean a gas pilot light, and how to adjust the pilot height. You may need to refer to masonry repair, appliance controls repair, or motor repair.
Paint Repair
Paint is decorative and protective, and paint repairs are relatively easy. This Fix-It Guide on paint repair tells how paint works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to clean a painted interior surface, how to touch up a wall, how to clean exterior paint and kill mildew, and how to touch up a painted appliance.
Paneling Repair
Wall paneling is relatively easy to fix .This Fix-It Guide on paneling repair tells how paneling works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to refasten loose paneling and how to replace a panel.
Plaster Repair
Millions of older homes and retro homes have plaster walls, the precursor to drywall. This Fix-It Guide on plaster repair tells how plaster works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to repair a small or large crack in plaster and how to repair a small hole or bulge in plaster. After your plaster repair, you will likely need paint repair.
Resilient Flooring Repair
Resilient flooring is tough and relatively easy to fix. This Fix-It Guide on resilient flooring repair tells how resilient flooring works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It gives instructions for how to remove stains from resilient flooring, how to re-glue a loose tile, how to remove a bubble from resilient flooring, how to repair a small hole or groove, how to replace a single tile, and how to patch a sheet floor.
Rug Repair
Rugs are both functional and aesthetic. They need periodic cleaning and occasional repair. Here’s how it’s done. This Fix-It Guide on rug repair tells how a rug works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix a rug. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to repair a cut in a rug, how to sew a frayed rug edge, how to repair a braided rug, and how to trim and bind a jute rug. See carpet repair for whole room or whole house carpet problems.
Stairway Repair
The stairs in your home should be quiet and stable. This Fix-It Guide on stairway repair tells how stairs works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix them. It then gives simple instructions for how to quiet a wood stairway from squeaking, how to tighten a newel post with angle brackets, how to tighten a newel post with screws, and how to tighten a baluster. See paint repair if needed to finish your stairway repair.
Tile Repair
Tile is tile. This Fix-It Guide on tile repair tells how tile works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it whether the tile is on a counter, on a floor, or in a shower. This guide then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to clean grout, how to re-grout tile, and how to replace a tile.
Upholstered Furniture Repair
Few things offer more comfort than an overstuffed chair, but it may eventually need a repair. This Fix-It Guide on upholstered furniture repair tells how upholstered furniture works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to patch a tear or a hole in fabric or vinyl upholstery. You may need to refer to other Fix-It Guides for some upholstered furniture repairs.
Wallpaper Repair
Many problems with wallpaper can be repaired. This Fix-It Guide on wallpaper repair tells how wallpaper works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to clean non-washable wallpaper, how to patch wallpaper, how to refasten a wallpaper seam or edge, and how to eliminate a bubble in wallpaper.
Window Repair
What can you do if your window to the world is broken? You can often easily fix it! This Fix-It Guide on window repair tells how a window works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to clean and lubricate a window, how to service a casement window or skylight opening mechanism, how to weatherstrip a double-hung window, and how to replace a window pane. After your window repair, you may also need paint repair. If you need skylight repair, also see roof repair.
Window Blind Repair
Window blinds can sometimes be repaired. This Fix-It Guide on window blind repair tells how a window blind works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to replace a tape or string ladder.
Window Curtain and Drape Repair
Curtains and drapes provide privacy, decorate your home, and help keep you warm and/or cool. This Fix-It Guide on window curtain and drape repair tells how a window curtain or drape works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It also gives simple instructions for completing several simple curtain and drape repairs.
Window Shade Repair
This Fix-It Guide tells how a window shade works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to loosen or tighten spring tension, adjust an uncoiled spring, release a spring that is locked in the coil, make the ratchet lock, replace shade fabric, and replace a cord. Fix-It Tips, illustrations and cautions are included. You can do it!
Wood Flooring Repair
This Fix-It Guide tells how wood flooring works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to eliminate water marks from solid wood flooring. Fix-It Tips, illustrations and cautions are included. You can do it!
Wood Furniture Repair
Most furniture and kitchen cabinets can easily be repaired — if you know how. This Fix-It Guide on wood furniture tells how wood furniture works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to repair a gouge, blister or separated veneer, how to reinforce a furniture joint, how to repair a split, how to minimize a minor burn, how to repair a scratch or spot, how to service wood furniture door hinges, how to un-stick a door, how to straighten a warped door, how to replace a glass panel in a door, how to modify a sliding door channel, how to shim a door hinge, how to reinforce a sagging shelf, how to replace a drawer bottom, how to realign a drawer guide, and how to repair a wood runner.
