Hey, looking for recommendations on how to fix my current DIY slog.

I needed to replace my bathroom vent fan/light combo, so, I purchased a new one of the appropriate strength for our small/medium bathroom.

Then I found out how much of a nightmare it is to get an old fan housing out without access from above (there’s no attic - the bathroom is in the converted attic, so the only “above” is the roof)
But, the hard part is done & the old fan & enclosure are out.

But now I find out that the old opening is 12” square, which is quite a bit larger than the new enclosure - that’s supposed to attach to the drywall. It’s even bigger than the cover.

I’m happy to exchange the fan I bought, but I don’t think there are many that are this large.

So, what do you recommend? Plywood frame set into the large opening? Patch the drywall and then cut a new opening? Recommendation for a fan/light that takes a jumbo opening?

Thanks so much for your help!

Is this sofa I made safe? It's pretty heavy so if it collapsed I hope nothing's underneath. It seems fairly stable with just minor creaking only if you sit at the edges and rock.

I used pocket holes and simple supports for the legs

https://youtu.be/Q7COBe4Lzjs?si=DpEHYhkjtdkSkG7t

We moved into an apartment a couple of months ago where we're allowed to make minor modifications, like drilling into the walls for paintings or a TV mount.

When we moved in, the small office was missing its door, so I decided to find a replacement. The door frame already has the two male hinge plates installed, and I'd rather not replace them since I'm only renting.

I found a second-hand door that came with female hinge parts. They fit onto the existing hinge pins like this, and they also feel slightly wobbly.

Will these hinges work for my purpose, or is the wobble and lack of proper depth a sign they're not compatible enough?

Hi, I have two old electric toothbrushes. One is a weak motor at 26k RPM and the other is a strong one with 96k RPM. I tried using the 96k strong motor toothbrush (after sanitizing it) to clean my shoes but either the bristles were too soft or the RPM wasn’t strong enough because it didn’t clean as well as me just wiping it with a rag.

How can I repurpose these two electric toothbrushes?

I've been looking to get more light into our house as there are very few windows. I've done a lot of projects on the house and feel this is in the scope of something I could do, and this will be my first time altering an exterior wall. All the videos and things I have found focus on either replacing an existing window or cutting the studs to add a bigger window and all the necessary framing required for that.

Has anyone added a window that would fit between the studs? I find myself drawn to a more narrow vertical window rather than a more traditional high up horizontal tramsom window in bathrooms.

Any experience on this and are there reasons I should not pursue this? Appreciate any info/resources!

So I have an older pillow "Z gel-infused pillow". It has a gel layer on the top center which is to help keep it "cooler". It works okay (not the best but im still looking) but it's already quite old. It's at least 10 years old at this point. The rest of the pillow is basically blue (now greenish) memory foam.

Well the other day I noticed after taking off the pillow cover that part of the gel is leaking out of rips along the gel part.

Pillow in question

It's clear that the top part of the pillow has a thin clear plastic layer going over the entire top of the memory foam and the gel layer (but only the top part of the pillow, bottom is just memory foam). That's the part that has slowly ripped over time. I have been trying to find a clear flexible plastic layer I could then glue and adhere to the top of the pillow to preserve it and prevent the gel from leaking out anymore. So far from doing some research I have only been finding cellophane wrap which I feel might be way to weak/flimsy for this task as well as not sure if the glue I would use would work (E6000).

And it has to be somewhat malleable cause my head will be laying on it (under a pillow case).

I already tried contacting the company asking for suggestions on how to repair it and after having to jump through some hoops with me having to contact warranty they claim it's to old and thus no longer under warranty which I already figured. The only reason I was contacting them was to find tips on how to repair it myself. Instead they tried to give me a coupon to buy a different kind of pillow they offer.

So I am wondering if anyone has some suggestions for types of clear plastic wraps I could cut to length and then adhere to the top to prevent anymore gel from leaking out while still being somewhat thin enough for the gel layer to keep it cool on that side?

Or any other types of suggestions to repair it?

In short my dad wants to build a solid privacy wall on one side of our porch. It will be floor to roof and completely solid without any kind of lattice structure or holes, I've seen some like that. We're remodeling our house and adding a front porch. The idea is to physically tie it into the wall and roof, I don't know exactly how, that has not been decided yet. I have been trying to research anything similar and can't find anything like it from Google. We live in an area prone to high winds. My concern is that the wall could catch the wind and damage the house. I want to know is it a good idea and if so how should we go about it?

Hi there!

My partner and I bought some unfinished pine planks and carpet remnants from Home Depot to DIY cat shelves.
I’ve seen a lot of debate about whether to stain the shelves or leave them unfinished. Since we’re adding the carpet remnants on top we’re not planning to sand/stain that side, but should I sand and stain the rest of the shelf? Would it be more beneficial or would it be harmful to do so?

Thanks in advance!

I have a framed mirror (180cm tall, 68cm wide, 14.5kg). I want to use it as a door for a coat closet/cabinet. The cabinet I’m considering is made out of mdf. It’s 210cm tall, 67cm wide, and the walls are 4cm thick. It has no door at all in the original design.

I did my due diligence googling but everything I found is an approximate of my issue and not a direct answer hence the post. I am a complete amateur when it comes to ‘big crafts’ and would be very grateful for help in figuring out a couple of things.
1. Is the idea feasible at all?
2. What kind of hinges should I use and how many?
3. Should I reinforce the cabinet wall with a strip of plywood or can the mdf alone hold up the weight of the door/mirror?

Hi, so apparently moisture can be a problem in basements from the floor itself and I'm wondering:

If I use plastic bins, will I still need to elevate them on racks or pallets? If I use both is that really necessary?

I recently had a water issue and am working to waterproof my storage. Please give some advice. Thanks!

I am a DIYer and I have built some smaller structures, but now I am looking at redoing our deck. It is significant in size: 32 feet by 20 feet. I live in a county that opted out of building codes and enforcement a few years back and so I don't really know exactly which specs, code, etc to follow. I would like to follow some as I think there is validity in building codes and I'm not really sure why my local area opted out. Is there a local office that could advise me even though we don't technically have codes to follow? Or an I completely wrong here and there will be some codes to follow. Or is there basic code guidance that essentially can apply wherever codes are absent? Thanks.

I've tried to use foam patches but they dont work, i've tried a rubber seal but that only makes the door not close properly.

I'm trying to remove the old seal from my shower door (photos attached) and I'm stuck. My guess is the aluminium piece at the end of the track needs to come off first before the rubber/vinyl seal will slide out, but it won't move at all, no matter how hard I pull.

I'd rather not pry at it with a screwdriver or pliers since I don't want to scratch the glass or bend the frame.

What I've tried so far: [pulling straight out, hairdryer for heat, soapy water]

I have been unable to find any model number or anything like that on the shower.

Any tips on how these end caps typically attach, or a trick for breaking them loose without tools? I have been on Duscholux website and tried to find relevant Youtube videos but its looking like a lost cause and having to buy new doors anyways.

So I’ve been wanting to get a toolbox system for the house / shed for all my tools , a mix of circular saw , jigsaw , plumbing stuff , etc etc just general tools. And odd bits

What system is everyone using ?
I know packout is good but grudge the money when it isn’t my day to day tools ( mechanic) to trade so I’m more used to the roll cab kinda thing with work.

Is there any decent brands you can add to without breaking the bank

Sorry if these are dumb questions—I’m trying to put together a wooden bed frame I just bought off of FB marketplace and know nothing about putting together furniture/diy in general

Can I get away with just finger-tightening the nuts on the bolts? It feels pretty secure like that and I don’t have a wrench…

Also one of the half moon washer for the bolts broke, so I’m now short one. Do I need to replace it or is it probably fine to have 7/8 of them?

TIA for any advice!

Edit: guys I’m moving from a dorm to an apartment for the first time, on my own. I clearly don’t know what I’m doing

I’m looking for some advice from fellow landlords, property managers, or DIYers on cleaning out HVAC ventilation and air ducts.

My previous tenant wasn't the cleanest, and the property left behind a pretty strong dog smell. Before I rent the place out to a new tenant, I want to make sure the entire air ventilation system is thoroughly cleaned and odor-free.

For those who have tackled pet odor in air systems yourselves:

• DIY Cleaning Methods: Are there effective ways to clean and sanitize the accessible ducts yourself (e.g., using specialized vacuum attachments, foggers, or specific cleaning solutions)?

• Odor Elimination: What products actually break down embedded pet dander and oils inside the system rather than just masking the smell? (e.g., enzymatic sprays, chlorine dioxide, ozone machines)?

• Filter & Register Care: Besides changing the HVAC filter to a high-MERV or carbon filter and washing the vent covers, are there key areas inside the return/supply vents that people often overlook?

• DIY vs. Professional: At what point is a DIY job not enough, and when should I bite the bullet and hire a professional air duct cleaning service?

Any product recommendations, step-by-step tips, or cautionary advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi,

So im helping a friend to make a desk. He wants to have concrete finish on it. Im making the structure of 48x48mm. I was thinking then to screw plywood as the casing for it.

My question is, will conrete stick to plywood or is there some tricks i need to do to make it stick? Or is it some specific concrete that might stick to it. Id be happy to get some advice. Has anyone done this?

I live in Finland so dont know if we have same brands as in UK/States.

Thanks beforehand!

My cat likes the texture of stone pavers so I picked up a 16"x16" paver slab from lowes, but obviously its dusty and will continue to create more dust as its rubbed against. What are your recommendations for a sealant that will prevent the concrete from breaking down into dust/sand etc but still safe? Thanks!

Had an exterior garage entry side door installed. When door is closed I see about an eight inch high gap on one side. Can I pull nails out and shim it out there? Or what is best option?

Recently went to a breakdown and the boiler first fault code was the pcb in which I supplied and swap over correctly. After doing this a new fault code came up saying that the water pressure is low in which it was since the filling loop says 2bar and I have bleed all the radiators in the property. My next guess was the water pressure switch. After replacing that the fault still came up after work I called ideal who told he the next step is the electrical harness in which I have ordered and going to try tomorrow. Just wondering if worst case possible this doesn’t work what else should I be trying/looking for

I'm having floor outlets installed and using wooden covers to blend in with our hardwood floor. This style of outlet cover comes with a removable top, but I'd prefer to add a hinge so that it can flip open 180 degrees and be flat on the floor. Any thoughts on what the right hinge would be for this?

https://floormechanics.com/vents-treads-and-flooring/outlet-covers/grill-works-outlet-cover-white-oak/

We are laying tonge groove flooring and we are going to be a foot short of being perfectly lining up with the living room so would it be ok to cut that foot wide piece and have it connected to the living room or should cut that to go under the sink base

Hi everyone,
I live in the UK and unfortunately my car has been leaking oil onto my driveway. I’ve tried everything I can think of to remove the oil stain, but it just won’t go away.
I’m worried my landlord may charge me for it from my deposit when I move out.
Has anyone had this problem before and can recommend something that actually works to remove old car oil stains from a driveway?
Any advice or product recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I haven't realized how hard dentil crown can be, but I tried my best to get until here (images attached). I tried to cope but it was way too tough with dentil so I ended up doing 45deg. I know the corners still have a good bit of gap and some areas along the moulding where I plugged in pieces.

Question is if I can move forward by using wood filler, caulk before I paint or rather take the L and spend another $150 for another 30ft of dentil crown moulding and do it again from my lessons learnt - like doing corner pieces first and run the middle pieces flat?

I really want to fix this than start all over again tbh

https://postimg.cc/gallery/HbW2WdW