Editors Of Family Handyman - The Complete Do-it-Yourself Manual Newly Updated

Circa 2005

This version of the book took a classic and made it even better. The editors of The Family Handyman magazinea Readers Digest publication and the largest home improvement magazine in the worldrevised and updated the old book. This edition combines the best elements of the original Do-It-Yourself Manual , The Family Handymans rich informational and photographic archives, new illustrations and photography and the wisdom and experience of the best experts in the field today. The book continues to be comprehensive, with added information on buying materials, safety and ways to save time and money. Weve added chapters on two topics that hit home with nearly every homeowner: landscaping and storage. And weve brought the book up to code so you know what youre reading is the most current information around.

So even if you own a past edition of this book , youll find tons of fresh new information on projects and repairs in this version. We think its still the best resource around. We think you will, too.

About Your Safety

Nearly every home improvement activity involves some form of risk. You can greatly reduce your chances of injury by using the right tools and protective gear, taking the proper safety precautions and following manufacturer instructions for the products and tools you use.

As much as we encourage doing it yourself, if you dont feel comfortable tackling all or part of a projectdont. Hire a pro. Throughout the book weve highlighted areas where we feel you should exercise extra vigilance. But always use the best piece of safety equipment you owncommon sense.

About Metric Conversions

This book was researched and written with both Canadian and U. S. markets in mind. Since both countriesat varying rates of speed and with varying degrees of successare converting to the metric system, weve included both metric and standard (also referred to as imperial, English, and U.S.) systems for most measurements and weights. In areas where products, materials and practices are entrenched in nonmetric terminology, only standard terminology and measurements were used. When in doubt about converting from metric to standard and vice versa, consult the information in the back of this book.

The Family Handyman

Editor in Chief:

Ken Collier

Senior Editors:

Travis Larson, Gary Wentz

Associate Editor:

Jeff Gorton

Senior Copy Editor:

Donna Bierbach

Art Directors:

Vern Johnson, Marcia Roepke

Production Artist:

Mary Schwender

Photographer:

Tom Fenenga

Office Administrative Manager:

Alice Garrett

Contributors

Archive Management:

Peggy McDermott

Contributing Editors:

Spike Carlsen, Rick Muscoplat, Mark Petersen, David Radtke

Photographers:

Mike Habermann, Patrick Hunter, Mike Krivit, Phil Leisenheimer, Shawn Nielsen, Bill Zuehlke

Illustrators:

Ron Chamberlain, John Keely, Don Mannes, Doug Oudekerk, Frank Rohrbach, Eugene Thompson

Cover Design:

George McKeon

Consultants

Electrical:

Al Hildenbrand, John Williamson

Plumbing:

Charlie Avoles, Les Zell

Painting and Wallcovering:

Butch Zang

Tile:

Dean Sorem

Landscaping:

Jeff Timm

Woodworking:

David Munkittrick

Heating and Cooling:

Robin Huber, Dan Holohan

Structural Engineering:

Dave Macdonald

Kitchen and Bath Design:

Mary Jane Pappas

Interior Design:

Katherine Hillbrand, Susan Moore

Copyright 2014 The Readers Digest Association, Inc.

Copyright 2014 The Readers Digest Association (Canada) Ltd.

All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner, is prohibited.

Readers Digest is a registered trademark of The Readers Digest Association, Inc. The Family Handyman is a registered trademark of RD Publications, Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual / the editors of The family handyman magazine.

Rev. and updated p. cm.

Rev. ed. of: Readers digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual. 1973.

ISBN 978-1-62145-201-0

eISBN 978-1-62145-229-4

1. DwellingsMaintenance and repairAmateurs manuals. I. Readers Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual.

TH4817.3.C626 2005

64.7dc22

2004050945

Address any comments about Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual to:

The Readers Digest Association, Inc.

Adult Trade Publishing

44 South Broadway

White Plains, NY 10601

For more Readers Digest products and subscription information, visit our websites:

www.rd.com (in the United States)

www.rd.ca (in Canada)

www.familyhandyman.com

A Note to Our Readers

All do-it-yourself activities involve a degree of risk. Skills, materials, tools and site conditions vary widely. Although the editors have made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials and methods. Always obey local codes and laws, follow manufacturers operating instructions, and observe safety precautions.

T here are two approaches to home improvement: DIY and PAP. If youre of the DIY (do-it-yourself) persuasion, you roll up your sleeves and tackle the job yourself. You know you can save money, control the schedule, learn new skills and add your own personal touches. But you may be more of a PAP (point-and-pay) person. You call the electrician or plumber, point out the problem, then pay a pro to do the work.

The truth is, most homeowners alternate between these two approachesand thats just fine. Some feel comfortable with a router but run at the sight of a dripping faucet. Others may feel confident installing a new light fixture but cringe at the thought of hanging a new exterior door.

Regardless of your approach, knowing more about the steps, tools, materials and pitfalls will help your projects go more smoothly. And know-how is what this book is all about.