4 comments about The Family Handyman: Helpful Hints : Quick & Easy Solutions / Time-Saving Tips / Tricks of the Trade (Family Handyman).

1. I recieved my first Readers Digest Helpful Hints five years ago.

   I was so impressed, I got copies for my two sons and son-in-law.

   It is something I would not want to be without.

   It really does have helpful hints found nowhere else.

   I thank you for Readers Digest Helpful Hints.

   Sam Mallett




2. I'm on my fourth copy of this book. Mine tend to vanish like the morning dew juat as my neighbors begin their spring garage cleanup. . . My bro-in-law has one as well, but he insists that the fact that my name is written in indelible SHARPIE marker on the front is just a tribute to me and my helpful nature. . . This book has more helpful hints in introduction than most do in the first 5 chapters. And it just goes on and aon and on!

   With actual real life applications for stuff you'll find lying around your garage (from old buckets to wire to old useless hose), this book is a true boon for anyone looking to clean up their act (and their garage) and make the time they have to spend on projects less of a fight to just keep the cords straight!

   I highly recommend this book for anyone that knows they own at least 4 tape measures, but can't find one to save their lives!

   Well worth the cost, and as well constructed as the book is, it will last a lifetime!




3. When it comes to home repairs, I am all thumbs. I've had leaky faucets and toilets for years. Patching drywall, fixing locks, and replacing glass in windows used to require a call for professional help. Until I bought this book. It contains easy to follow, step by step directions with terrific pictures. I've saved hundreds of dollars since purchasing it. Simply terrific!



4. If you're AT ALL inclined to do your own work around the house, books of this type pay for themselves several times over. Just one repair you read about in this book and do yourself will pay for the entire cost of the purchase. Excellent investment, even for the novice. Instructions are clear and easy to follow.

5 comments about The Original Basement Waterproofing Handbook.

1. I wish I had read this book before I had signed contracts with the basement waterproofing company, 'cause I might have negotiated a much better price. However, reading this book before they come to do the job still gave me huge befenits. I was not afraid of their jargon any more, and at times, I pointed out that they were not doing things the best way, and they corrected it. At the end of the day, they told my wife: "Your hushband knows a lot about basement!" I believe that is the kind of knowledge you want to have when you have someone working in your basement. This is THE book to have.



2. As a senior homeowner/maintainer, I found the basement handbook just a compilation of ideas well known by me.
   
   Probably a good book for newcomers...



3. I couldn't be happier with my purchase of this book. Compared to few other books I bought for waterproofing, this one is much comprehensive. It gives you steps to follow for different systems. Best of all, Jack is extremely knowledgeable and helpful on the phone and email. He can't be doing this for money, it must be for passion!



4. Jack's book is the easiest and most understandable book I've ever read that deals with a home project. He gives you ideas and information that may be left out by a contractor. Also, he provides his contact information so you can ask him questions about your problem (and he's quick to respond). I would recommend this book to anyone and I know it will give me more confidence when I start talking to contractors.



5. An excellent, informative book explaining all aspects of basement repair (even for nonstandard basements like ours). If you are going to spend thousands of dollars on your basement, buy this book first to understand what your specific basement problems and solutions are. If you have any lingering questions, the author encourages you to contact him. We emailed the author our questions and he responded with prompt, thoughtful advice that was very helpful. After reading the book and contacting the author, we now understand the necessary repairs and will make sure we pick a knowledgeable contractor. This book is a must-have if your basement is in trouble!

No comments about Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: with 350 Projects and 2000 Photos (Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide).

5 comments about The Septic System Owner's Manual.

1. If you want to know what are the various kinds of septic systems and how they work, this is a good book. If you have a problem and want to know how to diagnose or solve it, you'll be disappointed. Overall message on how to maintain a septic system seems to be, "the less you use it, the better." Index is inadequate.



2. This book has been really helpful to me as a planning commissioner in trying to analyze our local ordinances as most of our county is rural with homes served by well and septic systems. It has been very helpful in allowing me to understand how it all works (or should work when all is well).



3. As a practicing Environmental Health Specialist and homeowner with an onsite sewage disposal system, I can say with some authority that these authors know their s***. As a former Bug owner I can also say that the drawings by Peter Aschwanden, who got you through your first VW repair in Muir's classic, don't hurt one bit. Somehow car repair and septic repair gets your hands really dirty, in a Zen-like way. But I'll stop there before I dig too deep.
   
   It's all here for the novice: standard gravity fed drainfields, septic tank sizing, gravel-less trenches, alternative and gray water systems, frequency of tank pumping, what not to dump down the drain, designing your own system, and the history of septic systems.
   
   For $6 used you'll learn enough to avoid the ultimate nightmare: a failing septic in the winter. And even if that occurs, you'll know how to keep from giving your hard-earned buck to that "Waste of Time" Septic Engineer in the yellow pages.



4. Informative with basic information for those who have or are new to the world of septic tank maintenance. Could save you lots of money and headache over the life of your tank.
   Fun chapter on history of waste disposal systems throughout the progress of civilization. Also, some political background if you are being forced to make a change in your system that works -- the septic tank. It's worth the price even though much of the information can also be found searching the Internet but who has that much time?



5. This book is THE cookbook for septic systems. If you want to do it yourself or want to do your homework prior to having one put in or if you just want to know everything you wanted to know about septic systems but were afraid to ask, this is the book for you. It is well illustrated and easy to read and understand. I have put in several septic systems and have found this to be the best reference guide out there.

3 comments about Repairing Your Outdoor Power Equipment (Trade).

1. I looked at several small engine repair manuals and I was unimpressed by them. (The Haynes book is particularly disappointing) This one goes into a nice level of explanation of how something (e.g. a carburetor) works, the various types available and then how to trouble shoot it. Knowing how something works is crucial to really trouble shoot an engine.
   
   I am an engineer so I like how this book describes the items function. Obviously some level of technical understanding is necessary to really appreciate an engine manual. But if you don't have that appreciation - you probably aren't trying to fix your own engines. So if you are looking for such a book, I can easily recommend this one.
   
   The knowledge I've gained from this book has also helped with larger pieces of equipment - like full-size tractors. The older tractors (like my John Deere 3010) use the same basic components.



2. This book starts out with the simplest 2-stroke engines, explaining different carburetor setups, and goes up through more complicated 4-stroke engines. This book would be a great basis for learning about gasoline engines in general... It also has advice on general maintenance and troubleshooting. Very informative book for learning HOW these things work so that you can fix them.



3. I brought a generator over the Internet. When it came, it does not start. Sending it back for replacement will cost about $100 for shipping, also I don't have a way to pack it in its orignal shape -- since I have assembled. In addition, it is over 200 lbs -- way too heavy to box in anything I have.
   
   So I brought this book to try to make it work. I have so far able to adjust the valve to improve the compression based on reading this book. Check the fuel systems and other part. Just there is not enough information from the manufactuer or from this book to be able to tell the carburetor is good or bad, since this book is for gasoline engine and mine is a LPG/NG engine.
   
   Although reading this book did not get the engine started, it is a fine book to read. Recommeneded.

4 comments about The Complete Guide to Doors & Windows (Black & Decker).

1. Not only did it cover step by step on all doors and windows. It covered garage doors and openers. It discussed installing locks. And there was even a section on if your window won't open you do this to fix it type of stuff. Also, if you are putting in a bay window, there is a section on how to roof it. I had been looking for a help book like this for a long time. It does not bog you down in highly technical stuff.



2. I had to tear out an old, rotting window that had an old rotting air conditioner wedged into it. My fiancee and I decided to install a wider window in it's place. Oh oh. That meant tearing out the stucco exterior and plaster interior to do so! I didn't want to spend 1000 bucks (or more) to hire someone to do it and install a new window. I've never done any work like this before, and I didn't know where to begin. So I looked into getting Home Depot to do it, but they would only replace existing windows with the exact same size window for a fee of 250 dollars on top of the price of the window. So that wasn't going to work for us. I needed help! So I found this book on Amazon and decided to check it out at Home Depot, since they had the same book but for a little more.
   Well, since it was the only book that seemed to cover everything I needed to know, and I was running out of time, I decided to purchase it and put in the order for the window. Well, the window came and I got right at work at demolishing the old window and extending the opening for the new one.

   This book was GREAT! Although the book is only 300 pages, it gives you a good overview of what you need to do to get your project done. Once I started figuring out exactly what I needed to do, I could use this book as a reference on what to do to accomplish it. You see, this book does not really give you an "idiots guide" how to... it will not explain the little detail, like how to plaster a wall or how to miter cut trim for your window or door. You need to use it as a reference book and an overview of your project. You MUST read the book through and figure out what steps you need to take. For example, for me... I had to:
   1) Tear out the old window (without destroying the wall completely)
   2) Extend the opening (which means I need to know how to cut/remove stucco on the outside and plaster on the inside)
   3) Reframe the new opening to support the ceiling and new window (which also gives you ways to support the ceiling if you intend to mess around with the studs in the wall that hold up the ceiling)
   4) Install the window (different types of windows have different types of ways to install)
   5) Fix the stucco outside and plaster inside (this is where I am now)
   6) Add trim on the outside and trim on the inside (I've already read what I need to do this and have gotten the materials to finish it)

   And you know what, this book gave me great examples on how to do ALL that. BUT, I had to jump around the book to read the sections that applied to me. Remember, this book only gives you a great overview of your project. That is the ONLY reason why I gave it 4 stars. I'd like to give it 4.5. This book is very very good at giving me the information I needed and had GREAT pictures and examples. JUST MAKE SURE YOU READ THE WHOLE BOOK FIRST (skim through sections you don't need to know, but maybe look at them anyway because you may learn something useful), and then read the sections again that apply to you! If you need more details, find another suppliment book for that task. Know what you need to do first before you start any major project.
   
   And you know what, I probably saved myself $1000 doing it myself. This book more than paid for itself.




3. This book is one of the Black and Decker series. It concerns doors and windows. It has a lot of pictures. It shows each step of installing a door. It shows which tools to use and when to use them. It shows how to cut and fit the door and trim. I like it when there is a picture with a caption under it which explains what is happening in detail. Often times a two page spread would have 12 pictures with 12 captions. I think my work will look more professional now that I have read the book. I use it for reference at times. I recommend the book.



4. This review comes from a certified non-handy guy with minimal practical skills. I was fortunate enough a year ago to discover a fine window guy. As a result, we have excellent Pella window replacements in our 1930 Indiana home.
   
   I bought this book to help me with next steps: specifically, what do do about our crumbling main entrance way and our on-again, off-again internal doors. It all has charm, you understand. The problem is it only works half the time.
   
   Before I make the investment in these next steps, I want to understand my options, what portions of it I might remotely hope to do myself, what I'm in for if I hire an external expert to do the work.
   
   THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WINDOWS AND DOORS has helped me on every one of those fronts. In addition, it's just a handsome book with lots of good illustrations and well-written text.
   
   We're not talking Dostoyevsky here. You'll need to go elsewhere for great literature. But I doubt the old Russian was much good with windows and doors, anyway.
   
   This book is a keeper.

4 comments about Ultimate Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Ultimate Guide).

1. I should have gone to Lowe's or some place and flip through this book. The book cover numerous topic, but only skims the surface on them. You could find all the information in this book across the Internet for free. But if you want something in your hand and all together then spend your money.



2. This is a very helpful book for new home owners and gives great tips for everything from painting to doing electrical and plumbing work!



3. Take a geniune interest in home improvement, add a basic understanding of projects and then this book - the result is many more finished projects around the house.
   
   Easy to understand, thorough, and great marriage of text and photo. Since purchasing, my husband and I have plumbed in a new kitchen and laundry room, replaced our knob-and-tube wiring with updated wiring and numerous other improvements to our 120-year-old house.



4. This is a good book, but not very detailed. However, no one book can cover all the intricacies of home improvement and construction. So it's best to try to look at the book you're thinking of buying before you purchase it. Try a bookstore or library or home improvement store, if possible. I have purchased the following books that are available at Amazon and found them to be very helpful to me:
   
   Ultimate Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Ultimate Guide);
   
   Do It Yourself Home Improvement: Step by Step Guide to Home Improvement;
   
   New Complete Guide to Home Repair & Improvement (Better Homes & Gardens);
   
   Encyclopedia of Home Maintenance & Repair (Wm. P. Spence) - This is a black & white book, but has very good explanations, especially of electrical.
   
   Popular Mechanics When Duct Tape Just Isn't Enough: Quick Fixes for Everyday Disasters (Popular Mechanics) - This is kind of a "Hints from Heloise" for the home fix'r up'r.

2 comments about Working Windows, 3rd: A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows.

1. This book covers the restoration to working condition of various types of windows found in old homes. The information is presented in a clear, easy to follow format. Unlike most books of this type it is written so well that it is fun to read even if you don't want to fix windows. The author has a great sense of humor and I often found myself laughing out loud and learning at the same time.



2. This book was very helpful in showing how to repair old windows. It is geared mostly to windows that have pulleys and weights however. Mine have friction brakes on the side so that part wasn't helpful, but there was a lot of other good info.

2 comments about How to Fix Everything For Dummies.

1. It's incredibly lame for amazon to require a comment in this field in order to accept a rating. 4 stars is 4 stars. deal with it, amazon!



2. I bought this as a reference to help out since I am a new homeowner. So far any minor problems I have encountered have been covered by the material in the book. I would recommend it to anyone as a useful guide to keep on hand.

4 comments about Bungalow Details Interior.

1. In her Bungalow books Jane Powell has come close to inventing a new genre: the architectural book that is actually fun to read. The latest (Bungalow Details:Interior)is no exception. The illustrations by Linda Svendsen are stellar, as always, but sometimes I think they distract from the best part: Ms. Powell's writing. Jane Powell manages to combine extraordinary erudition with a real sense of fun, two things that virtually never go together. Her knowledge is encyclopedic, her humor unending, her love of puns totally scandalous. She is also wise, with a real sense of what should and should not be done with old houses and the resources they represent. The writings in her Bungalow (and Linoleum) books deserve to be excerpted and presented in a smaller, less expensive edition: the Sayings of Chairman Jane, if you will, devoid of distracting pictures. I highly recommend this and all of her books.



2. If you are interested in restoration this is a WONDERFUL book! Both of my daughters have purchased homes built around 1920-1927. They are using this book as their bible!



3. The reader might well develop a relationship with this book. Jane Powell takes you on an in-depth tour of the American bungalow. As she talks, her writing is conversational, the details are often interrupted with a pun, other humor, or an outburst revealing her biases. Readers who are looking for an academic study should go elsewhere. This is an enjoyable light-hearted "Open House" without a salesperson but rather a builder-decorator-owner. Powell knows this subject from being there and having done that. Behind her puns you find a seriousness based on an emotional bonding with bungalows. If the reader is thinking about rehabbing a bungalow this book is a necessity. If the reader has rehabbed a house meet a friend.



4. I loved the author's sense of humor... very candid about what IS acceptable for a truely historically accurate home... although my 1914 home was remodeled by not-so-accurate "carpenters." I loved the pictures (so many rooms that look like mine!). Great for ideas, but remember this is not a DIY book. Just a pretty picture book.