The Skinny on Smart Lights Smart lights let you control a bulb remotely via an app on your phone, through a smart speaker or even by talking to them. You can program when the lights go on and off, change a bulb’s color as well as find your own creative uses (more on this later). Here are a few things to consider when choosing which smart lights are right for you....
Does anyone remember the song Cat Scratch Fever, by Ted Nugent? It was released in 1977 and in 2009, VH1 named it the 32nd best rock song of all time. But, we digress. No matter how much you love your cat(s), if they are tearing up your furniture, it’s time to find a solution. We’re here to help. Do All Cats Scratch Furniture? Scratching is a normal aspect of cat behavior....
philmillster/Shutterstock There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to planting grass seed. There are different rules to follow whether you’re seeding for the first time or reseeding problem areas of your lawn. So how long does it take for grass seed to grow? Well, that depends on where you live and the type of grass you’re trying to grow. It also depends on some factors out of your control, such as sunlight, ground temperature and moisture....
DragonImages/Getty Images The social distancing required to slow the spread of the coronavirus creates challenges for an industry accustomed to on-site consultations and face-to-face appointments. The difficult conditions are changing operations in the building and remodeling trades. But as these contractors demonstrate, the game can still go on. Benefits of a Virtual World At Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration in New Prague, Minn., several years ago Slavik saw the potential to make virtual estimates a time-saving part of his business....
Kinetic sand has become an incredibly trendy DIY project. It gets parents and kids involved and working together. Follow our step-by-step instructions for how to make kinetic sand below and you will be playing with this cool creation in an hour. What is Kinetic Sand? Kinetic sand mimics the physical properties of wet sand but will never dry out. It looks and feels like normal sand but can be molded to any shape....
There’s nothing like a summer night gathered around a campfire or hanging on the porch, enjoying the cool breeze after a long hot day. The only downside? Mosquitoes! Those pesky bugs can easily ruin a fun summer night. For National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, get your yard in shipshape for all those long summer evenings outdoors. By doing a bit of preventive mosquito care now, you can enjoy your outdoor space into the evenings....
ADT is a well-known security system brand that’s been in business for 140 years. Still, you may not know what to expect when shopping for one of their systems. Here’s everything you need to know before deciding on an ADT security system. How Does an ADT Security System Work? An ADT system includes motion detectors and sensors that activate if doors or windows are opened. If someone tries to break in, a loud alarm goes off and a signal is sent to one of six ADT monitoring centers across the U....
Backyard birders are always looking for fresh ways to attract their favorite birds. A new bird feeder can help. Read on to learn all about suet feeders and the birds they attract. What Is a Suet Feeder? Suet feeders are a style of bird feeder that allows birds to peck at a solid chunk of food. They often consist of a square wire cage and a suet cake, but there are other styles which we’ll discuss below....
It’s hard enough to leave the comfort of your home for work. Leaving for extended periods and vacations? Now that’s downright anxiety-inducing. Stop spending hours stressing about the state of your home when you’d rather be relaxing—these home security camera deals alleviate your worries and save you money. Best Security Camera Deals Blink Mini Indoor Camera via merchant On This Page Mount this mini camera from Blink in the front hall or point it out a window to the front porch....
When my sister bought her first house, her new neighbors told her that in fall, after raking up leaves, the previous owner would get up on a ladder and pull the last of the leaves off the trees. This way, they wouldn’t fall on her pristine leaf-free lawn. On the other hand, social media is full of people who claim you should “leave the leaves” and everything else in the garden so insects have a place to overwinter....
Are you a busy DIYer who struggles to find the time to make it to the gym? Well, a recent study out of the United Kingdom found a lot of the work required by DIY and construction projects might be more than enough exercise to supplement your gym schedule. The study looked at how many calories people in the trades burn hourly while performing their daily tasks. They compared that to the number of calories the average person burns during traditional workouts....
Like other machines, lawn mowers need regular maintenance to work optimally. Keeping the blade sharp, changing the oil every 50 hours of use (or once a season) and cleaning underneath the mower deck to prevent grass buildup are all important parts of mower ownership. But even diligent mower owners eventually deal with failed parts that need replacement. Learn the benefits of making mower repair a DIY job, and which parts you can probably replace on your own with a little know-how....
via amazon.com If you’re ready to add a patio dining set to your outdoor living space, we can help you find the one that’s perfect for your lifestyle. This insightful patio dining sets buying guide helps answer your questions so you can choose a patio dining set you’ll love for years. That outdoor dinner party with friends and family that you have coming up is the perfect excuse to get started!...
Aaron Amat/Shutterstock Selling your home is a big deal. Not only are you relocating family and belongings, but you also have to be looking for a new home, at the same time. With so many things to think about and consider, it’s easy to drop the ball somewhere. So, to keep you on the right track when you sell your house, consider the following five questions. Do I need a real estate agent?...
Carhartt clothes, hats and gear are built to last while maintaining style. Stocking up on Carhartt workwear typically requires an investment—but not right now! Through January 17, shop the winter Carhartt sale and score 25% off hundreds of items. As Family Handyman’s Sales Editor, I can safely say that Carhartt sales happen so infrequently that any chance to save is worthy of celebration. Shop major markdowns on the best durable workwear for all seasons, genders and sizes before the sale ends....
Bananas may be a nearly perfect food with their handy packaging and versatility, but they generate a lot of waste. More than one-third of a banana’s weight is in the peel. Wouldn’t it be great to get something beneficial out of it? It’s not a far-fetched idea. Banana peels can be used for animal feed and blended into smoothies (wash them first — banana production is pesticide-heavy). Industrious vegans even make banana-peel “carnitas....
Family Handyman Easy Mulch Spreading Getting mulch up close to flowers and bushes is easier if the mulch is in a small container. So I place buckets and pails in my wheelbarrow and fill them up with mulch. It doesn’t matter much if the mulch misses the bucket and lands in the wheelbarrow. Once you’re done dumping the buckets, dump what’s left in the wheelbarrow in an open area and spread it out....
Our Home Editor gave them a whirl and found impressive results on her family car and work pickup truck. What are Chemical Guys Microfiber Towels? Bryce Gruber for Family Handyman On This Page A set of brightly-hued Chemical Guys microfiber towels is easily one of the best car accessories for anyone who likes to keep a clean, shiny car. They’re long-lasting microfiber cleaning tools that offer scratch-free, lint-free and swirl-free cleaning....
Your tires, plus the brake and suspension systems that work in harmony with them, comprise your car’s most essential safety systems. Keeping a watchful eye on tire wear can help ensure your safety and that of your passengers. The section of tire that touches the road is called the contact patch or footprint, and it’s designed to match the size and weight of your vehicle. Surprisingly, the contact patch isn’t much larger than the palm of your hand....
Summer may be coming to an end, but many parts of the country will still need air conditioning well into the fall. Mindful of utility bills, some of you may be wondering, “What’s the most efficient way to use my air conditioning?” Two professors and one Ph.D student at the University of Colorado, all engineers, tried to determine whether shutting off your air conditioning during the day when you’re not home actually saves money....
