Install Hvac Registers

Air conditioning registers are the termination point of the HVAC system. The grills and registers are the only portion of the HVAC system seen within your home. Mastering the art of installing a register in a finished ceiling will give you a better understanding of the installation process as a whole. You will then be able to adapt the installation process to new construction, which is less complicated, but uses many of the same techniques.

Instructions

1. Locate the center of the room that requires the register. Measure the length and width of the room. Divide each measurement by two to find the room's center-lines. Mark both center-lines on the drywall ceiling.

2. Mark the length and width of the register outlet opening using the room center-lines as the center-lines for the register. Scan the marked area with the stud finder. If you locate a ceiling joist within the register location, move the location 2 inches to the side of the joist.

3. Layout the cut lines for the register with the framing square. Insert the keyhole along one side of the air conditioning register opening. Cut along the line. When you reach the corner, re-insert the keyhole saw to cut the next line. Continue to cut until the drywall is free from the ceiling.

4. Climb into the attic. In the attic you will need the grill box, light gauge angle, aviation snips, tape measure, permanent marker, drill with the 9/64th drill bit, #2 Phillips screw tip, pop-rivets, pop-rivet gun, and 2 inch wood screws.

5. Lay the grill box in the joist cavity, over the hole you cut in the ceiling. Measure the distance between the ceiling joists. Measure in from the end of the angle 1 1/2 inches and place a mark. With the aviation snips, cut one side of the angle from the angles raw edge to the angle's bend. Place the end of the angle with the cut against the joist. Press against the joist with the angle. The angle will bend closed. Measure over from the closed end.

6. Place a mark that is equal to the distance between the ceiling joists. Place another mark 1 1/2 inches past that mark. Cut off the excess angle with the aviation snips. Perform the same procedure to close the end of the angle as described earlier. Make a second angle in the same fashion as you fabricated the first angle.

7. Align the angles on either side of the grill box. Mark the location of the grill box on both angles. Use the locking pliers to secure the angles to the grill box. Drill two holes in each angle, 1 inch in from each end of the grill box and 1/2 of an inch down from the raw top edge of the angle. Insert a 1/8th inch pop-rivet into each hole. Replace the assembly into the joist cavity. Secure the closed ends of each angle to the ceiling joists with the 2 inch wood screws.

8. Insert the grill into the hole in the ceiling from inside the room to be air conditioned. Drill a 9/64th hole at each hole in the register's mounting flange. Insert one of the supplied finish screws into each drilled hole. Tighten the screws with the Phillips screwdriver. Caulk around the register's flange with the latex caulk. Smooth the caulk with your finger to create a seamless finish appearance to the register.

Tags: aviation snips, ceiling joists, against joist, angle with, between ceiling

Install Armstrong Tiles

Armstrong vinyl tile is available in more than 100 designs.

Armstrong offers both vinyl sheeting and tiles -- both provide similar floor coverage but tiles are far more use friendly. In many cases, the tiles are self-adhesive which eliminates the need for potentially messy adhesive. The company offers a design for just about anyone, including nearly 70 patterns that mimic the look of natural stone. Always start with a clean surface and remove all of the furniture from your room before you begin.

Instructions

1. Use a tape measure to find the middle point on each of the four walls in your room. Mark the middle point with a pencil and then snap a chalk line between the mid-points on opposing walls. The end result will be two lines that overlap in the center of the room, creating four equal quadrants. Use a framing square to confirm that the lines create four 90 degree angles.

2. Spread adhesive over half of the room for tiles that require it. Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive and let it set per the instructions for your specific adhesive -- as a general rule, the adhesive is ready when it feels dry to the touch and does not stick to your finger. For tiles that are self-adhesive, peel back the thin piece of paper backing.

3. Start laying tiles in the center of the room, placing the corner of the first tile into one of the corners created by your chalk lines. Continue to lay the tiles in rows, filling up one quadrant entirely before moving on to the next. When working with adhesive, wait until the side with adhesive is completely tiled before starting on the other side.

4. Cut tiles to fit against the wall using a utility knife. To measure the necessary size for your tile, place a full size tile (Tile 1) over the last full tile on the ground and then place another tile (Tile 2) over Tile 1. Slide Tile 2 so that it is flush with the wall. Mark the edge of Tile 2 with a pencil -- the mark will show up on Tile 1. Cut Tile 1 along the pencil line and use it to fill the gap against the wall.

5. Roll the entire wall in both directions to secure the tile. Wait at least five days before washing the tile.

Tags: against wall, center room, middle point, Tile over, tile Tile, tile Tile over, tiles that

The Nearest Integer Function In Python

Perhaps attesting to its reputation as a powerful and flexible programming language, Python contains many internal libraries to automate common or complex computational and mathematical tasks. The "math library" contains many methods to accomplish typical calculations or operations such as rounding. However, rounding decimals in Python does not round to an integer, but a whole decimal. Converting to integers requires the use of the Python math library along with the use of some built-in conversion libraries.

Python and Rounding>>f = 5.455

>>>round(f)

5.0

>>>round(f, 2) //rounds to 2 decimals

5.46

Ceiling and Floor Methods>>import math

>>>f = 3.5

>>>g = -3.5

>>>floor(f)

3.0

>>>ceil(3.5)

4.0

>>>floor(g)

-4.0

>>>ceil(g)

-3.0

Rounding and Integers>>f = 3.5

>>>round(f)

4.0

>>>int(round(f))

4.

Example Method>>import math

>>>def integerFloor(x):

. . . return int(floor(x))

>>>def integerCeiling(x):

. . . return int(ceil(x))

>>>def rounding(x, dec):

. . . if dec == 0:

. . . return int(round(x))

. . . else:

. . . return(round(x, dec))

Tags: >>>floor >>>ceil, contains many, math library, return round

Remove A Flushmount Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are common additions to many homes. While many homeowners find these fans attractive and useful, you may want to change the light fixture. Removing a ceiling fan is typically not too difficult. Flush-mount ceiling fans do not have a down rod; they sit right next to the ceiling. This may require you to obtain a taller ladder in order to reach the final mounting bracket of the ceiling fan. If the ceiling fan is removed properly, you can install the fan in another room or sell it if it's still in good condition.

Instructions

1. Turn off power to the fan. Shut off the breaker in your home's breaker box to ensure that no power is running to the fan.

2. Unscrew the light bulbs, and loosen the screws that hold the light globes in place. Carefully pull these out and set them out of the way.

3. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the light fixture in place. Pull down on the fixture to expose the wires. Unclip the fixture from the ceiling fan.

4. Remove the fan blades by loosening and removing the screws. Place the screws in a small bag for safekeeping.

5. Pull down on the ring near the ceiling. Expose all the screws that hold the ceiling mount cover in place. Remove the screws to lower the cover, exposing the ceiling fan wires.

6. Lift up on the ceiling fan motor and let it hang on the angle attachment. Disconnect the wires by loosening the wire nuts and pulling apart the wires. Lift up on the motor and remove it from the angle attachment.

7. Use the screwdriver to loosen and remove the flush-mount bracket from the light box. This should be the final part of the ceiling fan removal process.

Tags: screws that, screws that hold, that hold, angle attachment, hold light, light fixture, Pull down

Decorate With Palm Leaves

Brighten up a cold winter's day by decorating with a tropical twist using palm leaves. Palm trees grow in warm climates and have wide leaves that are perfect for decorating. Romans hailed their victors by waving palm branches, Christians use palm branches to remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and those who follow Judaism connect the palm with prosperity and peace. Fresh palm leaves are beautiful accents in floral displays and are easily woven into designs that remain beautiful even after drying.

Instructions

1. Complement your living room decor by purchasing several synthetic palms trees, displaying different types of leaves. The synthetic trees hold their color longer than natural trees and don't require any care. Some of the most popular palm leaves and trees include the Canary date palm, the Raphis palm, the Areca palm and the Kentia palm.

2. Celebrate Christianity by decorating your home with palm leaves shaped into a cross. A quick and simple method of doing this is to cut your palm leaf in half then use your fingernail to place two slits in one palm leaf, about 1/4 of the way down. Take the other palm leaf and weave it through the slits.

3. Make an eye-catching floral arrangement using plaited palm fronds. Plait, or braid, the palm leaves by bending down the leaf at the top. Pick up the uppermost leaf on the right and bend it over the folded leaf so it is now the middle leaf, then take the uppermost leaf on the left and bend it over the middle leaf so it is now the middle. Repeat this pattern, folding right then left until the leaves are all plaited.

4. Design animal figures out of palm leaves that you can use to add whimsical touches to your car or abode. Some popular designs are palm leaf insects such as grasshoppers, and palm leaf birds, and you can find books with these designs in most bookstores.

5. Add the beautiful sun palm to a dried flower arrangement. The long leaves arch gracefully and have a beautiful blue-gray/greenish color.

6. Decorate your outdoors by using your own distinctive palm leaf thatch. The hand-woven palm leaves offer a tropical decorative twist in pool bars, roofs, umbrellas and wall hangings. You can purchase palm leaf thatch supplies from specialty shops on the web (See Reference 2).

7. Consider surrounding yourself with the beauty of the palm leaf by decorating your home with palm leaf ceiling fans, palm leaf wallpaper and palm leaf artwork.

Tags: palm leaf, palm leaves, bend over, decorating your, decorating your home, home with, home with palm

Change Light Bulbs On Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans equipped with light fixtures are a perennially popular way to add overhead lighting to a home while getting a good breeze started. The light fixtures are essentially of two types: bulbs screwed into tulip frosted glass shades, and bulbs inside or underneath a glass shade or enclosure. Whichever fixture is attached to your fan, changing a burnt-out bulb should not take more than a minute.

Instructions

1. Change bulbs in a tulip-shade fixture by unscrewing the bulb with one hand while holding the tulip shade with the other to prevent it from coming loose from the housing. Use a stepladder, not a chair or table, to stand on.

2. Check the tightening screws around the tulip shade and tighten if the shade wiggles or feels loose. Glass shades can loosen over time from the movement of the fan.

3. Replace the bulb in an enclosed glass shade by placing one hand underneath the shade to catch it if the glass falls while you are removing it.

4. Loosen the tightening knobs that hold the lip of the glass shade to the metal housing of the ceiling fan. The shade should come off easily once all the knobs have been unscrewed about halfway.

5. Replace the bulbs and place the glass shade back into position, easing the lip into the metal fixture.

6. Tighten the knobs evenly all around the shade. Don;t screw one knob all the way in, then another, and so forth. Tighten each one a bit at a time to ensure the shade is seated evenly in the fixture and can't accidentally fall to the floor.

Tags: glass shade, light fixtures, tulip shade

What Color To Paint A Basement Ceiling

You love your basement, but sometimes lighting is an issue. Certain areas of your basement are dark, and artificial lighting isn't illuminating the space correctly. Your basement's ceiling may be the reason why the space is dark and gloomy. You should paint the ceiling a light color so light is reflected and not absorbed. A dark colored ceiling absorbs light, so repaint it with a high-quality paint to make the space brighter and appear larger.

The Best Ceiling Color

Paint your basement ceiling a shade of white like an egg-shell, a faint beige or Onyx White. Visit a paint store or home improvement center, and pull several paint chips of various degrees of white paint. Bring the paint chips home to see which shade of white works best with your basement's decor. Over 100 different shades of white are available. For example, Benjamin Moore Paints has over 130 shades of white in its palette. You don't have to paint the ceiling "pure white," but paint the ceiling with a light color based on white.

Accessories to Enhance the Ceiling Color

After painting your basement's ceiling a shade of white, use artificial lighting to enhance the space when natural lighting is not available. If the basement is used as a playroom, office or shop space, use task lighting that has bright energy-efficient bulbs. If the space is a home theater, a bedroom or other living area, use soft energy-efficient lighting. Also use track lighting, stoplights and other lights that focus light on a certain area to bounce light off the ceiling and make the basement brighter. If the basement only has one window, use artificial lighting on the opposite end of the space to brighten it. If the basement has a window or another source of natural lighting (like a door with window panes), use thin curtains to cover the light source so the natural lighting can flow into the area.

Other Ceiling Colors

If you don't find a shade of white you like, pale pastel colors will also work. Choose a pale blue, a faint green and other colors that are light. Stay away from reds, blacks, browns, purples and other colors that absorb light. Use dark colors as an accent, but keep them off the basement ceiling.

Tags: shade white, your basement, artificial lighting, basement ceiling, natural lighting

What Are Ceiling Tile Security Clips

Ceiling security clips are designed to deter access from one office or one part of a commercial building---often office buildings---to another through the crawl space between the structural ceiling and the drop ceiling. With residential framing and drywall construction methods producing solid ceilings, it would be difficult to move from one room to another through the ceiling. But drop ceilings present a specific security risk. Ceiling security clips fasten acoustic ceiling tiles so they are held in place by the clip and cannot be lifted from above, in the crawl space, but only from below in a lockable office.

Drop Ceilings

Drop ceilings are used almost exclusively in commercial structures and office buildings. Often steel girder construction with structural steel floor/ceiling members are hidden by a false or "drop ceiling." The drop ceiling serves multiple purposes, including providing acoustic-damping properties. But it also creates a space to route infrastructure such as plumbing, duct work, wiring and cable. Typical drop ceilings are constructed by hanging a metal grid from the structural ceiling. In each bay, an acoustic tile is held in place by gravity alone.

Curtain Walls

Commercial construction techniques often use trusses, which eliminate internal load-bearing walls. This creates a "shell" that is built out to tenant specifications. This often results in adjacent offices and adjacent suites of different businesses that are separated by a solid door, with only a cosmetic ceiling.

Acoustic Panels

An acoustic tile could easily be lifted in one office from below, allowing access to another office or suite by lifting an acoustic tile from above. The tiles themselves are lightweight and would not hold the weight of a human. But a person could gain access to an office or suite directly adjacent through the tiles. Or, once in the crawl space, a person might be able to navigate by walking on top of the nonbearing divider walls.

HIPPA

In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (commonly referred to as HIPPA) was passed into law, with a number stages to be phased in over time. Although HIPPA specifically references the insurance industry, it affects many industries that store sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers. HIPPA created a new culture and awareness of security; it also created an industry of HIPPA compliance experts who educated businesses about their business exposure under HIPPA and in general. This environment of security-conscious commerce has made fertile ground for products such as security clips.

Tags: acoustic tile, ceiling drop, crawl space, drop ceiling, security clips

Repair Holes In Drywall Ceilings

Drywall Repair in Progress

Drywall is a building material made of gypsum, water and sand pressed between sheets of heavy paper. Used to create walls, ceilings and other architectural features, this product is one of the most versatile and widely used materials in the construction industry. While drywall that is correctly installed can be expected to last for many years, this product can be subject to cracks or holes due to installation errors or sharp impacts. Fortunately, repairing a hole in a drywall ceiling is simple, and can be completed in just a few hours using only basic tools.

Instructions

1. Cover the furniture and floor under the damaged area with drop cloths or plastic before you begin. This will make cleanup easier and prevent drywall sand from getting onto furniture.

2. Use a utility knife to cut out a square or rectangular section of drywall from the ceiling. The section you cut should encompass the entire damaged area. This is done because a square section is easier to replace than an irregularly shaped one.

3. Place the square or rectangular section you removed on top of a fresh sheet of drywall. Trace around the cut out piece with a pencil, then use your utility knife to cut out a new piece of drywall that is the same size as the one you removed.

4. Set the new piece of material into the hole in the ceiling and screw it in place, making sure to secure the screws into the studs or support beams.

5. Cover the seams of the patched area with a layer of self-adhesive drywall tape. Use a putty knife to cover the tape with a thin layer of joint compound.

6. Wait four hours for the joint compound to dry. Then apply a second coat that is a few inches wider than the first.

7. Allow four hours for the second coat to dry. Then sand the patched area until it is smooth and even with the rest of the ceiling.

8. Apply a coat of touch-up paint as necessary to complete the project.

Tags: area with, damaged area, drywall that, four hours, joint compound, patched area, rectangular section

Replace The Glass Cover On A Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fan glass covers are almost always easy to replace.

Depending on the type of fan you own, the procedure for replacing your ceiling fan's glass cover may vary from fan to fan. Luckily, replacing the glass cover on your ceiling fan is easily done by first locating an adequate replacement cover and then switching it out with the old one. In some cases, you may want to update your fan with a new-styled glass cover to either enhance or change the look of your fan as well.

Instructions

1. Determine whether your ceiling fan's glass shade is shaped like a cup or shaped like a bowl. These are the two designs common in nearly all ceiling fans that utilize glass covers.

2. Use a flat-head screwdriver or simply try turning each of the screws that are holding the cup-shaped cover in place. You won't have to remove the screws completely; just loosen them up enough so that the glass cover easily slides off.

3. Replace the cup-shaped glass cover with the new cover and tighten the screws by turning them clockwise.

4. Twist off the bottom knob of the glass cover if you're dealing with a bowl-shaped shade. This knob is usually plastic and should reveal another nut and washer that are holding the cover in place.

5. Use pliers or a small, adjustable wrench to remove the nut and washer. Be careful to hold onto the glass cover to keep it from falling on you. Remove the old cover, put the new one in place and hold it up while you tighten the nut and washer.

Tags: glass cover, cover place, your ceiling, ceiling glass, glass covers, shaped like, that holding

Cool A House In The Tropics

Learn keep your tropical home cool.

Keeping cool in the tropics is no small task. The high humidity inhibits natural evaporation of sweat from the skin. This makes the task of keeping a house in the tropics cool a game of air movement. While air conditioning is available, it is expensive to run and wasteful in comparison to the structural and behavioral adjustments you can make even on a budget.

Instructions

1. Insulate your roof and outer walls. The Australian government recommends reflective insulation systems that have a reflective foil which will "minimize heat gain during the day and maximize heat loss at night."

2. Paint the house a light, reflective color. The lighter color on the walls and the roof will reflect more light and heat more than darker ones. EcoSavvy recommends using white solar roof paints to minimize heat retention.

3. Shade the exterior walls, windows and doors. Plant trees, bushes and other foliage around the perimeter of the house to add shade. Install awnings to shade windows and doors to make a significant difference in the temperature. EcoSavvy claims that creating a shady microclimate around the house can make it five to six degrees Fahrenheit cooler.

4. Maximize air currents through the house. Know where the breeze naturally comes from during the different parts of the day and open up the windows and doors to make the most of the airflow. Have at least three openings in every room to maximize airflow naturally, preferably with two of them opening up to the outside. Use ceiling fans as a way to assist air movement further.

5. Eliminate heat-radiating sources in the home. Use energy efficient lighting and appliances as they produce a lot less heat while operating than their conventional counterparts do. Perform tasks that produce a lot of heat such as cooking, washing the dishes or clothing, bathing and other such activities to the evenings once it has cooled down.

Tags: windows doors, doors make, minimize heat, windows doors make

Update Kitchen Drop Ceilings

Browsing through the decorating magazines and the web sites that feature all the newest decorating ideas? Looking around your home and thinking "If only I could update my house"? The good news is you can without breaking the budget. There are many innovative ideas and new products to update the drop ceilings in the kitchen.

Instructions

Updating Drop Ceilings

1. Clean the grid work with trisodium phosphate. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves as this product is strong and can irritate bare skin. Rinse the grid with clean water and allow time for it to dry. Sand any rust spots with sandpaper.

2. Paint the gridwork with a semi-gloss enamel that matches the color of the new PVC ceiling tiles. Spray or brush the paint onto the gridwork. Cover any furniture and the floor with drop cloths to protect them from the spray. Cover any light fixtures in the ceiling with newspaper, taping it into place. Allow time for the paint to dry.

3. Remove the existing ceiling tiles to a well-ventilated area. If the ceiling tiles are removed one row at a time, it is easier to replace them back into the ceiling grid in the correct order.

4. Apply contact cement to the entire existing tile, and to the edges and flat areas on the reverse side of the new PVC tile using either a small paintbrush or a small roller. Allow the contact cement to sit for 15 minutes to develop the right amount of tackiness. Mark the center of each tile to align the new tile properly. Attach the PVC tile to the existing tile by aligning the center marks and pressing onto the contact cement. Trim the edges of the PVC tile to the size of the existing tile with a sharp utility knife. Replace the tile in the gridwork.

Other Options for Updating Drop Ceilings

5. Snap new grid covers into place over the existing metal grids. Tilt the grid cover and slide it onto the edge of the metal grid. Push up to snap the cover into place. Grid covers are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including chrome and bronze.

6. Install new ceiling tiles, choosing either wood finishes such as oak or maple for the look of a wood ceiling or PVC-coated foam tiles that are etched to simulate a tin ceiling. These tiles can be painted by spraying or rolling paint onto the tile before installation.

7. Install crown molding or other decorative ceiling molding to complete the new look for the kitchen drop ceiling. Styrofoam moldings painted to match or contrast with the colors in the new ceilings attach with adhesives and include corner pieces for the molding to butt into, eliminating the need for mitering.

Tags: ceiling tiles, contact cement, existing tile, into place, Drop Ceilings, paint onto

Canopy A Ceiling

If you are decorating a room and want to add something dramatic but easy, you can hang a canopy across the ceiling to add a bohemian touch. The size and shape of your canopy will determine what type of look you create with it. Long canopies can be hung in parallel rows or across the corners of the room. Large, square canopies can cover the entire ceiling. No matter how you choose to style the canopy, hanging it on the ceiling can be done in the same way.

Instructions

1. Lay the canopy out on the floor directly below the area on the ceiling that you want to hang it on. If the canopy is very large and you are hanging it to cover the entire ceiling, skip this step.

2. Set out a stepladder (over the canopy, if you have spread it on the floor) and climb up until you can reach the ceiling easily and safely.

3. Look down at the canopy to see where to install your hooks. When you have a spot, screw in a round metal hook, found at hardware and home improvement stores. Install all the hooks you think you need to create the look you desire, moving the ladder around the area.

4. Retrieve the canopy and climb back up the ladder. Gather the fabric in your hands and hook one area of the canopy at a time. Use your fingers to slip the fabric over the hook to secure it to the ceiling.

Tags: cover entire, cover entire ceiling, entire ceiling, hang canopy

Tips For Refrigerator Freezers

Refrigerator freezers require some basic maintenance to stay functioning.

The freezer is the refuge for ice cream, beef, chicken and a number of other food and beverage items that are kept fresher when stored in colder temperatures. Freezers are very useful inside refrigerators, but there are common problems they can experience, such as excessive frost or leakage. Review some tips for refrigerator freezers to help prevent these issues from occurring.

Don't Overstock It

If the items in your freezer are warmer than they should be, you may be overfilling the freezer. If items are packed too tightly against each other, they actually function as insulation for each other and make it harder to cool. The air in the freezer needs to circulate throughout the freezer section and blow evenly around the objects that are being chilled. In addition, if the freezer is too full, the food could be packed against the vents and prevent the cold air from successfully entering into the freezer, resulting in melting ice cream and warm meat that could potentially go bad.

Clean Regularly

The freezer can easily get deposits of mold and food debris built up inside it if it is not cleaned regularly. While the colder temperature makes it harder for mold and bacteria to grow, it does not eliminate the possibility, and the freezer can easily become stained. Cleaning the freezer helps keep the freezer looking its best but also can improve its function as well. Empty the freezer out, and either place the items in the fridge portion temporarily or leave them on the counter or in the sink while the cleaning takes place. Spray down the freezer once a month with a mix of warm water and white vinegar in a 50:50 mix to disinfect the surfaces in the freezer, to remove frost and to clean stains and deposits.

Keep the Coils Maintained

Many of the most common problems in refrigerator freezers stem from the coils not being properly maintained. The coils are frequently located in the back of the fridge, and they are responsible for the transfer of coolant through the system. They can also overheat easily if they become covered in dust or pet hair. If the coils stop working properly, the coolant cannot be circulated through the fridge and freezer effectively. While most fridges need the coils checked and cleaned once a year, side-by side models usually require maintenance twice a year.

Tags: common problems, each other, freezer easily, refrigerator freezers

Cut Sheetrock For The Ceiling

Sheetrock is the brand or product name for generic drywall, a material used to cover the frames of most houses. This material makes up the walls, floors and ceilings of many homes, and its installation is often one of the last steps a builder takes before finishing and decorating the interior of a home. Installing Sheetrock begins with the ceiling and moves downward into the room from there. To make everything fit properly on the ceiling, installers must cut the Sheetrock to fit the space.

Instructions

1. Measure the area of the ceiling you need to cover with the Sheetrock. Measure the length and width.

2. Transfer the measurements onto the face or front side of the drywall with a pencil. Draw a line along those measured areas to create a cut line to follow.

3. Run a sharp utility knife along your cut line, slicing through the paper face of the drywall and into the core. Your knife blade should penetrate nearly halfway into the core of the Sheetrock piece. Cut along only one guideline at a time; if you have to remove some in the other direction, do so once you complete this cut.

4. Position the Sheetrock so that the scored line is facing you. Gently apply pressure to the scored line until the Sheetrock snaps all they way through to the back paper layer.

5. Turn the Sheetrock over and slice through the paper backing to completely remove one piece from the next. Repeat with any more cuts you have to make on the Sheetrock piece.

6. Examine the cut edge. If necessary, sand down any rough edges with fine grit sandpaper or a drywall rasp.

Tags: into core, scored line, Sheetrock piece, through paper

Hook Up My Old Jbl Speakers To A New Pioneer Receiver

Use your existing speakers even with a new receiver.

Make Wood Beams For A Ceiling Out Of Pine Boards

Ceiling beams provide an aura of rural charm and stability to a house. Many people who renovate older homes leave exposed ceiling beams that had been hidden for decades. If you have no beams in your house, you can make your own out of pine boards for both structural and decorative purposes. Decorative beams can be lightweight and hollow, but any beam intended for structural use needs to be solid.

Instructions

1. Cut the pine boards to a length several inches longer than the planned final length of your beam. If you have a choice, select the straightest and flattest boards that you have available.

2. Lay the first board on a flat surface, and cover its upper face with a zig-zag line of construction adhesive. Lay the second board on top of it so that their edges are even. Drive several 2-inch-long screws through the two boards to hold them together.

3. Spread construction adhesive on top of the second board, and lay a third board on top of it. Tack this third board onto the other two with several 2-inch-long screws.

4. Spread construction adhesive on top of the third board, and lay a fourth board on top of it. Drive 4-inch-long screws through all four boards to secure them permanently together.

5. Cut the assembly to the desired length with a circular saw.

Tags: construction adhesive, third board, 2-inch-long screws, adhesive second, adhesive second board, construction adhesive second

Paint Ceiling Tiles With Water Damage

Paint Ceiling Tiles With Water Damage

Painting ceiling tiles with water damage is similar to painting nearly any other household surface. The paint may cause an acoustical ceiling to lose a small amount of its sound dampening properties, but otherwise the end result will be much more attractive than water stained ceilings. Painting a water-damaged ceiling is also significantly cheaper than replacing a ceiling stained by water.

Instructions

1. Check to be sure that whatever caused the water damage has been repaired and allow the ceiling to dry completely.

2. Lay out your drop cloth on the floor under where you will be painting.

3. Pour some primer into the roller pan and use the paint roller to apply a coat of primer to the ceiling. Allow to dry overnight.

4. Use the paint roller to apply the latex paint to the ceiling, allow the first coat to dry overnight, then apply a second coat.

5. Use the paintbrush to go around any edges or spots that you cannot reach with the roller.

Tags: Ceiling Tiles, Ceiling Tiles With, Paint Ceiling Tiles, paint roller, paint roller apply, roller apply

Hook Up A Monitor Speaker To A Simple Sound System

Hooking up a monitor speaker to a simple sound system requires the sound mixer to have an auxiliary, line or monitor output. Most mixers of recent vintage will have this type of connection, but if yours does not, there is still a way to do it. Monitors are essential for performers to hear themselves and should be a basic part of every sound system. An active monitor (a speaker with built-in amplifiers) is the simplest and most compact solution, and the wiring hook-up is easy.

Instructions