Garage Door Quick Release Lock installation

For detached garage, it is quite common that there is no entrance door, rather the only entrance is through the garage door.  In the event when electricity is out, the garage opener would not work.  A manual way is needed to lock and to open the door.  The Garage Door Quick Release lock is for this purpose.  This lock allows you to open the garage door from the outside, so, you can still get to your car even when electricity is out, in case of emergency.

 

In this video, Dave shows us how to install the Garage door quick release lock.  Also, how to use it, and how to open the garage door using the release latch from inside the garage.

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Quick Tip: Checking the Bathroom / Dryer Vent with Bird Guard

We recently moved to an older house.  While it is important to check the major items, some of the minor details are also crucial to make sure things are working properly.  One of which is the bathroom outside vent.  The vent itself is working good, however, the outside cover is broken on one of them.  

The bathroom vent is important for good ventilation in the bathroom so no humidity is trapped, to prevent mold growth.  When purchasing the outside vent, it is good to consider the ones with the bird guard.  Bird prevents bird and bugs from getting inside the house.

In this video, Dave shows us how to check the vent, and replace one of the vent cover.

 Ad Shop Bathroom / Dryer vent on Amazon!   

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Lutron Caseta Wireless In-wall Dimmer Smart Light Switch Installation

There are many options for smart light switch solution.  Dave picked the Lutron Caséta Wireless in-wall dimmer smart light switch for our home.  Several things he looks for while researching, reliability, good quality, and multiple connecting & controlling options.

The Lutron Caséta Wireless in-wall dimmer smart light switch can be controlled through their app on any smart phone / devices.  It is compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Homekit.   So, controlling the lights can be as easy as a voice of command!  This dimmer light switch works with any dim-able light, including LED.   This project takes about an hour.  Very easy installation.

 Ad Shop LED Light on Amazon!

   

Ad Shop Smart Light Switch on Amazon!

So, why a smart light switch?  Well, one usage is so you don't have to get up from the couch to control the lighting using voice command feature.

Another reason is the ability of controlling the light remotely.  This is especially helpful when we need to double check if we turned off the light before leaving home.  Also, the away mode is helpful when you want to have the light turn on and off automatically while you are not home.   

Another feature is the auto detection of your phone when you come home.  The light would turn on automatically.  That way, you don't have to find the switch!

This project takes about an hour.  Very easy installation.  Here is a step by step video of the installation process of the smart light switch, also, set-up for the smart phone app.   

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How to install Kohler Bathroom Sink Widespread Faucet

Dave's mother-in-law moved in a very nice place, but the faucets are old.  What an opportunity to help out and make a video of it (his wife forced him to :D)  All jokes aside, it wasn't a hard project but it took about 4 hours.  The hard part was to get the old faucet out.  

The one we used is the water saving model -  KOHLER K-R76216-4D-BN Rubicon Widespread Bathroom Sink Lavatory Faucet, Vibrant Brushed Nickel.

Here are some tips for this project… When shopping for faucets, make sure to pick the one that fit the existing holes of the sink.  The handles for the widespread ones are separated, the exact measure is not too crucial.  However, for the center-set model, measure to match the existing holes of the sink.  

Another consideration if how far the faucet stick out to the sink, and how tall the faucet is.  This is mostly personal preference.  Depending on the type of sink, and how the water is filled, how far the faucet is to the bottom of the sink could mean how the water might splash.

Tools that you want to have ready for this project includes crescent wrench, screw driver, adjustable pliers.  In this video, you will see that Dave used a small hacksaw to cut the old faucet in order to remove it.  The old faucet was too rusty, so he ended up cutting it to get it out.  To remove soap scum, razor blade scraper and ajax powder would be helpful.  Also, to seal the faucet to the sink, have some plumbers putty handy.  



Also, since the project requires going down underneath the sink, be careful with the back and the position when working on the project.  Get the Plumber's pillow, that's good support for the back.  While this could be done by one person, it definitely be better to have two people working on this project.

In this video, Dave shows us detailed step-by-step instruction on how to remove the old faucet and installing the new Kohler widespread faucets.  

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How to Fix the Sink Pop-up Drain Stopper

Fixing the sink pop-up drain stopper is an easy DIY project.   When the drain stopper would not pop-up anymore, it could be an indication that that ball rod has worn out, and need replacement.  

In this video, Dave is showing us this simple method of to fix this problem using the universal pop-up drain ball rod kit.  (See this on Amazon).  

  

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Quick DIY Installation for Hinge Pin Door Stop

When our walk-in closet door is opened, it could hit the shelf behind it.  Since there is no wall backing the door when the door is opened, we need to have a solution for some kind of door stop.  In situation like this, a single Hinge Pin Door Stop is the simple solution.  Installation is super easy.  No drilling holes to the wall or the door, takes a few minutes to install.  

In this video, Dave is showing us this simple method of installing the Hinge Pin door stop.  

The hardware used in the video is purchased at Home Depot.  Here is the link for it. 




There are other ones sold on Amazon too, check them out here!

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