Month: October 2016

The Ryobi CS30 is a curved-shaft, gasoline-powered trimmer meant for residential landscape trimming and weed control. The head is connected to the motor by a flexible beam. The drive shaft tubing includes a connector about midway along its length that allows you to replace the lower half and quickly convert the trimmer to your brush cutter or edger. The upper region of the shaft connects to the clutch drum, which can cause the trimmer head to turn sporadically or stall once it wears out. To replace the drum, you need to separate the beam from the motor. Lay the trimmer on a workbench and pull the cable off the spark plug to prevent an accidental start-up. Unscrew the four screws holding the rotating shaft tube to the trimmer, employing a T-25 screwdriver. Separate the rotating shaft, and pull it into out an inch or two away from the motor. Disconnect…

A sheer swag is a wander of filmy color or cloud-white vapor topping a window. It functions best with light, flowing curtains or drapes in a delicate, romantic room. Pastel voile, chiffon or another sheer fabric or net — material that doesn’t possess a “straight” or “wrong” side — is suitable for a sheer swag since both sides are visible in the light. There are various methods to design a swag, from the simplest curve of drape over a curtain rod to your fancier rosette-gathered treatment. The secret is to tweak and arrange the folds so they drop correctly. Measure the width of the window and the dip length to get a tail of fabric on each side. Add extra yardage for a drape; let the tape measure drape to the lowest point of the swag to estimate how much extra fabric a drape will require. A double-rosette swag needs…

When it comes to types of countertops, you won’t want for options — you can cover your counters with everything from affordable laminate to timeless tile. In 2013, ConsumerReports.org estimated that replacing 56 square feet of countertop may range from approximately $560 to over $5,000; it is a massive investment that needs a lot of research. While the option of greatest bang for the buck finally depends on your individual preferences, budget and demands, know the pros, cons and costs of basic countertop types to make a well-informed choice. The Laminate Route Laminate typically offers the most inexpensive countertop alternative, clocking in at about $10 per square foot, according to 2013 figures from ConsumerReports.org. Laminate comes in plenty of colors, textures and patterns — like a few that mimic rocks along with much more expensive countertop surfaces — and also is easy to install, clean and maintain. While general-grade laminate…