# \#tools-electric-diy **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/tag/tools-electric-diy/95.md [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) --- ## [Ok plumbing people, quick(ish) question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-plumbing-people-quick-ish-question/1033350)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-plumbing-people-quick-ish-question/1033350 "2026-09-25T19:47:42Z")
I started noticing an odor around my kitchen sink (I’m in the US.) The odor is dirty, more than rotten. Almost like wet cigar ashes. It’s a double sink and both sinks drain easily. I have a garbage disposal which is work… --- ## [DIY and Hobby projects, small to big. Pictures of course](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 747\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910 "2026-09-06T02:06:48Z")
I’m starting this but please put up your own. Nice to share ideas. My craft bench is 99% reused materials and despite reinforcing it, I’m really surprised it survived the move. I needed better paint storage for it an… --- ## [Electricians: can I do this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-can-i-do-this/1032475)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-can-i-do-this/1032475 "2026-08-24T23:08:19Z")
In my 1950s-era garage, there is an ceiling outlet served by a 20A breaker that powers the garage door opener. Emerging from that surface-mounted box is a romex cable stapled to the ceiling and running down to the wall, … --- ## [Yet Another Electrical Question: Cooktops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-electrical-question-cooktops/1032278)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-electrical-question-cooktops/1032278 "2026-08-23T19:06:56Z")
OK. Let’s start with the fact that I am well aware of all the ways this is not up to code. I don’t need that lecture- I didn’t do this, and it’s been this way for literally decades. What I have: Separate electric cookt… --- ## [Fixing a shower valve](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-a-shower-valve/1032379)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2026, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-a-shower-valve/1032379 "2026-08-20T12:15:20Z")
I have a shower valve that, over the years, got pretty gummed up. It has an inner flower-like controller for temperature and an outer handle for flow level and direction (just through the hand-held, just through the ove… --- ## [Electrical Wiring: Can I cap a hot wire and leave it in a junction box above ceiling fan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-wiring-can-i-cap-a-hot-wire-and-leave-it-in-a-junction-box-above-ceiling-fan/1032222)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-wiring-can-i-cap-a-hot-wire-and-leave-it-in-a-junction-box-above-ceiling-fan/1032222 "2026-08-10T23:21:29Z")
Can I cap a hot wire and leave it in a junction box above ceiling fan? Specifically: Is it safe and to code to cap a hot line and leave it in a junction box? I think this is SOP, but want to double-check. If so, any r… --- ## [The Haunted Switch, or, has anyone seen this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-haunted-switch-or-has-anyone-seen-this/1032054)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-haunted-switch-or-has-anyone-seen-this/1032054 "2026-08-02T19:13:49Z")
I have several outdoor “water features”, controlled by a double paddle switches. Purely mechanical. old skool. They are behind outdoor waterproof covers. Similar to this Twice this week, my wife was working out there … --- ## [Bathroom light/fan with no neutral wire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-light-fan-with-no-neutral-wire/1032060)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2026, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-light-fan-with-no-neutral-wire/1032060 "2026-08-02T03:56:17Z")
I’m not sure how else to find an answer to this question: Googling is proving useless. Backstory below, with detailed question in bold afterwards. We’re in an old house, and just had an energy audit. The standout “WHAT … --- ## [Time machine, tool making question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-machine-tool-making-question/1031735)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-machine-tool-making-question/1031735 "2026-07-21T21:07:42Z")
Over in the 1000 random people thread, @mixdenny posted So, easier hypothetical, suppose you were sent back in a time machine to 10,000 years ago here on earth, how long would it take you to make a: Crescent wrench H… --- ## [Power failure-it's back on, but inconsistent-any reason why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-failure-its-back-on-but-inconsistent-any-reason-why/1031671)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2026, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-failure-its-back-on-but-inconsistent-any-reason-why/1031671 "2026-07-15T13:13:43Z")
It was out for 45 min., came back 20 min. ago. However, my lights tend to alternate between being dim and at full brightness, and my fans likewise tend to run slow. And it just went back into low power mode again just no… --- ## [Recent-ish 3D printing experiences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-ish-3d-printing-experiences/1031130)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2026, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-ish-3d-printing-experiences/1031130 "2026-07-05T17:20:19Z")
Apparently we haven’t had any threads about this since 2011 or so… anyone interested in it at all these days? Friend of mine recently sold me his used $300 3D printer (a Bambu A1), and I was blown away by how far the te… --- ## [How much power can you get from a USC-C port with just simple wiring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-power-can-you-get-from-a-usc-c-port-with-just-simple-wiring/1031252)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-power-can-you-get-from-a-usc-c-port-with-just-simple-wiring/1031252 "2026-06-29T20:59:28Z")
I set up miniature Halloween and Christmas Villages. One of the larger manufacturers is switching to having their pieces powered by USB A or C ports instead of DC barrell connections. They appear to just draw power from … --- ## [Recommendations and advice for a doorbell camera](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-and-advice-for-a-doorbell-camera/1028757)
**Author:** [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2026, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-and-advice-for-a-doorbell-camera/1028757 "2026-03-27T12:23:42Z")
After a few neighborhood incidents we’ve decided that we want to get a doorbell camera just to keep an eye on things in front of our house. I’d like to avoid a subscription service, and I have several large capacity micr… --- ## [Musk and Tesla Strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musk-and-tesla-strategy/1001427)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2026, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musk-and-tesla-strategy/1001427 "2026-03-22T05:44:19Z")
This Atlantic story (limited gift linked) made me wonder about Tesla’s long term strategy. Why would they fire their experts? Not like they can’t go elsewhere? Excerpt Take a road trip in an electric car, and you’ll … --- ## [Acoustic foam soundproofing for the home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acoustic-foam-soundproofing-for-the-home/1027178)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acoustic-foam-soundproofing-for-the-home/1027178 "2026-01-30T20:57:47Z")
I’ve decided to pick up singing again, and am taking voice lessons now. Part of my homework is practicing at home to better learn breath control, etc. Sometimes that requires singing at a normal or louder volume, but I d… --- ## [How to repair leather camera case for 1950s Rolleicord?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-repair-leather-camera-case-for-1950s-rolleicord/1026282)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2026, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-repair-leather-camera-case-for-1950s-rolleicord/1026282 "2026-01-04T00:06:46Z")
I have my father’s old camera, a Rolleicord he bought in 1955, and I’m passing it down to my nephew. It has the original leather case for it but the old leather cracked and broke. See pic below. The leather case has two… --- ## [What would happen if I plugged my 220 -\> 110 transformer into a 110 plug?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-i-plugged-my-220-110-transformer-into-a-110-plug/1023460)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2025, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-i-plugged-my-220-110-transformer-into-a-110-plug/1023460 "2025-11-05T00:08:31Z")
I have a travel transformer that I use when visiting countries with 220/240 voltage. What would happen if I plugged it into a 110 outlet? Would it output 60V? Explode? Open a rift in the space time continuum? I won’t… --- ## [DIY a catio or get a prebuilt kit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-a-catio-or-get-a-prebuilt-kit/1022415)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2025, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-a-catio-or-get-a-prebuilt-kit/1022415 "2025-10-25T20:14:35Z")
One of our summer projects is to build a catio (an enclosed wire mesh patio for the cat) around our back deck. There are numerous kits available online, as well as DIY blueprints. The kits seem to be quite expensive for… --- ## [Bedroom painting question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bedroom-painting-question/1020958)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2025, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bedroom-painting-question/1020958 "2025-07-29T18:26:24Z")
We are repainting a bedroom. Ceiling and closet high-white, same with the door and window trim. I am thinking of semi-gloss; I just don’t like the look of glossy trim and doors. The walls will probably be a light peac… --- ## [Question about a failing electric stovetop burner element](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-a-failing-electric-stovetop-burner-element/1019813)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-a-failing-electric-stovetop-burner-element/1019813 "2025-06-23T09:07:22Z")
We have an electric stove that has two two-burner cartridge inserts (for a total of 4 burners). The left side cartridge insert has large and small traditional coil-style burners, like the kind Grandma used, where the pan… --- ## [Crafty types. Will my idea work for this travel bidet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crafty-types-will-my-idea-work-for-this-travel-bidet/1019481)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2025, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crafty-types-will-my-idea-work-for-this-travel-bidet/1019481 "2025-06-11T22:01:06Z")
The below is just one example. I don’t need to know about this particular model. I bought one of these things before that worked pretty much just like the one you see below. (But it wasn’t this particular model.) I did… --- ## [Two home improvement questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-home-improvement-questions/1014831)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2025, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-home-improvement-questions/1014831 "2025-02-28T00:21:58Z")
I think FQ is the right forum. If not, mods feel free to move. One: We had our house repainted a couple of years ago and have the leftover paint in our garage. Taking down a post that was next to the house, I saw they… --- ## [Window & Door Trim, Dealing with a Gap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-door-trim-dealing-with-a-gap/1014087)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-door-trim-dealing-with-a-gap/1014087 "2025-02-19T01:40:45Z")
Hi Folks I’m redoing a room, and the plasterers left all the walls 1/16 to 1/4 proud of the windows and doors. So as I go to hang the moldings I have to deal with this. If I pull them tight in the window frame the gap j… --- ## [Where is voltage “stored”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-voltage-stored/1012739)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-voltage-stored/1012739 "2025-01-10T02:40:39Z")
Sigh. I’ve been working in Electronics for almost 50 years. I’ve designed electronic circuits that have been produced in the tens of thousands. But, I finally realized that I have a fundamental gap in my knowledge - wha… --- ## [Wood working ( math)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wood-working-math/1012200)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2024, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wood-working-math/1012200 "2024-12-27T01:34:59Z")
I am making a small barrel out of 1X4’s. 11.5 diameter. I am dividing the circumference by 12=3.013 inches for each board cut on 15 degrees. When I am finished the 12 points will be about 1/8" higher than the flat spot o… --- ## [Anyone Have Experience with Cast Iron Baseboards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-cast-iron-baseboards/1011978)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-experience-with-cast-iron-baseboards/1011978 "2024-12-21T16:31:09Z")
OK, these are pretty uncommon today, but my house has forced hot water with cast iron baseboards. If you’ve never seen them, the are: They work just like the more common s… --- ## [Drilling concrete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drilling-concrete/1010312)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2024, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drilling-concrete/1010312 "2024-11-22T17:09:38Z")
I am installing shelves in the garage. The walls are concrete, and drilling for restraints to the walls is very hard going. Does anyone have advice to make it easier? The plan is to screw a fitting to the wall which wil… --- ## [Any Jewelry Makers Here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-here/1010422)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2024, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-jewelry-makers-here/1010422 "2024-11-19T15:23:15Z")
I need to get some idea on how to make the necklace shown in these photos. Sorry about the quality - they are screenshots of a video and it’s the best that I can do. I have the pendant already but I just don’t know what… --- ## [GFI outlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gfi-outlet/1010208)
**Author:** [@mglambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mglambo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2024, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gfi-outlet/1010208 "2024-11-13T19:54:02Z")
I have small pond in my landscaping…The pump is powered by underground wiring from a GFI outlet under my deck. The GFI keeps tripping. When I push the red reset button it comes on for 15 seconds or so, then it trips aga… --- ## [Need help adjusting a door](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-adjusting-a-door/1008725)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2024, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-adjusting-a-door/1008725 "2024-10-13T21:36:15Z")
My friend has a deadbolt on her front door. Original to the house, so maybe 12 years old. Apparently it has always been “stiff” to open and close. I decided to take a look at it for her and possibly replace the deadbolt.… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/tag/tools-electric-diy/95.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=tools-electric-diy)