Projects/Home Improvement Thread

[woolybug25]

Guys... A light bulb went out in my house... What should I do?

 

[koonja]

Cack, this better not be a joke...

Looking at it closer, it's older than dirt, you'll need to crawl I'm the attic. Pretty site the ring around the light pops right off or the light cover itself. Ripping either off will hurt nothing. Seriously tho, to replace it, you have to get to it from the top.

Yes. Normal. Typically those have some spring action to them to hold it up. Is this in between 2 floors or on the top floor?

Thanks Cack. This is on 1st floor, there is a 2nd floor with bathroom and 3 bedrooms.

How do I get at this from the top? I don't want to remove any flooring - it's all hardwood.

 

[koonja]

Guys... A light bulb went out in my house... What should I do?

Shut up, this isn't that simple, especially if I have to come at it from the top.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Guys... A light bulb went out in my house... What should I do?

I'd call Koon. He's gotta know what to do with all the advice he's been given.

Thanks Cack. This is on 1st floor, there is a 2nd floor with bathroom and 3 bedrooms.

How do I get at this from the top? I don't want to remove any flooring - it's all hardwood.

Not 100% sure how that one hangs with it being so old. The newer ones are mounted to the ceiling/floor joist in between floors. Which means you'll be cutting in to the ceiling to change it. However, cut the breaker off before you go any further.

 

[woolybug25]

Shut up, this isn't that simple, especially if I have to come at it from the top.

It is simple, if you use your brain. Maybe your first option should be trying to figure it out instead of wasting all of our time with it. Hell, google it. Either way, you're posting of menial tasks and advice on remedies for them, has went well past idiocy.

 

[koonja]

Here's where I'm at - does this give any insight on whether or not it has to be removed from above?

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[koonja]

It is simple, if you use your brain. Maybe your first option should be trying to figure it out instead of wasting all of our time with it. Hell, google it. Either way, you're posting of menial tasks and advice on remedies for them, has went well past idiocy.

Block me, it's simple. I couldn't care less.

 

[woolybug25]

Here ya go, Koon. A monkey could do this...

Let me google that for you

You can save your breath on the "I could care less" talk. It loses its sparkle when you say it daily.

 

[NDRock]

Bad news Koon, you have to go into the crawl space to remove it.

 

[Cackalacky]

$20 says that after you remove the light cover and then take the light bulb out there are screws somewhere inside the secondary metal pan at the socket..

 

[koonja]

$20 says that after you remove the light cover and then take the light bulb out there are screws somewhere inside the secondary metal pan at the socket..

I stopped and put it back together because I was afraid I'd have to approach it form the top floor, and I'm not sure how to verify if that's the case. If so, I'm not sure I want to do it on my own. Like I said, everything above is hardwood and that's something I'm afraid to mess with.

 

[Cackalacky]

I stopped and put it back together because I was afraid I'd have to approach it form the top floor, and I'm not sure how to verify if that's the case. If so, I'm not sure I want to do it on my own. Like I said, everything above is hardwood and that's something I'm afraid to mess with.

Are you gonna keep the fan and reuse it? If not get a chisel and pry out the pan around the socket. Guarantee you it's just in there and should pop out revealing some other points of attachment.

 

[koonja]

Are you gonna keep the fan and reuse it? If not get a chisel and pry out the pan around the socket. Guarantee you it's just in there and should pop out revealing some other points of attachment.

No, I'll be replacing the fan. So you think I can get to it without coming from the above floor?

 

[Cackalacky]

Yes. I would bet so.

Squeeze the clips on each side and remove the light cover.

Take out the light bulb.

Get a screw drive or chisel and pop the secondary plate off at the socket. I would be surprised if there are not screws inside that attach it to the joists.

 

[koonja]

Yes. I would bet so.

Squeeze the clips on each side and remove the light cover.

Take out the light bulb.

Get a screw drive or chisel and pop the secondary plate off at the socket. I would be surprised if there are not screws inside that attach it to the joists.

Thanks Cack, I appreciate it. I'm going to get to it either Wednesday or this weekend because I'm into the game now. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[IrishLion]

Also, the thing I just pulled off is hanging by two things that look like metal chopsticks.

Squeeze the two chopsticks.

Cack, this better not be a joke...

I laughed at this exchange for like 3 minutes lol.

 

[koonja]

Got the exhaust fan completely out, just empty hole and hanging wiring now. Found out it's wired for an exhaust fan, light, and heater combo. Which makes sense because those 3 switches exist in the bathroom, but only the light and fan worked (well not really the fan).

So I'm going to get a replacement that has the fan/light/heater. Might have an electrician install it, I'm not sure. I've never done electrical work so I'm hesitant. Anyone have any advice on wiring this set? It'll be tough to trace my steps because it was really dark and I was doing this myself on a stool that wasn't very sturdy, and getting it out was a real pain so I got to the point where I was just pulling and wrapping with electrical tape. I have some white wires, black wires, and a copper (I assume ground) wire.

Haven't bought the replacement unit yet. Going into home depot to see which one has a house that fits along with the air duct and electrical lining up. The house of the hole is 10" by 14".

 

[GowerND11]

Got the exhaust fan completely out, just empty hole and hanging wiring now. Found out it's wired for an exhaust fan, light, and heater combo. Which makes sense because those 3 switches exist in the bathroom, but only the light and fan worked (well not really the fan).

So I'm going to get a replacement that has the fan/light/heater. Might have an electrician install it, I'm not sure. I've never done electrical work so I'm hesitant. Anyone have any advice on wiring this set? It'll be tough to trace my steps because it was really dark and I was doing this myself on a stool that wasn't very sturdy, and getting it out was a real pain so I got to the point where I was just pulling and wrapping with electrical tape. I have some white wires, black wires, and a copper (I assume ground) wire.

Haven't bought the replacement unit yet. Going into home depot to see which one has a house that fits along with the air duct and electrical lining up. The house of the hole is 10" by 14".

This kind of electrical work isn't all that hard if you're patient and have plenty of light. Consider getting a good lanter/work light for the project. Next it's just reading the instructions. We would install bathroom light/fan combos all the time when I worked maintenance in my college apartment complex. Hook the wiring up to the correct spots, fit everything nicely, insulate if needed, use your tape, and that's it.


I would reccomend having a buddy who has some knowledge help you instead of hiring someone. No need to pay for that labor. This is something that can be installed in under 30 minutes.

 

[koonja]

This kind of electrical work isn't all that hard if you're patient and have plenty of light. Consider getting a good lanter/work light for the project. Next it's just reading the instructions. We would install bathroom light/fan combos all the time when I worked maintenance in my college apartment complex. Hook the wiring up to the correct spots, fit everything nicely, insulate if needed, use your tape, and that's it.


I would reccomend having a buddy who has some knowledge help you instead of hiring someone. No need to pay for that labor. This is something that can be installed in under 30 minutes.

Thanks man, I'm going to use this advice and ask around.

Side note - the 3 sets of wirings had to be fitted through 3 separate 'holes' through the 'housing' of the previous unit. In order to get it out, I had to cut the copper wire, because it went through two of the holes and there was simply no way to remove it without cutting it free. It's plenty long and I'm hoping I can just twist them together and it work fine.

 

[GowerND11]

Thanks man, I'm going to use this advice and ask around.

Side note - the 3 sets of wirings had to be fitted through 3 separate 'holes' through the 'housing' of the previous unit. In order to get it out, I had to cut the copper wire, because it went through two of the holes and there was simply no way to remove it without cutting it free. It's plenty long and I'm hoping I can just twist them together and it work fine.

There's almost always enough that cutting some shouldn't be an issue.

 

[koonja]

Also trying to tackle this weekend depending on how long this exhaust fan takes me, I need to create a backsplash for my kitchen sink. I think I'm going to t do the glass tile around the sink area, as well as around the rest of the kitchen just for consistency (3 walls total have counter top).

first wall will be 10" by 77" (so 6/7 square feet).

2nd wall will be 12" by 112" (so 9/10 sq feet).

3rd wall is 10" by 78" (so again, 6/7 sq feet).

Went to home depot and saw a lot of designs that would look really nice. They're $10-15 per square foot, so this will cost ~ $300-$400.

Any advice? This seems pretty straight forward and not something I could mess up.

 

[Irish#1]

Shut up, this isn't that simple, especially if I have to come at it from the top.

Yes it is, even if it is older.

Hint: A small bit of drywall is easily replaceable.

 

[koonja]

Yes it is, even if it is older.

Hint: A small bit of drywall is easily replaceable.

Plaster is not.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Thanks man, I'm going to use this advice and ask around.

Side note - the 3 sets of wirings had to be fitted through 3 separate 'holes' through the 'housing' of the previous unit. In order to get it out, I had to cut the copper wire, because it went through two of the holes and there was simply no way to remove it without cutting it free. It's plenty long and I'm hoping I can just twist them together and it work fine.

Wiring it is easier than what you've done to this point. And don't twist any wires together, each of the 3 wires comes from the switch to turn on and off the 3 different functions. If you buy a new fan with all 3 functions, simply attach each wire to the correct spot. Usually just takes a screw driver.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Also trying to tackle this weekend depending on how long this exhaust fan takes me, I need to create a backsplash for my kitchen sink. I think I'm going to t do the glass tile around the sink area, as well as around the rest of the kitchen just for consistency (3 walls total have counter top).

first wall will be 10" by 77" (so 6/7 square feet).

2nd wall will be 12" by 112" (so 9/10 sq feet).

3rd wall is 10" by 78" (so again, 6/7 sq feet).

Went to home depot and saw a lot of designs that would look really nice. They're $10-15 per square foot, so this will cost ~ $300-$400.

Any advice? This seems pretty straight forward and not something I could mess up.

Very easy install. If your using the smaller glass tiles most will come attached to a 12x12 sheet for easier install. Since none of your spots are taller than 12" its easy.

 

[koonja]

Very easy install. If your using the smaller glass tiles most will come attached to a 12x12 sheet for easier install. Since none of your spots are taller than 12" its easy.

They did, I'll just cut the 10" wall short obviously. Also sounds like it can be cut with a glass nippper which is ~ $25.

I'll post some before and after pics.

 

[Irish#1]

Also trying to tackle this weekend depending on how long this exhaust fan takes me, I need to create a backsplash for my kitchen sink. I think I'm going to t do the glass tile around the sink area, as well as around the rest of the kitchen just for consistency (3 walls total have counter top).

first wall will be 10" by 77" (so 6/7 square feet).

2nd wall will be 12" by 112" (so 9/10 sq feet).

3rd wall is 10" by 78" (so again, 6/7 sq feet).

Went to home depot and saw a lot of designs that would look really nice. They're $10-15 per square foot, so this will cost ~ $300-$400.

Any advice? This seems pretty straight forward and not something I could mess up.

LOL...........The fan is easier than the tile. Better make sure your counter top is level if you're going to use it as your starting point. One wall or multiple walls? If multiple, start in the corner and work your way out.

Glass tile is nice. Make sure you get a white or very light colored mortar. Dark usually doesn't go well with glass tile. Been a while, but I also believe you need un-sanded grout.

Given your difficulty with the fan I don't think you'll have time this weekend for the tile.

 

[Irish#1]

Plaster is not.

Sure it is. I'm working on a home built in 1883. I know about plaster and drywall.

 

[Irish#1]

They did, I'll just cut the 10" wall short obviously. Also sounds like it can be cut with a glass nippper which is ~ $25.

I'll post some before and after pics.

Spend the $75 for a cheap tile saw. It's worth the extra money. I know.

 

[Wild Bill]

Also trying to tackle this weekend depending on how long this exhaust fan takes me, I need to create a backsplash for my kitchen sink. I think I'm going to t do the glass tile around the sink area, as well as around the rest of the kitchen just for consistency (3 walls total have counter top).

first wall will be 10" by 77" (so 6/7 square feet).

2nd wall will be 12" by 112" (so 9/10 sq feet).

3rd wall is 10" by 78" (so again, 6/7 sq feet).

Went to home depot and saw a lot of designs that would look really nice. They're $10-15 per square foot, so this will cost ~ $300-$400.

Any advice? This seems pretty straight forward and not something I could mess up.

Very easy to install but glass tiles are tricky to cut. You need a quality blade. If you use a poor blade one of two things will happen - if you cut them face down, the edge of the glass chips on the face and looks like shit; if you cut them face up, the backing of the tile (the backing on most glass tiles gives the face it's color) tears and it'll look discolored once it's placed on the wall.