The Handyguys

In this show, The Handyguys discuss selecting pneumatic nailers also known as nail guns. Nail Gun Choices Below is a listing of different nail guns from small to large to specialty, this list will help you in Selecting Pneumatic Nailers. Pin …

http://youtu.be/-aO_vZH20BY Moving to Home Improvement Videos and Youtube Then Handyguys Podcast is now moving primarily to a video format. To get all of our latest content and to see our home improvement videos, please subscribe to our youtube channel.  We will begin uploading new content in the next week or so and have already filmed 5 new episodes in the updated Handyguys Productions studio. Why the Change? We moved to home improvement videos because our content benefits from our ability to visually demonstrate our topic at hand. We tried to make the move to video a couple of years ago but we did not have the resources or organization necessary at the time to make the leap. We now have a production crew, a wardrobe, set, lights and access to multiple cameras. Of course that requires significant capital investment. We hope to recoup some of that cost through youtube's monetization system but also through other video production ventures.  We think that our new-found ability to help out both our regular listeners and occasional visitors through short, targeted home improvement videos will benefit the DIY community. Get ready for shows on pneumatic nailers, garage shelving and cabinets, Ipe Decking, cutting the cable and more!  As always, we encourage our listeners to provide feedback for our content. If you have questions or would like us to cover a specific topic, please use the contact form. As always...thank you for listening viewing the Handyguys Podacast and enjoy the show.

Moving to Home Improvement Videos and YouTube Then Handyguys Podcast is now moving primarily to a video format. To get all of our latest content and to see our home improvement videos, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.  We will …

Over 70% of the country has been classified as abnormally dry, or worse. What about the oasis in your own backyard? Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts During a Drought DON’T water your lawn at night. Grass left wet overnight, or for long periods …

Over 70% of the country has been classified as abnormally dry, or worse. What about the oasis in your own backyard? Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts During a Drought DON’T Water your lawn at night. Grass left wet overnight, or for long periods of time, can encourage fungal diseases that cause discoloration. Water in the early morning so your lawn isn’t damp for long periods, but the sun isn’t high enough to evaporate the water before it penetrates the soil. DO Raise your mower deck. Cut at the maximum height to enhance stress tolerance. Mowing on the high side encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, absorbing water from the insulated soil. As a rule of thumb, remove only about 1/3 of the grass blade each time you mow. If you cut too much at one time, the long clippings can cause stress on the grass, inhibiting healthy growth. DON’T Water a little bit every day. The water will not be able to penetrate deep enough into the soil to maintain moisture and promote greater root depth. This will also encourage weed growth and spread of disease. Instead, water infrequently, but deeply, to encourage a strong root system. Aim to apply about an inch of water to the soil each week – but always be mindful of local watering restrictions if in place. DO Let it go dormant. During drought, always follow local water restrictions when applicable. It is ok to let your lawn go dormant, as most turf species can tolerate some periods oftime without water from rainfall or irrigation. Most species will recover relatively quickly when water is applied from rain or irrigation. During any period of dormancy caused by drought, monitor the turf to ensure that it shows some sign of green color, though it may be faint. During this period, waterless frequently for longer periods of time, as possible and as allowed by any local watering restrictions. If you have questions about your type of grass or its drought tolerance, the local university extension service or landscaper are great resources. DON’T Fertilize your grass. Though it may seem like it needs more nutrients at this time of year, putting fertilizer down on dry soil can actually burn the grass. Improper fertilization can also help promote disease, so always follow proper fertilization practices for your area and the time of year. DO Plan for next year. In the fall however, one of the best practices to follow is proper fertilization. If you have a cool season lawn that is breaking dormancy from the summer stress, fall is a great time to prepare it for the potential stresses of next summer. Similarly, early fall is also a good time for a final fertilizer application on warm season grasses for the same reason. Regardless of your turf type, be sure to follow recommended fertilization practices for your specific grass and climate to provide the best possible benefit. If needed, your local garden center can be a good source of advice on how fall fertilization can promote root growth and dense turf coverage to help it withstand any potential stress in the coming year. Thanks to our friends at John Deere for these  lawn care tips during a drought!

In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss building an Azek Cellular PVC deck. The Handyguys discuss when to DIY and when not to DIY, design considerations, choosing a contractor and materials selection. To DIY or not to DIY a Cellular PVC …

In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss Building an Azek Cellular PVC Deck. The Handyguys discuss when to DIY and when not to DIY, design considerations, choosing a contractor and materials selection. To DIY or not to DIY a Cellular PVC Deck Handyguy Paul decided not to DIY this Cellular PVC Deck. Listen to the podcast for why. Design Considerations Think about how you will use your new deck. Plan for the space. Think about furniture and traffic flow. Materials such as Cellular PVC are a great, low maintenance choice. Choosing a contractor for a Cellular PVC Deck Handyguy Paul picked a contractor that was highly respected in his area. He was able to inspect several decks built by his contractor up close. When he met with the designer he was able to see pictures of almost exactly what he had in mind. Listen to the podcast for more on the contractor, Decks-R-Us, and what set them apart from other builders. Materials Selection Handyguy Paul went with an Azek Cellular PVC Deck. The material is low maintenance and was also what his contractor was most familiar with.

A primer on when to prime Much of the cost of a paint job actually comes from the labor, that is why it is important to know when to prime. When having a repainting job done, it involves scraping the …

A Primer on When to Prime Much of the cost of a paint job actually comes from the labor, that is why it is important to know when to prime. When having a repainting job done, it involves scraping the old paint, priming - spot priming or priming the entire surface - and then painting. So, when a contractor specifies re-priming the entire house for a painting job, that also means having to double your budget. In this audio podcast, Handyguys Paul and Brian respond to a question sent in by one of their listeners via e-mail about the importance of priming, what and how much you prime and when to prime the entire house. Mike writes: I have a question about painting and when to prime. I'm having the exterior of our house painted. The house is already painted (11 years ago) and it doesn't have any real paint issues, like cracking and peeling (some but not much). I've gotten a couple of bids and each contractor has a different approach to painting. One will scrape and spot prime, then paint the house. The other says they will scrape and prime the whole house, then paint. The question is do you need need to prime the whole house, if the existing paint is still in "good" shape? When to prime is a great question Mike. The Handyguys share these tips on when to prime when repainting your home: When you are doing a major color change Basically, a primer helps you get the correct color that you want, especially if you are shifting from one “wild” color to another. Handyguy Brian explains that the old color can bleed through to the new paint if not first primed. Changing from one kind of paint to another Handyguy Paul suggests against changing from a latex-based paint to a oil paint as this can ruin the quality of the finished paint job. Doing it the other way around, from oil to latex-based paint, should be okay, but it does require you to prime the surface you’re going to paint. Painting over a glossy paint To help the new paint adhere to the surface well, Handyguy Brian advises to prime when painting over a glossy paint. Although the traditional way is to de-gloss by sanding priming is an easy way to put down a low gloss base before you paint. Bare wood You always prime bare wood, new wood and areas where old paint has been scraped off. If you have additional questions about when to prime or anything else for The Handyguys, simply go to the Contact Us tab of www.handyguyspodcast.com. Additionally, you can view some of our videos in our YouTube channel and subscribe to the show in iTunes.

Handyguys Brian and Paul bring in HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) expert and the co-owner of Interstate Air Conditioning and Heating, Raymond Kishk, to talk about energy efficient air conditioning systems. This information will help you choose an energy efficient air conditioning …

Handyguys Brian and Paul bring in HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) expert and the co-owner of Interstate Air Conditioning and Heating, Raymond Kishk, to talk about energy efficient air conditioning systems. As a leading New York City air conditioning installation company, we at Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating can show you how this rating can save you some big-time cash each month. This information will help you choose an energy efficient air conditioning system and keep your current unit running efficiently. Invest in Energy Efficient Air Conditioning with Higher SEER Rating SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) simply indicates how much energy is required to run the unit. Many appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators have SEER ratings. The higher the SEER rating the more efficiently your appliance runs. According to Raymond, the lowest SEER rating is about 8; but some states require a SEER rating of at least 12 or 13. He adds that although two different brands may have the same SEER rating, you may want to compare the features that each has to offer. An air conditioner with a timer, for example, also contributes in saving energy. Consider an Energy Efficient Air Conditioning unit with VRV system Air condition units with VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) system are especially advantageous if you’re looking to provide air conditioning to several rooms in one house or building. Raymond explains that this system has one condensing unit and allows you to set up 10 to 15 blowers for different rooms, which lets you adjust the temperature individually. Plus, if one blower breaks down, the air conditioning in the other rooms will not be affected. Maintain, maintain, maintain for Energy Efficient Air Conditioning No matter how high the SEER rating of your air conditioning unit, failing to perform proper maintenance will still add expenses. Raymond mentions that a dirty filter adds at least five dollars a month to your bills. A dirty coil makes your air condition work 30% harder. The good news about the new energy efficient air conditions we have today is that maintenance is not any more difficult than old units despite the new technology that it has. With proper maintenance, you can keep your costs at a minimum. Hopefully Raymond  has shown you that it is cost-effective to purchase an air conditioner with a high SEER rating. If you are in NYC and need an AC expert visit http://www.interstateair.com

The Handyguys discuss chainsaw safety in this audio podcast. If you rent, borrow or buy a chainsaw you will still need to be aware of proper chainsaw safety. In the summer many areas are effected by thunderstorms, in the late summer and fall some contend with hurricanes, others tornadoes and may need to put a chainsaw to use for cleanup of debris. Others people may be cutting and splitting wood for heat, some people are clearing their property. Regardless of how and when you use a chainsaw safety must always come first. We can't cover every aspect of chainsaw safety in this show. Please read, understand and follow all the safety precautions outlined by the manufacturer of your chainsaw. Use common sense. Do not push yourself or your chainsaw beyond what you can handle. WARNING! A chain saw is a dangerous tool if used carelessly or incorrectly and can cause serious, even fatal injuries. It is very important that you read and understand the contents of your operator’s manual. Here are the basics of chainsaw safety: Common sense It is not possible to cover every conceivable chainsaw safety situation you can face when using a chain saw. Always exercise care and use your common sense. Avoid all situations which you consider to be beyond your capability. Personal protective equipment for chainsaw safety Approved protective helmet Hearing protection Protective goggles or a visor Gloves with saw protection Trousers with saw protection Boots with saw protection, steel toe-cap and non-slip sole Always have a first aid kit nearby Machine's chainsaw safety equipment Your saw will have several chainsaw safety devices built into the design. These will vary by manufacturer. Ensure they are properly attached and operational. Anti-kickback features, bar tip, safety chain Throttle lockout Chain catcher Hand guards  Fuel handling Do not smoke and do not place any hot objects in the vicinity of fuel. Never refuel the machine while the engine is running Always stop the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before refuelling. When refuelling, open the fuel cap slowly so that any excess pressure is released gently. Tighten the fuel cap carefully after refuelling. Always move the machine away from the refuelling area before starting. Starting and stopping a chainsaw safely Never start a chain saw unless the bar, chain and all covers are fitted correctly The chain brake should be activated when starting Never start the machine indoors Observe your surroundings and make sure that there is no risk of people or animals coming into contact with the cutting equipment. Always hold the saw with both hands. Start the saw on the ground. Grip the front handle with your left hand. Hold the chain saw on the ground by placing your right foot through the rear handle. Pull the starter handle Chainsaw safety working techniques Look around you, and above you. Ensure nothing in the area will affect your control of the saw. Do not use the saw in bad weather Make sure you can move and stand safely Take great care when cutting a tree that is under tension Understand the causes of kickback so you can avoid it Two hands, always Never use the saw above your shoulders Always cut with a sharp blade, properly fitted for your particular saw The chainsaw safety information in this post and in the podcast is never a substitute for professional skills and experience. If you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice. Here are some helpful links to manuals containing chainsaw safety information. Most manufacturers will have their manuals online. If you do not have a manual you should find one. Husqvarna http://www.husqvarna.com/us/forest/support/download-manuals/ http://www.husqvarna.com/us/support/how-to-videos/chain-saw-videos-how-to-use/ Stihl http://www.stihlusa.com/manuals/product-instruction-manuals/ Craftsman

The Handyguys discuss chainsaw safety in this audio podcast. If you rent, borrow or buy a chainsaw, you will still need to be aware of proper chainsaw safety. In the summer, many areas are affected by thunderstorms. In the late …

While planting and growing grass is not difficult--I once heard that it could be planted on concrete--there are strategies for successfully planting grass seed to ensure the most success. Listen to this audio podcast to hear the discussion about all these topics. When planting grass, you have several decisions to make: When is the best time for planting grass seed? Fall - The best time for planting grass seed is fall. Early enough so it becomes established before the first frost bot not too early that the heat will hinder growth. What variety to seed to plant? Plant what grows best for your part of the country and the site conditions. Your local seed supplier will carry what you need. Companies like Pennington Seed ship different varieties to different parts of the country. What brand of seed to plant? Yes, brand does matter. You want a quality seed that will have a deep root system and look nice. Do grass mixtures matter when planting grass seed? Yes, a blend of varieties will offer multiple benefits. Some grasses take a long time to germinate, others germinate quickly. Some spread and some are bunch grasses. Using a blend when planting grass seed gives you benefits of multiple varieties. How much fertilizer do you need? As little as possible. Deep roots from quality seed will lower the need for fertilizers. How often to water when planting grass seed? As needed, follow the instructions for the variety you plant and keep well watered until the grass seed is established. Handyguy Brian discussed some of the things he learned about Pennington Grass. He visited Pennington's R&D facility in Oregon earlier this year and has some interesting insight into seed varieties. Pennington® Smart Seed™ Hands-On Experiment At Pennington’s “Seed for Yourself” Summit, Handyguy Brian was given the opportunity to try planting grass seed in a small plot using Pennington® Smart Seed™ to learn about the benefits of using a high-quality, pure seed product. Seed products are most appropriate for use when planting grass seed for a new lawn or re-seeding large areas. Every bag of Pennington® Smart Seed™ contains pure seed and no filler. The seed varieties used in Pennington® Smart Seed™ are some of the most advanced varieties available and have been developed for their drought tolerance. At least 60 percent of the seed in every bag of Pennington® Smart Seed™ has been qualified by the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) for its drought tolerance. Pennington Seed is one of the three founding members of the TWCA, which works with state university systems and private research enterprises to develop turfgrasses that use less water. In addition to using only the most advanced varieties, each seed is further enhanced with Pennington’s exclusive MYCO Advantage™ seed technology, which helps to introduce beneficial micro-organisms that attach themselves to the emerging seed roots for a denser, deeper root system. After minimal soil tilling, Brian evenly spread fertilizer and Pennington® Smart Seed™ across his plots. Over the next several weeks, each plot received regular watering as appropriate.* DAY 1 *Watering requirements can vary dramatically between germination, establishment and ongoing maintenance. During germination, homeowners should water to keep the soil moist. Following the first two weeks, homeowners should then water their lawn every third day for 15-20 minutes until established. As part of ongoing maintenance, watering should occur every fourth day for 20-30 minutes. At this stage, the main goal is to maintain a healthy lawn. This can be primarily accomplished by monitoring for color changes. A lawn does not need water until the color falls by 50 percent, at which time one inch of water should be added. To determine the length of irrigation, place plastic cups or small tins to observe waterfall in a given area.  DAY 14 AND DAY 28 During the first days of planting grass seed ,

While planting and growing grass is not difficult–I once heard that it could be planted on concrete–there are strategies for successfully planting grass seed to ensure the most success. Listen to this audio podcast to hear the discussion about all these …