TFH_606_20

ATIFENAIAPPSUSSRTYCOAFERLTOL M

?WIYBSOARYTUEOHRCUKFHRAIONNMGE

SOHAHVIWDEEALDRVLESILNNEMCGSRITREORTROARGE

OCT/NOV 2020

IT’S WILD OUT THERE.

When it gets too wild, we have
your RV covered. Basic plans
start at $125 a year with options
to add total loss replacement*.

1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

3 THINGS EDITOR’S LETTER

I learned this month Wall
color:
Nuggets of knowledge picked up on the job Benjamin
Moore
GARY WENTZ Silver Fox
2108-50,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Regal
Select,
matte

Gray is going away—kind of

At paint stores, while my paint is in the shaker, I’ve been asking the staff about color
trends. One thing is certain: Gray tones, which have been the most popular for years, still
lead—by far. But interior designers seem to be steering away from cool grays. So what’s
the next trend? No strong consensus on that, but the most common guess points to warm
neutral colors like beiges, tans and warmer grays.

TOP: BENJAMIN MOORE Light Drywall shortcut
sensor
Finishing inside corners with tape and
Dusk-to-dawn lighting mud is difficult and slow. So 20 years ago,
I decided this process was a waste of time
There are a few devices for automatically turning lights for closets. Instead, I went for a tight fit
on at dusk and off at dawn: fixtures with built-in light with the drywall (no more than a 1/8-in.
sensors, plug-in units, high-tech lighting and apps ... gap). Then I finished the other joints as
My favorite is a simple photocell switch. I recently usual and sanded and primed. Finally, I
installed one in a soffit to control all four of my front filled the inside corners with good-
porch lights. Unobtrusive and inexpensive. The unit I quality caulk. Recently, I cleaned
used (Woods 59408WD) cost me just $7 online. out a closet and noticed the cor-
ners were still perfect. Seems
like it might be a good
way to handle all
inside corners.

Is caulking drywall corners smart? Or
is there a downside? Shoot me a note
at [email protected]

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 1

Contents EXPERT
ADVICE
ƨƜƭƨƛƞƫ ƧƨƯƞƦƛƞƫ ƁſƁſ
SINCE 1951

ƟƞƚƭƮƫƞƬ

26

Weekend Shower
Upgrade

Install a drop ceiling
to easily add luxuries
like a rainfall shower,
LED accent lights, and
more.

36

More Bathroom
Storage

Turn an unused stud
cavity into a multi-shelf
cabinet—with a mirror
to hide it all.

44

Tips for an Easy
Faucet Install

We’ll show you how
to get a leak-free faucet
in half the time.

50

Common
Bath Fan
Problems

Drips, stains, ice dams
and more—what to
do when your fan
just isn’t doing its job.

56

Quick & Simple
Phone Stand

Hands-free viewing
for the kitchen,
the workshop—
and everywhere!



2 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

REMODELING YOUR BATHROOM?

Don’t Buy a New Toilet…
Make One!

We are at home more than ever and
that means your toilet is working overtime.
Make it just like new with easy to install
parts from Fluidmaster®, the brand most
trusted by plumbers.

San Juan Capistrano, CA | 800.631.2011

Visit Fluidmaster.com for video instructions and information.

ƝƞƩƚƫƭƦƞƧƭƬ 61

9 Stuff We Love

An easy-retrofit rain shower,
space-saving yard tools, and
a firepit that doubles as a grill!

15 Handy Hints®

How to start a campfire with
snack food, add a light to a shop
vacuum, and keep your gear dry.

22 homeLAB

Mesh networks for fast Wi-Fi—
do you get more if you pay
more? Plus: Water leak sensors
that alert you wherever you are.

61 Best Pro Tips

A flawless, long-lasting tile job
starts with these tools and tips.

68 Home Care

Carpet deodorizers that can
damage your vacuum; tips for
storing a boat or RV battery.

78 Reader Info

Here’s how to subscribe, renew,
send us a hint, and more!

80 Great Goofs®

The air conditioner that escaped,
the collision in the kitchen,
and the disappearing caulk.

22 15

9 68 PHOTO (BOTTOM LEFT): GROHE

4 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

2 Tough Tools for Your
Toughest Property Clean Up Jobs

Vacuum All Your Leaves + Pick Up All Your Nuts

= A GREAT LOOKING PROPERTY!

Get Your FREE INFO KIT Call: 1-800-315-2848
to learn more! Visit: CycloneRake.com

©2020 Woodland Power Products, Inc. • 72 Acton Street • West Haven, CT 06516

WHAT’S NEW Social links

facebook.com/thefamilyhandyman
pinterest.com/family_handyman
youtube.com/thefamilyhandyman

instagram.com/familyhandyman

at Family Handyman

WINTERIZE
EVERYTHING

Wouldn’t it be con-
venient to have a
one-stop shop that
showed you how to
winterize every-
thing you own?
Well, we’ve got it.
Hover your camera
below to find
videos and time-
saving ideas that
will help you win-
terize your home,
your vehicles, your
outdoor power
equipment and
everything in
between.

DIY HALLOWEEN HOME HEATING BRAND NEW BOOK! WE’VE LAUNCHED DIY UNIVERSITY
For a collection of the Looking for ways to Claim your FREE HANDYMAN PRO! With the DIY Quick
spookiest DIY décor, make your furnace preview now at Here, we’ll deliver Class Subscription,
costume ideas and run more efficiently? familyhandyman. timely updates on you’ll get unlimited
fun projects to do Curious which insula- com/FAMILY20. industry trends and access to Family
with kids (like carving tion type is best for Inside, you’ll find tons introduce innovative Handyman’s complete
pumpkins with your home? Visit of brilliant tips that products and ideas to library of quick DIY
power tools!), visit save time, trouble help pros better run University online
familyhandyman. and money, plus their businesses and classes. This includes
familyhandyman.com com for all your complete, detailed keep clients coming two new projects per
home heating plans and step-by-step back. Check it out at month! Sign up for
solutions. photos for our favorite familyhandyman. a free 7-day trial:
projects. com/pro
DIYUniversity.com

6 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

T H E R I G H T H O M E . T H E R I G H T WAY.

Hochstetler builds peace of mind into every Log Home. That’s because we COME VISIT OUR MODEL HOME
AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.
control each crucial step of the process. We begin by harvesting only the
Loudonville, Ohio 800.368.1015
highest quality logs. Our logs are air-dried for up to one year, kiln-dried to

perfection, then precision-milled to tolerances of .01 of an inch. We provide

complete construction blueprints, engineering support and can even

connect you with a qualified builder. Continuous Seal
Our many satisfied customers will tell Gasket Technology
you: Hochstetler is with you every helps keep your
step of the way. It’s simply the right home cozy in
way to build a log home… winter and cool

and to do business. in summer.

Save Power your home, reduce your electric bill
More and be prepared for power outages with
with the Generac PWRcell™, a fully integrated
Generac solar + battery storage system.

Learn more today!

Request your FREE copy of
the PWRcell Buyer’s Guide today!

PWRcellGuide.com
(844) 383-8845

QUALITY MACHINES, GREAT PRICES! Bad to
the Bone
8" BENCHTOP DRILL PRESS 1 HP DUST COLLECTOR
Full tang stainless steel blade with
natural bone handle —

now ONLY $79!

If you’re on the hunt for a knife that
combines impeccable craftsmanship
with a sense of wonder, the $79
Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re
looking for.

WARNING! †1 WARNING! †1 The blade is full tang and is made from
420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness
G0925 ONLY $8995 G8027 ONLY $245 and its resistance to corrosion.

BENCHTOP SERIES 1" x 42" BELT / 8" DISC The handle is made from genuine
ROUTER TABLE COMBO SANDER
natural bone, and features decorative

wood spacers and a hand-carved

motif of two overlapping feathers— a

reminder for

you to respect EXCLUSIVE

and connect FREE
with the Stauer® 8x21
natural world. Compact
Binoculars
But we
don’t stop

WARNING! †1 WARNING! †1 there. While -a $99 value-
supplies last,
T28048 ONLY $245 H8192 ONLY $255 we’ll include with purchase of
Huntsman Blade

5" PORTABLE METAL a pair of $99
CUTTING BANDSAW
10” DOUBLE-BEVEL SLIDING 8x21 power
COMPOUND MITER SAW
compact

binoculars

and a genuine

leather sheath FREE

when you purchase the

Huntsman Blade.

$49 Your satisfaction is 100%
guaranteed. If you don’t feel like
WARNING! †1 WARNING! †1 we cut you a fair deal, send
T31634 ONLY $31295 G0885 ONLY $395 it back within 30 days for a

complete refund of the item price.

121⁄2" 2 HP BENCHTOP 17" 2 HP BANDSAW Huntsman Blade What Stauer
PLANER Clients Are
35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P
ƒ›‹‰ „‘—–
1-800-333-2045 Our Knives

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK259-01 ÌÌÌÌÌ
“The feel of
You must use the insider offer code to get

our special price. this knife is

Stauer unbelievable...
$49 $129 ® www.stauer.com this is an
WARNING! †1 WARNING! †1 incredibly fine
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept.
G0505 ONLY $395 G0513ANV ONLY $1075 instrument.”
HUK259-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
— H.,

c*oDdisecvoeurnstusistohnellyNisftooertdcsouhrsiotgowinmanel rSstawuheor.ucosemthpericoef.fer
21133R Arvada, CO

PHOTO CREDIT: NAME
TECHNICAL SERVICE: 570-546-9663 California reascitdueanl stiszep.lease call 1-800-333-2045

WARNING! †1 : Cancer & Reproductive Harm regarding Proposition 65 regulations before

Some products we sell can expose you to purchasing this product.
chemicals known to the State of California to
20FAMILY cause cancer and/or birth defects or other • 12" overall length; ͚ ͽΤΜ̶ •–ƒ‹Ž‡•• •–‡‡Ž ˆ—ŽŽ –ƒ‰ „Žƒ†‡
reproductive harm. For more information go to Ȉ
‡—‹‡ „‘‡ Šƒ†Ž‡ ™‹–Š „”ƒ•• Šƒ† ‰—ƒ”† Ƭ „‘Ž•–‡”•
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/product
• Includes genuine leather sheath





































Bathrooms are
often high on the
renovation wish
list. But if you’re like
me, the thought of
demolishing your
bathroom and putting
it out of commission
keeps you from taking
the plunge. To avoid
that, I dreamed up
ways to get big
upgrades in less time
and with less mess!

4 FANCY FEATURES

I was able to add these features to the
bathroom inside the drop ceiling. This
would also be a great space for a heater
or even speakers.

LIGHTED BATH FAN

A slim-fit fan allowed me to main-
tain enough ceiling height and
use 2x6s for the ceiling frame.
This Aero Pure fan includes an
LED light ($145).

RAINFALL SHOWER

The epitome of luxury in a bathroom
is an overhead shower (see p. 10).
The plumbing is easy to run down
the wall; all you need is a hole big
enough for the pipe.

LED ACCENT LIGHTS

These 12-volt dimmable LED light
strips can be cut to any length and
are easy to wire together. Most
important, they’re rated for damp
areas like a shower. Made by various
manufacturers, a 16-ft. strip costs
about $37. The lights are powered
by a switch that has a built-in trans-
former to convert 120-volt power to
the 12 volts needed for the LED light
strips. Made by Kichler, the switch
costs about $150.

3-WAY SHOWER VALVE

This Grohe Grohtherm SmartControl
valve ($475) lets you use the
shower wand, tub spout and rain-
fall showerhead all at the same
time, individually or in any combi-
nation of the three.

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 27

Figure A Materials List Why a
Drop Ceiling drop ceiling?
ITEM QTY.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS: Drop ceilings are common in
12-1/2" T x 35-3/4" W x 60" L 2x6 x 8' 3 kitchens and basements,
2x4 x 8' 6 where they hide ductwork,
PVC skin 4' x 8' PVC sheets 2 plumbing or beams. Building
Drop ear elbow 1 one above the bathtub might
2x4 Cortex screws 1 box seem a little crazy, but it’s a
frame 1/2" PEX pipe 25' perfect way to add luxury
14/2 NM cable 25' features without tearing
Low-voltage cable 25' apart your bathroom. I built
this ceiling from PVC sheet
12-1/2" material, which is waterproof,
paintable and easy to work
PVC skin without special tools.

2x6 Before
ceiling
frame

4-1/2"

60"

Showerhead plumbing

Fan opening PVC skin

1" hole for
showerhead
plumbing

Figure B After
Plumbing and Electrical Plan

6" from 2x4 fan PVC strip for 2x4 plumbing
ceiling support LED lights support

Vent fan 25"

12V cable Vent fan 3" gap
to LED strip exhaust
hole PEX pipe
14-2 NM cable from valve
to vent fan

28 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

bBUILD A BOX 2x6 ceiling
Build the ceiling frame by frame
screwing 2x6s together. To deter-
mine the length of this simple 2x4 supports
box, measure between the two allow cables
walls and subtract 1/4 in. to cross

bADD SUPPORTS 1
FOR THE FAN
AND SHOWERHEAD

Set the bath fan and showerhead
in the ceiling frame. I placed the
center of the showerhead 20 in.
from one side (one-third of the
total length) and then centered
the fan between the opposite side
and the showerhead. Screw the
2x4s and 2x6s into place from the
outside of the frame.

bCOVER THE
BOX WITH PVC

Cut a sheet of 1/2-in. PVC to fit the
top and sides of the frame. Fasten
this PVC skin to the frame with
composite screws, then plug the
holes to hide the screw heads.
Carefully position the PVC before
driving screws; removing a com-
posite screw leaves a hole that you
can’t screw back into.

bCUT A HOLE 2
IN THE TOP

Using a jigsaw, cut out a 6-in.-
diameter hole in line with the
fan’s exhaust port to run flexible
duct through.

COMPOSITE SCREWS FOR PVC Cortex
Cortex screws have a reverse thread near the composite
head that pulls the material tightly to the screws
frame and prevents the material from coming
loose. The special bit drives the screw to the
correct depth, leaving a recess for the plugs.

PVC sheet
material

3 PVC
plugs

4

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 29

Plumber’s Strip LED strips
tape of PVC facing
down
Lead-free Drop ear
brass nipple elbow Drill 1/4"
hole for
5 12V wires

Route the 6
exhaust outside
bINSTALL
PLUMBING ELBOW

Install a drop ear elbow centered
in the frame 20 in. from the side.
This fitting holds the rainfall
showerhead in place. PEX pipe
will be attached to it later to
supply the water.

bINSTALL LIGHTS
Screw a strip of PVC along the
side of the ceiling frame toward the
top. Stick on the damp-rated LED
strip so it faces down. Drill a 1/4-in.
hole above the strip and feed the
low-voltage cable inside the ceiling
frame for connections later.

bPOSITION THE
CEILING FRAME

With a helper, position the frame
within the shower walls with 6 in. of
space below the ceiling, to make
room for the fan’s duct, and 3 in.
from the back wall. Prop the frame

7 into position with a few 2x4s, then
wedge it into place with shims.

bSECURE
THE FRAME
Locate studs and drill through the
frame. If you can’t find studs

through the tile, track them down
on the back side of the wall and

transfer the measurement to the
front. Then use a tile bit to drill holes

through the tile so the
frame can be

fastened with
large screws into

the studs. You’ll

need to drill holes

through the tile

for the plumbing Tile and
glass bits
8 and electrical
cable too.

30 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

bCUT THE TILE TO 9 Grohe Trace
FIT THE NEW VALVE 10 Rapido the
rough-in valve
To make room for the Grohe box
rough-in box, we cut a hole 5-3/4 Blocking
in. in diameter. The best tool for for tub
this is a diamond hole saw, but one spout
that big costs close to $100. I
opted to use an angle grinder with
a diamond blade. This cut can be
tricky; take your time.

10bINSTALL
THE VALVE

I cut an access hole in the wall
behind the shower and installed
the three-way shower valve. Then I
used PEX pipe to supply the new
rainfall showerhead and to connect
to the old copper pipe. Secure the
valve with 2x4 blocking.

bCOVER THE
ACCESS HOLE

I fastened a frame to the drywall
that I’d cut out earlier and attached
the frame to the wall with trim
screws. To make the frame easy to
remove, I didn’t plug the screw holes.

11

PVC PEX
cutter expander
tool

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 31

Route cables PEX pipe installed and
down the wall routed down the wall

Opening 1" hole for
for vent fan showerhead
plumbing

12

Fasten Attach duct and bCAP THE
to studs install wiring FRAME

HOVER YOUR 3" 13 Cut a hole in the final PVC sheet
CAMERA HERE gap for the fan and drill a 1-in. hole for
To watch us Keep the showerhead plumbing. Route
upgrade this bottoms electrical cables into the wall,
shower, scan this flush then cap the frame with the PVC.
code with your
smartphone. 14 bINSTALL THE
BATH FAN

Make the electrical connections to
the fan and attach the flexible
exhaust duct to the fan. Slide the
fan into the opening, screw it to
the blocking and install the grille.

bCOVER IT ALL
WITH A PANEL

Build a panel to be fastened 3 in.
from the front of the drop ceiling.
Use PVC to wrap the back and
bottom, then screw the panel to
the walls between the shower.
After covering the front with the
final sheet of PVC, caulk the cor-
ners and paint it to match the rest
of your wall. No one will ever
know your trick to an easy bath-
room upgrade!

32 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

Important Facts about IMBRUVICA® (im-BRU-vih-kuh)
tablets and capsules

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about • Decrease in blood cell counts. Decreased blood counts (white blood cells, platelets,
IMBRUVICA® with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. For more information, call and red blood cells) are common with IMBRUVICA®, but can also be severe. Your
1-877-877-3536 or go to www.imbruvica.com. healthcare provider should do monthly blood tests to check your blood counts.

What is IMBRUVICA®? • Heart rhythm problems (ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and atrial
flutter). Serious heart rhythm problems and death have happened in people treated
IMBRUVICA® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: with IMBRUVICA®, especially in people who have an increased risk for heart disease,
• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior treatment have an infection, or who have had heart rhythm problems in the past. Tell your
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) healthcare provider if you get any symptoms of heart rhythm problems, such as
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) with 17p feeling as if your heart is beating fast and irregular, lightheadedness, dizziness,
shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or you faint. If you develop any of these
deletion symptoms, your healthcare provider may do a test to check your heart (ECG) and may
• Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) change your IMBRUVICA® dose.
• Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who require a medicine by mouth or injection
• High blood pressure (hypertension). New or worsening high blood pressure has
(systemic therapy) and have received a certain type of prior treatment happened in people treated with IMBRUVICA®. Your healthcare provider may start you
• Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after failure of 1 or more lines of on blood pressure medicine or change current medicines to treat your blood pressure.

systemic therapy • Second primary cancers. New cancers have happened during treatment with
It is not known if IMBRUVICA® is safe and effective in children. IMBRUVICA®, including cancers of the skin or other organs.

What should I tell my doctor before taking IMBRUVICA®? • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells.
TLS can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment, abnormal heart
Before taking IMBRUVICA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your rhythm, seizure, and sometimes death. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to
medical conditions, including if you: check you for TLS.
• have had recent surgery or plan to have surgery. Your healthcare provider may stop
The most common side effects of IMBRUVICA® in adults with B-cell malignancies
IMBRUVICA® for any planned medical, surgical, or dental procedure.
• have bleeding problems (MCL, CLL/SLL, WM and MZL) include:
• have or had heart rhythm problems, smoke, or have a medical condition that
0 diarrhea 0 rash
increases your risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, 0 tiredness 0 bruising
or diabetes 0 muscle and bone pain
• have an infection
• have liver problems The most common side effects of IMBRUVICA® in adults with cGVHD include:
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. IMBRUVICA® can harm your unborn
baby. If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider will do a 0 tiredness 0 mouth sores (stomatitis) 0 pneumonia
pregnancy test before starting treatment with IMBRUVICA®. Tell your healthcare 0 bruising 0 muscle spasms
provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with 0 diarrhea 0 nausea
IMBRUVICA®.
0 Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control Diarrhea is a common side effect in people who take IMBRUVICA®. Drink plenty
of fluids during treatment with IMBRUVICA® to help reduce your risk of losing too
(contraception) during treatment with IMBRUVICA® and for 1 month after the last dose. much fluid (dehydration) due to diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have
0 Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use diarrhea that does not go away.

effective birth control, such as condoms, during treatment with IMBRUVICA® and These are not all the possible side effects of IMBRUVICA®.
for 1 month after the last dose.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA
IMBRUVICA® and for 1 week after the last dose. at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including
prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking What are the ingredients in IMBRUVICA®?
IMBRUVICA® with certain other medicines may affect how IMBRUVICA® works and can
Active ingredient: ibrutinib
cause side effects. Inactive ingredients:
IMBRUVICA® capsules: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
What should I avoid while taking IMBRUVICA®? cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The 70 mg capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium
dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and black ink. The 140 mg capsule shell contains gelatin,
Do not drink grapefruit juice, eat grapefruit, or eat Seville oranges (often used in titanium dioxide, and black ink.
marmalades) during treatment with IMBRUVICA®. These products may increase the IMBRUVICA® tablets: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose
amount of IMBRUVICA® in your blood. monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium
lauryl sulfate. The film coating for each tablet contains ferrosoferric oxide (140 mg,
What are the possible side effects of IMBRUVICA®? 280 mg, and 420 mg tablets), polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide
(280 mg and 560 mg tablets), talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide (140 mg,
IMBRUVICA® may cause serious side effects, including: 420 mg, and 560 mg tablets).
• Bleeding problems (hemorrhage) are common during treatment with
Distributed and Marketed by: Pharmacyclics LLC, Sunnyvale, CA USA 94085
IMBRUVICA®, and can also be serious and may lead to death. Your risk of bleeding Marketed by: Janssen Biotech, Inc., Horsham, PA USA 19044
may increase if you are also taking a blood thinner medicine. Tell your healthcare
provider if you have any signs of bleeding, including: For more information, go to www.imbruvica.com or call 1-877-877-3536.

0 blood in your stools or black stools 0 increased bruising Call the 1-877-877-3536
0 dizziness Monday - Friday,
(looks like tar) 0 weakness to learn more about support
0 pink or brown urine 0 confusion services for IMBRUVICA® 8AM - 8PM ET
0 unexpected bleeding, or bleeding that is 0 change in your speech Saturday, 8AM - 5PM ET
0 headache that lasts a long
severe or that you cannot control www.youandisupport.com
0 vomit blood or vomit looks like coffee time or severe headache

grounds
0 cough up blood or blood clots

• Infections can happen during treatment with IMBRUVICA®. These infections can © Pharmacyclics LLC 2020 © Janssen Biotech, Inc. 2020 05/20 PRC-06564
be serious and may lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you
have fever, chills, weakness, confusion, or other signs or symptoms of an infection
during treatment with IMBRUVICA®.

When you need it

FORGET THE RAKE!

World’s Most Powerful
Leaf Vacuum!

Tow-Behind Our optional Vacuum Hose lets you get at yard waste in
places you can’t drive your mower.
• Rated #1 in Vacuum Power.
• Huge Capacity up Walk-Behind

to 321 gallons! • Easy on/off collector bags
• Stores Flat in Minutes. hold up to 8 bushels!
• Easy, 1-handed dumping!
• Cart bed doubles as an • Perfect for landscaped
areas and smaller
all-purpose utility trailer. properties.

Onboard Chipper for branches up to 2" in diameter. • Self-propelled model DRleafvac.com 1B5B5A © 2020
is available.

NEWLY REDESIGNED
with More Power and Capacity!

FREE EASY 1YEAR TRIAL
Buy any DR® product in this ad and use it at your home for 1 year.
SHIPPING FINANCING If you’re not 100% satisfied, we’ll take it back. No questions asked.

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY. GO ONLINE OR CALL FOR DETAILS.

done right, go with DR®.

SPLIT ONE CORD PER HOUR! America’s Original
With Fast, Dependable Kinetic Power
Field & Brush Mower!
DR® RapidFire™ Splitters

FIELD... ...and BRUSH!

MORE POWER. ELECTRIC MODELS TOO! CLEAR 8' TALL GRASS & WEEDS
Spinning flywheels with 26", 30", or 34" cut!
(up to 150 lbs) Split wood CHEW THROUGH BRUSH
drive the ram into indoors! including saplings up to 3" thick!
the log at high POWER & PRECISION with
speed to split engines up to 20 HP and power
the toughest logs. steering for fingertip control.

MORE SPEED. With cycle times as low as PLUS—Towable Models
1 SECOND, you can split logs as fast as you up to 52" wide!
can handle them. 1B5B5E © 2020
1B5B5C © 2020
MORE PRODUCTIVITY. With a helper you can
easily split and stack up to a cord per hour!

DRlogsplitters.com '5¿ HOGEUXVK FRP

For the BIG JOBS, bring on the POWER of Make Stumps Disappear with a

DR® Chippers and Shredders! DR® Stump Grinder!

CHIP SHRED Seven models
to choose from!

POWER. Engines up to 13.5 HP CARBIDE-TIPPED TEETH take 360 “bites”
for the rigors of continuous per second, reducing stumps to sawdust
wood chipping. in minutes!

CAPACITY. Chip branches up FASTER, SAFER, AND
to 5.75" in diameter and shred EASIER than digging,
cuttings up to 1.5" thick. burning, or using
chemicals.
SELECTION. Models for yard,
farm, and ranch—including TOWABLE
PTO and towable units. with your
riding mower
or ATV.

Self-Propelled
Model Available!

DRstumpgrinder.com
DRchipper.com 1B5B5B © 2020
1B5B5D © 2020

Go Online or Call for FREE Information Kit!

Includes product specifications and factory-direct offers. TOLL

800-529-0113*Assembled in the USA using domestic and foreign parts. FREE

MORE
BATHROOM
STORAGE

Turn unused
space into a
hidden cabinet

BY BRAD HOLDEN

Got plans to hang a mirror or a large WHAT IT TAKES
painting? Consider using the stud
cavity behind it for handy, secret stor- TIME COST SKILL LEVEL
age. I installed this mirror cabinet in the
bathroom—like a giant medicine cabinet. 2 days $250 Intermediate
The mirror glides on ball-bearing drawer
slides to open and close the cabinet. When TOOLS
the mirror is in place, nobody knows the
cabinet is even there! Table saw, dado set, router,
rabbeting bit, miter saw, drill/
36 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM driver, finish nailer

Getting HOVER YOUR
started CAMERA HERE
Scan this code to
Including the frame, my mirror watch the build
was 21-1/4 in. wide, so I and see the
needed about 23 in. of open mirror in action.
wall space to the left of the
mirror for it to slide left. You
can mount the drawer slides to
go either direction.

I bought a frameless beveled
mirror for $125. I could have
purchased a framed mirror to
save some work, but I decided
to build my own frame. The
mirror is heavy, so I wanted the
frame to be solid lumber for
strength. I also needed it to be
thick enough for 3/4-in. screws
to attach the drawer slides.

I chose 1x4 poplar boards.
Poplar is easy to find, inexpen-
sive and lightweight. It also has
good screw-holding capability
and takes paint well. For the
cabinet, I used precut melamine
shelving from the home center.
Its front edge is already banded,
so if you plan your cuts, you won’t
need to edge-band your shelves.

1bPEEK INSIDE Slot
THE WALL
1
Check for obstructions in the wall
cavity. Cut a slot big enough for
your phone, and take one photo up
and one down. If there are pipes or
electrical cables in your way, you
can choose a different stud cavity,
size the cabinet so it doesn’t inter-
fere, or reroute the pipes or wires.
If you pick a different location, you
can easily patch the small slot.

bCUT THE OPENING
Starting from the slot, cut a
hole large enough to reveal the
exact stud locations. Draw the
opening using a level and a fram-
ing square, and then cut on the line.

MEET THE BUILDER 2
Brad Holden, a senior
editor, has been
building cabinets and
furniture for more
than 30 years.

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 37

Figure A Stud-Space Storage B 2" panhead
screw
OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 65-1/4" H x 21-1/4" W x 5-1/4" D
1" finish nail
FE

1-1/2" 1-1/2"
wood
screw

3/4" finish Figure D
panhead nail Cutting
Diagram
G screw

C

AD

D

D
H

AA
D

D

Figure B Figure C D
Half-Lap Joint Rabbet
B
3/8" D

3" B
D
3"
3/8" 7/16"

38 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM 3/16"

bBUILD THE 3
SHELVES 4

Cut a strip for the shelves (D) from Drill bit
the front edge of the melamine.
Next, cut the sides (A), top and Depth stop
bottom (B) from the remaining
piece (see Figure D). Assemble the Drilling jig
parts using 1-1/2-in. wood screws.
Cut the back (C) and paint it white.
You may need to resize the cabinet
slightly to fit your stud cavity.

bDRILL FOR SHELF
SUPPORTS

Make a jig to drill the holes by drill-
ing evenly spaced holes in a length
of hardwood. Hold the jig in place
on the cabinet side and drill the
first hole. Slip a drill bit of the same
size into the hole you just drilled to
keep the jig in place. When you get
to the end of the jig, slip the drill bit
into the last hole and continue. Use
a depth stop on the bit to ensure
you won’t drill through the side. Nail
on the back with 1-in. finish nails.

bADD THE TRIM
Glue and nail on the trim (E
and F) to cover the edges of the
cabinet as well as any gap between
the cabinet and the wall opening.
Choose trim that’s 3/8 in. thick or
less. Because standard drawer
slides are 1/2 in. thick and the wall
may not be dead flat, thicker trim
could keep the mirror from sliding.

Materials List QTY. 5

ITEM 1
1
16" x 60" mirror 1
3/4" x 12" x 96" melamine shelf 15'
1/4" x 48" x 96" plywood 2
1/4" x 1-1/2" mullion 2
1x4 x 8' poplar boards
18" full-extension drawer slides 28
8
(screws included) 8
Shelf supports
No. 6 x 2" panhead screws 8
No. 8 x 1-1/2" wood screws
ƓQLVK QDLOV 1 qt.
3/4" panhead screws
Clear silicone
Paint
Wood glue
Glass safety film

Cutting List

KEY QTY. DIMENSIONS PART

A2 3/4" x 3-3/4" x 59" Cabinet sides
B2 3/4" x 3-3/4" x 13" Cabinet top and bottom
C1 1/4" x 14-1/2" x 59" Cabinet back
D7 3/4" x 3-3/4" x 12-7/8" Shelves
E2 1/4" x 1-1/4" x 13" Trim rails
F2 1/4" x 1-1/4" x 60" Trim stiles
G2 3/4" x 3" x 21-1/4" Frame rails
H2 3/4" x 3" x 65-1/4" Frame stiles

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 39

67

Miter
gauge

Chamfer

Stop block Long
fence

Half-lap bCUT HALF-LAP
shoulder JOINTS

Mirror Cut the frame parts (G and H) to
recess length, then make half-lap joints at
their ends. I cut half-laps using a
40 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM dado set on my table saw. I attach a
long fence to the miter gauge, and
then add a stop block to set the
joint’s shoulder. Start with two
scrap pieces, making passes in
both until you get the right depth.

bCHAMFER
THE JOINTS

Add a very slight chamfer to the
shoulders of the joints on the side
pieces, and on the entire inner edge

8 of the top and bottom. This creates
a shallow “V” where the joints come
together. The groove is optional
but adds some visual interest. I like

9 to use a block plane for this, but a
sanding block works fine.

bASSEMBLE
THE FRAME

Glue the half-lap joints, and then
clamp them until the glue dries.
Set the frame on blocks or saw-
horses to provide room for the
clamp heads. Because of their
ample gluing surface, these half-
lap joints are super strong.

bROUT THE
MIRROR RECESS

Rout a 7/16-in.-wide recess the
depth of your mirror’s thickness,
using a rabbeting bit in your router.
To avoid router tear-out, make the
cut in two or three passes. Sand the
mirror frame up to 150 grit and
then apply paint.

bATTACH 10 Wide
THE SLIDES 11 track

Separate the two components of
the drawer slides. Fasten the wide
tracks to the frame. If you mount
the narrow tracks to the frame, the
slides’ release levers won’t be
accessible. Placement of the slides
isn’t critical; just center them side
to side and be sure they’re above
and below the cabinet’s trim.

bINSTALL
BLOCKING

The drawer slides don’t carry weight
the usual way, so they must be
firmly attached to the wall. Instead
of relying on drywall anchors, I
installed blocking. Using the drawer
slide placement on the frame to
determine where the slides would
attach to the wall, I cut 2x4s to fit
between the studs and screwed them
into place. Mark centerlines on the
wall for the drawer slide locations.

bINSTALL THE
CABINET

Set the cabinet in the opening,
plumb and level. Fasten it into
place with 3-in. wood screws
through the sides, into the studs.

12

FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 41

13

Top narrow track

Bottom
narrow
track

Safety 14 13bHANG THE
film 15 FRAME

42 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM Fasten the top narrow track on its
centerline above the cabinet, cen-
tered side to side. Slip the other
narrow track into its wide track at
the bottom of the frame, making
sure the narrow track is fully
extended. Slide the frame onto the
top narrow track. Plumb the frame,
and then fasten the bottom narrow
track to the wall.

bAPPLY SAFETY
BACKER

This mirror will be in motion regu-
larly, so I applied transparent
window safety film ($15 for an
18-in. x 8-ft. roll online) on the back.
In case of breakage, the glass shards
won’t crash to the floor. Just peel
the backing and press the film onto
the back of the mirror. Since this
isn’t a window, I wasn’t picky about
removing every last air bubble.

15bINSTALL
THE MIRROR

It’s easier to hang the frame by
itself, without the added weight, so
I installed the mirror last. Apply a
bead of silicone in the rabbet, and
then carefully place the mirror in
the silicone. Let the silicone set for
a day and then trim off any excess
with a razor blade before hanging
the mirror.

Easy-On, Easy-Off into savings!
Snow Plow with

Perfect for Homeowners!

Plow yourself and SAVE! 1B5B2X © 2019

Pays for itself quickly if you currently
hire a plow. Don’t struggle snow-
blowing your entire driveway!

For trucks and SUVs.

Attaches to a front receiver
hitch (included).
Automatically
engages when
you drive forward
and releases when
you reverse. Works
on gravel or pavement. Locks in travel position.

One pass and you’re free to go!

Never be trapped waiting for a snow plow again.
The DR® Redi-Plow™ is light enough for one person to handle.

Tough Enough For Any Snowstorm!

• No Hydraulics or Electric Parts • Heavy-Duty Rubber Blade Edge • Receiver Hitch Included

FREE SHIPPING Go Online or Call for FREE Buyers Guide! Threads directly
into the spout,
1 YEAR TRIAL DRrediplow.com hidden from view.
Easy installation
SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY TOLL 800-529-0113 into select faucets.
Go online or call for details. FREE Hidden aerator keeps
the beauty of your faucet.
ALL NEW
Available in 4 different sizes.
DR® PORTABLE
GENERATORS 1.8 GPM

For backup, 1.5 GPM
work, or play.
1.2 GPM
Portable BIG-OUTPUT GENERATORS 1B5B3X © 2020
Power! (up to 17,500 watts) for continuous operation on
worksites and at home for emergency power.

MULTIPLE FUEL CHOICES
including diesel for up to 32 hours of runtime,
plus models that switch from gas to propane.

LIGHTWEIGHT & WHISPER-QUIET
Inverter Generators for camping,
tailgating, or working at jobsites.

FREE SHIPPING Go Online or Call for FREE Info Kit!

1 YEAR TRIAL DRgenerators.com

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY TOLL 800-529-0113
Go online or call for details. FREE

In stores and online www.neoperl.com/consumer
www.homedepot.com For more information,
email us at
[email protected]

TIPS FOR AN EASY

FAUCET INSTALL

How to get a
leak-free faucet
with less stress

BY BILL BERGMANN

The instructions in the
box with a new faucet
tell you everything you
need to know for a normal
installation. Trouble is, there’s
no such thing as a normal
installation. Every job has its
complications.

To get the solutions to the
most common problems, I sat
down with a pro plumber who
faces these faucet situations
every day. Use these expert
tips to make your faucet
replacement an easy half-day
job instead of an all-day ordeal.

MEET THE EXPERT
Joe Barnes is a second-
generation master
plumber with three
decades of experience.

HOVER YOUR
CAMERA HERE
Scan this code
to learn more
about replacing
a faucet.

44 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

LOW-FLOW Measure before you shop
PROBLEMS?
Before you choose a new faucet, check the configuration and spacing on
If your faucet has weak pressure or your sink. If you have a three-hole configuration, measure from the
flow, a new faucet probably isn’t the center of each handle to determine your spacing. Standard spacing is
solution. Here’s how Joe tracks typically 4 or 8 in. If you want a single-hole faucet but your sink includes
down the source of the trouble: three holes, no problem. Many faucets include a cover plate to conceal
Q If both the hot and the cold are the other two holes.
weak, the aerator is probably
clogged. Simply remove it and Basin
clean it to solve the problem. wrench
Q If either the hot or the cold (but
not both) is weak, then faulty supply
lines, shutoffs or supply pipes are
the problem. Supply hoses or shut-
off valves are easy enough to
replace. Fixing faulty or antiquated
plumbing is a larger job, but it can
benefit other fixtures in the home
that have low water pressure.

Ridgid
EZ Change
Faucet Tool

Get everything Get a basin wrench
you need
A basin wrench ($15) gets at impossible-to-reach
When you go to pick up your new nuts below the faucet. Joe uses a basic version of
faucet, bring a list of every possi- this tool, but many plumbers like Ridgid’s EZ
ble install item you could need. Change Faucet Tool ($22). It will reach those diffi-
Joe says if he’s headed to a job he cult nuts and handle just about any other fitting
hasn’t seen, he’ll be sure to have you might encounter during a faucet install.
every potential part on board
beforehand. One trip to return a FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 45
few things is far easier than multi-
ple runs for the stuff you thought
you wouldn’t need.

Waste arm LOOK FOR
EASY-INSTALL
New FEATURES
P-trap
Many manufacturers have easy-
install faucets; it’s worthwhile
finding one. Joe likes Delta’s
EZ Anchor mounting system
because it doesn’t require
reaching under the sink for
mounting. American Standard
faucets with the Speed
Connect feature are also easy
to install. Its drain stop mecha-
nism has only four parts, com-
pared with as many as 14 for a
standard assembly. These and
other new designs make for a
quicker install.

Old P-trap

Replace your P-trap

Make space under the sink by taking out the P-trap. Reusing an old P-trap
can be a messy ordeal, so Joe usually includes a new trap assembly on his
installs. The cost of a plastic P-trap kit is less than $5, and you’ll get peace

of mind knowing all those fittings are new and clean. Keep in
mind that most bath sink drains are 1-1/4 in., and
kitchen sink drains 1-1/2 in. Joe sees a new
P-trap as cheap insurance against callbacks.

Old supply line

Replace New Cut stubborn
your supply lines supply connections
line
Never reuse old supply lines. The last thing If you find rusted mounting nuts
you want is water damage from a failed supply line.
Even if the hoses are newer looking, Joe will replace or other petrified connections that
them because the rubber washers can fail over time. Quality
supply lines with a braided stainless steel casing may cost won’t budge, go ahead and cut
a bit more (about $8 each), but they’re well worth it.
them. An oscillating tool or rotary
46 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM
tool with a metal-cutting blade

works well for this.

Install the faucet first

If you’re installing a new sink, mount the faucet to the sink

before dropping the sink into place. Having everything in

plain view always makes for better connections—and the less

time you spend on your back under that sink, the better.

TEST THE SHUTOFFS

Almost every faucet is connected to shutoff valves beneath the
sink. But those old valves often don’t work, and it’s best to
know that before you begin. If your shutoffs don’t stop the
water flow, you can repair them or replace them. Or you could
turn off the water to the whole house at the main shutoff valve
while you replace the faucet. For help with those jobs, search
for “shutoff” at familyhandyman.com.

Use plumber’s putty Clean off your sink deck

Some manufacturers suggest using sili- To ensure a good seal between the sink and
cone caulk to seal a faucet or drain, but the new faucet, be sure to clean up the foot-
beware: It can be difficult to apply and
can stain natural stone. Joe prefers print of the old faucet. Scouring powder
plumber’s putty. It’s easier to work with, works well for soap scum and crud. For
and the non-staining variety won’t leave tougher lime or rust deposits, a
blemishes. He also says it’s far easier to pumice stone is the best remedy.
repair a faucet assembly that was
installed with putty. Silicone is as much Pumice
an adhesive as it is a sealant and can stone
make pulling things apart a pain.
FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 47

Get leakproof connections Don’t skimp on
the Teflon tape
Each connection requires a different amount of torque to tighten. Over-
tightening the slip nuts on a plastic waste line can strip the threads and A 40-ft. roll of Teflon tape costs
make for a leaky connection. Always hand-tighten these connections. For about a buck, so don’t be stingy
flexible supply lines, the standard recommendation is to get them finger with it. Make sure you wrap all your
tight, then give them a quarter turn with a wrench. But Joe gives them a threaded connections clockwise
half turn and has never had an issue. several times. When you thread on
that nut, it should feel tight, and
the clockwise wrap will keep the
tape from unraveling as you
tighten the connection. Joe also
wraps the threads for supply hoses
even though they have a self-
sealing rubber washer. Teflon
tape is just more cheap insurance
against any leaks, so don’t skimp.

Aerator

Toilet
paper

Remove the aerator The final step:
and flush out sediment Check for leaks

Plumbing work knocks sediment loose inside pipes. Be sure that sediment Once everything is connected and
doesn’t clog your aerator or valves. Joe always removes the aerator and
then lets both the hot and the cold run for a minute to flush the lines your water is back on, do a thor-
before reinstalling the aerator.
ough leak check. Wipe it all down
48 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM
with a dry rag, and then blot your

connections with toilet paper to

see if there is any evidence of a

slow leak.