Do It Yourself by bdunn02

For someone just learning how to use a screwdriver, a useful and commonly employed mnemonic device advises "lefty loosey, righty _____". Fill in the blank.

You tried to install a new wifi-enabled thermostat, but somehow this resulted in your furnace no longer working. Too lazy to reference the Internet for what would be a $4 DIY fix, you instead opt to call an HVAC specialist. What does HVAC stand for?

To what Cleveland, Ohio-based company, not to be confused with the former Dallas Cowboys running back with a similar name, does the (slightly edited) linked brand mark belong?

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A certain type of drywall is appropriate for applications in damp areas, such as in bathrooms. This drywall includes an additional water-resistant paper barrier. What colorful name, given based on the color of the water-resistant paper, is often given to this type of drywall?

In either a two wire- or three wire-with-ground electrical cable, the ground wire is usually bare copper. What color shielding is usually used for the neutral wire?

On the show Home Improvement, actor Tim Allen played the role of Tim "The Toolman" Taylor. What supporting role was played by actor and gameshow host Richard Karn?

A compound miter saw is awesome in part because it can easily cut wood on both a horizontal and vertical diagonal (i.e., make mitered cuts). If you take away this capability (such that the saw only cuts straight down), you have a saw that's probably smaller and might cost a little less. What's the common name, referencing the motion used to bring the blade into contact with the wood, for this somewhat less-awesome power tool?

The type of grout you should use depends in part on the kind of tile you're grouting. As opposed to grouting, say, relatively scratch-resistant slate tile, when grouting a glass tile backsplash it's considered a good idea to use a grout that doesn't contain what ingredient?

If you assembled the parts shown in the back of the pickup here (see link), what useful piece of indoor/outdoor equipment would you have?

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It's pretty convenient to buy mulch by the bag at one of the big box home improvement retailers. On the other hand, you can also buy large quantities of mulch less expensively by buying it unbagged -- so long as you have a back of a pickup truck to put it in. In the US, by what unit of measure is unbagged mulch usually sold?

When finishing a new wall, it's useful to apply a texture to the wall before painting (it hides some of the flaws). These textures can be applied in different ways. One approach is to use slightly-thinned joint compound, rolling or spraying it onto the wall, then gliding over it lightly with a flat trowel or wide (e.g., 10-inch) drywall knife. Referencing the way the tool is used, what is this kind of texture called?

If you pick up an eight-foot length of 2x4 at the lumberyard, to the nearest 1/8th of an inch, what are most likely its actual width and height?