Repair a wall...

Before you paint any wall you must repair any cracks and fill all holes. When repairing a crack it is very important to remove all loose paint. Be aware that a small crack can easily become a larger blemish once you remove all the loose paint. Don't panic! You are doing the right thing for a permanent repair. Once the loose paint is gone, wipe down the area with a dry cloth. Now prepare the surface for spackling. If crack is larger than 1/4'' or if you can fit two nickels side by side, than you should use some joint paper or mesh to retain the plaster and to prevent the crack from coming back. If the the crack is not that bad, simply fill it first and then proceed to plaster the bare spot. I found this great spackle at ACE Hardware, it is a vinylized spackle. It is not two heavy so it won't droop, yet it is thick enough to go on smoothly. The benefit of this type of spackle is that the vinyl helps it not only to adhere better, but it also helps to prevent a new crack. Remember to take your time. Several light coats are far better than one heavy one. When you do light coats you will be able to control the finished product better and with little sanding. Remember to wait between coats to dry. Once you are done and you prime the area or use one of those new paints with primer already included, you will be the only one that knows that wall was ever damaged. Sit back and enjoy the fruit of your labor.

The proper bit for the job...

There are many types of drill bits available on the market, and using the right one not only make the job easier, but it will prevent damage to the item you are building or repairing.

There are the following types of bits:
>wood drill bit
>metal drill bit
>carbide tip drill bit
>glass/ceramic/plexiglass drill bit
>masonry drill bit

There are others but these are the most common. They come in all sizes and depending on how much you want to spend, the quality ranges from bad to excellent. The smaller the drill bit the better quality you should get since they can break easily if they are of cheap metal. Avoid dollar store drill bits.

Each package will indicate the types of materials it can be used on.

When drilling a hole to use a screw, use a drill one size smaller than the screw to avoid making to large of a hole. Always use the correct bit and don't force the drill, let the drill make the hole by applying just the right amount of pressure don't force the drill since you will burn out the drill and cause the drill bit to become dull or even worse you can split the wood, glass or ceramic and ruining the job. Take your time and you will be pleased with the result.

Clogged toilet...

Normally it is not a difficult thing to unclog a toilet. You simply use a toilet plunger or an auger. However, I ran into a clog which had me puzzled. I used the above mentioned methods with no results. I tried liquid plumber, rid x, bleach and soap, with no success. I figured the clog must be in the pipe so I remove the toilet and find that the pipe is clean. I took the toilet outside and filled it with water and it just sat there. I turned it upside down and tried to use a rod from the bottom outlet on the toilet, it however, got just so far and would not go any further. I discovered the clog was not waste, as I thought, it was a plastic cover of some sort. I tried to get it out but could not, so I just went an bought a new toilet at Hobo for $50 and problem solved. I remove all parts from the old tank and saved them just in case I or someone else needs a toilet repair.

So, there you have it a clog which could not easily be removed. As for removing the old toilet. It is not difficult if the retaining screws aren't rusted. Assuming they aren't, first turn the water supply off. Remove bolts from bottom of tank and lift off tank from toilet base. Now remove bolts from the bottom of toilet base. If there is caulk between toilet and floor, use a box cutter and break the seal. Lift off toilet base and clean area, remove all old wax and old screws.

To install your new toilet first place the main toilet base upside down and place wax ring on bottom of toilet with flange facing you. Squeeze some of the wax onto the bottom of toilet so ring won't fall off when you turn toilet around. Go to the pipe on the floor and place the two new bolts into cast iron flange. if you have small plastic washers, use these to hold bolts in place. If you don't have these washers, use a little putty or wax to keep them upright. Carry toilet and place it carefully onto the bolts. Sit on toilet to press wax into place. Make sure toilet is straight and tighten it down. Don't over-tighten since you could crack the porcelain. Now place rubber bushing on bottom of tank and place it on base. Use the two long screws with rubber washers to bolt toilet tank to base. Tighten this slowly and evenly. Now install water supply and turn water on. Look for leaks and adjust water level if need be. Some sweating might occur, this is normal and not to be viewed as a leak.

If the old toilet has badly rusted bolts. I just reccommend using a chisel and hammer to break the porcelain of the base at the hold-down bolts and removing the toilet as one piece. Do this slowly so you don't damage the floor. Use goggles since the porcelain can fly and hit you in and eye.

It is a dirty jog, but you will save yourself $$$$.