Do It Yourself Repairs at Home - locks and washing machines

One common house problem is a stubborn or sticky lock. To attend to this issue, rub the edges of the key with a soft-leaded pencil so that the key is now graphite-laden. Insert the key into the lock and then move it in and out so that the graphite is now inside the key hole and the problem is solved.

Another solution to a sticky lock is to buy powdered graphite and pour some of the powdered graphite into the key hole. This is recommended over lubricating, because the latter makes the lock dirty and more difficult to use. Powdered graphite is available in hardware stores and home centers.

Another common house problem is a creaking drawer, and this may be solved by replacing it with a ball-bearing type that rolls smoothly.

A washing machine that takes hours to fill with water may mean that the fill valve screens are plugged. To remedy this, the screens should be cleaned and the valve replaced, and it only costs less than $25! Your washer will now be able to fill faster, and your chore will be finished earlier.

Lets look at the case of a broken storm door handle. The tools you will need are a drill with 1/8" and 5/16" bits and a good screwdriver.

1. First, unscrew the handle.

2. Using the template that accompanies the new handle, mark the new spots for the hole. Make sure that the new holes are not placed over the old ones.

3. Drill 1/8" pilot holes through the door at the new marked spots, then enlarge the holes using the 5/16" drill bit halfway through the door at both sides.

4. You can now assemble the door handle according to specifications. Screw the two halves together with machine screws.

5. Mark the screw slots as you hold the strike plate in position.

6. Upon closing the door, remove the plate and bore 1/16" pilot holes in the middle of each slot mark.

7. Adjust the strike plate after screwing it to the door frame so that the door frame fastens firmly before finally tightening the screws.