Home Improvement Today?

I usually pre-twist them a half turn or so with pliers first. Don't know if that is the right way but it seems to help

 

Got some pallets for free at a Chrysler dealer. Going to separate them and start the prep work for my dartboard. Also i bought an "vintage" Craftsman miter box without a saw a couple months ago at a thrift shop. I just got a saw at HD just to have it. it will work well for the pallets.

 

Grab a pair of linemans pliers and pre twist a few turns, I go until the insulation starts to form a nice looking braid. Then use a good wire nut. I like the Ideal Twister or Wing Twist ones from Lowes. The cheapo store brand Home Depot/Lowes wire nuts are the type that I do not trust. They just dont seem to bite into the wire as much.

 

You’ll see when you get them but there shouldn’t be any problems with them staying down. Especially in a residential application, where there is no movement or vibrations. However if you feel more comfortable using tape, it won’t hurt.

Never had any problems on machines with vibrations and moving parts. We have some Apexer machines that have a heater on a blade. The blade is on a cylinder so it moves in to make a cut. And the whole assembly also moves and has a bunch of moving parts. Long story short, there isn’t a junction box or panel mounted there close enough to the heater. The wires coming off the heater are only like 1ft in length, and you need some slack for movement. Wire nuts would hold a little better but I don’t recall any time where a wire pulled out. The Wagos are great for hot swaps. No need to kill the circuit or power to the machine. Saves in time too vs wire nuts, especially since it’s tight with all the guards because of the moving parts.

 

I think once you handle them you wont bother with electrical tap. Theres actually a decent amount of force required to open/close them. Not a ton but more than you think.

Pre twist them for sure. They way I was shown is pretty much to twist them with linesmen pliers (or whatever pliers you have), the wires should basically stay together pretty well even without the wire nut on and that "joint" shouldnt just fall apart even with moving it around a bit. Then add the wire nut. Takes some practice to get used to when you only do it every so often.

 

I like Wagos in industrial control cabs (only when needed) especially when theyve got an extra slot open to stick a meter lead into easily. Hard to do that with a wire nut thats all goobered up in electrical tape.

 

No Balvenie?

 

Getting in to the final stages. Got siding put up today, was definitely a struggle putting it up by myself, but got it done. Ain't the prettiest, but some trim, paint, and caulk will fix it all up!



Started some of the 1x work around the bottom, but didn't go too far. Still need to get the door in.







Siding sits about 1/2" off the concrete to prevent rot issues, even though the siding is called "treated." I wanted to go with a better siding, but due to price and availability I had to go with 3/8" LP SmartSide engineered (OSB type). Was easy to cut and nail up though. I went around with my 16ga air finish gun to hang it, but will physically nail it tomorrow.

Also was concerned about the height of the header for the garage door opening, which would be about exactly the height where the garage door open rest. Seems I have room to spare and the Tacoma fits in it all nicely. (Yes, it's filthy, don't remind me. Haven't been able to wash it for a month due to moving and weather...)







Gonna try and get a door, put it in, and do the rest of the 1x4 done tomorrow if possible.

 

I can't remember the last time I saw a TV antenna on top of a house!

 

It's actually at the back of it.



Still gotta figure out how to get that big bastard down and out of here. Probably gonna have to pay someone as I don't get on roof height...

 

Leave it and put your Starlink internet dish on top of it.

 

Even though I'm considered out in the country, since I'm on a main road I'm fortunate to get cable. That was one of the selling features of this house. I won't fool with any other internet sources around here.

 

HF radio antenna? My dad would be ecstatic to have that on the property.

 

If you weren't so far, I'd come and take it down to reuse for my GMRS base antenna!

 

It would be a crime to paint those white.

 

Could someone recommend me a "smart" thermostat to replace this ancient relic of a bygone era?

Doesn't have to connect to the internet, in fact I would much prefer if it didn't, but something I could set up to run on a schedule?

 

I’ve had this one at my last house works fine on a schedule.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywe...th-Digital-Backlit-Display-RTH2300B/203539496

 

Made a little progress on standardizing and sorting things in the garage.

 

I paid $18 for a Honeywell thing at Menards. It has a 2 way schedule.

 

Ummmm thought you were going to bed, young man!