Handy Grrls's topics - tribe.net

My car's leaking!!

Adele — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:39:51 GMT

My car's developed a mysterious leak... every time it rains, there's about 3 inches of water on the passenger side floor.. any of you have an idea what might be causing it & how to fix it? the gaskets seem in place & in good condition, the doors are seated correctly & don't seem wet when it rains.. I'm puzzled!

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

What's happening in 2008?

Adele — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:11:11 GMT

What kinds of handy grrl projects are all of you working on?

It's always so quiet in here.. let's rally together, ladies! Post your questions, your photos, your stories of success & mishaps....

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

Welding classes in the Bay Area?

Mojave66 — Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:38:39 GMT

Hey-- does anyone know of any relatively inexpensive welding classes in the Bay Area?

posted in Handy Grrls - 23 replies

I am New

Suzan-a-Thon — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 04:04:49 GMT

Hi, Grrls, happy to be here. Until I became an Independent Seamstress and so have to sew almost all the time, I just loved to fix things. Still do.
The one thing I really wish I'd kept & fixed is the '72 Nova ... oh well. As Red Green says, "If it ain't broke, take it apart & find out why." As I said when I was young & obnoxious, "If some man invented it, we can fix it & make it work."

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

the venetian plaster

marisela — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:58:46 GMT

ok...so I /we have decided to venetian plaster most of the walls in the front of the house--7 gallons, 3 colors.....

I realize now HOW much work is involved..
so if ya'll have any tips, time savers, warnings! let me know!

We got the plaster from lowes valspar line.

Let 'er RIp!!!

FYI, I'm a pretty patient person--see the fire place I did in my album.

posted in Handy Grrls - 1 reply

What's up

Lisa — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 11:25:52 GMT

.......with all of the "handy grrls"?
Any one have any neat, new projects started or projects
you're going to start?
Myself? Well, living in the ultimate "fixer upper" there's always
some kind of handy girl project to do. My latest is to lay carpet
tile on a couple of problem floors.
But, one of my proudest moments was replacing an old single
pane window with a new double pane.
Hubby, didn't think I could do it. I told him it looked pretty much like a
no-brainer to me, (and it was). :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

The next big Handy Grrl adventure....

Adele — Sat, 02 Jul 2005 01:12:06 GMT

Here I am.. reading the instructions for a garbage disposal.. I've never really used mine, and when the realtor came through. it was discovered it doesn't work.

Last night I tried the allen wrench to see if I could unjam it, but the danged thing wouldn't budge.. not even with the encouragement of Miss Hammer....

So tomorrow I will add garbage disposal replacement to my skills.. any of you done this one yet? The instructions don't look toooo bad.. but having said that, I may have jinxed it... sure hope I can do it....

posted in Handy Grrls - 12 replies

What brought you to Handy Grrls?

Adele — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:35:33 GMT

This tribe is so quiet.... yet growing.... so I've been wondering.. what brought you to Handy Grrls?

posted in Handy Grrls - 25 replies

problem posts...

Adele — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 02:35:36 GMT

Hello Handy Grrls.. I'm puttin' on my moderator hat here.. One of you apparently took issue with a post & said so rather harshly in the thread.. so.. if any of you have a problem with a post, would you please just PM me about it & I'll take care of it as I see fit?

Lookin' to keep this board friendly & not as venomous as some of the tribe are...

thanks! :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

Hey Handy Grrls!

dtrackgirl — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:02:57 GMT

Hey grrls - wanted to share a good site that is kinda like Be Jane called Tomboy tools. They have good how-to workshops and also sell tools desgined for women.

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

topics..

Adele — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 05:26:52 GMT

Hello.. Handy Grrls.. just a note ..please keep your topics on track.. anything not related to being handy will be deleted.. anything else should go into listings/events, etc.. thanks! :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

Gas leak

lori — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 02:45:52 GMT

Ok, here goes...I have an older Mini Winnebago that I travel in during the winter. The last few times I filled it with gas it leaked. It only leaks when I fill it so it seems to be a problem with the pipe running from the opening to the tank. It looks like there is some kind of an overflow or air flow tube inside the opening and I think this may be the problem. Any suggestions?

posted in Handy Grrls - 6 replies

skillshare teaching opportunity in seattle

raleigh — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:36:32 GMT

Any Seattle folks, if you can participate with this i will be really, really happy. Seriously, I will DIY with you if you do this for me:

We're currently looking for volunteer instructors for this years DIY Academy. Applications are due really soon !!!MAY 8th!!!, 10 days away! You can get an application at ZAPP in the basement of the Richard Hugo House
1634 11th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122

Drop by ZAPP or log on to www.hugohouse.org/diy and you can get a PDF of the application. Some examples of great workshops would be screenprinting, art comic making, stencilling, low-cost bike repair, make your own bio-diesel, anything having to do with zines and d.i.y. publishing, etc.

Spread the word to all your friends, everyone has some interesting skills that they can teach and share with others.

We're also looking for bands and possibly a DJ that are available for DIY Academy opening night party June 21st.

DIY ACADEMY is a series of low cost workshops that can enrich your life and local Seattle culture through the do-it-yourself movement. This series will run from June - August 2006. DIY is sustainable, affirming and really fun! Every person should have a chance to use the work of their hands and minds to empower themselves. Why fill your life with only what the corporate machine can sell you?

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

What's on your project list?

Adele — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 19:13:07 GMT

La Dame's post got me thinking.. what's on your project list?

I'm in an apartment currently, so my projects are painting oriented.. I've got a start on a funky front door.. and next are the walls & cupboards in my kitchen..

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

Yo...Handy Girls..book-shelves...inquiry!

silverstream — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 06:19:41 GMT

Happy Spring Handy Girls
I have a lot of books...I need shelving...of the free standing kind...(which I can stabelize agaianst a wall)...any suggestions ' bout wood...construction books, etc...so I can make some good sets of bookcases / shelving units?...requirements...cheap and easy!

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

cleaning up chrome/steel

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 04:04:01 GMT

hey all - i'm now trying to clean up the metal pieces to some old bar stools - you know the traditional crome bottom and vinyl top. They are somewhat rusty. Anyone have recommendations on how to do that? i'd like to avoid nasty chemicals but will use them if that is what it takes.

thanks.

posted in Handy Grrls - 6 replies

Pool Tile

La Dame — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 23:04:31 GMT

So I had a party and a few pool tiles popped off. I went to home depot and found grout that will cure underwater! I didn't need to drain the tub but I am glad I lowered it because a few more tiles popped off. I was able to grout and put the tiles back and damn it looks good! And so easy too! I was also able to repair some of the cracks I found and the crappy job they did putting these tiles on with caulking. I have no idea what they were thinking. Oh yeah, sell the house!

So I'll have to take pictures of it or something. But I am way happy. Entry way is next on the list to do. Hopefully I can match the grout color.

posted in Handy Grrls - 6 replies

What's Up?

Lisa — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:07:02 GMT

What's up with all the "Handy Girlz"?
What are all of you up to this winter?
Me......I have gotten a lot of organizing done, now I'm working on getting all my little projects done. There are lots of them and I have just been putting them off........for years. :-)

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

new weird handy tool

Adele — Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:58:01 GMT

So I had this nasty clog in my vacuum cleaner yesterday.. couldn't get it out for anything! Then I saw the sun glint off something on my dining room table.. yay! a crochethook!! That little puppy worked great on getting out all the clog!

The hook now lives in my toolbox.. heaven knows I can't crochet for beans & use the hook for anything but!

What nontraditional item have you put to Handy Grrl use lately?

posted in Handy Grrls - 21 replies

What's new?

Adele — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 00:02:42 GMT

Other than our newest Handy Grrls, that is?

I've recently relocated to LA as a renter, & it's taking all the restraint I have not to pitch in with the major remodeling going on for my kitchen/bath (down to the dirt & studs due to structural issues).....

So share a handy tale.. or unhandy one, for that matter :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

Putting things back together again

chia — Sun, 14 Aug 2005 06:39:32 GMT

I just realized how wonderful this glue is again, it's something I picked up at the ceramics supply store the first time and just bought another tube at TAP Plastics today. It's called Industrial Strength E6000, comes in a gray tube (or convenient caulking gun size), is onlny $4.75 and had effectively glued just about everything I've ever set it to. (ceramics, rubber, leather, vinyl, wood, in random combinations to each other too...) The project for the past few days has been to glue the *&^%* fabric/rubber trim back onto the area around the door of my car. I tried what my mechanic suggested, a glue made specifically for rubber and that didn't even last an hour. This stuff was holding on the last time I looked... Well, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it will last through the torture test of hot car in summer time. Anyone else have experience with trying to glue rubber to rubber? Did you find something that stayed flexible and worked?

posted in Handy Grrls - 9 replies

hanging mirrors

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 04:26:11 GMT

I have a full length mirror that I would like to hang on my wall. How do I go about that? The reason it's tricky is because the top is round and it is frameless...

-Jesse

posted in Handy Grrls - 1 reply

Grouting existing tile?

La Dame — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 20:54:07 GMT

I posted this originally in the wrong community. I recently bought a house, and have a tile entry way. I was vacuming one day and the loose grout came up. I also noticed two tiles were a bit loose. So my question is this. Can I match the grout color and grout over the existing stuff? Or am I looking at a bigger project and will have to rip it all up and start from scratch.

Tips, tricks and ideas?

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

New Toy!

Lisa — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 12:19:42 GMT

I'm the proud new owner of a new Fire Storm cordless, power saw :-D
I have 2 of the ones with cords and have always dreaded having to use them because they are so heavy and bulky. The new saw is light and small and I've got big plans for it!
I used all of my birthday money to buy it and all the female members of my family think I'm nuts, but that's what I've wanted forever and it's something I'll really use. New jobs, for the new saw, this week.........two sets of deck steps and a long, shelf/table to fold clothes on in the laundry room.

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

Woo Hoo!

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 22:10:42 GMT

I just changed my first tire today... That's right, my first tire. I got a flat this morning and decided I needed to know how to do it, grabbed the owner's manual, and taught myself... It was beautiful... I feel like a real woman now.

Do you all remember your first tire change?

posted in Handy Grrls - 17 replies

level

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 16:49:41 GMT

Anyone know a trick to make sure something's level without an actual level?

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

Mistress of Mud

Adele — Sun, 12 Jun 2005 20:28:36 GMT

So.. here I am taking a break from my weekend project.. doing a plaster finish on my dining room walls.

Let me tell ya, it pays to use the right stuff! I started out using a 20 minute set-time drywall mud & the danged stuff started to set in my bucket after 10 minutes.. grrr!! Now I have some 45 minute stuff.. and it's going so much better.. yay!!!!

And now I have the mixture down too.. water first, drywall stuff 2nd.. and buttercream frosting consistency.. NOT cake batter..

So. There it is.. my DIY plastering workshop.. student of one! :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 6 replies

whatcha up to?

Adele — Fri, 27 May 2005 03:21:42 GMT

what kinds of projects are you working on these days..

Zeela.. how's the bus coming?

posted in Handy Grrls - 7 replies

carving on pebbles?

Adele — Thu, 21 Apr 2005 04:50:40 GMT

Anyone know if a Dremel-type tool would work to carve a design into pebbles? Any tips or tricks to do this?
Thanks!

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

what's you specialty?

Adele — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 05:22:44 GMT

Hi all.

Is there a handy skill of which you are especially proud? Mistress of many?

My most handy skill is decorative painting.. fancy faux finishes & such... and when someone says.. "can't be done" I like to figure out a way that it CAN.

How 'bout you?

posted in Handy Grrls - 9 replies

You are invited to post your project pics.

Adele — Sun, 27 Mar 2005 17:30:25 GMT

I, & I bet the other handy grrls, would love to see your projects.. so feel free to post your pics in the album. Be sure to post a caption, and tell us a little about the project :)

Let me know if you can't & I'll see what I can do to make it so.

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

Welcome, new members!

Adele — Wed, 09 Mar 2005 05:02:12 GMT

Just a quick hello & an invitation for you to introduce yourselves. Tell us a little bit about what makes you a Handy Grrl (or UnHandy :P).

Anybody have a good project going these days?

posted in Handy Grrls - 13 replies

Be Jane

Adele — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 03:50:33 GMT

Hi all! Here is a nifty website dedicated to all us Janes-of-all-trades http://www.be-jane.com It has all sorts of nifty things.. like some basic how-tos, charts on sandpapers, and more!

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

Bookshelf building

Bonnie — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 21:07:13 GMT

So I went to the building store all ready to get the wood I needed to build a 8ft high by 5ft wide bookshelf. I looked at the different wood available thinking that a hard wood would hold the weight of heavy books better. But the end price was going to be over $100. Yikes! Just for a book shelf made from solid wood! Any ideas for a sturdy, inexpensive, book shelf around those measurments?

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

favorite tool?

Adele — Tue, 30 Nov 2004 04:16:49 GMT

Hi all.. what is your favorite tool? The one you just would not give up?

I think mine is my nice heavy duty cordless drill.. it has been handy for so many things!

posted in Handy Grrls - 6 replies

french braid

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 04:20:40 GMT

okay, could you guys help me? i love french braids, especially french braided pigtails and i wish i could wear that style on a more regular basis, like on really busy days at work, so it could be out of my way and still look nice.

but i don't know how to french braid it. i mean, i have an idea, but i always screw it up as soon as i start it. i want to learn how to do it easily and correctly. i know people can do it, so why can't i?

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

self defense stuff

Sat, 05 Feb 2005 03:05:47 GMT

okay so i work at a newspaper in a small town, so i usually feel pretty safe.
but this morning, i was walking up to the entrance of this coffee shop to meet with a couple i was going to interview.
there was a man outside smoking a cigarette, looked like he was in his late 40's.
he stopped me before i walked in and said, "i don't mean to be nosy, but are you local?" i told him no and that i lived in the next county over but that i worked there. he asked me where i worked, i said the newspaper. he asked me how old i was, i said 22, not thinking anything of this. then he told me about how he was depressed because his wife left him. i told him i was sorry and i hoped things started picking up for him, but that i had to interview some people.
i genuinely felt for him, but did feel like he had kind of a creepy vibe about him.
i told my parents and my friend about the encounter i had this morning and they said that he could be a stalker or a serial killer or a rapist.
now i'm all paranoid. i have to work tomorrow, and no one is going to be at the newspaper office. i keep running scenarios in my head where i walk out and as i'm locking the door to the building the guy grabs me and takes me somewhere to kill me. my mom gave me some pepper spray to make me feel better, but i'm so scared right now.

what can i do to defend myself? how can i prevent an attack? i feel so helpless. being a young girl sucks.

posted in Handy Grrls - 7 replies

taking down mini blinds?

moonhilda — Mon, 07 Feb 2005 21:14:55 GMT

ok, this question will tell you how handy i really am...we have a ton of mini blinds that i'd like to take down and clean. since the house came with them already installed i have no idea how to take them down. i'm sure it's simple but i need a clue.

thanks in advance!

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

Painting behind a toilet?

Capanda — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:10:40 GMT

Okay, I have been watching too many episodes of "Clean Sweep" and "Trading Spaces" and now I'm convinced that my bathroom will look MUCH better painted!

Any suggestions on how to get behind the toilet easily? (We're in a 1917 Edwardian with OLD toilet bowls bolted to the wall)

posted in Handy Grrls - 11 replies

gizmos & gadgets!

Adele — Mon, 17 Jan 2005 02:56:44 GMT

Anyone discover any cool new gizmos & gadgets to make being a Handy Grrl more fun? Just curious.. always fun to see what people come up with!

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

a one-trip project!

Adele — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 19:41:36 GMT

Hi all.. would you believe I just did a project that only required ONE trip to Home Depot? yup..

I just finished putting in vinyl tile in my bathroom... even got it around the tricky parts of the tub & radiator without TOO much unladylike language!

I almost had to make a 2nd trip- the toilet was leaking a bit after I took it out & put it back in.. but I just drained it, turned the rubber gaskets the other way & bingo.. no more leak.

So what has everyone else been up to?

posted in Handy Grrls - 8 replies

Any Bay Area grrls with a tile saw?

aryana — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 22:30:55 GMT

Hi all- I need a tile saw to cut ceramic and stone tile.

If you have one, I can come up with something to trade or ?? for the use of it...for a few hours.

I make mosaic and need my pieces small, I can also bring my own blade if that is good.

Aryana

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

wall smell

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 13:30:31 GMT

ok so i live in an old brick building...
the one wall smells wierd...is there anything i should watch for. or is old plaster just stinky when its damp?
i have a sensitive smeller....but whatever...its driving me nuts because its right by the computer.

posted in Handy Grrls - 9 replies

What gives you the heebies?

Adele — Fri, 15 Oct 2004 11:38:12 GMT

For me, it's chain saws & household electricty projects. I get near either one & get sweaty palms.

The electrical one comes from having had two old houses. The first one, even when I shut off the main, the outlet I worked on still leaked a little. My current house, 103 years old, and a demanding mistress, well... it's just suffering from the reputation of house number one.

So. What have been/are your handy grrl fears? What are you donig to overcome them?

posted in Handy Grrls - 7 replies

Seattle Weekly Article

Adele — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 03:37:48 GMT

Hi, everyone.. this week's feature in The Seattle Weekly is all about women owning/fixing/repairing homes... here's a link

http://www.seattleweekly.com/features/0445/041110_turf_diva.php

it's good reading.

hope all your projects are going well!

posted in Handy Grrls - 0 replies

Whatcha workin' on?

Adele — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 02:37:47 GMT

Hi, all! I figured since the list was so quiet you were all out there being handy.

Not me, so much. I'm busy taking classes, looking for work & doing more crafty kinds of things.

But curious to know what your latest handy grrl project has been.

posted in Handy Grrls - 8 replies

tub caulk question.

Adele — Fri, 15 Oct 2004 11:41:18 GMT

Have any of you run into the problem of tub caulk refusing to dry? I recaulked my tub this week, and the caulk on the plumbed side of the tub is refusing to dry. I am suspecting there is a leak somewhere... gotta love those what I call domino projects... you know... the simple project that dominos into a huge one.

Thanks in advance for your help! :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

Hardware store fashions

Jezebel — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 23:16:24 GMT

As a costumer and a handy grrl I have figured out that both fashion and household items mix well. Here are some of the things I have discovered:

*if you want that cute hoop/alien look to the hems of you skirts, collars, or pant legs use 1/8" flexable clear tubing that you can get in the plumbig section of your hardware store (usually with the garbage disposals) Run some of this tubing inside your of your hem and attach with a little connector bit (technical term)

*sylicone sealant that you would use to seal your tubs or sinks is awesome for gluing little artistic touches onto bicycles, cars, mail boxes, or where ever you want to add something fun. I have used it to glue lizards onto my bicycle, cover another bike in purple leopard fur, and decorated our plain old boring mailbox.

What have you found??

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

Don't leave home without it

Jezebel — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 20:22:38 GMT

What things do you carry in your car or purse that make you a Handy Grrl wherever you go?

In my car:
jumper cables, flares, blanket, tie down straps, rag, maps, water bottle, ice scraper, window washer, misc tools.

On my person:
folding serated pocket knife, LED light, bandaids, condom (you never know), card key, eyeglass repair kit (even though I no longer wear them), nail clippers, handy wipe

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

Random acts of handiness.

Adele — Wed, 13 Oct 2004 15:11:10 GMT

OK, all you handy grrls. I throw down the welding glove in challenge for you all to commit random acts of handiness... I did this yesterday & it feels great!

You don't even have to be all that handy. It can be as simple as shovelling your neighbor's walk, scooping snow off other cars while yours is warming up (gee, can ya tell I live where it snows?), taking a young handy grrrl-to-be under your wing.

Keep it legal, keep it safe and have fun!

posted in Handy Grrls - 2 replies

What's in your toolbox!

Adele — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 23:26:13 GMT

Greetings, and welcome to Handy Grrls! I thought I would start things off by talking about tools. Here are some of the more nontraditional things that are in my toolbox:

1. A first aid kit... when you're out in the field and have that inevitable "OUCH $%(*$(" moment, it's nice to be able to fix your booboo.

2. Emery boards: great for sanding tiny hard to reach places. Also for the occasional broken nail.

3. Tweezers: good for getting hairs & bristles out of wet paint. Also for slivers.

4. Tiny sponge applicators: you know, like Q-tips, only spongy. Good for tiny dabs of glue, clean-ups, touch-up for painting.

5. Toothpicks: shims for holes that "somehow" got too big, even tinier daps of glue, digging out grime from joins.

I look forward to hearing from you!

posted in Handy Grrls - 8 replies

What was your first handygrrl project?

aarati — Wed, 13 Oct 2004 05:59:53 GMT

This is such an awesome tribe -- thanks Adele for starting this up!

I am trying to figure out what it was that crystalized the handygirlieness in all of us. I think one of the earliest memories I can think of is wanting to put together my Barbie cottage. I couldn't wait for my dad to do it, so I read the instructions and did it myself. After that (and other incidents) I became the handy man of the house.

posted in Handy Grrls - 4 replies

Goo Gone

Sar — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 22:01:31 GMT

This is almost magic! It is a product that can remove anything sticky from gum to price tags. I bought it at Home Depot and would never live with out it again!!

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

This is your forum :)

Adele — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 22:52:10 GMT

Wow.. it's great to see all the handy grrls out there! Welcome to you all!

What kinds of things would you like to see here? Topics so far have been good... Ideas welcome. The only real groundrule I have is no partner/roommate bashing. I dunno..never moderated a group before.

May all your handy grrl projects involve as few extra trips to the hardware/parts store as possible :)

posted in Handy Grrls - 3 replies

goop or glop

Tue, 12 Oct 2004 06:23:12 GMT

if you hvaent tried this for getting stain/paint grease off your hands you are missing out. its awesome

posted in Handy Grrls - 7 replies