When it comes to home improvement, you need information you can trust. Inside each issue of The Family Handyman, you’ll find see-and-solve expert repair techniques, a variety of projects for every room and step-by-step, do-it-yourself photos.
When I was growing up, the front porch was the place to be. It was somewhere to sit and chat with neighbors, read a book or just watch the world pass by. As I grew up and got my own apartments in Chicago, I still clamored for that front-row seat to the neighborhood and would regularly hunker down on a concrete step or stoop. This, of course, was not as comfortable as a porch swing, but it was just as eye-opening. These days, living in a 1920s home outside of the city, I’ve shifted my focus to the backyard. Quiet. Serene. Nothing but me and the birds and trees. It’s refreshing. Meditative, even. Of course, the backyard opens up plenty of opportunities to create livable spaces. It’s where you can…
TOP 5 PROJECTS YOU CAN DO IN A MORNING There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knocking out a project in a weekend. And if you can get the job done on a breezy Saturday morning? All the better. That’s the idea behind Saturday Morning Projects, a popular show streaming on the At Home with Family Handyman channel. Nina Bricko, a studio project editor for this magazine, contributes to the show, guiding you through quick, simple solutions that solve problems around your home—and, even better, increase its value. As a busy mom of two, Bricko has seen it all in her own home, whether it’s cracked kitchen counters, peeling paint or bath toys that need a good organization. She shares her expertise and also takes you on the personal journeys…
The Helinox Chair One is an ultra lightweight seating option perfect for tailgating, camping or even packing with you on a hike. Coming in at 2.1 lbs. and sitting just 10 in. off the ground, it breaks down effortlessly, fitting into a compact pouch. Setup is also quick, thanks to a single internal bungee cord that self-assembles the poles. Once the frame is set, simply slip the ripstop polyester seat cover over the frame and take a seat. Remarkably sturdy despite its size, the chair can hold up to 320 lbs., and I haven’t had any issues with the aluminum frame bending or warping. However, as a taller woman, I do wish the back came up a little higher. If you are taller than average or simply prefer more support,…
Before I embarked on a family camping trip in Colorado, an outdoorsy friend clued me in to Thermacell products, which use a heat-activated repellent to establish a 15-to-20-ft. mosquito-free zone. The butane cartridge that powers the MR450—the model I tested—lasts about 12 hours, and each repellent pad provides about four hours of protection. The push-button ignition, while simple enough, took some fiddling: A faint sound was the only indication that the device was on. Fifteen minutes later, our campsite was buzz-free! The protective zone effectively covered our picnic table, stove, coolers and washing station, though when I left the campsite to use the restroom, mosquitoes quickly found me. A spatial repellent like the Thermacell is great for when you’re outside and mostly stationary (e.g., fishing or cutting wood) or if…
If you need a quick and versatile storage solution, look no further than Gator Magnetics. We tested out several of Gator Magnetics’ storage hooks and found them to be incredibly convenient for hanging tools, decorations, materials and more. The hooks can hold a surprising amount of weight (Gator’s Mega models hold up to 45 lbs.), and you can easily attach the hooks wherever they would come in handy—on a toolbox, metal shed, work truck, or even the side of your washing machine. The hooks require no drilling or installing of permanent fixtures, so they can easily be moved around to rearrange a space. These little powerhouses are both functional and stylish, providing a clutter-free alternative to traditional storage methods. Check them out at gatormagnetics.com.…
Like every homeowner, I have unwanted trees and shrubs that have taken root in my yard. With Brush Grubber’s Handy Grubber, I can handle the problem before the invaders get out of control. The handheld tool extracts small trees, woody weeds and shrubs with stems up to 1 in. in diameter. It’s made from heavy-duty steel, with powerful spring-loaded gripping teeth that grab the offending stem. To operate the Handy Grubber, first open the jaws by pulling back the lever, then place the grips on the tree’s trunk, close to the ground. Lastly, pull on the large D-ring-shaped handle. It’s that simple. I easily pulled ¼-to-½-in. shrubs, and I’m confident that stronger users will be able to pull larger brush. But depending on the soil conditions and maturity of the…
