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Top 5 Safes Best Traveling Safe: Vaultek LifePod Electronic Lock Box This traveling lockbox has a touch-activated keypad and manual backup key that open the dual-sided compression hatches so that you can carry your valuables on the go. The safe has an anti-impact latch for additional security. Key Features Has one lock and two latches Has keypad and manual key unlocking options Comes with a lanyard and cable What Customers Are Saying Customers described the product as lightweight and easy to lock....

Top 5 Work Boots Best For Outdoor Use: Timberland Ankle Boots Most Customizable: Thorogood Work Boots Best Steel-Toe Boot: Caterpillar Steel-Toe Boots Most Comfortable: Irish Setter Work Boots Best Multipurpose Boot: Carhartt Work Boots Best For Outdoor Use: Timberland Ankle Boots These boots feature compression-molded midsoles that cushion the shock your feet feel while you’re on the job. They have a waterproof construction and rust-resistant lace hardware, so they can be used as rain boots and hiking boots as well as work boots....

Best-in-Class In the last 12 months, there’s been an outpouring of new tools that make home-improvement and repair projects easier, faster, and safer. After evaluating more than 100 candidates, we’ve selected 20 that stand out for their innovative, practical solutions to everyday problems. Whether you’re looking for clever hand tools, versatile accessories, or the latest advances in power-tool technology, there’s something in this roundup that’s sure to please. 1. FLEXVOLT 60-VOLT MAX WORM-DRIVE STYLE CIRCULAR SAW DeWalt...

Nearly Empty Can Safely dry up any left-behind latex by mixing in a hardener (try Krud Kutter Waste Paint Hardener, $2.28 for 3.5 oz.; Lowe’s) or cat litter, then dispose. Some recycling centers will take empty latex paint cans, but containers that held oil-based paint are considered hazmat, so you may need to take them to a collection center. A Little Paint Got enough to keep around for touch-ups? Ensure paint stays viable by storing it in a sealable container that’s just big enough to fill all the way with your excess....

If winter winds have you reaching for your overcoat—while you’re inside the house—it’s time to seal up some windows and doors. Air gaps not only allow the cold in; they allow the heat to escape, leading to unnecessarily high energy costs. Whether you have old windows that need replacing or newer ones that have some wear, these easy fixes for drafty windows and doors will have you warm and toasty, and your heating bill lower, in no time....

Countertop replacement is high on the list in most kitchen renovations, and homeowners are increasingly choosing concrete as an alternative to natural stone and quartz. Concrete owes its popularity to its versatility, durability, and eco-chic look. If you’re considering concrete countertops as part of your kitchen renovation, here’s all you need to know. Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops With all the attractive countertop options, why would anyone consider concrete? Because today’s concrete countertops are a world away from the drab, cold look we associate with a basement or garage floor made of the material....

With a home warranty, you don’t need to worry about paying full price for any repairs or replacements to covered appliances or systems that break down in the course of normal use. Many Chicago homeowners find that these warranties provide peace of mind for the cost of a low monthly premium and a reasonable service fee. Finding a home warranty in Chicago, IL isn’t a problem, with many major providers serving the area, but it can be hard to compare these companies properly without a spreadsheet and a good deal of research....

Homeowners in Cincinnati know that they’ll get plenty of use from both their heating and air conditioning systems throughout the year. Over time, however, even properly maintained HVAC systems will wear out and finally break. Repairing these home systems can be costly, in the range of $600–$700, but replacing them can be even more expensive, with bills of $2,500 or above. To keep from having to pay these unexpected maintenance costs, consider purchasing a home warranty....

After a long winter and a messy spring, your backyard may not be ready to host guests. Don’t panic! Here’s what you can do to prepare for your next outdoor party. How to Prepare for an Outdoor Party 1. Fix lawn problems The first thing arriving guests will notice is your lawn, so be sure to address any glaring issues before they walk the green carpet. How to Rejuvenate a Dying Lawn...

Why are they so trendy? Aside from being aesthetically beautiful, these ancient symbols hold sacred meaning in Hinduism and Buddhism. The direct Sanskrit translation of mandala is “circle” and it serves many purposes, such as being a tool for meditation. Using chalk, matte paint and some stain, you can freehand this embellishment on your deck. Not only is the finished result something to be mesmerized by, but the activity itself sure seems like a meditative practice of its own....

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains some general soldering techniques and how to connect water piping. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for Soldering Shut off the water and make sure all the water has emptied from the pipes you are working on. Let the pipes dry before soldering or the connection won’t take. Measure and cut the pipes to length using a pipe cutter. Have a bucket ready to catch any remaining water....

Natural light helps to balance your circadian rhythm, which controls everything from your sleep patterns, appetites, and brain activity. Lack of direct sunlight also causes health issues such as vitamin D deficiency, which can contribute to feelings of tiredness, fatigue and low mood. Skylights are a cost-effective way to transform interior spaces with natural light and bring in a breath of fresh air. And ingenious Sun Tunnel skylights make it possible to bring light into even the deepest interior rooms....

Top 5 Shark Vacuums Best Handheld: Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum Best for Hardwood Floors: Shark APEX Upright Vacuum Best Stick: Shark Rocket DeluxePro Corded Stick Vacuum Best for Allergies: Shark NV356E S2 Upright Vacuum Best Robotic: Shark IQ Self-Empty Base Robot Vacuum Key Features Comes in multiple colors Has a detachable dust cup for easy emptying Has an LED light to indicate the battery life Includes a charging dock station What Customers Are Saying Those who liked this vacuum said it was easy to maneuver and delivered a lot of suction power....

The heyday of classic board games like Ker-Plunk and Jenga may be long gone, but you can re-create that heady feeling of pulling out a piece and waiting to see if everything comes crashing down. You can do it in a yard-size version that’s sure to become the raucous centerpiece of any summer gathering. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time All you need is some wire fencing, lumber, plastic balls, plant stakes—and perhaps a dose of video instruction from Team Saturday....

Stainless steel has a beautiful brushed finish that looks great on Day One, but it’s susceptible to all manner of smudges, streaks, and fingerprints. The good news is that these everyday marks can be wiped away easily, even when they’ve accumulated on the surface of a frequently used sink. Caked-on food residue and mineral deposits from “hard” water require some extra attention, but both can be removed easily and quickly with excellent results....

Creating a secret garden As with any overgrown garden, start by removing all the weeds and pruning back plants you intend to save. Loosely define a general path with multiple entry and exit points throughout the garden. Pick a few different places in the garden to act as “destinations” for people to experience as they walk along the path. Some examples of destinations include benches, large shrubs, and small ponds. Use plants to lead from the paths to those destination spots to highlight them in the garden....

These steps from This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey will help you avoid frozen pipes. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for Draining Pipes in the Winter Shut off the main water valve, which is typically located near the water meter. Drain hot and cold water from house by attaching a hose to sill cock or basement faucet; drain the water into a sump-pump pit or to the outdoors....

Are fogged-up windows keeping you from enjoying the view from your home? There are several ways to stop window condensation from forming, and the first step is to identify the cause of the problem. Then you can easily prevent moisture from accumulating. What Causes Condensation on Windows? Condensation happens when there’s a significant difference in temperature between two sides of a glass surface. Think of a glass of ice-cold water on a summer day; the water’s temperature is considerably lower than the hot air, so the glass starts to “sweat....

In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to retrofit cellulose insulation. Project details Skill Cost Estimated Time Steps for retrofitting cellulose insulation Locate two adjacent wall studs on an exterior wall. Use utility knife to remove a shingle from the bottom of the wall; be sure the shingle falls between the two studs. Use a 1 1/8-inch-diameter spade bit to drill a hole through the wall sheathing where the shingle was removed....

They dry wet gloves, warm homemade pies, and, topped with a pan of water, they can even humidify the air. But the primary reason old cast-iron radiators stand in millions of American houses today is for their ability to gently and evenly heat a room. Late Victorian–era ones with embossed scrollwork and floral motifs are also a reminder of a time when even the most utilitarian fixtures featured high-style design and fine craftsmanship....