Ryobi cordless tools make do-it-yourself home improvement easier, but oftentimes, new homeowners don’t have the right ones when they need them.
And, buying a new tool for each new project can seriously cut into the savings of doing it yourself.
Here’s where the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit can save the day (or project). It includes most of the power tools needed for repair and improvement projects around the house.
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This kit includes all the tools you need to start any home improvement project. (The Home Depot)
The kit includes a drill/driver with a powerful motor that provides up to 515 in./lbs. of torque.
Need a little extra torque? This kit’s got you covered with an impact driver with up to 1,800 in./lbs. of torque for tougher jobs.
You also get two types of saws: A 5.5-inch circular saw is handy for making the finished cuts you need to handle, and a reciprocating saw for rougher cuts. In just one charge, the circular saw can make over 215 cuts, and the reciprocating saw can make over 145 cuts. Plus, the easy-release blade lever on the reciprocating saw makes for quick blade changes.
No combo tool kit is complete without one of the handiest tools you can have in your workshop: a multi-tool. This fast-cutting tool with 20,000 max OPM is perfect for cutting and sanding in tight spots.
Rounding out this six-piece tool kit is an LED flashlight with over 280 lumens of light output.
All of these tools come with an 18V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery, 18V 1.5 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery and 18V Charger.
The kit comes with a Ryobi One+ 18V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery (The Home Depot)
You don’t need to run up and down the aisles to find the extra parts you need to start using these Ryobi cordless tools. The RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit includes the accessories you need to get you started:
18T carbide blade
Hex wrench
Reciprocating saw blade
Hex key
Flush cut blade
Plunge cut blade
6-inch wood blade
Sanding pad
5 pieces of sandpaper
Tool bag
Plus, all the tools included operate on the same battery system, and there are dozens more that are compatible. Any Ryobi 18V ONE+ product works with the batteries included.
Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product!
In Hour 1, learn how to extend your washing machine’s lifespan, remove white stains from brick, drain standing water from your yard and more.
How to Make Your Washer Last Longer
Regular maintenance can keep your washer running longer.(stevepb/pixabay)
The average lifespan of a washing machine is only 10-15 years — about the same as a goldfish!
Here are some tips from Consumer Reports to make your washing machine last as long as possible:
Make sure it’s level and it stays level. Your washing machine’s drum can spin very fast, and all that vibration can wear out parts and loosen fasteners. Use a level and adjust the feet. Check it once a year to make sure it’s level. Vibration can knock it off level.
Don’t overdo the detergent. Too much detergent can make the washer work harder and sometimes trigger an extra rinse cycle, which extends the wash time, wastes energy, and ultimately reduces the washer’s lifespan.
Clean the dispenser drawer. Clean it on a regular basis. Detergent can build up in there and create extra suds, again making the washer work harder.
Inspect the water hoses. If you have rubber lines, replace them with braided stainless steel.
Removing White Stains From Brick
There are multiple ways to remove these stucco stains from this brick home. (Tim Patton)
Tim Patton’s 25-year-old home in Alabama has a brick facade with white stucco wraps around the front windows. Over the years the white from the stucco has gradually stained the red brick below & around the windows.
Power washing has not removed the white stain. He asks, “Can you recommend a product and method for removing the white stain from the brick?”
Bricks that are not sealed are very porous, so stains tend to stick on them forever.
First, try scrubbing the spots with TSP or CLR, Calcium, Lime Rust Remover. Be sure to test it in a small spot first.
If those don’t work, upgrade to a brick and stone cleaner like Rutland Brick & Stone Cleaner. Spray it on and scrub it with a soft-bristle brush.
Once you do remove the stains, seal the bricks and apply a couple of coats of paint to the stucco to lessen the likelihood of any further staining. This will keep the stucco cleaner and prevent it from depositing any residue.
Solution for Standing Water
Standing water can be a breeding ground for bugs. (MarieTDebs, Getty Images)
Jimmy Crocket built his house in Missouri three years ago, and beautifully landscaped his yard, However, he didn’t realize that when it rains, the water from his next-door neighbor’s yard drains into his, creating almost a pond around one of his planters.
He asks, “How do I drain standing water that drains into my yard from my neighbor’s yard?”
If you have a lot of surface water and water that piles up all at once, a lot of time French drains won’t take care of that sufficiently and you need some type of surface drain.
Install a trench drain system with some fiberglass basins. Direct them to the closest place gravity-wise that you can move the water. You can paint the basins to match your landscaping so they won’t be as noticeable.
I have a similar problem at my home, and I’m doing a combination of a French drain and trench drain to catch the surface water and also get down lower with the trench. I’ll dig it about 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep, fill it with gravel, and place a perforated pipe with a membrane around it (sock pipe) so it doesn’t fill up. And on top of that will be the trench drain.
That way, the water will drop into that pipe and move underground to another area.
Go to the tool rental center and get a Ditch Witch or a termite machine (miniature backhoe) to help you dig the trenches. Lay a piece of plastic down to place the dirt onto so clearing it off the grass is easier once you’re done.
As always, call 811 before you dig in your yard.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, hear tips for removing a tub from a bathroom, an easy fix for a desilvering mirror, and more.
Removing a Tub From a Bathroom
In most remodels, a tub can’t be removed in one piece. (Garrett Aitken, Getty Images Pro)
A caller is getting ready to remodel her bathroom, and taking the bathtub out is going to be a problem. She’s not sure if it’s a cast-iron or an enameled-steel tub. I was wondering if we needed to saw it in two or what we should do. Thanks
One way you can tell if a tub is iron or steel is to give it a good thump on the inside wall. If it sounds like a steel drum, then it’s steel. A cast iron will sound like a thud because it’s thick and hard.
For some of the thin metal tubs, you’re able to break out around the top flange and disconnect the drain and work that out of there. But in so many bathrooms, there’s not enough room to tilt them up without tearing out a wall.
It’s hard to get a tub in and it’s hard to get a tub out, so breaking it up will make removing it a lot easier.
You can use a reciprocating saw with a metal blade to cut the tub in half. Many times with cast iron tubs, it’s basically just putting on a face shield and long-sleeve shirt and going at it with a sledgehammer. Once it starts to break in the center, then you can more easily break it up into small pieces.
Before you take the sledgehammer to it, cover it with a quilted moving pad so shards don’t fly everywhere. First hit the middle on the outside then work your way up to the top then toward the inside. You’re creating a crack up and over down the middle, and you might be able to get it out in two big pieces.
Fix for a Desilvering Mirror
Rough edges around a mirror can be distracting. Hide them with some trim. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Karen Dewing in Florida has three wall-sized mirrors in her master bath that have lost some of the “mirroring” close to the edges.
She asks, “Is there any way to repair or cover these areas? The damaged spots are about 1-by-3 inches long, and I’d hate to have to replace such large mirrors just for some small areas around the outside.”
Desilvering is usually a result of moisture seeping in around the edges and causing the mirror reflection to flake off.
Use construction adhesive to attach prepainted trim boards around the mirrors to create a picture frame. This gives it a great look while also concealing the desilvering spots. Give a little more life out of those mirrors.
The silver backing doesn’t last forever. The older the mirror is the more likely it will happen. You’ll also get some spotting and
Although you’re reducing the mirror space, it’s still a better solution than removing the mirror and replacing it.
Best New Products
Coolaroo’s cordless outdoor roll-up blinds for your patio are the safe solution for providing shade. Learn more >>
Simple Solutions
Most modern cabinet doors have self-closing hinges, but over time, the small leaf spring inside the hinge can break, and then the door won’t stay closed. (Kurhan, Getty Images)
Quick Fix for a Broken Self-Closing Hinge — Most modern cabinet doors have self-closing hinges. But over time, the small leaf spring inside the hinge can break, and then the door won’t stay closed.
Here’s a quick fix:
Hold the door closed with an inexpensive roller catch.
Mount the roller mechanism inside the cabinet and attach the latch to the door.
Use to remove stubborn odors from couches and other upholstery. (itsarasak thithuekthak, Getty Images)
Baking Soda Couch Cleaner — Here’s how to remove stubborn odors from couches and other upholstery:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the fabric.
Wait 20-30 minutes
Vacuum using the upholstery brush.
The baking soda will absorb odors and even loosen up some surface stains.
Outdoor roll-up blinds for your patio solve the problem of late afternoon and early-morning sun glare.
No matter where you build your patio (or porch or pergola), the sun is bound to blast that space at some time in the day.
Finding attractive blinds to block or filter the sun has always been a challenge. Some shades block too much of the outside view while others let too much light shine through.
Plus, the cords on blinds can easily become entangled, becoming a danger to children and pets.
Coolaroo’s new outdoor roll-up blinds for your patio are the safe solution for this shade problem.
The unique wheel operation that allows you to easily adjust the height of your shade to control your privacy and comfort. (The Home Depot)
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This wheel design eliminates any dangling cords, making these outdoor roll-up blinds for your patio certified “Best for Kids” by the Window Covering Safety Council.
Products that qualify for “Best for Kids” either have no cords, no operating cords, or inner cords that can’t create a potential wrap-around hazard. To be certified, manufacturers must meet the program’s specifications and have their products tested in a third-party laboratory.
This week, I’m chatting with painting expert Brian Santos, a.k.a the “Wall Wizard.”
Brian is a fourth-generation painting contractor, author of best-selling home improvement books, and has toured for more than 25 years with his “Wizard Workshops” that empower audiences with simple tips, tricks, and techniques for successful home improvement projects.
He has shared his expertise on national TV, including “Good Morning America,” “Today,” and HGTV’s “Smart Solutions,” as well as on TLC and the Discovery Channel.
Brian is also the Director of Education for Fresh Coat Painters, the only role of this kind within any painting or home improvement franchise.
Brian was brought on to the Fresh Coat Painters team to educate and share his knowledge of the industry and business ownership within the industry to new and established franchise owners.
Less is more when using spray paint — apply two thin coats of paint instead of one heavy coat. (blueclue, Getty Images Signature)
Best Spray Painting Techniques
What are some of the tips you’ve learned over the years when working with spray paint?
Brian: The best spray painting tip I can give is to read the instructions. I know it’s a lot of information in tiny print, but it’s the key to your project’s success. Here are a few more tips:
Prepare properly. Don’t spray in the sun, clean the surface correctly, and make sure you hold the can correctly at the right angle.
Shake the can. It takes 30 seconds to two minutes to get the rattle inside to start moving. This is critical for thoroughly mixing the materials and aerosols so the paint sprays correctly.
Use a spray paint handle. It snaps over the top of the can, and when you pull the trigger, it’s like a gun. It depresses the spray nozzle and puts out the material correctly.
Apply two thin coats of paint instead of one heavy coat. This prevents any runs and drips, and also allows the chemicals to evaporate enough to allow the second coat to bond correctly.
High-volume low-pressure paint sprayers apply a smooth and even coat. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
High-Volume Low-Pressure Sprayers
Tell us more about high volume low pressure (HVLP) sprayers and some of the applications they work well in.
Brian: I love these things — HVLP sprayers are almost like airbrushes. What they’re designed to do is atomize the material and you can control the flow and pressure.
The best one I can recommend is the Wagner Flexio 3000 HVLP Paint Sprayer*, which is available at Home Depot. It has a trigger and a dial for you to adjust the pressure, plus it has a corded and cordless option.
*This is an affiliate link. If you purchase this product, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
For the DIYer, this is probably one of the best tools you can have, but you have to maintain it and clean it regularly.
Here’s a tip for cleaning it: Put about three drops of fabric softener per quart of water in the sprayer and flush it out. This helps clean the sprayer between coats and lubricates the inside.
Airless paint sprayers speed up painting larger projects like fences. (Andy Dean Photography)
Painting a Fence With an Airless Paint Sprayer
What do you recommend for painting a fence?
Brian: An airless paint sprayer is great for painting a fence. You can typically find them at any tool rental center, and what I like about renting them is that they are maintained. Plus, if you were to go out and buy this, it would cost you anywhere from $500-$1,200.
When renting one, be sure to get one that has enough volume flow for your project. And while you’re at the tool rental center, ask an employee for a demonstration so you can see how to properly operate it.
Like I said before, always read the instructions and make sure the sprayer is primed correctly.
Properly clean the fence before painting. Use a garden hose and a cleaner to remove any algae, grease, grime and oxidation. The paint is only as good as the surface it’s bonding to.
You don’t need to use any primer because fence stains are designed to penetrate into wood fiber. There are also clear coatings, semi-transparent stains and solid stains that homogenize to even out any irregularities.
The important thing is to keep moving and backbrush along the way. Spray the paint or stain on, then have someone go with a brush behind it and work that paint or stain into the surface. This will make sure the paint or stain bonds correctly.
Brian: Replacing kitchen cabinets can cost you up to $20,000, so painting is definitely cost-effective.
A paint job is only as good as the surface you’re preparing, so first, ask yourself if you want to see the grain in your cabinets or not. All woods have a grain, and if the surface isn’t prepped currently, that grain will show through. If you don’t want to see any grain, call a professional to do the job.
For the DIYer who wants to do a little refreshing, here are the standard operating procedures on how to do it:
Clean the surface of the cabinets. Wet sand the cabinets with a Scotch Brite pad and an alkaline cleaner called Simple Green HD. This will break down the grease and lightly sand the surface at the same time, eliminating a lot of dust.
Degrease the surface of the cabinets after cleaning. Rinse the surface with 91-proof rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a natural degreaser and deglosser. It evaporates and forces out the moisture that might be in the wood. This will create a sterile surface that’s ready for primer.
Prime the cabinets. The type of primer to use depends on if it’s a lacquer-coated or painted surface. Take a drawer face or part of the cabinet to a paint store and ask the professional to see what type of surface it is, and they can recommend what type of primer to use. Apply two thin coats of primer and lightly sand between each coat with 300-grit sandpaper.
Spackle and caulk between the two coats or primer. If you have floating cabinets, do not caulk between the floating panels. The wood needs to expand and contract with the normal humidity in the house, so caulking can cause the cabinets to crack.
Lastly, apply two even coats of paint to the cabinets.
To protect hardware on cabinets, use rubber cement. After painting, you can peel it off.
If you need to reset hardware, particularly hand pulls, use Bondo, not wood filler. If you slam the cabinet, the wood filler plug could pop out.
Protect surfaces around your painting area to prevent damaging spills. (travellinglight, Getty Images)
Common Mistakes
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make when tackling any paint project?
Brian: Not preparing a surface correctly. And also, not protecting other surfaces. It’s amazing how the paint will splatter if you’re spray painting, or dust will waft through the house.
Create a containment system, and make sure to put a new filter in the HVAC system after you’re done to lessen dust spreading throughout the house. The more you can contain and control, the better result.
Also, clean between steps. That’s where a lot of dust and debris can get into a paint project and the results are not as good as they could be.
If you’re painting with a roller, the last stroke you do should be in the same direction, so you get the proper sheen and the right effect with the color. (cavanimages via Canva)
Brian’s Advice
“Wizards Work Wet:” It’s critical to do the entire surface while materials are wet. Have someone cutting in as another person is rolling paint to keep that wet edge so the color is consistent.
Also, if you’re painting with a roller, the last stroke you do should be in the same direction, so you get the proper sheen and the right effect with the color.
Add a touch of texture and rustic flair to any area with a DIY wood wreath.
This one is a unique take on a traditional wreath using wood cross sections from a small tree (or wood rounds).
Wood rounds are sold at most craft stores, but you can also cut your own if you’ve just trimmed some large tree branches or chopped down a small tree.
This versatile wood wreath can be changed throughout the seasons. Add some holly and red and green ribbon for Christmas. Wrap a pastel-colored ribbon and faux Easter eggs when spring rolls around.
The possibilities for customization are as endless as your imagination!
This wreath isn’t just a door decoration. It’s an eye-catching piece for above a fireplace as well. You can even create multiples for a DIY wedding or baby shower decor.
Assembly takes just a few minutes, and it’s a great way to accent a rustic or farmhouse style. Plus, you can show off your crafty skills to the neighbors too.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Feel free to get creative and glue another row of rounds to make the wreath thicker. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
1. Glue Wood Rounds to Floral Wreath
Begin by gluing the wood rounds edge-to-edge around the perimeter of a pre-made wood floral wreath frame using Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue. Feel free to get creative and glue another row of rounds to make the wreath thicker.
Low-maintenance backyard living is a must if you love the outdoors. Fortunately, creating a beautiful outdoor oasis is easy with composite decking.
A lot of homeowners want an outdoor living space, but don’t want the endless sanding, staining or painting that goes with a wood deck. The solution is beautiful and low-maintenance composite decking. It offers the beauty of wood, but won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter.
Composite decking — made from a blend of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic film — is stronger than regular wood planks and has a much longer lifespan.
Because of its protective cap, composite decking won’t rot, warp or decay like wood.
Benefits of Composite Decking
Here’s why more and more homeowners are choosing composite decking over wood:
Durability. Composite wood is ideal if you’re busy or have little time to maintain your deck. You won’t have to worry about replacing rotting wood, staining, or anything other than an occasional wash with soap and water.
Lifespan. A traditional wood deck lasts, on average, 10 to 15 years. However, composite decks are engineered to last 25 years or longer. This means a composite deck will theoretically last twice as long as a wood deck, without the added hassle of applying wood sealer and replacing rotting boards.
Environmentally friendly. Composite decking is sustainably made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, so you’re helping to save the planet by reducing deforestation and diverting plastics from landfills and waterways.
Beauty: Composite boards are available in different colors and have streaks and grains for a real-wood look that matches any home style.
Trex Enhance composite decking is made with a high-performance shell, so it won’t fade, stain or scratch. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Trex Enhance®
Trex Enhance composite decking is long-lasting, features an authentic wood-grain appearance and comes in many attractive colors.
Its high-performance shell is fade, stain and scratch-resistant, and no sanding or painting is needed. The low-maintenance material cleans easily with soap and water.
Plus, it’s not just good for your home; it’s also good for the environment.
No tree is cut to produce Trex decking — and it’s sustainably made from 95 percent recycled materials, including reclaimed industrial wood waste and polyethylene plastic film.
Finally, any major home improvement is an investment, but you can buy composite decking with confidence. Trex Enhance is backed by a 25-year limited residential warranty and a 25-year fade and stain warranty.
You don’t have to be a pro to install a composite deck. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
How to Install Composite Decking
Composite decking is a great do-it-yourself project, especially with Trex Enhance, which features grooved edges that allow for installation with hidden fasteners.
Trex® Hidden Fasteners screw into the joists and create uniform gaps that allow for expansion and contraction.
If you have an elevated deck, installing the Trex® RainEscape® system allows you to keep the underdeck area dry, which creates a space for storage or an additional outdoor living area beneath the deck to enjoy. The system of gutters and downspouts — designed to divert water from reaching the area below your deck — is installed above the joists to protect the entire substructure from moisture penetration and damage.
And Trex Enhance decking comes in nature-inspired, fade-resistant colors, including Rocky Harbor — a contemporary slate gray with rustic sandy undertones — so it matches any style of home.
Remove old deck boards. Use a wrecking bar to pry the boards from the joists.
Make sure the joists are in good shape before you install composite decking. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Inspect your deck’s frame. Most deck frames are constructed of pressure-treated wood, so it’s important to ensure that it’s structurally sound and can support new decking. If this isn’t the case, or if you’re building a composite deck from the ground up, you’ll have to build a new frame.
For added moisture protection, use Trex® Protect™ joist, beam and rim tape before you install the composite boards. This protects the tops of the joists and beams from developing rot and wood decay. Plus, it’s backed by a 20-year warranty.
You can install composite boards closer together, unlike wood boards, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for gapping. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Align your composite boards with the deck frame. Make the necessary cuts to ensure a clean fit.
Trex’s hidden fasteners tuck in neatly between the boards for a smooth, hardware-free surface. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Attach composite boards to your deck frame. When working with composite decking, you should use the Trex Hidden Fasteners rather than nails to achieve precisely consistent spacing between boards. Although the installation may take a bit longer, the result is a cleaner, more secure deck.
Install deck railing. Replace old deck posts, rails and spindles with Trex Enhance railing components. This railing system has the same weather-resistant characteristics as the deck boards.
Place finishing touches. Clean and reinstall existing lattice and pressure wash any bricks or stepping stones. Add extra features like riser lights on the stairs, along with plants and planters.
Composite decking lasts for years with minimal maintenance. (Trex)
How to Maintain Composite Decking
Composite decking couldn’t be easier to clean — occasionally rinse it with soap and water. So, you can spend more time enjoying your deck instead of maintaining it!
To keep it looking new for decades, do the following:
Sweep regularly
Immediately clean grease and food debris
Scrub sticky spots with water and dish soap
Remove snow with plastic shovels to prevent damage from scraping.
Ready to make this home improvement? Trex decking is available at The Home Depot — purchase in stores or order online for home delivery or store pick-up.
