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The Gurus of How-To, Al and Larry Ubell

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

The gurus of how-to, Al and Larry Ubell, answer your questions on home repair! Give us a call at 212-433-9692, or leave a comment.


Comments

  • [1] Chris from NJ May 07, 2008 - 10:08AM

    Is there a good way to prevent deer from eating flowers. Is there a flower that deer won't eat?


  • [2] Avivah from Brooklyn May 07, 2008 - 12:26PM

    Somehow my backyard garden has become "infested" with a bamboo type grass. If allowed it will grow to six feet in height. I has even tried to come up through the concrete. I have cut it down and dug up a many roots and runners as I could. How do I get rid of it once and for all?


  • [3] Randy from New York City May 07, 2008 - 01:19PM

    In a newly remodeled studio apt, I ended up with a 110v A/C instead of a 220v. The building is wired for 220v. Would it be hassle to change the A/C outlet to 220v. What might an electrician have to do to change the voltage?

    Thanks!


  • [4] Kevin Goodman May 07, 2008 - 01:33PM

    We have developed some cracks in our granite countertop in our kitchen. Is there anything we can do to repair or seal them? Replacement is very expensive and I'd like to avoid it if possible.


  • [5] Neal from Port Washington May 07, 2008 - 01:37PM

    What is the best way to take care of my cedar deck? Should I powerwash and put sealer on it or just let it age? What about areas where the wood is getting green--algae?

    Thanks


  • [6] Greg from NJ May 07, 2008 - 01:38PM

    WD stands for "water displacement"

    If you want a simple and cheap way to vibration isolate a clothes dryer, try http://www.genuineideas.com/HallofInventions/freeinventions.html


  • [7] Demetri from NYC May 07, 2008 - 01:38PM

    WD stands for "Water Displacement", 40th formula in the series.


  • [8] caroline from new york city May 07, 2008 - 01:39PM

    “WD-40” literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That’s the

    name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist Norm Larsen when

    he developed WD-40 back in 1953. Norm was attempting to concoct a

    formula to prevent corrosion, a task which is done by displacing water.

    Norm’s persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try."


  • [9] Erica from 10024 May 07, 2008 - 01:40PM

    WD-40. Confirmation: WD-40 was the 40th version of (whichever manufacturer's) formulation for a _W_ater _D_isplacing product.


  • [10] Rob from NYC May 07, 2008 - 01:40PM

    I have to agree with Greg. The WD does stand for Water displacement. The product was desinged to protect metallic parts from moisture. They went through 39 formulations before they were successful with the 40th.


  • [11] paul wolcott from NJ May 07, 2008 - 01:40PM

    Youor crack staff is right. WD-40 stands for Water zdisplacement - the 40 derives from the fact that the successful formula was the 40th one tested.


  • [12] cornelius from Stony Brook May 07, 2008 - 01:40PM

    According to Wekipedia: WD-40 stands for Water Displacement.


  • [13] david schneider May 07, 2008 - 01:41PM

    Hi the WD does stand for water displacer. It was developed to be used by NASA to displace water in certain early solid rocket fuel rockets, and it was the 40th attempt to get the correct formula.


  • [14] shindig from brooklyn May 07, 2008 - 01:42PM

    Awhile ago you gave a tip for repairing door hinges using woodglue and toothpicks. It worked great on my drop front desk.

    Any tips for keeping the neighbors' pitbull from pooping in my flowers?


  • [15] John Celardo from Fanwood, NJ May 07, 2008 - 01:43PM

    Wikipedia says WD does stand for Water Displacement. Here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40


  • [16] Isaac from Jersey City May 07, 2008 - 01:44PM

    You are all wrong!!

    WD-40 was invented by a Turk in 1940 and stands for Whirling Dervish as a tribute to his ancestors...


  • [17] dave downs from new york city LES May 07, 2008 - 01:45PM

    Is it possible to vent out a NYC Apt from a Vent hood? and if not does the air circulating in these hood really work?

    thanks,

    dave


  • [18] Ali from manhattan May 07, 2008 - 01:45PM

    we are trying to buy an apt in a 1929 building in manhattan and have heard conflicting reports about the code vis-a-vis the electric circuit box. it is currently located above the sink in the kitchen and we have been told that it may or may not be a code violation.

    also they said the apt has 60 amps - is this enough to run through wall a/c heat combo in one room and a/c in three other rooms? we also want to get a washer / dryer (gas dryer) and have heard conflicting reports on whether 60 amps is enough.

    thank you


  • [19] John Celardo from Fanwood, NJ May 07, 2008 - 01:46PM

    Al and Larry, what do you think of gutter guards? I've had the slotted type for a couple of years, and they seem to work well.


  • [20] Henry from Rahway NJ May 07, 2008 - 01:47PM

    WD in "WD-40"

    does mean 'water displacement'.

    In fact the whole thing means:

    water displacement on the 40th try.

    see link.

    http://www.wd40.com/about-us/history/


  • [21] Jennifer H from NYC May 07, 2008 - 01:47PM

    Hi guys! - I have a 6 month old baby and live in a loft building - a former factory that we have converted ourselves. There is still some very old paint that remains in some parts of our home. I am concerned about lead - is there a way that I can test for it?

    Thanks,

    Jennifer


  • [22] Erica from 10024 May 07, 2008 - 01:47PM

    Isaac- Woopsie-daisy! A real wing-ding.


  • [23] j from nyc May 07, 2008 - 01:48PM

    re: ants

    i heard that instead of using boric acid, that you can use peppermint oil around the boundries of your living space [doorways, other entrances for ants]. Supposedly, it's too strong for their antlers/sensors, repelling them.


  • [24] Jemal from Queens May 07, 2008 - 01:51PM

    We are thinking about changing to a tankless water heater. Any opinions about which is the best?


  • [25] sanjay k from Mine Hill, NJ May 07, 2008 - 01:55PM

    Is the answer : friction pedulum base isolator? SFO airport and several other buildings have been built using this concept to protect from earthquakes

    Learnt it while helping my sixth grader!


  • [26] Robert Sumanis from East Rutherford, New Jersey May 07, 2008 - 04:24PM

    answer to todays question on the Leonard Lopate show is INERTIA BLOCK (OR PAD) :)


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