TORQUE & TAPE — The Blue-Collar Skills Guide

A smooth wall changes how a room feels. In this step-by-step field manual, you learn the exact sequence to patch drywall so repairs vanish in daylight and under raking light at night. Chapter 1 covers small defects—nail pops, tiny picture-hook holes, shallow dents—and shows how to bevel, fill thin, and feather with a four- and six-inch knife for fast, clean results. Chapter 2 scales you up to mid-size damage: square cutouts, backin...

Learn how to replace a single-pole light switch and a standard duplex outlet the safe, code-aware way. We start with planning and de-energizing at the breaker, then verify zero volts with a non-contact tester and multimeter. You’ll map conductors, label wires, and check box-fill before touching a screw. In the install phase, you’ll land hot, neutral, and ground on the right terminals, use pigtails for pass-throughs, and set device ...

A toilet that never stops running wastes gallons a day. This hands-on guide teaches you how to map the tank parts, run a dye test to locate the leak, replace a flapper the right way, adjust the float to one inch below the overflow, and swap a fill valve that will not shut off. You’ll confirm success with simple marks, timing, and an overnight check, then set a maintenance routine to keep the tank quiet all year. No brands, no hype,...

A dead car battery can turn a normal morning into a stressful scramble. This step-locked field manual takes the panic out of the moment and replaces it with a calm, proven process. Across three detailed chapters, you’ll learn exactly how to set up, connect, and verify a safe jump-start on any standard twelve-volt vehicle.

Chapter One covers the fundamentals: staging two cars without contact, inspecting the battery for damage, and m...

“Fixing a Leaky Faucet” turns an annoying drip into a quick, safe win. Chapter 1 shows you how to confirm where the leak starts, identify your faucet type by handle travel and trim, shut off water the right way, and build a precise parts list. Chapter 2 walks through the actual repair with three paths: compression (washer and seat), cartridge or ceramic disc (cartridge swap), and ball-type (cam, springs, seats). You’ll reassemble c...

This complete three-chapter guide takes you through everything you need to know about changing your car’s oil at home. Written in clear, natural language for beginners and careful hobbyists, it breaks the job down into safe, step-by-step actions that anyone can follow.

Chapter One covers preparation: why oil changes matter, how to select the right oil and filter, how to stage your tools, and how to set up your car safely with jack ...

Building a Barndominium — The Complete Step-by-Step Guide is a field-tested roadmap that takes you from first sketch to a clean Certificate of Occupancy. It speaks to owner-builders and pros who want straight answers, safe methods, and code-smart details without fluff.

Chapter 1 locks the plan and budget so the project is buildable and bankable. You confirm how your authority classifies a barndominium, then pick a structure that fi...

Building your own shed is one of the most rewarding backyard projects. This guide walks you step by step through the entire process — from choosing the right site and laying a solid foundation, to framing sturdy walls, setting a roof, and finishing with siding, doors, and paint. Along the way, you’ll learn essential safety checks, tool tips, and smart tricks for keeping everything square, level, and weatherproof.

Whether you need e...