How to Fix Anything: Essential Home Repairs Anyone Can Do
Starred review from May 15, 2018
Though those afflicted with a do NOT do it yourself attitude might argue with this book's subtitle, there are at least a handful of easy home remedies here that even major fumblefingers can successfully implement. Like touching up wood furniture with unsalted pecan or walnut meats. Using a steam iron to fix indented carpeting. Freshening up a no-start lawn mower with new spark plugs. Even getting rid of driveway stains with pulverized drywall (just allow it to sit overnight). It's all thanks to the collected wisdom of Popular Mechanics, 115 years strong, synonymous with the ultimate in DIY knowledge. The book's eight sections?bathroom; kitchen; walls, ceilings, floors; furniture and fixtures; gadgets; basement and mechanicals; garage and driveway; and yard?feature different formats. Ask Roy fields answers to common questions. Know your stuff highlights tools, materials, and their appropriate uses, whether fillers, painter's knives, or screws. The essential tool call-outs spotlight particular instruments that are critical to have on hand. And captioned, step-by-step color photographs bring clarity to specific tasks. From all of the above to battling moles to avoid lawn destruction, readers will count on Popular Mechanics' advice.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)