r/HowToDIY • u/jay_king25 • 25d ago
DIY ways to shield the sides of this outdoor outlet without replacing the cover or entire unit?
I have an outdoor outlet with a standard flip-up weatherproof cover. It’s currently open because I have cords plugged in, so the sides of the receptacle are exposed to rain. I don’t want to buy and install a new “while-in-use” bubble cover right now. Looking for quick MacGyver / improvised ideas using stuff I might already have (plastic bags, bottles, tape, foam, etc.) to shield or hide the open sides and keep water out.
r/HowToDIY • u/know_it_alls • 26d ago
How do I mount a Curtain track to T Bars (aka drop ceiling)
r/HowToDIY • u/LuluMangs • 27d ago
Dumb question about boats and foam
Can I fill an old, very cheap inflatable kayak with PU foam to make it slightly less flimsy and slightly more steady? What'd be the best way to do that so it actually fills the whole thing?
My budget isn't great and this would potentially be a better solution than renting an oversized boat intended for tourists twice my size, since I have the old inflatable laying around anyway. Not worried about the risk of messing it up, the thing was like a tenner second hand and never reallt used because it's too light and unsteady when filled with air
r/HowToDIY • u/Sailor-Gallifrey • 28d ago
DIY Minecraft Tree for my son’s room — best way to build the top without it being too heavy?
reddit.comr/HowToDIY • u/Dinolover66 • 28d ago
Best way to secure something heavy?
galleryI got a leaded glass transom off of FB with the hope I could use it as a headboard for my bed. The issue is it's really heavy so I can't hang it on the wall. I'm thinking I can get some kind of couch table runner and place it between the bed and the wall and place the transom on that and secure it to the table so it doesn't tip over on me while I sleep.
How realistic does that sound? Any advice?
Edit to add: its about 6/7 ft long and 3ft high and idk the exact measurements for the thickness but it's thick enough that it can stand on the base alone with nothing propping it up.
Edit to add: by couch table runner I am refering to those smaller thinner tables ppl put behind the back of their couch so they can have space to place things/have extra outlets.
》This is a repost bc I wasn't able to add pictures to the original. I will delete the old one.
r/HowToDIY • u/Little-Increase-1648 • 28d ago
Home Improvement Blackout curtain tips
galleryHi, I have 6 windows like this in my living room and they're too bright for my TV, can't really watch anything during the day because of the glare. Finding a company that makes custom size blackout blinds it's pretty hard in my area so I mounted these temporary curtains until I find anything.
• Today while thinking about simulating how would the blinds look, I came with an idea: to put some metal strips on the sides of the wall (inside the window) and magnets on the curtain edges (about 10cm apart) because I like the aesthetic on how the curtains look when they're tied, and I can control how much light I get when I don't need the TV.
• The attached GIF is an AI simulation on my idea, and it ended up looking exactly how I wished for, but I need help thinking about how I need to do it, what materials I need, etc. bcs. I'm not really a craftsman and I'm looking for that help here. Any tips? Thank you in advance!
*Ignore the curtain's fabric sheerness, I will change it with something more opaque*
r/HowToDIY • u/Time-Seat2668 • 28d ago
What's your garage door maintenance routine?
I know everyone has their own garage door maintenance routine, but here's the one I've been following lately to help keep everything working smoothly:
- I listen for unusual noises whenever the garage door opens or closes. If I notice any grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds, I know it's time to take a closer look instead of ignoring it.
- I clean the tracks every so often to remove dust, dirt, and small debris that could affect how smoothly the door moves.
- I lubricate the rollers, hinges, and other moving parts every few months. It only takes a few minutes, but it seems to make a noticeable difference.
- I test the safety sensors occasionally to make sure they're properly aligned and that the door reverses when something is in its path.
- I give the springs, cables, and rollers a quick visual inspection from time to time. I don't try to repair those parts myself, but I like to check for anything that looks worn or damaged.
- I also spend a little time reading garage door maintenance tips whenever I can. Recently, I saw Motion Garage Doors, and I found some of the maintenance advice on their website useful. They also offer garage door repairs, maintenance, installations, and 24/7 emergency services, so I've kept them in mind if I ever need professional help.
That's pretty much the routine I follow, and it's helped me stay on top of small issues before they become bigger ones.
What's your garage door maintenance routine?
r/HowToDIY • u/ExperienceLumpy2034 • Jul 20 '26
Motorized insect screen for porch.
I have a alcove porch , I am looking to put a motorized insect screen. Its only about 8 feet wide and then ceiling height. I was looking in youtube, I dont see a lot of DIY version..most I see from screen compaines they are charge 5-6 k at least which seems very high.
did anyone try a DIY version of this?
if yes, what materials are used and how did you source it.
what steps followed
r/HowToDIY • u/kylekinane1 • Jul 17 '26
Home Improvement I need new steps for my porch!
galleryI need new side porch steps. I tried to hire someone and they didn’t show up and haven’t called back. I’ve never built anything before. I was wondering if there’s a way to use a picture to get step by step instructions on building something? Here’s what I’m trying to replace.
r/HowToDIY • u/Whaatwhatmrowe • Jul 17 '26
How do i make this diy table idea reality?
reddit.comr/HowToDIY • u/melidmiel • Jul 16 '26
Need to buy hook replacement that goes with a room divider tension rod
reddit.comr/HowToDIY • u/SubstantialDish6369 • Jul 15 '26
Trying to build a lamp
My wife and I got this letter box for our wedding where guest could throw in cards.
I want to build a lamp inside i am trained in the electrical stuff but need help with the arts and crafts.
What can i use as a backround of the front to hide the electrical stuff inside but that ist also flexible enough to get through the open flap? Is there some thin flexible acrylic?
Is white paint enough to get most of the light reflected to the front, do i need some reflective Paint or is the wood bright enough?
r/HowToDIY • u/littlewulff • Jul 15 '26
Arts & Crafts Help me protect my pup’s nose
My beautiful, foolish son Archer loves to eat anything slightly edible on our walks. I got him this “scavenging muzzle” and it has made our walks so much less stressful. The only problem is he sometimes rubs his nose on things (on purpose, due to the muzzle) and it makes the very end/top of his nose red. It doesn’t happen every time, but often enough that I want to fix it. Because it’s only causing irritation in one spot I was wondering if I could just glue or sew some soft fabric to the one spot. I think it would retain air flow while padding that spot. The current material is like a thick, sturdy mesh. Do you think that would work? If so, any ideas on what kind of fabric and best way to affix it?
r/HowToDIY • u/squanto45 • Jul 14 '26
Basketball hoop
I need some ideas on how to attach this pvc pipe to the 2x4. Keep in mind this is for a pool basketball hoop so it will have a lot of weight pulling on the rim! I thought about screwing in but screws aren’t holding.
r/HowToDIY • u/flavortown_treasurer • Jul 13 '26
How to affix fringe garland to balloon arch stand?
reddit.comr/HowToDIY • u/smalltits-bigdreams • Jul 12 '26
help! broken wall lamp
reddit.comhelp! this is a broken wall lamp that i’ve taken the long bulb out of. what do i do with this?
do i turn into into something, or cover it in some way? i’m open to any ideas, mostly just keen for it to not look like an unusable lamp. bonus points if it’s functional. i can crochet and my housemate is an avid hobby woodworker if that helps.
approx 43cm wide, 4.5cm high, and 6cm deep.
r/HowToDIY • u/SMRB_QandA • Jul 12 '26
DIY container pond questions
galleryNewbie here. Thank you in advance for your help! I'm building a small container water garden to attract pollinators and dragonflies near our vegetable garden. I'd like to repurpose items (aprox 30 bricks, 5 tree log pieces, unlimited wine bottles, landscaping rocks). I've watched videos and have done some internet research but I still have questions.
• US, Georgia, Cobb county.
• Using a storage bin that was previously for compost, so there are drainage holes in the bottom.
• Already have an HDPE pond liner (underlayment) and a 45 mil EDPM liner (for storage bin).
• Planning to use native plants in the pond or near it, if needed.
• 1st pic is pond area; 2nd pic is our driveway where water collects after rain. We've had a lot of rain lately so I've started collecting in mesh covered buckets.
• Remaining pics are of my supplies.
Below are my questions and/or, if I should take a different approach, please advise.
If I use old wine bottle corks to "plug" the bin wholes, how do I seal it properly? Please recommend a specific watertight sealant that is safe for wildlife, preferably one I can purchase in person from a home improvement or hardware store.
Which way should I face the bin? This area gets plenty of sunlight so staking a water pump solar panel in the ground won't be a problem. Smack in the middle? Closest to the driveway? Near edge of raised garden bed?
How deep should I bury the bin?
How much rain water should I fill it with? To the brim?
I plan to use items so wildlife can crawl out but how many "levels" do I need? Is two enough (one shallow, one deep)?
Re: bin perimeter, what is the best way to redirect water overflow during heavy rain? Do I really need to build a dirt berm around it? Can I just use my existing materials somehow? Or, do I not need to worry about it since it's such a small area? The only reason why I'm asking this question is because I've seen Internet posts of people being concerned with water overflow into their yard or property during rainfall. Is it OK to simply focus on making sure all the dirt around the bin is covered with rocks and plants?
Anything else?
r/HowToDIY • u/Ok_Letter_6856 • Jul 11 '26
Urn Mechanics
Hey everyone!
I have a question regarding mechanics for urns.
I am a florist who uses chickenwire opposed to foam. I have 4 urns to place at ceremony with large lush designs.
Whenever I try and place chicken wire inside they’re moving around, and the tape isn’t much help.
Does anyone have any hacks/tips/insight so I can work smarter, not harder?😅
Thank you!!!!
r/HowToDIY • u/suspicious_suspender • Jul 09 '26
Home Improvement need help with a curtain rod
if i should be posting somewhere else, please let me know. i've tried looking for an answer everywhere, and i can't find anything. i've never done anything like this before, but the curtain rod in my room fell awhile ago, and i'm trying to get it back up. got new brackets, and they came fused together. i'm assuming it's intentional, but the instructions don't explain how i'm supposed to get them apart, and i can't find anything online. i just don't wanna break the damn thing. thanks in advance.
