{"articles":[{"id":"K01","title":"How do I apply acrylic-latex interior caulk?","audience":"Homeowner sealing an interior gap","prerequisites":["Acrylic-latex interior caulk","Clean and dry gap","Caulk applicator","Paint if you plan to paint"],"article":"Acrylic-latex interior caulk is used for interior gaps. Before you begin, make sure the gap is clean and dry. 1. Confirm the location is not submerged. This caulk is not for submerged locations. 2. Clean the gap. Remove what you can so the gap is ready. 3. Dry the gap. The source note requires a clean and dry gap. 4. Cut the nozzle. Open the tip to the size you need. 5. Apply a steady bead. Move along the gap and keep the flow steady. 6. Smooth the bead. Smooth it while it is workable. 7. Let the caulk cure. Wait until it has cured. 8. Paint after cured. If you plan to paint, do it after the caulk has cured. 9. Inspect the bead. Check that the gap is covered and the bead is smooth. Do not use this product in submerged locations. Keep the application in an interior area. Cut the nozzle before applying. Apply a steady bead. Smooth the bead. Let it cure. Paint after cure. If the gap is not clean and dry, clean and dry it before applying. If the location is submerged, do not use this caulk. Work at a steady pace. Keep the nozzle opening consistent. This article uses only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Do not use this caulk in submerged locations.","troubleshooting":["If the gap is not clean and dry, clean and dry it before applying caulk.","If the location is submerged, do not use this product."]},{"id":"K02","title":"How do I install peel-and-stick floor planks?","audience":"Homeowner installing floor planks","prerequisites":["Peel-and-stick floor planks","Unopened boxes","Clean, dry, flat subfloor"],"article":"Peel-and-stick floor planks need acclimation before installation. 1. Keep the boxes unopened. 2. Place the unopened boxes in the room where the planks will be installed. 3. Leave them there for 48 hours. 4. After 48 hours, check the subfloor. 5. Make sure the subfloor is clean. 6. Make sure the subfloor is dry. 7. Make sure the subfloor is flat. 8. Install the peel-and-stick planks. 9. Stagger seams as you install. 10. Check seams as you go. Do not install on a subfloor that is not clean, dry, and flat. Acclimate unopened boxes in the room for 48 hours. Stagger seams. If the subfloor is dirty, clean it. If the subfloor is wet, dry it. If the subfloor is not flat, address that before installation. Keep boxes unopened during acclimation. Place them in the room. Wait 48 hours. Confirm the subfloor is clean, dry, and flat. Install planks. Stagger seams. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Do not install peel-and-stick floor planks until the subfloor is clean, dry, and flat.","troubleshooting":["If the subfloor is dirty or wet, clean and dry it before installation.","If boxes were opened before acclimation, the source note calls for unopened boxes."]},{"id":"K03","title":"How do I use a magnetic stud finder?","audience":"Homeowner locating wall fasteners","prerequisites":["Magnetic stud finder","Pencil or marker"],"article":"A magnetic stud finder helps locate metal fasteners. 1. Move the tool slowly across the wall. 2. Watch for a response from the tool. 3. Understand that it finds metal fasteners, not wood directly. 4. Mark the first fastener location. 5. Mark more than one fastener. 6. Use more than one mark to trace the stud. 7. Move slowly again to confirm. 8. Mark the second fastener. 9. Compare marks to trace the stud line. 10. Continue slowly across the wall. The tool does not find wood directly. It finds metal fasteners. Mark more than one fastener to trace the stud. If you mark only one fastener, mark another. If you move too fast, move slowly across the wall again. Do not expect the tool to find wood directly. Use metal fasteners as your reference. Mark more than one fastener. Trace the stud from those marks. This article uses only the facts in the source note.","warning":"The magnetic stud finder finds metal fasteners, not wood directly.","troubleshooting":["If you have only one mark, mark more than one fastener to trace the stud.","If you moved too quickly, move slowly across the wall again."]},{"id":"K04","title":"How do I apply weatherstrip tape?","audience":"Homeowner sealing a contact surface","prerequisites":["Weatherstrip tape","Clean and dry contact surface","Measuring tool"],"article":"Weatherstrip tape needs a clean and dry contact surface. 1. Clean the contact surface. 2. Dry the contact surface. 3. Measure the area first. 4. Cut the tape to the measured length if needed. 5. Apply the tape to the contact surface. 6. Do not stretch the tape during application. 7. Press it into place as you apply. 8. Continue without stretching. 9. Check the contact surface is still clean and dry. 10. Finish the application. Measure first. Do not stretch tape during application. Clean and dry the contact surface before applying. If the surface is dirty, clean it. If the surface is wet, dry it. If you start to stretch the tape, stop and apply it without stretching. Keep the tape in place on the contact surface. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Do not stretch weatherstrip tape during application.","troubleshooting":["If the contact surface is dirty or wet, clean and dry it before applying tape.","If the tape is stretching, stop and apply it without stretching."]},{"id":"K05","title":"How do I use a drywall mesh patch?","audience":"Homeowner repairing drywall","prerequisites":["Drywall mesh patch","Joint compound","Sandpaper if you plan to sand","Paint if you plan to paint"],"article":"A drywall mesh patch covers a drywall area. 1. Remove loose paper from the area. 2. Stick the mesh patch over the area. 3. Cover the patch with compound. 4. Make sure the compound covers the patch. 5. Let the compound dry. 6. Do not sand before the compound is dry. 7. Do not paint before the compound is dry. 8. Sand after the compound is dry, if you plan to sand. 9. Paint after the compound is dry, if you plan to paint. 10. Check the patch is covered. Remove loose paper before sticking the patch. Cover the patch with compound. Let compound dry before sanding or paint. If loose paper remains, remove it. If the compound is not dry, wait before sanding or painting. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Let the compound dry before sanding or painting.","troubleshooting":["If loose paper remains, remove it before sticking the patch.","If the compound is not dry, wait before sanding or painting."]},{"id":"K06","title":"How do I connect and mount linkable LED bars?","audience":"Homeowner installing LED bars","prerequisites":["Linkable LED bars","Mounting hardware","Power source"],"article":"Linkable LED bars need careful connection and mounting. 1. Unplug the power before connecting. 2. Connect the bars. 3. Link no more than six bars. 4. Mount the bars. 5. Mount before plugging in. 6. Check the linked bars are mounted. 7. Plug in after mounting. 8. Do not link more than six bars. 9. Unplug before any connection work. 10. Follow the source limits. Unplug before connecting. Link no more than six bars. Mount before plugging in. If you need to connect more, do not exceed six bars. If you have not mounted the bars, mount them before plugging in. This article uses only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Unplug before connecting, link no more than six bars, and mount before plugging in.","troubleshooting":["If you are connecting bars, unplug the power first.","If you have more than six bars, do not link more than six."]},{"id":"K07","title":"How do I install a door sweep?","audience":"Homeowner fitting a door sweep","prerequisites":["Door sweep","Measuring tool","Trim tools if needed"],"article":"Door sweep installation starts with measurement. 1. Measure the door width. 2. Use the measurement to prepare the door sweep. 3. Trim the aluminum only as needed. 4. Keep the vinyl seal lightly touching the threshold. 5. Install the door sweep. 6. Check the vinyl seal. 7. Adjust only as needed. 8. Do not trim more aluminum than needed. 9. Confirm the vinyl seal is lightly touching the threshold. 10. Finish the installation. Trim aluminum only as needed. Keep vinyl seal lightly touching threshold. If the vinyl seal does not lightly touch, adjust the installation. If aluminum trimming is needed, trim only as needed. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Trim the aluminum only as needed and keep the vinyl seal lightly touching the threshold.","troubleshooting":["If the vinyl seal does not lightly touch the threshold, adjust the installation.","If aluminum trimming is needed, trim only as needed."]},{"id":"K08","title":"How do I install toggle bolts in a hollow wall?","audience":"Homeowner mounting an item","prerequisites":["Toggle bolts","Drill","Item to mount"],"article":"Toggle bolts install into a hollow wall. 1. Select the size. 2. Drill a hole for the selected size. 3. Insert the bolt through the item. 4. Insert the toggle. 5. Position the toggle behind the wall. 6. Tighten the bolt. 7. Do not overtighten the hollow wall. 8. Check the item is held. 9. Stop if the wall is overtightened. 10. Finish the installation. Drill hole for selected size. Insert bolt through item then toggle. Do not overtighten hollow wall. If you drill the wrong size, use the selected size. If you begin to overtighten, stop. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Do not overtighten toggle bolts in a hollow wall.","troubleshooting":["If the hole is not for the selected size, drill a hole for the selected size.","If you begin to overtighten the hollow wall, stop."]},{"id":"K09","title":"How do I use a GFCI tester?","audience":"Homeowner checking a GFCI outlet","prerequisites":["GFCI tester","Standard 120-volt outlet","Instructions for the tester"],"article":"A GFCI tester is used with standard 120-volt outlets. 1. Confirm the outlet is a standard 120-volt outlet. 2. Plug the tester into the outlet. 3. Read the three lights. 4. Compare the lights against the instructions. 5. Do not use the tester on a non-120-volt outlet. 6. Do not treat the tester as a substitute for an electrician. 7. Unplug the tester when finished. 8. Check the outlet type before plugging in. 9. Read the three lights carefully. 10. Follow the tester instructions. Use only standard 120-volt outlets. Plug in and read three lights against instructions. It is not a substitute for an electrician. If the outlet is not a standard 120-volt outlet, do not use the tester. If you need electrical work beyond testing, the tester is not a substitute for an electrician. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Use only standard 120-volt outlets. This tester is not a substitute for an electrician.","troubleshooting":["If the outlet is not a standard 120-volt outlet, do not use the tester.","If you need more than testing, remember the tester is not a substitute for an electrician."]},{"id":"K10","title":"How do I use deck screws?","audience":"Homeowner fastening exterior materials","prerequisites":["Exterior coated deck screws","Star drive bit","Materials to fasten"],"article":"Deck screws are exterior coated screws. 1. Use exterior coated screws. 2. Choose a bit that fully seats in the star drive. 3. Check the bit fits the screw head. 4. Drive the screw. 5. Do not use deck screws for structural connections. 6. Confirm the bit fully seats in the star drive. 7. Continue driving with the correct bit. 8. Check the screw is seated. 9. Do not use them for structural connections. 10. Finish the fastening. Use exterior coated screws. Choose a bit that fully seats in star drive. Do not use for structural connections. If the bit does not fully seat, choose a bit that does. If the connection is structural, do not use deck screws. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Do not use deck screws for structural connections.","troubleshooting":["If the bit does not fully seat in the star drive, choose one that does.","If the connection is structural, do not use deck screws."]},{"id":"K11","title":"How do I use tile spacers?","audience":"Homeowner setting tile","prerequisites":["Tile spacers","Tile","Grout"],"article":"Tile spacers help keep spacing consistent. 1. Place spacers at corners as tile is set. 2. Keep spacing consistent. 3. Continue placing spacers as you set tile. 4. Check corners as you go. 5. Remove spacers before grout. 6. Do not grout with spacers still in place. 7. Keep spacing consistent between tiles. 8. Place spacers at each corner as tile is set. 9. Remove every spacer before grout. 10. Finish the tile work. Place spacers at corners as tile is set. Remove before grout. Keep spacing consistent. If a spacer remains, remove it before grout. If spacing is not consistent, adjust as you set tile. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Remove tile spacers before grout.","troubleshooting":["If a spacer remains, remove it before grout.","If spacing is not consistent, adjust the spacers as tile is set."]},{"id":"K12","title":"How do I maintain a sink hair catcher?","audience":"Homeowner maintaining a sink drain","prerequisites":["Sink hair catcher"],"article":"A sink hair catcher needs regular maintenance. 1. Lift out the hair catcher regularly. 2. Empty debris from the catcher. 3. Rinse the catcher. 4. Return it to the drain. 5. Do not force it into the drain. 6. Repeat regularly. 7. Check the catcher after use. 8. Empty debris when you lift it out. 9. Rinse it before returning it. 10. Do not force it into the drain. Lift out regularly. Empty debris. Rinse. Do not force into drain. If debris is present, empty it. If the catcher does not fit easily, do not force it into the drain. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Do not force the sink hair catcher into the drain.","troubleshooting":["If debris is present, lift out the catcher and empty it.","If the catcher does not fit easily, do not force it into the drain."]},{"id":"K13","title":"How do I use a canvas drop cloth?","audience":"Homeowner protecting a work area","prerequisites":["Canvas drop cloth","Work area","Outdoor space for shaking"],"article":"A canvas drop cloth covers a work area. 1. Cover the work area. 2. Use the drop cloth during the project. 3. Shake out dry debris outdoors. 4. Let wet paint dry before folding. 5. Do not fold a drop cloth with wet paint. 6. Shake out dry debris outdoors when needed. 7. Let wet paint dry fully before folding. 8. Cover the work area before starting. 9. Keep the drop cloth in place during work. 10. Clean it as described before storage. Cover work area. Shake out dry debris outdoors. Let wet paint dry before folding. If debris is dry, shake it out outdoors. If paint is wet, let it dry before folding. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Let wet paint dry before folding the canvas drop cloth.","troubleshooting":["If debris is dry, shake it out outdoors.","If paint is wet, let it dry before folding."]},{"id":"K14","title":"How do I install a closet rod?","audience":"Homeowner installing a closet rod","prerequisites":["Closet rod","Brackets","Suitable support","Measuring tool"],"article":"A closet rod has a span limit in the source note. 1. Confirm the span is 48-72 inches. 2. Mount brackets into suitable support. 3. Check the brackets are set. 4. Extend the rod after brackets are set. 5. Do not extend the rod before brackets are set. 6. Confirm the span is within 48-72 inches. 7. Mount brackets into suitable support. 8. Set the brackets. 9. Extend the rod after brackets are set. 10. Finish the installation. Confirm span is 48-72 inches. Mount brackets into suitable support. Extend rod after brackets are set. If the span is not 48-72 inches, do not use this rod span. If brackets are not set, set them before extending the rod. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Confirm the span is 48-72 inches and extend the rod only after brackets are set.","troubleshooting":["If the span is not 48-72 inches, do not use this rod span.","If brackets are not set, set them before extending the rod."]},{"id":"K15","title":"How do I use concrete crack filler?","audience":"Homeowner filling a concrete crack","prerequisites":["Concrete crack filler","Broom or brush","Horizontal crack"],"article":"Concrete crack filler is used on horizontal cracks only. 1. Sweep debris from the crack. 2. Confirm the crack is horizontal. 3. Do not use it on non-horizontal cracks. 4. Apply the concrete crack filler. 5. Do not use it for structural repair. 6. Sweep debris before applying. 7. Use on horizontal cracks only. 8. Do not use for structural repair. 9. Check the crack direction. 10. Finish the application. Sweep debris. Use on horizontal cracks only. Not for structural repair. If debris remains, sweep it away. If the crack is not horizontal, do not use this filler. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Use concrete crack filler on horizontal cracks only. It is not for structural repair.","troubleshooting":["If debris remains, sweep it away before applying filler.","If the crack is not horizontal, do not use this filler."]},{"id":"K16","title":"How do I install a recessed MDF shelf?","audience":"Homeowner installing a recessed shelf","prerequisites":["Recessed MDF shelf","Stud bay","Cutting tools","Primer and paint if desired"],"article":"A recessed MDF shelf fits into a clear stud bay. 1. Locate a clear stud bay. 2. Cut the opening carefully. 3. Install the recessed MDF shelf. 4. Prime exposed surfaces after installation. 5. Paint exposed surfaces after installation. 6. Check the stud bay is clear. 7. Cut the opening carefully. 8. Prime and paint exposed surfaces after installation. 9. Check the shelf is installed. 10. Finish the area. Locate clear stud bay. Cut opening carefully. Prime and paint exposed surfaces after installation. If the stud bay is not clear, locate a clear stud bay. If the opening is not cut carefully, check the cut before installation. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Cut the opening carefully.","troubleshooting":["If the stud bay is not clear, locate a clear stud bay.","If exposed surfaces remain after installation, prime and paint them."]},{"id":"K17","title":"How do I use a motion-sensor night light?","audience":"Homeowner using an indoor night light","prerequisites":["Motion-sensor night light","Indoor outlet"],"article":"A motion-sensor night light is for indoor plug-in use. 1. Plug it into an indoor outlet. 2. Set the brightness. 3. Avoid blocking the sensor. 4. Check the sensor is not blocked. 5. Use it indoors only. 6. Set brightness as needed. 7. Keep the sensor clear. 8. Plug in indoors. 9. Do not block the sensor. 10. Finish setup. Indoor plug-in only. Set brightness. Avoid blocking sensor. If the sensor is blocked, clear the area in front of it. If the light is not indoors, do not use it as a plug-in night light. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Use this motion-sensor night light indoors only and avoid blocking the sensor.","troubleshooting":["If the sensor is blocked, clear the area in front of it.","If the location is not indoors, do not use this plug-in night light there."]},{"id":"K18","title":"How do I use a garden nozzle?","audience":"Homeowner attaching a hose nozzle","prerequisites":["Garden nozzle","Hose","Water source"],"article":"A garden nozzle threads onto a hose by hand. 1. Thread the nozzle onto the hose by hand. 2. Select the spray pattern. 3. Select the spray pattern before opening flow. 4. Open the flow. 5. Relieve pressure before removal. 6. Do not open flow before selecting the spray pattern. 7. Thread by hand. 8. Choose the spray pattern before opening flow. 9. Relieve pressure before removing the nozzle. 10. Finish using the nozzle. Thread onto hose by hand. Select spray pattern before opening flow. Relieve pressure before removal. If the nozzle does not thread by hand, check the connection. If pressure remains, relieve pressure before removal. This article covers only the steps in the source note.","warning":"Relieve pressure before removing the garden nozzle.","troubleshooting":["If the nozzle does not thread by hand, check the hose connection.","If pressure remains, relieve it before removing the nozzle."]},{"id":"K19","title":"How do I connect a utility faucet attachment?","audience":"Homeowner attaching a hose-thread item","prerequisites":["Utility faucet","Common hose-thread attachment if appropriate"],"article":"A utility faucet has a threaded spout. 1. Confirm the attachment is appropriate. 2. Confirm the spout accepts common hose-thread attachments only when appropriate. 3. Hand-tighten first. 4. Avoid cross-threading by hand-tightening first. 5. Check the attachment is seated. 6. Do not force the attachment. 7. Hand-tighten before using tools. 8. Use only when appropriate. 9. Check for cross-threading. 10. Finish the connection. Threaded spout accepts common hose-thread attachments only when appropriate. Hand-tighten first to avoid cross-threading. If the attachment is not appropriate, do not attach it. If cross-threading occurs, stop and hand-tighten first. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Hand-tighten first to avoid cross-threading, and use common hose-thread attachments only when appropriate.","troubleshooting":["If the attachment is not appropriate, do not attach it.","If cross-threading occurs, stop and hand-tighten first."]},{"id":"K20","title":"How do I choose and use a shelf bracket?","audience":"Homeowner mounting a shelf bracket","prerequisites":["Shelf bracket","Mounting materials appropriate to intended load","Shelf materials appropriate to intended load"],"article":"A shelf bracket is sold one at a time and has a 12-inch arm. 1. Note that it is sold one at a time. 2. Note the 12-inch arm. 3. Choose mounting materials appropriate to the intended load. 4. Choose shelf materials appropriate to the intended load. 5. Mount the bracket. 6. Check the mounting materials. 7. Check the shelf materials. 8. Use materials appropriate to the intended load. 9. Confirm the 12-inch arm. 10. Finish the installation. Sold one at a time. 12-inch arm. Choose mounting and shelf materials appropriate to intended load. If the intended load is not supported by the materials, choose appropriate materials. If you need more than one bracket, note that it is sold one at a time. This article covers only the facts in the source note.","warning":"Choose mounting and shelf materials appropriate to the intended load.","troubleshooting":["If the mounting materials are not appropriate to the intended load, choose appropriate materials.","If the shelf materials are not appropriate to the intended load, choose appropriate materials."]}]}