Hi! I’m Blair Gilbert, a.k.a.
MR. HARDWARE
As a third-generation hardware store owner, licensed builder, and finish carpenter, my mission is to help you “do it right the first time!” On this site, I share expert home and yard DIY advice in over 250 articles and videos. Feel free to dive in!
Latest Articles
- Tip to replace light socket, secret screw hidden under the bulb (8/13/2018)
Replacing a light socket is easy if you can locate the screw that secures the socket to the light housing.
Older exterior, flood or security light sockets have a screw under the bulb that allows the socket to be disassembled.
Then, cut the wires, insert the new socket and rewire the light.
The hard part is finding that confounded screw.
More New Articles
- Tips – how to sharpen lawn tools on bench grinder (7/30/2018) - Always look at the edge and follow the original bevel. A grinding wheel can remove larger amounts of material than filing like nicks, or you have to restore a particularly worn blade. Be ...read more
- How to treat your backyard for mosquitoes (7/16/2018) - Spray days before and a light spray day of the social gathering. Spray the plants, trees, shrubbery, lawn, front of house, sidewalks, awnings, gutters and all other outdoors areas to rid them of ...read more
- Restring dual-sided spool lawn weed eater trimmer with 2 strings (7/9/2018) - Be kind, rewind.. your garden line trimmer that is. Most line trimmers, weed wackers, have refillable spools that dispense line as you need it while trimming up the edges of your yard. We ...read more
- Kill weeds for 6 months, Season Long Weed Control by Bayer (6/25/2018) - Apply anytime from spring through fall when temperatures are between 50-90F. Rainproof in 1 hour. Kills existing broadleaf weeds, but not crabgrass. Prevents new broadleaf weeds for up to 6 months. Won’t harm ...read more
- Spar (marine) varnish is best for exterior wood finishing, protection (6/18/2018) - Outdoor finishes all require maintenance due to moisture, heat, expansion, contraction and ultraviolet light. Moisture causes the wood to rot, and sunlight washes out its natural color. You have some choices: exterior oil, ...read more