Easy Does It.
Installing a heavy light fixture or fan
from a suspended ceiling can be easy or hard, depending on how
you do it. The hard way is to install blocking in a dark,
dusty, cluttered ceiling plenum while unsecured communication
cables snag your hammering arm with every swing. The easy way
is to use a FBRS420SC Fan/Fixture Box from Arlington
Industries. Rated for 70 pounds, it comes fully assembled and
includes a 20-cubic-inch octagonal workbox. It costs about $25.
Arlington Industries, 800/233-4717,
www.aifittings.com
Aluminum Ally.
According to the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "Homes wired with
aluminum wire manufactured before 1972 are 55 times more likely
to have one or more connections reach ‘fire-hazard
condition' than homes wired with copper." But short of a
complete rewire, what can you do? One solution is to use an
AlumiConn. This little terminal block prevents the oxidation
and loosening that can lead to overheating at connections. It
has UL approval and — unlike other methods —
doesn't require any special tools. A 25-count bag sells for $74
on the Web. Al-Cop, 877/614-7185,
www.al-copstore.com
Let There Be Light.
Who wouldn't
want to turn on their porch and house lights from inside the
car? With an AuroRa wireless lighting control system,
homeowners can do just that, plus other convenient time-saving
tricks. Unlike many home-automation packages, this one promises
to be easy to install and operate. For about $600 you get a
starter kit containing five high-tech dimmers, a central
antenna, a tabletop master controller, and a visor-mounted
remote control with a 100-foot range. Lutron,
888/588-7661, www.lutron.com/aurora
Fasteners
Inside Job.
It's always a
challenge to install new-construction windows from the inside
of a building. Hammering while leaning out the opening is both
awkward and dangerous — and then you have to remove or
open the sash. That process can distort the frame, leaving the
window tough to operate and the weather stripping less
effective. T-S Window Clips make the job easier and safer
— and frame distortion less likely. They cost 50 cents
apiece. T-Street Fasteners, 877/800-2547,
www.windowclip.com
The Big Guns.
If you've never tried
a self-drilling structural screw like the Star Drive Lag Screws
from Screw Products, you really should. Available in lengths
from 21/2 to 12 inches, these multipurpose screws have
super-sharp points and star-drive heads that resist stripping
and cam-out. Six-inch and shorter lengths are 5/16 inch in
diameter and are protected with a bronze ceramic coating.
Longer lengths are 3/8 inch and are protected with yellow zinc.
Some sizes also come in stainless steel. A 100-count pack of
21/2-inch screws sells for around $30; a 100-count pack of
7-inch screws costs $97. Screw Products,
877/844-8880, www.screw-products.com
Color-Coordinated.
Stainless steel
screws are great for many tasks, but their shiny heads can
really detract from a finished project. No contractor I know
has time to touch up hundreds of screw heads. That's why
Painted Head Stainless Screws from Universal Poly Products are
such a great idea. The #8 screws are 21/4 inches long and come
in five colors to coordinate with popular shades of composite
decking. They sell for about $8 per 100; discounts apply to
larger quantities. Universal Poly Products,
800/633-7093