November 2009 Table of Contents

A millworks specialist breaks down his method for transforming rough work stairs into a squeak-free finished staircase. Read more

Adding rigid foam to the outside of the shell dramatically increases R-value while reducing thermal conduction. Read more

For a long-lasting roof, stick with the best shingle grades and use a ventilating underlayment. Read more

A Level 5 finish may prevent callbacks in areas of high visibility, but it's not always necessary. Read more

Prevent structural problems and failed inspections by avoiding these common installation errors. Read more

Coordination between subs; barrier-free showers vs. code; don’t ventilate crawlspace with moist outdoor air; code article misses the boat; more Read more

Boulder, Colo., builders get a tax reprieve; jury rejects first FEMA trailer lawsuit; an update on the New London, Conn., eminent domain case; more Read more

Q: In my area, only black iron pipe is allowed for gas lines. Is there a problem with galvanized pipe? Read more

Why 1/2-inch-deep metal pancake boxes may not have sufficient fill capacity to make the electrical connection. Read more

To fix the floor, you have to find and eliminate the moisture imbalance that is causing the problem. Read more

Most of the houses I work on here in Southern California have few if any accessible design features. For a homeowner who uses a wheelchair, even a single step at the entry is a serious impediment. Over the last several years, I’ve put my welding skills to good use building access ramps out of readily available steel parts. Read more

With this job-management approach, you put one person on a job, and that person works by himself as long as he is safe and productive. Read more

Duct and pipe wrap; under-slab gas-blocking membrane; sealant for metal roofs; prepackaged rain screen; see-through window screens; more Read more

About a year ago I tested nine 18-volt impact drivers. Since then, a few new models — Bosch's 25618-02, Makita's BTD 144, and Milwaukee's 2650-20 — have come on the market. Read more

Klein's Bent Nose Romex Cable Strippers have a 90-degree angled nose designed to get them into tight spots. Read more

One challenge with armored cable is that it can be hard to cut the armor without nicking the wires inside, which is why cable manufacturers recommend using a rotary cutter designed specifically for this cable type. Read more

Ever notice that a drywall guy stomping around on stilts looks a lot like Herman Munster? Read more

Clamp meters let electricians measure current in a live wire without stripping the insulation or touching the conductor, but the calculator-like display can be hard to read in dark basements or outside in the sun. Read more

The one bad thing about WD-40 is that when you lose that little red straw, you have no way of controlling the spray. Read more

The typical flat utility bar has a 90-degree rocker head that curves in the opposite direction from the flat end — which restricts the bar's range of motion. Read more

The new Football Pole Sander is a simple tool with some significant advantages. Read more

As part of a recent restoration project, my partner and I were hired to restore an elaborate triangular window in the gable end of 150-year-old Howden Hall in Bristol, Vt. The problem was, there was no actual window left to restore; all we had for reference was an old sepia postcard. Read more