Handy-Woman How-To's

We’re women. By definition, we can multi-task, get-things-done and do-it-ourselves. Yet when it comes to some simple household and automotive projects, men dominate the scene.

We think it’s time we stepped up to the plate. With these simple tips, even the least handy woman will find it easy to complete those manly chores.

CHANGING A TIRE

It’s late. You’re driving. You’re alone. You’re also miles away from civilization. Suddenly, your car begins to jerk and you realize you have a flat tire.

1. Put your car in "park."
2. Loosen all of the bolts on your rim (about half a turn) while the car is still on the ground.
3. Locate the jack attachment, usually underneath your front door. Attach your jack and keep turning clockwise until the desired tire is off the ground.
4. Loosen and remove lug nuts. Remove tire.
5. Replace tire in the same orientation as your old tire was. Replace lug nuts and tighten just a bit.
6. Lower your car and remove the jack.
7. Tighten the lug nuts well.

JUST A FEW MORE TIPS:

• Every car is different. Keep your driver’s manual in your car at all times and consult it before you change a tire.
• Perform a mock tire change on your driveway. It’s always good to know what you’re doing when faced with a real emergency.

CHANGING YOUR MOTOR OIL

Preventive maintenance is crucial when you own a car, and one of the necessary tasks is changing motor oil. Depending on the manufacturer, oil changes are recommended every 3,000-7,500 miles. Regular oil changes help the engine run smoothly and ensure increased safety.

1. Put on rubber gloves. A pair of safety goggles is also recommended.
2. Make sure your car is level and in park. Start the car and let it run for about ten minutes, as warm oil is easier to work with.
3. Place your oil pan under the engine and find the oil plug, which will let out the old oil. Use a wrench to unscrew the plug. Be careful: oil may leak out quickly.
4. Locate the oil filter and use your wrench to remove it. Screw in the new filter. It may be a good idea to lubricate its sides with a few drops of the old oil first.
5. Find the oil knob (it should say "oil" right on it,) and unscrew it. Pour in about four or five quarts of the fresh motor oil of your choice, and screw the cap back on.
6. Run the car for a few minutes and check for any leaks. Don’t forget to recycle your old oil.

JUST A FEW MORE TIPS:

• Keep a quart of oil in your trunk for emergency oil replacement.
• You may consider using a jack to elevate the front of your car; this will give you more room to work.
• Check your oil gauge frequently to avoid burn-out due to lack of oil.


FIXING A LEAKY FAUCET

Drip. Drip. Drip. We all know how annoying that can sound. Fortunately, most leaks require a simple washer replacement---a quick and easy job.

1. Find the water valve, located under your sink. Turn it clockwise until it won’t move anymore to turn off the water.
2. Take off the handle. First, remove the screw on top. Turn the handle counterclockwise and remove the whole thing. The washer, which is a small rubber ring, is located right underneath the handle.
3. Washers and other plumbing parts are routinely stocked at most home improvement and hardware stores. Replace your worn washer with a new one of the same size and shape.
4. Finally, replace the handle and tighten the screw.

JUST A FEW MORE TIPS:

• If you have a hard time turning off the valve, try oiling it with a household lubricant.
• Cover the sink with a towel or cloth to prevent small tools or parts from going down the drain.

PAINTING A ROOM

Whether it’s to create a new library, give your kitchen a face-lift or design the nursery for a new baby, painting a room can make a drastically positive difference in your home. Even better news---the project can be fun, especially if it involves some gal pals and a bottle of wine!

1. Move the furniture out of the room or pile it in the middle. Cover furniture with plastic or canvas for protection.
2. Take switch plates and outlet plates off your walls.
3. Using a butter knife, scrape off loose paint flakes.
4. Fix up holes and cracks with plaster.
5. Rub uneven or glossy surfaces with sandpaper to be sure that the paint will stick.
6. Dust and wash down the walls.
7. Using a brush or roller, apply one coat of primer to the walls. Let dry for the time specified on the can.
8. Pour paint into a pail and mix up the desired color.
9. Use a wall trimmer or small brush to paint corners and crevices where walls and the ceiling meet. Next, paint all trim, moldings and baseboards.
10. Using a roller, paint the entire wall in light, overlapping strokes.
11. Allow the paint to dry, then put on a second coat.

JUST A FEW MORE TIPS:

• Always remove excess paint off of brushes and rollers, in order to avoid dripping paint on the floor.
• Watch your estimates. Be sure to buy plenty of paint and materials to avoid mismatching later on.

PITCHING A TENT

Who needs a hotel room when you’ve got the great outdoors? Camping can be a wonderful experience when you have a safe roof over your head.

1. Find a piece of land that’s flat, leveled and free of stones, branches and other obstructions.
2. Put together all poles on the ground, then set aside.
3. Open all windows and doors in the tent.
4. Insert stakes into their proper openings on the tent. Using a mullet, stake down your tent.
5. Put poles in their correct sleeves, then fit poles together properly until tent is standing upright.
6. If necessary, use heavy rope to secure the tent to additional stakes in the ground.

JUST A FEW MORE TIPS:

• For easy disassemble, buy a mullet that doubles as a stake-puller.
• Store tents and camping equipment in a cool, dry place.
• To provide for better maintenance and extra cushion, lay a ground cloth underneath your tent.