The Franklin stove was invented by Benjamin Franklin as an attempt to create a more efficient heating source than the drafty fireplaces of his day. Versions of this cast iron stove, which is a box shape with doors on the front and baffles in the back to direct the smoke, are still being manufactured. With some attention to safety and local building codes, installing a Franklin stove can be a straightforward process for a skilled homeowner.

Outdoor tiles add style and structure to a walkway or patio. Cut from stone or molded from concrete, they form a long-lasting, weather-resistant surface. Tiles are available in different sizes and colors so you can customize a pattern to suit your landscape. Installing tiles yourself is not complex, and the results will last years. Prepare to carry heavy materials and to dig and lay a solid foundation. A tiled walkway adds contrast to mulch and plants.

Ryobi Tools is a division of Ryobi Group, a Japanese company, which manufactures a wide variety of economical cordless and cord hand tools, including the band saw. The band saw is a compact power saw that primarily is used for woodworking. The company has produced numerous models of the band saw, with the latest being the BS903 model (as of 2010).The most essential part of the band saw, the blade, needs to be replaced when it becomes dull or breaks from heavy use.

An aerator system is a large holding tank that sits outside of a home and connects to its water supply to neutralize sulfur in the water. Sometimes sulfur still can build up within the aerator tank, and the homeowner may notice a rotten egg odor in the water supply. Removing the sulfur from the aerator includes thoroughly cleaning the tank and taking other precautions that will help to prevent excessive amounts of sulfur.

People usually do not think about the specific width and height differences among toilets, but these variations can be important parts of your bathroom make-up. Toilets vary in height and width. From higher rising commodes that are perfect for the extra tall person to shorter versions that may be more suitable for a child's bathroom, toilet sizes can vary significantly. Toilets for Kids Any parent or teacher who has been around young children knows that little kids need little toilets.

Steel siding is a relative newcomer to the home siding scene. Steel siding offers a durable material that lasts for many years and requires little maintenance. It's available in many colors to provide a stylish exterior for today’s homes. Steel siding is available in many colors. Some homeowners may be concerned about the weight of steel siding, which is greater than other types of siding such as wood, vinyl or aluminum materials.

Listerine as a mosquito repellent isn't backed by scientific evidence. There are, however, more effective ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard. Mosquitoes are not just annoying. Their painful bites cause itchy, red bumps that stay irritated for days. In addition, mosquitoes have the potential to spread diseases, such as West Nile virus and malaria. The mouthwash brand Listerine is touted as a main ingredient in homemade mosquito repellents, but its effectiveness is controversial to say the least.

The entire indoor plumbing system as we know came into being in the late 1800's. Many improvements to our indoor plumbing system are the result of technology and the need to conserve. Original toilets needed as much as seven gallons of water to flush properly, while those we use today need as little as 1.4 gallons. The material in ceramic toilets consists of silica and several types of clay. Making a toilet requires that the manufacturer mix several materials together and pour them into molds.

As a homeowner, if you have an asphalt driveway, eventually you may need to cut away sections of it for repairs or to change your landscaping. Removing those sections with a jackhammer could prove very labor intensive and requires great precision to preserve the aesthetics of the driveway. Cutting asphalt requires a specialized saw. Your best option is to use a walk-behind asphalt saw with a wet blade. With this tool, you can cut the asphalt with ease and precision, while saving time and money.

Fixing AC compressor problems increases the unit's efficiency and extends its life. An AC compressor contains a motor with start and run windings. The motor turns a piston that compresses the system's refrigerant. The compressor sits inside the air-conditioning system's condensing unit. Because of the high-pressure load the piston creates during startup, the motor uses its start windings to reach full speed. The amperage load an air conditioning compressor draws throughout its start phase burns loose-fitting wire terminals.