Maintenance & Repair

  1. The Complete Guide to a Safe Home With the Right Fire Extinguisher
    Fire Extinguisher in kitchen

    Fire extinguishers have varied ratings and categories to tackle different types of fires, making selecting the right one for your home challenging. The good news is that information is available to simplify your decision.A good rule of thumb is to

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  2. How Do You Prepare for Wildfires? Wildfire Preparedness Checklist
    wildfire preparedness

    About 4.5 million homes are at risk of being burned in a wildfire, and nearly one-half are in California. In 2021, California, Texas and North Carolina had the most wildfires. Anyone who lives in an area where there is significant risk of a wildfire must

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  3. Cleaning Up After a Flood: A Full Guide to Water Damage Restoration
    House flooding with water on floor

    Excessive rain and flooding create a nightmare situation for homeowners. In addition to wreaking havoc on personal belongings, floods can weaken the structure of a house. Also, water damage often leads to mold if you don't properly clean the the interior

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  4. Snow Blower Buying Guide: Which Type of Snow Blower Is Best?
    snow blower

    Shoveling snow is tiring and takes a long time. Snow blowers and throwers are great solutions for tackling built-up snow. They take a lot of the physical demands out of the task of snow removal. How do you know which one is right for you? What are the

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  5. What Is the Best Type of Generator?
    generator

    What is the best type of generator? What do generators run on? These are common questions buyers ask before purchasing a generator. There

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  6. Tankless vs. Tank Water Heater: The Ultimate Showdown
    man making notes about hot water tank

    When you want to take a shower, you need hot water. That hot water is a key component of your home, and you need a water heater to avoid surprises in the shower or at the

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  7. What Is the Best Ice Melt? A Complete Guide
    person walking on pavers with Snow Melt

    Ice melt is essential to the safety of your family during the cold-weather months. The type of product you choose should be appropriate for your climate, your landscape and your family members. If you experience harsh winters, you'll need a heavier-duty

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  8. How to Winterize a Lawn Mower: 6 Steps
    removing a spark plug for mower

    Winterizing your lawn mower is an important task after the last cut of the fall. So, how do you winterize a lawn mower? This guide will answer several common questions about mower winterization. You will learn how to winterize a lawn mower that you push.

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  9. How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Your Home
    Person filling up glass of water at sink

    With so many stories about contaminated water topping news headlines, water filters are becoming more popular. There are several types of home water filtration systems and multiple brands. How do you know which water filtration system is right for you?

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  10. Water Softeners: The Ultimate Guide
    person adding salt to water softener

    Some minerals in your water can create a problem known as water hardness. Hard water often leaves behind filmy soap scum in the bathroom and kitchen, destroys appliances, and dries out your skin and hair. Unfortunately, over 85% of homes in the United

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  11. 10 Energy-Saving Tips for the Coming Winter
    electric power meter

    With energy use and cost concerns rising, saving natural resources is becoming more important to everyone. Fortunately, there are several ways you can cut down on how much energy you use this winter. Whether you rely on electricity, gas, or both, we've

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  12. DIY Plumbing Equipment Tool Kit: Find Out Everything You Need
    wrenches, pipes, valves and pipe adhesives

    Did you know you can create a basic handyman tool kit at home? With several basic plumbing tools, you can skip unnecessary calls to a plumber. While some tasks still require professional help, many are simple enough to do on your own. This guide will

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  13. The Complete Circuit Breaker 101 Guide
    person turning off circuit breaker

    Your home's electrical system comprises many components that work together to ensure that you have power for your lights, appliances, and electronic devices. When you experience an issue with one electrical component, it can affect your entire system.

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  14. How to Fix a Slow-Draining Toilet in 4 Steps
    toilet flushing

    Why is my toilet suddenly flushing slowly? How do I fix a slow-flushing toilet? These are some common questions people have when they experience this frustrating problem. Fortunately, most toilets that flush slowly are easy to fix without the expensive

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  15. CYNC by GE: A Complete Guide
    Cync one app endless possibilities

    GE CYNC is a smart home system that allows you to control and automate various home devices, such as light bulbs. With CYNC, you can easily manage your home's lighting to fit your schedule and requirements. This complete guide will cover the different

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  16. Sandpaper Grit Buying Guide: How to Know Which One to Buy
    different types of sandpaper

    You have a project that requires sanding, but which sandpaper is right for your needs? Choosing the right grit is more important than most people realize. What is the finest grit of sandpaper? What grit of sanding paper for wood is better? How about metal?

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  17. Condensation on Windows: How to Fix It
    window with condensation

    Should I be worried about window condensation? How do I stop getting condensation on my windows? Many people ask these questions when they notice condensation inside windows and wonder what causes it. This guide explains what window condensation is, what

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  18. Tile Grout Repair: 5 Steps to Fully Repair Cracked Grout
    person repairing floor grout with float

    Maybe you're planning to put your house on the market or just want to do some improvements. If you're thinking about redoing a floor because of cracked grout, there's good news. You can fix damaged or cracked grout in most cases. How do you repair damaged

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  19. Best Winter Car Emergency Kit + Other Essentials
    SUV truck with portable shovel, window scrapper, and winter clothes

    Do you know what things to keep in your car in winter? A winter car safety kit is a must for every driver in areas where there are freezing temperatures. Most people know to pack water and a little food. However, there are several other winter car accessories

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  20. How to Remove Silicone Caulk
    person removing silicone caulk

    One of the most versatile building materials developed in the last 100 years, modern silicone caulk is used in a wide array of home improvement projects. However, all silicone caulk eventually breaks down to the point where it can't perform adequately

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  21. Car Maintenance Tips to Fix Your Car Yourself
    person the under hood of a car

    Whether it's from a lack of time or budget, we've all been tempted to skip car maintenance tasks. However, a little maintenance now can save you a lot more time and money down the road. Plus, many do-it-yourself auto repairs are relatively quick and easy.

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  22. The Ultimate Motor Oil Guide
    pouring automotive oil into engine

    Motor oil’s primary job is to lower heat and friction in your engine. With no motor oil to lubricate them, your motor's moving parts would rub directly against each other, heat up quickly and either melt together or rip each other to shreds within minutes. T

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  23. Garden Cart vs. Wheelbarrow: Which One to Buy for Your Garden
    yellow garden cart with mulch and shovel

    What are garden carts for? What's the difference between a cart and a wheelbarrow? These are some things people often ask when they consider buying a cart or a wheelbarrow. Garden carts and wheelbarrows are handy for moving supplies, trash, and more. They're especially great if you need to move landscaping rocks, fertilizer, or anything else heavy. This guide will help solve the garden cart vs. wheelbarrow debate with definitions, pros, cons, and more. Learn how to find the best garden cart or wheelbarrow for your needs.

    What Are Wheelbarrows? What Are Garden Carts?

    The biggest considerations in the wheelbarrow vs. cart decision are why you need something to transport items. A wheelbarrow cart and a garden or yard cart are two different things. While they perform similar functions, it's important to recognize the differences. 

    A yard or garden cart is shallow with a large, flat bottom and straight sides. The wheels tend to be larger than a wheelbarrow's wheels. Wheelbarrows may have only one or two wheels and sloped or curved trays. Some wheelbarrows have four wheels, but these are usually more expensive and are used on farms and ranches. Because of its design, a wheelbarrow offers greater maneuverability and versatility. However, maneuverability is harder with heavier or unbalanced loads. Garden carts tend to offer more stability.

    Carts and wheelbarrows vary in their capacity. You may see it listed as cubic feet, and 6 cubic feet is a good choice for a wheelbarrow. If you pick one larger than that, it can be harder to control. Carts come in capacity sizes of a couple of cubic feet or more. Whether you choose a cart or a wheelbarrow, pick one that works for your needs to avoid overloading it. 

    Another common difference between the two is their handles. Carts often have one straight bar-like handle, and wheelbarrows have two separate handles.

    Pros and Cons of Wheelbarrows

    One of the main advantages of a garden wheelbarrow is its design that allows you to haul loose matter. Carts have a flatter design. A wheelbarrow tends to be deeper than a garden cart. Its design lends to greater maneuverability, which makes it easier to steer than a garden cart on non-smooth surfaces.

    Since many have one wheel, transporting loads requires balancing them correctly. If not, the wheelbarrow may tip over. This may not be the case with two-wheel or four-wheel wheelbarrows. Some people choose two- and four-wheel versions for heavier or larger loads. Some wheelbarrows have tires with air. One disadvantage of wheelbarrows that have air in their tires is the risk of flat tires. However, some types do have solid tires, but those can make transport rougher.

    Smaller wheelbarrows are easier to store than larger ones. If the product is metal, it's important to store it properly to avoid rust. One common space-saving way to store it is to use a wall rack.

    While there are several sizes of wheelbarrows, most people choose the 3- or 6-cubic-feet products. Many people wonder how many loads it takes to transport the material they plan to use. You may need to convert a load's cubic yardage to a wheelbarrow's cubic feet capacity. Transporting a cubic yard of material with a capacity of 3 cubic feet takes about nine wheelbarrow loads.

    Pros and Cons of Garden Carts

    There are several styles and types of garden carts. For example, you may find metal and plastic garden carts for sale. Although some metal products may have components that can rust, they may be more durable than one with thin plastic. A thicker polymer is more suitable for heavier use. However, any cart can get damaged if you overload it.

    Many carts can handle heavier loads than wheelbarrows, and they're designed to be stable. Also, carts carry the entire weight of the load. A wheelbarrow requires more effort from the operator. Some smaller carts can also fold up, which is great for easy storage and saving space.

    Carts can be harder to move on uneven lawns, gravel, or other rough terrains. However, on smoother surfaces, the wheels roll easier than a wheelbarrow. This is especially true with heavier items. Larger carts that do not fold up may take up more storage space. They're not as easy to hang on the wall as a wheelbarrow.

    When it comes to load capacity, there are more options with carts. You can also find different styles, like front trucks that tip forward and sit flush on the ground for easy scooping. Popular capacity choices are between 6 and 12 cubic feet.

    The Final Showdown: Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart?

    You now have a better idea of which product to pick based on needs like bulkier items or loose matter. Your needs and your budget may determine which option is better for you. For instance, polymer or plastic materials tend to cost less than high-quality metals. However, if you need something durable for heavy loads, be sure to pick a suitable material.

    Capacity choices also depend on the loads you are carrying. Perhaps you need something for regular lawn care needs and don't need a high-capacity cart. On the other hand, you may have a project like landscaping or creating window boxes and may need something that can handle heavier loads. Aside from capacity and material, read reviews to determine quality. Choose a product from a reputable manufacturer. If any products you're considering come with warranties, compare those as well.

    Pay attention to the handles of a cart or wheelbarrow. For wheelbarrows, ergonomic handles may be helpful. Look at the wheels to make sure the cart or wheelbarrow is sturdy. If you pick a wheelbarrow, decide whether you want solid or pneumatic tires. Be sure to have the supplies you need to care for pneumatic tires if you choose them.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    These are some questions that people frequently ask about yard carts and wheelbarrows.

    How do you pick a wheelbarrow?

    Pick one that has a capacity high enough to handle your intended use. Make sure you understand the difference between non-pneumatic and pneumatic tires to pick the right type. Also, pick one with comfortable and sturdy steering handles.

    What's the best wheelbarrow to get?

    The best one will have the right material and capacity for your needs. In addition to having suitable tires and handles, it should have good reviews.

    Are one or two wheels better for a wheelbarrow?

    It's better to have two wheels for heavier loads. However, one-wheel models are easier to steer and may be more suitable on rough terrain.

    Is a poly or steel wheelbarrow better?

    For heavier loads, steel is better with its durability. Poly or plastic products are fine as long as you stay within the load capacity limits.

    What's the difference between a wheelbarrow and a cart?

    Wheelbarrows can have one, two, or four wheels, and carts always have four wheels. They may also have different wheel materials. Additionally, a wheelbarrow's body design is deeper and more curved. The handle styles are also different.

    What's better than a wheelbarrow?

    A cart may be better if you're moving heavier or bulkier items across a smooth surface. It doesn't require as much physical effort.

    What are garden carts for?

    Garden carts are for hauling landscaping or gardening supplies. They may also be used to haul other items.

    How do I choose a garden cart?

    Pick one with a design that fits your needs for the things

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  24. You May Not Know These 11 Uses for Dish Soap
    bottle of dish soap sitting on clean countertop

    With more people using dishwashers today, it may seem like washing with liquid soap isn't as common. However, there are plenty of other uses for

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