How to Remove a Stuck Screw

If you are close to giving up on a repair project because you can’t remove stubborn old screws from wood, you are in the right place! Whether your screws are painted over, rusted in place, or simply screwed too far, these nifty tips and tricks will give you the knowledge and ability to finally unfasten old, stuck screws from wood.

Continue reading to get started!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

What You Will Need

You do not want to use a power drill when attempting to remove old, stubborn screws. Not only can this quickly strip the head of the screw, it can potentially damage whatever item you are working with. Instead, rely on your good, old-fashioned screwdriver for the best results. Overall, the materials you will need to successfully remove an old screw will depend on the method you choose to use, which might depend on the circumstances of the particular screw in focus.

~ Rusted Screws

Rusted screws are particularly challenging to remove since they are essentially cemented into place. But sometimes a little lubrication can help loosen them just enough for you to pull them out of their spot. Try applying some standard WD-40 or similar spray-on lubrication product directly over the top to break up the rust, and then try again.

~ Painted Screws

For screws that are glued in place with old paint, you can solve the problem with a chisel or a razor. Simply scrape away the paint until you reveal the screw head. Be sure to start on the outer perimeter of the screw, and then work your way to the center where the screwdriver slot is located. If this still doesn’t work, you can move onto other methods.

~ Screws That Won’t Budge

For those screws that won’t seem to move no matter how much force or traction you provide, rely on your trusty hammer. Being very careful and controlled, hold your screwdriver in the slot, and while slowly turning it, tap the screwdriver with the hammer. This can widen the hole and dislodge the old screw.

When the Job is Too Big

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis home remodeling and handyman services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Everything You Need to Know About Laminate Floor Care

Laminate floors are becoming more and more popular over time.  They are a fantastic substitute to expensive and hard-to-clean hardwood flooring, while still offering a beautiful look and finish to any room in your property. Laminate floors are made of high-density fibers, making them extremely durable and easy to clean! 

It is a great advantage that laminate floors are easy to clean since it is very important to take good care of them; otherwise, you could face premature repairs or a full-on replacement. Continue reading to learn how to properly care for laminate flooring.

Laminate Floor Installation and Repair 317-454-3612
Laminate Floor Installation and Repair 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Care

Daily cleaning is easy and non-labor intensive.  Because laminate floors are very dense and lack exposed pores on its surface, there is substantially less dirt and dust accumulation on a daily basis.  This means you only need to take a dry cloth or mop and lightly sweep the surface once a day.  Vacuuming is another quick method to dusting laminate floors; just be sure you are using a vacuum with soft bristled brushes or felt. Removing dust, sand, and dirt from your laminate floors reduces the likelihood of visible scratches and surface damage.

On a less periodic basis, concentrated care is necessary.  This involves removing foot traffic marks and other dirt accumulations.  Simply using an over-the-counter laminate floor cleaner and water solution can remove these markings and dirt without harming the integrity of the floors.  Do not use too much water; instead, use a semi-soaked mop or towel and apply the floor cleaner moderately. Use semi-warm water to erase and remove pet dander, dirt, dust, and more. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the laminate floor cleaner.

Preventative Maintenance

There are several options to be sure your floors are well-maintained and last a long time. Preventative maintenance, along with regular cleaning, can help you achieve this goal.  Here are a few examples of how to care for laminate flooring on a regular basis in order to increase its appearance and longevity in your home:

Do not use a wet mop;
Soak up spills immediately;
Do not use harsh soaps or detergents;
Never use bleach;
Use furniture felt pads and rollers;
Do not wax or stain laminate floors;
Place floor mats and rugs in high traffic areas;
Do not use too much water;

Using these tools and key ideas can drastically increase the lifespan of your laminate flooring.  It is important to understand the right process when it comes to laminate floor care so that you can get the best value for your dollar. Continue to care for your laminate floors and never have to worry about replacing them ever!

If you fail to take care of your laminate floors, premature repair and replacement is imminent. If your laminate floors are old or worn out,consider upgrading your flooring with new laminate, or another popular material, such as hardwood or tile. Talk to a trusted flooring contractor to learn your options for Indianapolis laminate floor repair and installation.

Licensed Flooring Contractors You Can Trust

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 if you are looking for licensed Indianapolis flooring contractors you can trust. Owner,Lee Elliot, provides a wide range of home remodeling and renovation services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to schedule a time to receive an in-person estimate for floor restoration and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Recommended Safety Gear for DIY Home Repairs

When you are taking on household repairs or home improvement projects on your own, it is important to put safety first. This includes using sturdy equipment, choosing the proper materials, knowing how to operate your tools, and more. In fact, one of the most neglected safety factors is taking the proper precautions to protect yourself from harm. In fact, it only takes a handful of items to do so successfully.

Continue reading to learn the top recommended types of personal protective gear to have for your home repair projects.

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

Whether you are after a leaking faucet or in need of some seasonal window washing, using safety gear is gravely important. Even just a pair of gloves and safety goggles will get you started on the right track. In fact, those are the first two items recommended for personal protective gear!

Safety Goggles

The eyes are inexpressibly important, so you want to always have them protected when you are working with your hands. This is especially true for projects that involve any sort of heat, sharp objects, shards, or dust. Best of all, safety goggles are very inexpensive. You can get a quality pair for as little as a few dollars. And with good care, they will last forever.

Work Gloves

You use your hands for almost everything, so it is very inconvenient when they are scraped, burned, punctured, or hurt in any way. If you are going to partake in at-home repairs and renovations, it is wise to invest in a quality pair of work gloves with good lining and thick, waterproof material. Expect to pay anywhere from $6 to $22 for a good pair of work gloves.

Ear Protection

In addition to work gloves and goggles, it is best to protect your ears from flying shards and ultra-loud noise. You can do this by using earmuffs and ear plugs while you work. You see, your ear drums are more vulnerable than you think. Not only are they sensitive to loud noises, like those produced by your power drill and scroll saw, they are also bothered by airborne debris. Look for earmuffs with a decent noise reduction rating (NRR).

Knee Pads

Projects that require a lot of kneeling and floor time can lead to aches, pains, and bruising on the knees and joints. You can help alleviate these symptoms by using knee pads or portable floor mats. These items can be found in the gardening section of your local home improvement store. Your knees and legs will thank you the next day!

Steel-Toe Boots

If you ever intend to do projects that require heavy lifting or materials, like concrete, masonry, or appliance replacement, you will benefit from protecting your feet. A good pair of steel-toe boots will do the trick! Not only will they protect your toes, they will also protect your feet from orthopedic and dermal injuries. Be prepared to pay between $80 and $200 if you want a quality pair that will last.

And When the Job is Just Too Big…

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for Indianapolis handyman and remodeling services at competitive prices. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition! Request a written estimate, today.

3 Eco-Friendly Interior Paint Options

Common interior paint products contain VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, which become airborne as the paint dries. Not only can this greatly reduce your home’s indoor air quality, it can have negative health effects on both people and pets; especially those with existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems. To maintain a quality indoor air environment and avoid such negative health risks, choose an Eco-friendly, Low-VOC product for an effective and safe alternative.

Continue reading to learn some top-recommended non-toxic and Low-VOC interior paints available right around the corner at your local home improvement store.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Benjamin Moore® Natura and Aura

Benjamin Moore® has two different paint lines that claim to be 100% free of volatile organic compound emissions: Natura and Aura. Both Natura and Aura are specially-formulated for interior painting applications, and come in a vast array of colors. Since they are low-odor paints, they are safer options for pregnant women, children, and elderly. They are also mildew-resistant, making them a great option for wet environments or climates.

Behr’s® Premium Plus Interior

Behr’s® Premium Plus Interior is a great option for interior Eco-friendly paint because it is low-odor, mildew-resistant, and contains zero volatile organic compounds. It is also affordable and requires minimal maintenance. You can clean it up with a little soap and warm water! However, this product cannot be found at any home improvement store; it is only sold by Home Depot®.

Sherman Williams® Enhanced Harmony

Sherman Williams® Enhanced Harmony is an excellent line of non-toxic interior paint. Not only is this paint resistant to mold and microbes, it is also free of volatile organic compounds. Best of all, this paint is enriched with odor eliminating technology, which can help reduce ambient or lingering odors, such as wet dogs, grilled fish, sautéed garlic, and more. In addition to reducing odors, it can also reduce airborne VOC’s from other materials, such as carpeting and cabinetry.

If you enjoyed this blog about Eco-friendly interior paint options, you might also like to read our article, “Types of Eco-Friendly Home Siding” for additional environmentally-conscious home remodeling tips.

Professional Interior Painting in Indianapolis

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional interior painting services in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer full-service painting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. On top of already competitive prices, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Request an estimate, today.