Replacing a water heater... to power-vent or not to power-vent? That is the question. [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia on Nov 4, 2009 - 15 answers

How should I keep my under-maintained 1999 Mazda Protégé running safely for just a few more months? [more inside]
posted by fermata on Oct 23, 2009 - 14 answers

How can I get 91 octane gas in an area that seems to sell only 87/89/93? What sort of damage might I have caused to a new vehicle by filling it with 87 for a little while? [more inside]
posted by ish__ on Oct 22, 2009 - 21 answers

What is the best way to clean my window with a hose? [more inside]
posted by Frasermoo on Oct 8, 2009 - 8 answers

Please educate me on car battery technology. [more inside]
posted by Solomon on Oct 2, 2009 - 14 answers

I'm fairly new to the mountain bike game and unfortunately I am having to park my mountain bike for three months whilst I work away. Security is not an issue but in general what maintenance and precautions do I need to take, if any, before it goes away? FYI: I have a 2008 Kona Cinder Cone (linky) and the bike is currently in a reasonably clean state (but not spotless).
posted by logicalsequence on Aug 10, 2009 - 6 answers

Best electric guitar repair and modification/maintenance in Los Angeles, preferably close to Downtown or Glendale? [more inside]
posted by The World Famous on Aug 7, 2009 - 1 answer

I have no idea what to charge to be "on call" for a year, just in CASE a computer has a problem. [more inside]
posted by CommonSense on Aug 4, 2009 - 22 answers

Help me man-up! Inspired by these questions, I would like some pointers about how to become a more capable, handy man. [more inside]
posted by man down under on Jul 10, 2009 - 35 answers

Car trouble: How loudly should I yell at my dealer's service department? [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars on Jul 8, 2009 - 13 answers

Help me figure out what to do to get proper maintenance in my rented apartment within a condo building. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco on Jun 25, 2009 - 11 answers

Hondas and recommended service maintenance schedules, do you believe in them? I've got a 1991 standard Hatchback, 169,000 miles. and i've done every single schedule maintenance. never had a problem with anything unexpected happening (which is why i do it). Now i'm wondering if there's a better (read: cheaper) way to do this, without sacrificing quality? I don't know any mechanics, don't want to it myself, but am curious if there's an alternative. Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl on Jun 17, 2009 - 13 answers

Where can I find the coolant drain in a Toyota Avalon 1995? [more inside]
posted by Bearded Dave on Jun 14, 2009 - 9 answers

I have a ficus tree in our yard (planted by the previous homeowner) that is growing too fast and the roots have breached the main sewer line on our property. The trunk of the tree is maybe eight inches in diameter, and completely removing the tree is dicey due to terrain and sewer line considerations. I live in Hawaii. Any suggestions?
posted by ldenneau on Jun 3, 2009 - 3 answers

I bought a bicycle that's twice as old as I am and it needs some cosmetic work. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot on May 7, 2009 - 7 answers

Looking for a site like ServiceBeacon [more inside]
posted by tdreyer on May 5, 2009 - 1 answer

How do you remove plastic that has melted onto a heating element? [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on May 3, 2009 - 5 answers

In my second year of first-time home ownership and husband and I are thinking we need to do a little spring cleaning around the house. Other than a minor plumbing issue in the bathroom we have had (knock on wood) zero problems with the house. In an effort to keep up this track record, what trouble spots should we look for in the house? How do you know if the roof is in good shape? What are typical home maintenance needs? [more inside]
posted by amanda on Apr 28, 2009 - 13 answers

How do I get that black, tarry gunk off my vehicle? You know the stuff, splattering off a recently patched roadway and turning to stone on your fender. Should I scrape it off? Or is there some magical goop that will help dissolve it?
posted by jackypaper on Apr 8, 2009 - 18 answers

Help me clean my laptop! [more inside]
posted by tamarack on Apr 6, 2009 - 9 answers

How can I fix sticky keys on a Guitar Hero controller? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Apr 2, 2009 - 6 answers

Completemechanicalidiotfilter: Does it matter what kind of gas I use in a 1979 CB400? [more inside]
posted by BrnP84 on Mar 24, 2009 - 13 answers

I need recommendations for reliable and informative forums related to Nissan Frontiers along with equally reliable and buyer friendly OEM replacement parts websites. [more inside]
posted by Brandon1600 on Mar 19, 2009 - 1 answer

Is CHKDSK actually any good? [more inside]
posted by edbyford on Mar 4, 2009 - 17 answers

Source of creaky sounds in an older model vehicle plus general maintenance questions? [more inside]
posted by limonade on Feb 15, 2009 - 5 answers

What is the difference between a $36 oil change and a $14 oil change? I know that it is a limited time offer but is one better than the other?
posted by MeeMaMN on Jan 5, 2009 - 9 answers

How can I unclog my cheap shredder? [more inside]
posted by ignignokt on Dec 1, 2008 - 8 answers

Vintage synth maintenance help needed! I have a Roland SH-09 monosynth... [more inside]
posted by kaseijin on Nov 10, 2008 - 4 answers

VW "Customer Care" isn't exactly screwing me, but they're not doing me any favors, either. What should I do next? The part was poorly designed and faulty, but I didn't get my car to the dealership until two weeks after the expiration of a warranty extension I never knew about. Full story follows: [more inside]
posted by booknerd on Nov 3, 2008 - 9 answers

What exists out there that discusses Tao not in the context of self-help or meditation but rather how its philosophies bear on practical aspects of art, scientific thinking, skills requiring concentration, etc? Case in point: it encourages an open mind and total awareness. I've read a good part of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance but it seems that's more about our relationship to technology. Related non-Tao items of interest are fine.
posted by crapmatic on Oct 27, 2008 - 15 answers

Where can I buy reasonably cheap, reliable air filters for my 1997 Saturn SL2? I would prefer to walk into a store where I can talk to someone. I live on the border of Cuyahoga and Lake County near Cleveland, Ohio, if anyone wants to give region-specific advice. [more inside]
posted by RobotHeart on Sep 6, 2008 - 5 answers

Broken iPhone sleep/wake button... [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Sep 3, 2008 - 6 answers

How do you choose tires for a car? In particular, what is the best deal on all-season long lasting tires for a 2004 Toyota Matrix XR Front Wheel Drive, size 215/50/R17 in Southern Ontario. [more inside]
posted by Chuckles on Aug 19, 2008 - 15 answers

Every 3,000 miles, I change the motor oil. But what about the house? I need a home repair and maintenance schedule? I'm looking for the best books and online resources that describe optimum home repair schedules and practices. [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell on Aug 18, 2008 - 9 answers

Tipping maintenance work? [more inside]
posted by anotherpanacea on Aug 4, 2008 - 1 answer

Are expensive, precautionary tests for health preventive maintenance an abuse of the medical system? [more inside]
posted by netbros on Aug 4, 2008 - 17 answers

My bike is making a clicking noise... [more inside]
posted by coolguy#1 on Jul 16, 2008 - 13 answers

What free Windows malware detectors/removers should I put on a CD or USB stick? [more inside]
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen on Jul 9, 2008 - 6 answers

Help me de-gunk my outside air conditioner. [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob on Jun 25, 2008 - 5 answers

Are the "extra services" that the oil change shops offer ever worth it? [more inside]
posted by wondercow on Jun 17, 2008 - 19 answers

Much like my last question posted here four years ago about OS9, I am being flummoxed by hard water. Or more specifically, the level of difficulty wrt installing a water softener. How hard is it? [more inside]
posted by hijinx on Jun 12, 2008 - 5 answers

What books can I get to not be a "dummy" when it comes to my new job? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by ForeverDcember on May 29, 2008 - 4 answers

Antique Flag Care: How do I care for a WW I era flag? [more inside]
posted by sciurus on May 23, 2008 - 6 answers

2006 Honda Civic service schedule: Maintenance Minder or dealer service recommendation? [more inside]
posted by Asherah on May 18, 2008 - 2 answers

While fixing a problem with my bathtub, maintenance guys got a nice mini-layer of paint all over everything in my bathroom, and some stuff in my bedroom. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by djpyk on May 2, 2008 - 10 answers

How do you maintain your water heater? [more inside]
posted by po822000 on Apr 16, 2008 - 7 answers

Should I believe the 6 months = 7500 miles rule in my car's maintenance schedule, or is miles actually the important number? [more inside]
posted by JZig on Apr 6, 2008 - 11 answers

[RentalFilter] Lawn/yard care and rental properties... Does anyone have any experience or advice for a former city boy now stuck with 1/4 acre of rapidly deteriorating yard and no tools to speak of? [more inside]
posted by willie11 on Mar 15, 2008 - 7 answers

Computer maintenance 101: Just bought a Thinkpad T61. How do i make it go forever? [more inside]
posted by doppleradar on Feb 27, 2008 - 14 answers

My vehicle has recently started shorting out while it's starting up... help? [more inside]
posted by toomuchpete on Feb 19, 2008 - 5 answers