“DIY” collection
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →January 12, 2026
DIY Drain Inspection that Saves Money: SANYIPACE Sewer Camera Review (S5517DC)
SANYIPACE S5517DC Screen Sewer Camera review: Hands-on testing of this 5-inch screen drain inspection camera reveals how DIY homeowners can diagnose pipe problems themselves. Features 66ft or 100ft cable options, IP68 waterproof rating, and recording capabilities. See if this $200-$275 tool can fit where professional cameras can't and potentially save you money on plumber visits. Real-world testing, honest pros and…
Read more →November 23, 2025
Why Every DIYer Needs This Tool! KAIWEETS Circuit Breaker Finder Review
KAIWEETS Circuit Breaker Finder review: Hands-on testing of the KT301P model that locates circuits in seconds, tests GFCI outlets, and checks proper wiring. After struggling for 20 minutes to identify cut electrical circuits during a kitchen replumb, I put this circuit breaker finder through real-world tests on my refrigerator outlet and outdoor GFCI. See how it performs, whether it's accurate…
Read more →April 25, 2025
Redfin Featured Me, but my Thoughts on AI and the Tech Side of DIY Didn’t Make the Cut
Learn how DIY projects go beyond drills and duct tape. This follow-up to a recent Redfin feature explores how digital tools like YouTube, Pinterest, and AI can help you tackle home improvements smarter, safer, and more confidently.
Read more →August 9, 2018
DIY: How To Build Removable Cafe Lighting Posts that Attach to a Deck
How to build a removable cafe lighting post that attaches to a deck railing. Full instructions & pictures in this article for this easy DIY project.
Read more →January 23, 2017
How To Replace the Side Mirror of a Hyundai Elantra
This article describes the process how to replace the side mirror of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra (or other model year). There is a video showing of the process.
Read more →May 21, 2015
Connecting your Garage Door to the Internet with Chamberlain
Review of the WiFi-enabled, 1-1/4 HP Chamberlain Garage Door opener (model #HD950WF) - controlled over the Internet.
Read more →December 24, 2014
Kids on Cell Phones Too Much? “Lock” Them in a Book #LifeHack
As like many other parents out there, my wife and I constantly battle with our kids about their cell phones and when it is ok to use them. If left to roam freely, I’m sure our kids would be glued to the tiny glowing screens 24/7 with bits of their mushy brain running out of their ear as they turned…
Read more →December 22, 2014
How To Replace a MacBook Pro Keyboard after a Liquid Spill
Liquid and laptop keyboards are not a match made in heaven in any way. In fact, if you don’t act quickly, a liquid spill will fry out the circuitry in your laptop very quickly. I recently received a mid-2012 MacBook Pro (MBP) 15” with Retina display from a family member who spilled some coffee on it. A row of keys…
Read more →April 27, 2014
Review & Giveaway: Honeywell WiFi Smart Thermostat (RTH9580)
A little over a year ago, I installed a Honeywell WiFi Thermostat in my home, replacing one of those traditional, "dumb" thermostats that typically comes with a furnace or air conditioner. It was great being able to not only remotely connect to my home's heating and cooling to turn it on and off, but also using the smart heating and…
Read more →May 7, 2013
How To Easily Remove, Install & Replace an Apple iPhone 4S Battery (Video)
I'm such a heavy user of my Apple iPhones that it really seems like about a year after I get one, I'm doing a how-to article on replacing the iPhone's battery. I now have an iPhone 4S and this past weekend, I replaced the battery. Other smartphone users may scoff at the fact that Apple has made their hardware quite…
Read more →January 11, 2010
How to Remove an Old Microwave & Install a New Panasonic Microwave (Model: NN-SD277WR)
Most people don't think of a microwave as a gadget, but I guess if it plugs in, has buttons and a display, it excites me a bit. But before I go in a major analysis of popcorn pop timing (or burning), I wanted rewind back. Here's the story. I had a microwave that was on its last legs, the outer…
Read more →September 8, 2009
How to Set Up an Inexpensive Outdoor Home Theater
Everybody has some sort of a main viewing room or area of the house where there is a larger TV and comfortable seating where families and friends gather to watch movies, TV shows or play video games. The big screen TV has become a digital fireplace of sorts or a congregation point in the house. With hectic schedules governing our…
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