Lumber Slims When It’s Run Through the Mill
Question: Here’s a question I’ve always wondered about: Why are lumber sizes always slightly smaller than they’re labeled? I find 2 x 4s are actually 1 1/3 x 3 3/4 and other types of lumber have similar differences.
C.B.
Santa Ana
Answer: “Generally, a piece of lumber starts out at the mill as being the call-out size, such as a 2 x 4,” says Jim Gorman of Rancho Lumber in Westminster. “After it’s been dressed to create a smooth surface on all sides, it’s no longer exactly 2-inches by 4-inches. Don’t feel cheated if you’re not getting the exact size; just don’t use a piece of lumber as a replacement for a tape measure.”
Q: In the old house we had in New Jersey we had to have a flue liner installed to make our chimney safe to use. The house we bought here is about the same age, 40 years old. Is having a flue liner common in California?
R.E.
Anaheim
A: “Any modern masonry chimney is built with a terra-cotta lining,” says Dennis Katsis of Yorba Linda Patio & Hearth. “Over time, if the terra-cotta disintegrates and the masonry is still structurally sound, a stainless steel liner is often inserted down the chimney. It’s probably best to have your liner inspected by a chimney sweep. They can give you a good idea of the condition of your chimney, and they can see if the liner is shiny, which indicates a build-up of creosote.”
Q: We have a 20-year-old tub that’s in great shape, except for the fixtures. We’re replacing the spout and handles, but we’re not so sure about the drain. How does that come out?
S.S.
Laguna Hills
A: “The drain, or waste shoe, basically screws in and out,” says Steve Johnson of Familian Pipe & Supply in Costa Mesa. “There are different sizes of threads, which is why you should take the old one to a plumbing supply store and have them match a new one with your size. There is a special tool available to remove the drain, but for homeowners who may just do this job once, it’s not always practical to buy it.
“You can try getting it out by sticking the handle ends of a pair of pliers into the crossbars, then stick a screwdriver between the plier handles and turn. If you’re having a problem unscrewing it, you may need to bring in a professional since (otherwise) you could do some damage to the plumbing underneath.”
Q: During the rains last winter, I had problems with leaves and debris clogging the downspout of my gutter. Can I put some kind of screen across the top of the spout to keep leaves out?
S.V.
Brea
A: “You can, but you may find it easier to keep your gutter clean,” says gutter installer Tony Valmont of La Mirada. “In the fall as the leaves come down, you should periodically sweep the leaves off the roof so they won’t fall into the gutter. With a trowel, you should also clean your gutter of sand and debris. A screen will keep leaves out of the downspout but too many leaves will block the flow of water and your gutters will overflow, which is why you shouldn’t just install a screen and forget about the problem.”
Q: We’re dropping our cable service and shopping for a TV antenna. What should we look for in modern antennas? We haven’t bought one in 40 years.
A.G.
Huntington Beach
A: “Not much has changed in antenna technology during all that time,” says George Schurman of MarVac Electronics in Costa Mesa. “It’s important not to be taken in by those ads for small plug-in antennas that claim to get great reception. There are some new designs that work to amplify signals and make a great alternative to cable. They can be installed on the roof or in the attic.
“Going back to antenna reception, you’ll probably see a reduction in screen quality no matter which antenna you select. This is because signals often come from various directions and if there are any obstacles, such as large buildings or trees nearby, they’ll affect your reception.”
Got a question about your home or garden? Write to: John Morell, Handyman, The Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626.
