Archives: Home Improvement

FLUKE 1AC-A1 II VoltAlert

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Power Tools, Product Reviews

Today I bought a new electrical tester. In the past I’ve had testers but none that I really liked or trusted. I read some reviews and this Fluke 1AC-A1 II VoltAlert received some decent feedback. What I like about this tester is you can use it several ways. It has a flat tip that allows…

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Planting Lilac Trees

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

On Sunday my son and I planted three lilac trees for my wife. She loves lilac trees and we’ve been trying to decide what to plant along the west side of the house. That side of the house has two retaining walls the step the land along the “walkout” basement. The lilac trees we bought…

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Snow Mound Spirea – Spiraea Nipponica

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

The other plant we put into our flower garden today was two Snow Mound Spireas or Spiraea Nipponica. We actually had one of these plants at our last house and I liked it. Its more of a flower shrub than a plant I guess. The nice thing about these plants is they are not especially…

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Purple Gem – Rhododendron

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping

Today we started planting some plants in our flower gardens. Since we built this house we’ve had a hard time coming up with a landscaping “plan” that we both like. The biggest problem we have is the huge size of our yard and house. Trying to get enough landscaping done so that the place actually…

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Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Energy Conservation, Product Reviews

Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch Yesterday I received the three Leviton 6260M electronic timer switches that I ordered for the bath fans. These switches allow you to choose pre-set times of 10 min., 20 min., 30 min., and 60 mins. You can buy these dimmers from Amazon, Leviton Decora 60-30-20-10 Preset Minute Electronic Timer. I…

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John Deere Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Product Reviews

Last week I purchased the John Deere 3.5 cu ft tow-behind broadcast spreader. I finally assembled it and put it to use. First off let me say that John Deere has got to be one of the last companies selling products in this country with extremely well written directions and parts. All of the small…

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John Deere Home Maintenance Kit Arrived

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Product Reviews

My John Deere Maintenance kit arrived yesterday. The kit is great, it contains two quarts of oil, an oil filter, a fuel filter, two spark plugs, the foam and paper air filters. All of the parts are John Deere parts which is recommended by the users maintenance manual. What I like most about buying everything…

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John Deere X300 Lawn Mower Maintenance

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Maintanence

Last year I bought a John Deere X300 lawn mower with the mulching deck. Seeing that spring is just around the corner (late start here in snow country) I want to get the mower ready for the upcoming summer season. The following maintenance items are suggested annually: 1. Lubricate front axle pivot, axle spindles, mower…

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