The Cable Quandary

Even when the length of the necessary cables is carefully measured, they will never be long enough. Although you measured that 6’ cable when you opened the package, it shrank the minute you plugged it into the TV and now won’t reach the DVD player. It can be initially painful for the pocketbook, but spare yourself the aggravation by purchasing longer cables than you think you will need. to pay, and grab yourself a cold beverage.

It is far better to have an extra foot of cable than have one that is two inches too short. Many consumers make the mistake of neglecting to measure the horizontal distances and adding it to the overall length. When you think you have the right measurement, add to it, and make sure you can convert meters to feet. To further add to the cable length quandary, most manufactures make (and advertise) their cable lengths using the metric system. (Hint: 1 meter = 3.2808399 feet). to pay, and grab yourself a cold beverage.

When you find yourself digging a hole, we all know that rule #1 is to stop digging. Rule #2 is to immediately find your mouse (the one tethered to your computer), go to ServiceLive.com and click on a professional. Identify what needs to be done, schedule a time that is convenient for you, indicate the amount you are willing to pay, and grab yourself a cold beverage.

My dad was all about getting it down fast and cheap, but his ways proved otherwise. I would never tell him what to do or I would get the back hand. I was in the front yard and dad was making some ruckus in the garage and I had to see what he was doing. There was my dad in the garage connecting two thick chains together, and no not with duck tape, but with locks.

I asked dad what he was doing and he said “mind your business.” That seemed like a normal response, but the fun was about to begin and I sure was not going to miss another one of my dad’s DIY disasters. Dad climbed in his 1970 Cadillac and drove around to the side of the house and backed the car up close to the stump. Here we go!

Dad tied one end of the chain around the stump and the other to the hitch on the bumper. Can you visualize what happens next? My dad tore the bumper (and muffler) right off the car and I laughed so hard, but of course out of sight. My dad wasn’t finished … he then tied the chain around the axle and pulled again, but this time the tree stump came free.

Even though the bumper came off dad’s car, he was still happy about removing the stump.

This is not how you remove stumps! It’s best to hire a home services professional.

That’s my dad for you!

However, installing a TV or home theater system is not as easy as it looks. If you’re going to make the investment on the hardware, don’t risk breaking it before you’ve even gotten the chance to enjoy it!

Some may argue that cats are extremely clever animals, but even they cannot distinguish between certain shades of color such as red. Before fumbling around with wires (especially if you haven’t a clue what the difference is between the red, yellow and white cords), think twice before installing home theater equipment on your own. Instead, consulting a TV installer first may save you from expensive DIY disasters!

Be a cool cat and hire a pro!

However, removing an AC unit by yourself can lead to DIY disasters if not properly executed. Consider our handyman guide for safety tips which will help you avoid repairing outside walls or broken bones as a result of carelessness.

Tip 1: To avoid the risk of electrical shock, always turn off and unplug the unit first before handling it.

Tip 2: Even under supervision, DO NOT attempt to remove an exterior AC unit that is located above the ground level by yourself - unless you are a professional. Doing so could result in damage to the unit as well as your building and injury to yourself and any unlucky bystanders below.

Tip 3: Wear safety gloves when lifting the air conditioner to maintain a tight grip and avoid hand injuries.

Tip 4: Air conditioner units tend to be very heavy. In addition to using the proper safety equipment, always have an extra person to help with lifting and a spotter to ensure safety below.

Tip 5: This should go without saying, but use common sense and never climb out of an open window! Your weight added to that of the unit will put extra strain on supports which could unexpectedly give  without warning.

Bottom line: Whether installing or removing your window AC unit for the year, you may want to consider spending a little extra on a professional handyman rather than the expense of your own life or that of a family member.

The entire installation process depicted above was documented on camera and you can view all the DANGEROUS photos here. Danger is why we recommend a pro for this type of installation. Please note these photos illustrate what NOT to do!