Question: My wife recently inherited a large mirror that she wants me to mount on the wall. Iām not sure if a molly bolt would be strong enough.
Answer: We had a similar problem twelve years ago when we built the rather heavy sign for the Meadow View Lodge. We had to hang it on the wall in the main hall. We elected to hang it with a French cleat. The cleat is constructed using two 1ā x 4ā boards. Cut a 45-degree angle the whole length on one edge of each board. Attach one cleat to the wall with the bevel facing up and toward the wall by screwing it into two or more studs. Be sure to use a level to make sure the cleat is perfectly level. Attach the other cleat to the back of the mirror screwing it into the wooden frame. Make sure it is also level. The bevel should face down and toward the mirror. To see what this looks like cup your hands and hook the fingers of one hand over the fingers on the other hand.
Question: Who is the manufacturer of the 911 locator light switch? I thought I remembered that it was Leviton, but I cannot find one.
Answer: These light switches must be reaching the end of their useful life as we have received several queries about where to get replacement switches.
If your 911 light switch stops working, the one that flashes the outside light to help the 911 responders find your house, it may not be broken. There is a reset lever in the lower left corner of the switch. If the switch does not turn the outside lights on, try pulling this reset lever down with your fingernail and push it back up. If a power surge trips the switch, this reset should restore the switch to working condition. If this does not fix the problem, you will have to replace the switch. If you turn on the lights and you see a bright flash in the switch it has probably failed and has welded the contacts together. If this happens, you will not be able to turn the lights off, and you will need to replace the switch.
The original switch was made by Leviton, but they no longer make that switch. There is a replacement switch made bypass & Seymour, model TM8LOCATORW, the last letter indicating switch color. The switch is available from:
Westside Electric Supply, Inc.
1530 N. LaFox St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-468-1000
The switch will fit right into the place of the old one. It is as easy to install as any light switch with two wires to connect. Be sure to trip the circuit breaker before removing the old switch. If you have never replaced a light switch, get someone who has some electrical experience to change this one for you.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
