Do-It-Yourself Home Repair Class - Summer 2009

My Summer semester Do-It-Yourself Home Repair Class is winding down May 27th is our final class. The class has been offered by the Temple University Center City campus Continuing Education Department for over 10 years. The class allows students to learn how their house functions and how to keep it functioning through hands-on practice and lectures. A class project that consists of framing a stud wall, wiring the wall with a recepticle, switch and light fixture and covering the wall with drywall allows students to work with power tools and hand tools, some for the first time. Students gain an understanding of a house's electrical and plumbing systems, how a house was constructed, they learn about roof construction, doors, windows, locks, flooring, and painting. The most important subject they learn about is how to hire a contractor when they are unable to do the work themselves.

More information can be found on my website: http://paulplevakas.com/HomeRepairClass.html

This year we are offering souvenir "I Did It Myself!" t-shirts for purchase at http://www.cafepress.com/DIYHR_Class

Tool Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling a framing nail gun manufactured by the Dewalt Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md. and a generator imported and sold by Big Muddy Sports, of Perryville, Mo.

DEWALT Recalls Framing Nailers Due to Serious Injury Hazard
The bump action trigger on the framing nailers could have been incorrectly assembled during production, which would allow the nailer to eject a fastener unexpectedly or cause the trigger lock-off not to function. This can pose a serious injury hazard to the user or bystander.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09256.html

Big Muddy Motor Sports Recalls Generators Due to Fire Hazard
The 220-volt receptacle can fail to produce power correctly and cause power surges that can damage appliances. This poses a risk of fire and possible injury to consumers.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09257.html

Visit the links above for recall instructions.

Tool Recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling a paint sprayer and an air compressor:

1. Wagner Spray Tech Recalls Heat Guns Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09243.html

2. Campbell Hausfeld Recalls Air Compressors Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Wal-Mart http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09245.html

Visit these links for further information.