Cast Iron Home Defense

A man defending his home with a frying pan, house painting tips, doorbell camera installation, garage door eye beam alignment & digital thermometer

Homeowner Defends Home With Frying Pan

In Chicago, a 12-time felon on parole, who might have been channeling his inner actor, gave cops a fake name after breaking into a house and facing off with a homeowner armed with a cast iron frying pan.

The suspect, who called himself Brandon Williams, was soon unmasked by his fingerprints as Bradley Willenborg, a parolee with a colorful criminal past.

The homeowner, Jason Williams, received a security alert, rushed home, and clobbered the intruder with his trusty frying pan. “We were both surprised, but he was extra surprised after the pan hit,” Jason recounted.

Arrested for residential burglary now, thanks to Cook County Judge Susanna Ortiz, he's cooling his heels in custody until trial.

In today’s email:

  • Painting: Summers the best time

  • Doorbell Camera: Easier to install than you think

  • Eye Beam: How to align them

  • Digital IR: Not just for cold spots

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Home Improvement:

Transform Your Home This Summer with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Summer is the perfect time for homeowners to dive into a home improvement project, and nothing revitalizes your living space quite like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you're looking to enhance curb appeal or refresh your interior, painting offers a cost-effective and impactful way to breathe new life into your home.

One of the primary benefits of painting your house is the instant transformation it provides. A new exterior color can dramatically improve the appearance of your home, making it stand out in the neighborhood. Inside, a fresh coat of paint can brighten rooms, create a sense of space, and reflect your personal style.

Summer's warm, dry weather is ideal for painting projects. Exterior paint adheres better and dries faster in these conditions, ensuring a smooth and durable finish. Plus, longer daylight hours mean you can get more done in a day.

Beyond aesthetics, painting also offers protective benefits. Exterior paint shields your home from the elements, preventing damage from moisture, sunlight, and pests. Interior paint can also safeguard your walls from wear and tear, making them easier to clean and maintain.

Painting is a relatively simple project that homeowners can tackle themselves. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, you can achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank. It’s a rewarding DIY task that allows you to see immediate results and take pride in your handiwork.

So, grab a brush, choose your colors, and make painting your home the standout project of the summer. It's a fun, affordable, and highly effective way to enhance your living space and boost your home's value.

DIY Projects:

Enhance Your Home Security: How to Install a Video Doorbell Camera

Installing a video doorbell camera is a smart and straightforward way to enhance your home security. These devices not only allow you to see who is at your door but also enable you to communicate with visitors remotely. Follow these simple steps to install your video doorbell camera and enjoy added peace of mind.

1. Choose the Right Video Doorbell

Before you begin, select a video doorbell that suits your needs. Consider factors such as video quality, field of view, compatibility with your home's wiring, and any additional features like motion detection or cloud storage.

2. Gather Your Tools

You'll typically need the following tools for installation:

  • Screwdriver

  • Drill (if new holes are needed)

  • Level

  • Screws (usually included with the doorbell)

  • Anchors (if mounting on brick or concrete)

3. Turn Off Power

For safety, turn off power to your existing doorbell. This prevents any risk of electric shock during installation.

4. Remove the Old Doorbell

Unscrew and remove your existing doorbell. Disconnect the wires, making note of which wire connects to which terminal.

5. Attach the Mounting Bracket

Using the included screws and anchors (if necessary), attach the mounting bracket to your wall or doorframe. Ensure it is level before tightening the screws completely.

6. Connect the Wires

Attach the wires from your home to the terminals on the new video doorbell. Typically, there will be labels or instructions indicating where each wire should go. Once connected, tuck the wires neatly into the wall to avoid obstruction.

7. Mount the Doorbell

Secure the video doorbell to the mounting bracket using the provided screws. Ensure it is firmly attached and aligned correctly.

8. Restore Power and Configure

Turn the power back on and follow the manufacturer's instructions to complete the setup process, which usually involves downloading an app, connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and configuring settings.

9. Test Your Doorbell

Once everything is set up, test your video doorbell to ensure it is functioning correctly. Check the video feed, audio quality, and any motion detection features.

You can easily install a video doorbell camera and take a significant step towards improving your home security. Enjoy the convenience and safety of knowing who is at your door, no matter where you are.

Home Maintenance and Repairs: Aligning your garage door eye beam sensors

Green is good!

Aligning your garage door eye beam sensors is a straightforward task that can ensure your garage door operates safely and efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it done:

Steps to Align Garage Door Sensors:

1. Inspect the Sensors:

- Locate the sensors on each side of the garage door, typically no more than 6 inches above the ground.

- Ensure both sensors are clean and free from any dirt or debris.

2. Check Indicator Lights:

- The sensor with the yellow light is the sending unit, and it should always be on if it has power.

- The green light on the receiving unit should also be lit if the sensors are properly aligned and there are no obstructions.

3. Adjust the Sensors:

- Loosen the wing nuts or screws on the sensor brackets to allow for adjustment.

- Move the sensors slightly up, down, forward, or backward until the green light on the receiving sensor remains steady.

- Ensure both sensors are directly facing each other and align them as precisely as possible.

4. Secure the Sensors:

- Once the sensors are aligned and the green light is steady, tighten the wing nuts or screws to secure the sensors in place.

- Double-check the alignment to ensure they didn’t shift while tightening.

5. Test the Door:

- Open and close the garage door a few times to ensure it operates correctly.

- If the door still doesn’t close properly, recheck the alignment and ensure there are no obstructions.

Troubleshooting Tips:

- If the green light flickers or doesn’t turn on, check for loose wires or connections.

- Ensure the sensors are not obstructed by objects, cobwebs, or dirt.

- If the door reverses while closing, the sensors might still be misaligned, or there could be an issue with the door tracks shaking and causing misalignment

Following these steps should help you align your garage door sensors effectively, ensuring smooth and safe operation of your garage door. If you continue to experience issues, it might be best to consult a professional for further assistance.

Home Technology & Gadgets: Ryobi Digital Thermometer

Checking the Griddle Temp on the Blackstone

The Ryobi Infrared Thermometer is a versatile and essential tool for anyone who needs accurate temperature readings for various tasks around the home, kitchen, and garage.

Its ease of use and wide range of applications make it a valuable addition to any toolkit, helping you achieve better results in cooking, home maintenance, and beyond.

Whether you're perfecting your grilling skills on a Blackstone Griddle or ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently, the Ryobi Infrared Thermometer has you covered.

That’s it for this week.

If you have questions, suggestions, or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you navigate the path to becoming a knowledgeable and confident homeowner.

Thank you,

Ron Henderson, CMI
The Handy Homeowner Newsletter

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