How to replace a light fixture

Necessary Tools:
Screwdriver
Continuity Tester
Circuit Tester

Required Materials:
Wire Nuts
Light Fixture

Estimated Time to Complete:
Beginner: 45 Minutes
Intermediate: 30 Minutes
Expert: 20 Minutes

Safety Tips:
Make certain the light fixture is firmly in place before turning power back on. Never leave or use a fixture hanging loose from the wall or ceiling.

Always make sure that power is off to the circuit you are working on. Just flipping the switch isn't good enough, especially when other people are around.

Getting Started: Removing the Old Fixture
Turn off the electricity to the light fixture at the main panel. Leave the switch on to make sure power is really off. Remove the globe of the old fixture by loosening the retaining screws and pulling gently. Now, remove the mounting screws or turn the fixture slightly to free it from the loosened screws. Now, gently pull the fixture away from the box to expose the wires.

At this point, you will probably see some wire nuts. If not, carefully pull a little more wire out of the wall / ceiling. When you have located the wire nuts, twist each one off while being careful not to touch the exposed ends of the wires with your fingers or to eachother. Test for current by touching one probe of the tester to each of the ends of the bare wires. Now, test from the bare black wire to the metal box. Try it with the wall switch in both positions and make sure the tester does not light at any time. If the tester does not light for any of those tests, the wires are safe to touch.

Now, you can un-twist the wires and remove the fixture.

Reassembly: Installing the new fixture
It is advisable to always select a replacement fixture that has the same ratings as the old fixture. To avoid the need to repair the ceiling, choose a fixture with a base at least as wide as the old fixture. Follow the manufacturer's directions to hang the new fixture.

You'll next want to twist the copper stands of the black fixture wire together, then attach it to the black circuit wire with a wire nut. Do the same for the white wires. Now, make any insulation is in place on the new fixture and fold the wires in gently. Then you can lift the light fixture flush to the electrical box. Now, attach and tighten the mounting screws, screw in a light bulb and replace the globe. All that's left is to turn the switch off, restore power to the circuit, and then turn the switch back on to see how your new light fixture looks.

* When doing electrical work, always remember to check local codes. Our instructions are just general ideas of the necessary steps.

How to replace glass in a window

Necessary tools:
Sash Brush
Putty Knife
Paint Brush
Heat Gun
Caulk Gun

Required Materials:
Wood Sealer
Tube-style Glazing Compound
Sandpaper
Goggles
Gloves
Glazing Points

Estimated Time to Complete:
Beginner: 2 Hours
Intermediate: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Expert: 45 Minutes

Safety Tips:
Wear gloves and eye protection when removing broken glass from the sashes and when handling or installing the new glass.

Getting Started: Removal of the Glass
For spring-loaded double hung windows, remove them from the wall by pushing against the flexible vinyl channels to release the pins. On older models, the windows may be repaired wile the window remains in the frame.

On newer windows, you will just need to pry out the vinyl glazing strips.

For traditional glazing, you'll want to soften the old putty with a heat gun or a torch. Be careful not to scorch the wood. Then, gently scrape away the soft putty with a putty knife.

Now, it is time to remove the broken glass and metal glazing points from the frame. After they are removed, gently sand the L-shaped grooves to clean old paint and putty. Using a detail sander in place of hand sanding will make the work go faster. If you have any bare wood exposed, coat it with sealer and let it dry.

Reassembly: Installing the New Glass
Apply a thin layer of glazing compound in the primed grooves. Press the new glass lightly to seat it, and press in new glazing points every 10 inches with the top of a putty knife. When installing the glazing points, be sure you're only exerting pressure towards the sash and not onto the glass. Now, apply your glazing compound with your caulking gun. Move the tube tip along the edge of the glass while applying steady pressure to the trigger.

When you've applied it all the way around, smooth the glazing by wetting your finger or a cloth and running it along the bead. You can also smooth the glazing putty with a dampened putty knife.

Finish Touches: Painting
Latex painting can be painted on the same day. Just give it a little time to set first. Overlaping the paint onto the glass by 1/16th of an inch can help to improve the weather seal of the window.