Do you have a library of DIY books in your home? If so, you better check your bookshelves.
I heard on the radio this weekend that nine DIY home improvement books have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov) due to faulty electrical wiring instructions. Eek! Almost one million of these books have been sold from 1975 until now. The following titles are affected by the recall:
AmeriSpec Home Repair Handbook
Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair
Lowe’s Complete Home Wiring
Sunset Basic Home Repairs
Sunset Complete Home Wiring
Sunset Complete Patio Book
Sunset Home Repair Handbook
Sunset Water Gardens
Sunset You Can Build – Wiring
If you have any of these titles, please contact the publisher, Oxmoor House, for a full refund by calling (866) 696-7602 or visit www.sunsetrecall.com.
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Do you have a favorite DIY home improvement/repairs book? We have the Reader’s Digest New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual
, which I’ve referenced successfully a few times. I believe my Father-in-law gave it to my husband back before we ever met each other. It’s a good book, but I’ll admit that I haven’t browsed around to see what else is out there.
, which I’ve referenced successfully a few times. I believe my Father-in-law gave it to my husband back before we ever met each other. It’s a good book, but I’ll admit that I haven’t browsed around to see what else is out there.The Internet is a great reference for DIY instructions, as well, but I’m one of those old school people who much prefers a printed book to a computer screen when I’m in a situation where I might need to be making a quick home repair. What about you?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Gosh, I rely on the internet so much I forgot about checking out diy books at the library. doi.
Wow. All those wiring books and 'how to do it right'!?! I don't see any that I have on my shelf. My husband will flip when he hears this. He often relies on those type books to do home repairs. Scary. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for posting this! We have one reference manual – a Black and Decker Complete Do-it-Yourself something-or-other.
I LOVE books…but when it comes to stuff like this, I just use google. I like the instant gratification thing!
how does one go about undoing what the books told them to do? seems very strange…and sad.
Hey, saw your tweet and it loaded fine for me, you must have it fixed!
So sad about those books – why oh why!
I'm with you. It's old fashioned but I like having an open how to book sitting next to me for reference when I do a project. I'll read it on line, but I'd rather have a book in front of me.
My favorite DIY book is Home Improvement 1-2-3. We got it as a housewarming present and it's been a lifesaver! It's the best tool in my toolbox.
Wow. Thanks for this Lindsay.
People will often ask me how I learned to do something, and typically my response is either, "I figured it out myself," or "the Internet taught me how to do it".
Perhaps I'd be more willing to own hard copies of DIY books if we lived in a bigger place. But alas, we don't.
It is incredible to me that for more than 35 years there have been books out there with incorrect information. Where are the editors, for pete's sake. Such sloppy work. Are these books publishers just reprinting the same information from book to book with a new cover and title. It would appear so. 35Years! Yikes!
PS Happy New Year. Just found your blog and am enjoying it very much.
Thanks for sharing this! Scary!!