Handy Ma'am Hotline

Handy Ma'am Hotline

By Mercury StardustHealth & FitnessEducationSexuality
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Handy Ma'am Hotline episodes

  • Wonky Hinges, Mystery Putty, Loose Toilet Seats, & Bashed in Bath Tubs

    Welcome back to the Handy Ma'am Hotline! This week Mercury helps a listener with one of her most famous fixes: the toothpick trick for loose hinges. She also discusses why someone may have put putty all around a window frame, how to keep a toilet seat tight when you're a little heaftier, what to do about a tub that likely needs to be replaced, and we get an update from a previous caller who shares how Mercury's advice helped them!


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    49 min
  • Water Pressure, Peeling Paint, and Landlords Charging for Fixes

    This week on Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury helps answer questions about low water pressure after changing out a shower handle, layers and layers and layers of paint peeling off a bathroom wall, fixing a wonky front door that won't latch properly, landlords charging for fixes in the unit (should they or shouldn't they?), and fixing a toilet that is leaking but the caller can't get the nuts tightened to fix it!


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    52 min
  • Window Units, Faucets, Gas Stoves, and Smelly Toilets

    This week on Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury discusses how to remove mold from a window AC unit, how to troubleshoot an issue with a gas stove (and make your landlord actually fix it), putting in a new faucet when you feel overwhelmed, what to do about a smelly toilet and how to change a wax ring, and how to get rid of candle soot from a caller who has a candle burning addiction!


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    52 min
  • Stripped Screw, Mean Maintenance Techs, and Cat Snot!

    This week on Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury tackles a stripped set screw on a tub handle, a mean maintenance tech who makes tenants feel uncomfortable, cat snot on the walls (meow!), how to hang something on a wall that has the electrical box on the other side, and what to do when a toilet refuses to flush.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    50 min
  • Storm Doors, Paint Samples, Deadbolts, and Cracked Ceilings

    In this episode of Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury and Maggie debate on what a caller means by a "storm door", and Mercury works to solve the problem for both cases. Mercury also discusses the best way to get an accurate paint sample for matching, different ways to loosen a deadbolt that seems to not want to turn, a renter with a landlord that refuses to fix a cracked ceiling AND REMOVE BATS FROM THE ATTIC! And she gives tips for filling in small holes on wood paneling.


    Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    35 min
  • Concrete, Clogs, and Cracks!

    This week on Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury talks about safely drilling into concrete walls, why she doesn't use chemicals to clear clogged sinks, cracks in the wall, installing rain barrels on old homes, and what to do with a funky sh*there, haha!


    Watch Mercury's full Drywall Repair YouTube video here for more tips and tricks: https://youtu.be/P8lMl98zj5I


    Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:


    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    47 min
  • Bathroom Renos, Missing Keys, Tape Removal, Holes in Walls

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury tackles a bathroom reno that's outside of her comfort zone, replacing an exterior door handle (and garage door safety), shares an apartment maintenance checklist for long-term renters, removing tape off of a door, and fixing a hole in a wall.


    Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    57 min
  • Curtains, Ladders, Nails, & Scuff Marks

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline Mercury tackles questions about repairing a wall after the curtain rod was used as a swing by a kiddo, how to get over the fear of ladders so you can do DIY projects up high, what to do when your plastic drain cleaner breaks in the pipe, how to fill nail holes in hardwood after removing carpet, and how to remove scuff marks off walls without repainting!


    Watch Mercury's full Drywall Repair YouTube video here for more tips and tricks: https://youtu.be/P8lMl98zj5I


    Find the tools recommended here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mercurystardust


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw
    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    52 min
  • Attic Insulation, Splattered Paint Wall, Concrete Floors, and Falling Fences

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury tackles how to finish an attic that has blown insulation, a wall that was painted with splatter like an art project, painting a cement floor in the basement, and fixing a cedar fence that is falling over.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw


    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    43 min
  • Sinks, Vents, Drawers, and Spray Painting

    This week on the Handy Ma'am Hotline, Mercury helps listeners fix a hot water stem that's not giving enough water pressure, tips on cleaning a bathroom and dryer vent for safety, fixing a wonky drawer, hanging a puzzle as a renter and not damaging the wall, and answers questions about spray painting vs using a roller.


    Don't forget to call in or text with your questions for the next episode! 608-205-8768.


    iFixit is celebrating their 20th anniversary and 20 years of advocating for fair repair laws. Start your own repair projects and show us what you're fixing by tagging @ifixit in your DIY projects! Don't forget to check out ifixit.com before you get started. They've got parts, tools and guides to help you fix all kinds of stuff and you can use code MERCURY10 for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. https://ifix.gd/mercurystardust


    Find some Mercury Stardust goodies here:

    • Pre-Order her book Safe & Sound, A renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair: https://sites.prh.com/safe-and-sound
    • Find extended versions of the podcast on Patreon: http://patreon.com/mercurystardust
    • Watch longer DIY videos with Mercury on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC4uAI3alDB7kUisg24_nKEw



    Get the After Show Preshow Show Show on Patreon!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.



    Get full access to Mercury Stardust Media at mercurystardust.substack.com/subscribe
    55 min

About Handy Ma'am Hotline

From the publisher's feed

Mercury is a #1 NY Times Bestselling author (Safe & Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair). Known widely as The Trans Handy Ma'am, Mercury shares information geared towards renters who need help fixing their homes, moving into their first apartments, and navigating the complexities of dealing with landlords. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and 1 million followers on Instagram, Mercury's brand of compassionate education has warmed hearts across the globe. Her expertise includes rental maintenance, landlord negotiations, clogs, drywall, painting, minor electrical repairs, caulking, and more.