Repairing jalousie windows, also known as louvered windows

Jalousie windows are common in Hawaii, with good reason. These windows provide nearly 100% air flow when open and they easily close to prevent wind and rain from coming in.  Temperatures in Hawaii stay within a fairly narrow range.  In the summer we see highs around 90 degrees (fahrenheit) and in the winter temperatures sometimes get as cold as the high 50's.  Homes in Hawaii rarely have heaters and jalousie windows do a great job for most of them.

Jalousie window frames are usually made of aluminum.  The mechanism that rotates the windows is held together by rivets.  The rivets eventually weaken due to corrosion and/or lack of lubrication.  When the head of a rivet pops off, the mechanism can…

The Sawzall is great for do it yourself work

Have you ever heard of a Sawzall?  I hadn't until some handymen did some work around my place recently.   I'm one of those old fashioned guys that would use a regular hand saw for cutting things up.  I have one saw for wood and another for metals.

We moved to our home in Palolo Valley last year and it was a fixer upper.  There was a lot of junk to be cleared from the yard too.  I talked with the handymen and found out all the great things a Sawzall can do.

Features of a Sawzall

As you can see from the photo above, a Sawzall is a "Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw."  It's almost like a chainsaw, but it's electrically powered and easier to maneuver.  The blade moves not only back and forth, but up and…