To work out the correct ratio for mixing quantities of mortar — where it relates to how many cinder blocks one bag of mortar mix will lay — it’s important to realize that the quantities will change significantly depending on the size of brick used. A simple standard, however, would be as follows: 2.5 bags [...]

Self-identification: Here’s an easy way to label boxes of nails, screws, and other fasteners: just attach a sample of each item to the outside of its box with some glue. You’ll be able to see at a glance what you have in stock and where it is. Recycled labels: If you store screws or other [...]

Take it off: Never watch, ring, neck chain or other piece of jewellery when working with a power tool. Mount a brightcoloured hook over your workbench to hold these items. The hook will remind you to take them off when you come into the workshop, and you’ll always know where you put them. Extended life: [...]

Easy-reach holder: Make a tool holder out of scrap wire mesh. Form the mesh into a ‘channel shape’, leaving a section at the top and bottom for mounting on a wall or stud. A 1/2″ square mesh holds a variety of tools, especially screwdrivers. Holding power: For a convenient spot to store chuck keys, scissors, [...]

Picking up small items Nuts and bolts scoop: get small fasteners back into their boxes quickly with a scoop made from a square-shaped plastic milk, or other container that has a handle. Use a utility kiife to cut off the bottom half of the container at an angle and away you go. Magnetic bagger Here’s [...]

How wide is it? Boxed in: If you don’t have a folding rule with a metal extension bar, you can still accurately measure inside a [...]

Bull’s eye Making the curve: Drilling a hole on a curved surface, such as molding, can be tricky because the bit has a tendency to [...]

Buying wood Numbers game: When buying a piece of dressed timber, you’ll find that its actual dimensions are a bit smaller than those specified. That’s because timber is sold by’nominal size’ — the size it is when it’s cut at the sawmill. After planing and shrinkage, the actual size is a bit smaller. To remind [...]

Got it straight? Let your finger do the work: When scribing a straight line near the edge of a board, use your finger as a [...]

Chisel it away Hold it straight: To create a neat cut when making a stopped housing, mortise or dovetail joint, the chisel must be held [...]