Keeping track Tag time: Before lending a tool, write your name on a stick-on label and affix it to the handle. The label will serve as a reminder to the borrower to return the tool when the job is done. Permanent ID: Another way to identify your tools permanently (and discourage thieves in the process) [...]
Putty and filler Airless container: Filler and Putty dry out quickly when exposed to the air. To slow the drying, use a putty knife to transfer the material to a small sealable plastic bag. Seal the bag, then cut a small hole in one corner. To dispense the material, just squeeze the bag as if [...]
Buckle up: When it’s lime to store a ladder, don’t just lean it against the wall — it can easily fall over. A better way is to attach an old leather belt to the wall and wrap it around the ladder’s top step. Or mount a stetepladder vetically on a pair of pegs securely fastened [...]
Clamp improvements Recycled film caps: A tight G-clamp can mar a work surface. To protect your projects, glue the caps from plastic 35 mm film containers to the G-clamp jaws. When you no longer need the caps, just pop them off. Magnetic pads: Ever wish you had a third hand when fitting protective wood blocks [...]
Extension ladders Hand over hand: To raise an extension ladder, place its feet at the base of the wall. Starting at the top, walk the ladder up, hand over hand, until it is vertical. Then pull its feet out from the wall, extend the ladder to the height you want, lock the extension, and set [...]
Sandpaper sharpener: A sharp pencil is indispensable for making precise layouts. One way to keep your pencils sharp at all times is to tape or glue a strip of medium-grit sandpaper or an emery board to your work-bench or a nearby wall. To sharpen a pencil, just rub the pencil point back and forth a [...]
Painted numbers: Have you noticed that the numbers and graduation marks etched in metal measuring tools become hard to read after a while? You don’t need to replace the tool when that happens. Instead, paint them white and wipe off the excess paint while it is wet, The numbers and marks will be easy to [...]
Tips and tricks Room to work: Setting up your table saw? If you’ll be working with large sheets of wood panelling, allow enough free room for them around the saw. For ripping, you’ll need at least 10 feet at the front of the saw as well as the rear. For crosscutting: leave 6 feet on [...]
Circular saws The right blade: Two kinds of circular saw blades will see you through just about any job. The first should be a general-purpose combination blade with 20 to 24 teeth: the other should he a fine cutting blade with about 40 teeth, Both blades should be carbide-tipped. Cutting metal: If you plan to [...]
Buyer’s Guide A router with a 1 to 1.5 kW motor can do most jobs and will last a lifetime. Try handling some models in the store. Look for one that can be switched on and off while both hands hold the tool. Check for balance and weight by running it along the edge of [...]
