Get into shaping A single-cut file has parallel rows of ridged teeth that smooth and sharpen metal. A double-cut file has a second, crossing, set of parallel ridges; it removes metal and wood excess rapidly. A rasp has individual teeth rather than ridges and gives a rough cut on wood and soft metals; the bigger [...]

Renew-a-screw: Removing and reseating a slotted or Philips-head screw often results in a damaged slot, especially if the blade of your screwdriver didn’t fit the slot in the first place. If you don’t have a replacement screw on hand, try restoring the old screw by running a hacksaw along the slot (or slots in the [...]

Some quick and basic tips on buying your first electric drill A good basic electric drill has a 10 mm chuck and a variable-speed reversing (VSR) capability. Such a drill accepts bits with shanks up to 10 mm and lets you control how fast you drill. Buy the best, most powerful model you can afford. [...]

Here’s the pitch: Used on resinous wood, a bit becomes coated with wood pitch. If allowed to build up, the pitch dulls the bit. To clean a bit, lay it on newspaper and spray it with oven cleaner. (Or to contain the fumes, you can put the bit inside a plastic bag and then spray.) [...]

More tips on how to drill safely and easily Straight bits: A bent bit is likely to break and damage your work. Because bits bend easily (especially the thinner ones), test them for straightness before use and discard any bent ones. To test a bit, roll it slowly with your fingertips on a flat surface. [...]

Some tips on how to drill safely and easily Hold it right: To drill a straighter hole and avoid breaking a bit, hold the drill so that the force you exert helps push the bit straight into the wall. Place the palm of your hand in line with the chuck, extending your index finger along [...]