Although half a potato will sometimes actually work to remove a broken light bulb from its socket, the gadget in the photo works every time. It is a rubber tipped socket that fits the center part of the light bulb. The plastic base can be screwed onto a broom stick. Remember if you are looking...
One way to cut paving stones or bricks is with a brick chisel. It has wide top and bottom flanges to protect your hands -- and of course you wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying pieces. Score both edges, then whack it across the face. A heavy hammer works easiest as you don't have to ...
This TV show contained a run-through of tips related to paint cans:Painting a colour sample on the lid.Punching holes around the rim to let the paint drip back inside.Mark the level of left-over paint on the outside of the can, as shown in the picture.Store paint colour chips in a binder.
Here is one of those little tools that do a big job; a simple sharp piece of carbide steel set into a red handle. This carbide scribe is specifically shaped for scoring ceramic tiles so that they can then be snapped at the score mark. This is not the cleanest way to cut ceramic tiles, but it is c...
Riana from Huntsville Ontario is struggling with getting the miter cuts right for crown molding.
First rule, use a large miter box (purchased, rented or home made) that allows you to make simple 45 degree with the molding standing up in its regular position. Well, almost in its regular position....
Resin build-up on saw blades can hamper fine wood working, especially when working a lot with pine.
New Teflon coated blades reduce that build-up, but to get it off my old stand-by is to put the blade in a pizza pie tin, cover it with Ammonia and then cover that with another pie tin so I don't h...
The secret to drilling relatively straight with a portable electrical drill is to run your hand up the handle until it settles into the 'saddle' on the top with your forefinger pointing out along the side of the drill. That puts your arm in a direct line with the drilling action, rather than off...
Grabbing a screw handle or shaft with a pair of clamping pliers to get some torque usually leaves nasty scars on the screwdriver. Try simply drilling a hole through the handle that will receive a standard screwdriver shaft. That turns the screwdriver into a "T" drive tool, and leaves no sharp e...
To cut a fence post square, mark the cut out on all four sides. Then use a hand saw or circular saw to cut about half an inch deep on one line, roll over to the next side and cut that line half and inch deep and keep working your way around the post. Don't go too deep with each pass and the saw...
"Big Foot" is a plastic form that you put in the bottom of the hole you dug for your support columns. You then set a Sono-tube on the top and pour in the concrete. The concrete will fill the form on the bottom (air holes let it flow) and give you a perfectly formed footing every time, without h...
