Tool (n) - 1. A mechanical device intended to make a task easier, 2. equipment used in a profession, e.g., tools of the trade, 3. Something to perform an operation; an instrument; a means
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0answers
35 views
What are the essential yardworker's tools? [closed]
We already have this list: What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?, which is great list of tools you will need at some point in and around your home, but it seems light on some of the ...
0
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0answers
46 views
hanging theater curtains semi-circle under the front cornice [closed]
I have a theatre for marionettes and the front stage is like a semi-circle cornice. I am trying to figure out how to traverse curtains on a semi-round rod I made of a coat hanger. It does not work and ...
7
votes
4answers
318 views
How to prevent batteries leaking out in devices?
Is there a common method of preventing batteries from leaking out and destroying the device? Why does this happen in the first place? I have laid another head lamp to waste because it was sitting in ...
3
votes
1answer
57 views
What nap roller should I use for primer?
And does it matter, in choosing the nap, what the sheen of paint will be used over the primer? E.g. if I do my bathroom in semi-gloss using 3/8" nap vs living room in flat with 1/2" nap, should I also ...
11
votes
2answers
779 views
How can I tighten a bolt in a circular hole?
I've assembled a set of swings, and am trying to tighten the nuts at the top. The trouble is that they are embedded deep inside a circular hole and I can't get to them with a regular spanner.
What ...
2
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3answers
129 views
Will a Dremel multipurpose bit cut through 1/2 inch polycarbonate?
Would I be able to use the Dremel multipurpose cutting bit (561) to cut patterns out of 1/2 inch polycarbonate (Lexan)? Dremel "experts" said no but I want to hear other people's opinions. According ...
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1answer
166 views
What's the difference between Husky brand and HDX brand?
At Home Depot I have noticed the advertising of HDX products lately that are really low price items including tools and other household things.
As far as I knew Home Depot already had their own ...
2
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4answers
126 views
How do I sharpen wood lathe tools?
I've had a lathe for about a year now (I have the JET 1442 with variable speed) and love it but noticed that I really suck at keeping a nice sharp edge on my tools. I have a small bench grinder I use ...
2
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1answer
68 views
Which tile cutter to use for commercial flooring tiles?
I am putting (vinyl?) commercial flooring tiles in one of my hallways. The product I've seen one guy (pro) use at a supermarket once was this:
Now, that baby is $200+. I was wondering whether the ...
2
votes
2answers
298 views
When extending a wrench using a breaker bar, should I connect the two with a spline bit?
Can I use my wrench/spanner which has a box end / 12-point spline, and connect a breaker bar using a 12-point spline bit to it to get extra leverage.
Or is it more common to use extending bar/pipe ...
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votes
1answer
541 views
What type of glue sticks to tiles?
I have some hooks that has a glued surfaced attached to it. They look like this,
Image Courtesy: www.dhgate.com
I bought a lot of them. Like 50-60. I used them almost everywhere. Mostly in ...
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votes
2answers
270 views
Why are cordless drill batteries so expensive? [closed]
I bought a combo drill & driver kit recently and I really love it, but it came with "XC" batteries that are 4Ah. I went to buy one of the slim packs because sometimes the large batteries are just ...
-3
votes
1answer
116 views
Do electric push activated screwdrivers exist? [closed]
I am looking for a screwdriver. I want it to be powered (electric, cordless). I want it to not be based on a trigger mechanism (in order to reduce repetitive motion strain). I want it to screw (or ...
4
votes
1answer
367 views
How can I disassemble this old bathroom faucet to fix a leak, without damaging the decorative chrome piece?
Update 4: Once I followed Michael's suggestion I was able to remove the cartridge. Closest match was a Moen 1224, 131222. Inlet and outlet were very different, and rotation of valve was much greater ...
4
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1answer
135 views
What units are the clutch settings on a drill?
I have tried looking around the internet for an answer - but I can only find articles that explain what the clutch on a drill does.
I am very familiar not only with what they do but also with how ...
1
vote
1answer
189 views
Can oscillating multi-tools be used for fitting pattress boxes
I have a bunch of pattress boxes to fit for light switches and plug sockets and was wondering if my oscillating multi-tool could be of any use.
I have a Bosch PMF 180 E Multi. Can this be used to cut ...
1
vote
3answers
304 views
Can I use a rotary tool to sharpen knives and other blades?
Anybody used Dremel effectively to sharpen knives and things like chisels and scrapers? What kind of bits are good for that application?
Also, what do you call an electromotor that is clamped to a ...
2
votes
2answers
166 views
Why don't they make wood cutoff blades for 4.5" grinder?
Many times I used a chisel to cut off a hard-to-reach piece of lumber, I was wishing I had an adequate blade for my 4.5" grinder, as I don't own an oscillating tool. Why is it hard to find? Is it ...
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votes
1answer
110 views
Why can't Bosch Detail Sander be converted as an oscillating tool? [closed]
I recently purchased Bosch 1294VSK. It comes with several adapters for hard-to-reach areas. It moves in an oscillating motion. I contacted their customer service dept to ask if it could be ...
-2
votes
3answers
199 views
Where can I find a knife blade with no handle? [closed]
I would like to make a nice wooden handle for a knife, but I do not have the means of cutting out a blade shape from scratch.
Where are some places I could look, or some search terms for a knife ...
7
votes
1answer
153 views
What are “concretors' nippers” for?
I came across this tool called "concretors' nippers"
I guess they are for some operations with concrete reinforcement, but can't find any details.
What operations is this tool for specifically? ...
1
vote
3answers
124 views
How to choose between chrome-coated and oxidation-treated tools?
How do I choose between a chrome-coated (nice and shiny) and an oxidation-treated (dark oxidized surface) tool, all else being equal - same steel, same design, same handles, just one has its metal ...
6
votes
4answers
229 views
How can I prevent a screw from slipping on a slippery veneer surface when I try to screw it in?
When using a screwdriver this can be difficult as the screw tends to slip.
Once the screw passes the veneer it is easy to finish screwing in...
I'm looking for an easy way to get the screw past the ...
10
votes
1answer
362 views
What is the difference between a ball/pin detent and friction ring impact wrench?
I have been looking into getting an impact wrench for my car and I have noticed that any given model (at least the one I am looking at) has two versions. One version has a ball to keep the socket ...
1
vote
2answers
171 views
Can you crimp a tubular lug without a crimper plier?
I want to use these lugs on my electrical installation, but I can only find pliers for up to 16 mm2 cables and the mains cables are 25 mm2. I found one store that carried pliers able to do up to 50 ...
3
votes
3answers
313 views
How do I choose more durable screwdriver bits?
I recently bought a $35 cordless screwdriver that came in a suitcase with screwdriver bits. I was in shock when the Pozidriv bit splintered after screwing only 3 1-inch screws in the leg of an ...
95
votes
2answers
6k views
What is the purpose of these holes on my wire stripper?
I have been using this wire stripper for a while, but I have always wondered what was the purpose of those holes in the center and above LOOP, and those teeth on the handles.
1
vote
1answer
148 views
What is the life expectancy of a ratchet strap?
During my house move I used ratchet straps to secure a book-shelf on a roof of my car. That was well secured and worked out perfect. But the second time I have tried using the same straps, they did ...
24
votes
1answer
933 views
What is the purpose of this Y shaped bit?
I have bought a bits set and there is this bit:
It is a Y shaped bit, and there is a groove on the inside of the branches. The angle is approximatively 90Ëš (a little more).
1
vote
3answers
663 views
How do I make a Liquid-level-indicator for an overhead sintex water tank
I have a 5000 ltr overhead tank atop a 20 meter tower. I wish to make a liquid level indicator, mechanical type, which would indicate to me the liquid level therein the tank, as the tank is made of ...
0
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2answers
126 views
What should I consider when buying a USB inspection camera? [closed]
I have a slow leak in a stud wall; I know it is coming from 1 of 3 pipes. I can replace any of the pipes without breaking into the wall; however I need a way to find out which pipe is leaking. I ...
3
votes
1answer
877 views
How do I fix a Bostitch nail gun that is jammed?
I have a Bostitch nail gun (pneumatic) and it has been working fine all day until about 30 minutes ago.
I went to nail in a piece of molding, and when I pulled the trigger I heard air feed into ...
3
votes
2answers
434 views
Are cheap electric brad nail guns worth it for fixing mouldings?
I am thinking of creating some doors out of MDF that will have moldings fixed to their fronts, these will be glued on. I could try to clamp them somehow until the glue sets, but that sounds like a ...
6
votes
1answer
338 views
What is the pointed end of a spud or construction adjustable wrench used for?
I saw one of these at Lowe's the other day and was just wondering what the pointed end is used for. I have seen it called a "construction" wrench and a "spud" wrench.
6
votes
2answers
340 views
What is this kind of security bolt head called, and how can I remove it?
A previous owner fitted the light fitting pictured above, and has not left me a tool to remove the bolt. The bulb has blown so I need to get in to the unit. The head diameter is about 12mm and the ...
5
votes
4answers
666 views
What is a good way to cleanly cut through steel?
What tools can I use to get a clean cut through thin steel? Specifically, I have several mini beer kegs I need to cut the bottoms out of. I don't mind it taking a while, but my cuts are jagged (easy ...
12
votes
2answers
226 views
How do I caulk where a caulk tube won't fit?
I've got some door moldings that are about 1 inch from the adjacent wall. A caulk gun won't begin to get in there, and pivoting the caulk tube up so it's nearly parallel to both walls still doesn't ...
20
votes
4answers
1k views
How to drive a nail in a confined space?
I keep finding myself needing to hammer nails in places where my hammer is too long to actually make the hammer head contact the nail. This isn't a situation where I need the leverage provided by the ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
What are the primary differences between air paint sprayers and airless paint sprayers?
I have an upcoming project where I'm going to need to be painting 7 interior doors and a few hundred feet of trim. Next summer I'm likely going to also have to start restaining the exterior of the ...
-1
votes
2answers
119 views
home building - the complete manual [closed]
I want to build my own house, with my own hands that is.
Problem: I have no idea how you build a house :)
Is there a complete reference on how to do it? How do you set the foundations, how are the ...
0
votes
0answers
85 views
Are non-electric noise cancelling headphones available that are suitable for extended home improvement? [closed]
I'm going to be tearing up a sizable cement area on my property, and I'm looking to invest in a durable set of noise cancelling headphones that will protect my ears from the noise. Obviously it won't ...
5
votes
3answers
266 views
What can these bits work on?
I wonder on what kinds of things the second, third and fourth bits from the left can work?
What kinds of things can the fifth and sixth bits from the left work?
5
votes
8answers
594 views
How do I get the most torque out of a spanner?
Recently I tried to get extra torque out of a spanner when unscrewing a bicycle pedal by lengthening the spanner with a piece of pipe and the spanner just broke apart.
I realize that this was ...
4
votes
3answers
116 views
Is the ability to save pictures worth it in an inspection camera?
I am about to run a whole ton of communication cable in an existing two-story house, and so I am considering buying an inspection camera to help with this. As I started looking around, they range in ...
5
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1answer
417 views
What are the names of these tools?
I wonder what names are for all these tools in the picture? How are they used and what are they used for?
2
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1answer
354 views
What is the best tool to grind down a smaller metal rod?
I am building this workbench and I have decided to recess the nut and washer inside the top of the bench, so that I won't cut/scape myself while I'm leaning up against it.
Now my issue is that the ...
2
votes
2answers
911 views
How do I dig a 3 foot deep narrow trench in soft clay
I need to dig a 3 foot trench in soft clay to put in a new water pipe.
If I use I drain spade to dig it about 16cm ( 6 inches) wide will I have enough space to do the digger?
Is there a better ...
6
votes
1answer
230 views
How to stop a circular saw from locking?
I've been using my new circular saw for about a week. Today while making a plunge cut it just locked. It didn't get stuck on anything inside the board and it consistently locked every time I tried to ...
5
votes
2answers
527 views
Are either of these tools suitable for tightening the pipe union nut underneath a bath?
I'm having trouble tightening the pipe union nuts on some new bath taps I've fitted at my mum's house. I got everything out OK, and (because the previous plumber had put the hot tap on the right ...
4
votes
5answers
413 views
How do I choose a circular saw?
I've made do with hand tools for everything including the rare plywood job for several years now and I want to buy a good circular saw. I will not use it very often, but when I do it will be for ...
