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
7
votes
4answers
315 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 ...
11
votes
3answers
15k views
What is the best drill bit to pre-drill holes for screws of a certain size?
Total noob question here:
This can apply in general, but for a specific case, suppose I have a 5/16 bolt for which I want to drill a hole. What's the best drill bit to use to make the hole big ...
0
votes
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 ...
2
votes
2answers
296 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 ...
0
votes
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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
7answers
1k views
How do I join 2x4s without mitering?
I asked this question on the Bicycles site:
DIY wooden bike rack — looking for plans
I'm planning to build this rack out of 2x4 pieces of wood. It'll live in my garage. I'm looking to make a rack ...
3
votes
4answers
913 views
Can I mix brands of chainsaw chains?
I have a Stihl 260 chainsaw, with a 3/8" chain and a 20" bar. What criteria do I need to apply when picking a second chainsaw chain?
5
votes
4answers
481 views
Is there any way to replace drill batteries?
We have a great (Porter and Cable) cordless drill but the batteries are no longer commercially available. Amazon has a listing but it's been sold out for the last five years. Do we have any other ...
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 ...
11
votes
2answers
778 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
3k views
Can I use an 8“ dado blade set in a 10” table saw?
I have a 10" table saw... this is probably a stupid question, but can I use an 8" dado blade set in this saw? Is one only supposed to use 10" blades in a 10-inch saw? I read on some contractor's ...
4
votes
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 ...
2
votes
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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
1answer
337 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.
-2
votes
1answer
162 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
votes
4answers
125 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 ...
13
votes
3answers
835 views
Should I release the pressure out of an air compressor when it is not in use?
Just got a new compressor and I wondering if I should be releasing all of the pressure out of the unit when it is not in use? Or is it better to leave the pressure in so that the unit does not have ...
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 ...
24
votes
1answer
930 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 90˚ (a little more).
2
votes
1answer
1k views
Troubleshooting a circular saw that quit working
I have a circular saw that quit working for no obvious reason.
I cut a board and sat the saw down to get another board.
When I tried to cut the next board, the saw wouldn't work. Pull the trigger ...
2
votes
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 ...
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 ...
0
votes
1answer
528 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 ...
-3
votes
2answers
268 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
3k views
What are the differences between SDS, SDS Plus, and SDS Max drills?
Basically I had to use a breaker last weekend, it was clear I did not need the “heavy duty” as I did not have 6” of solid concrete, but the descriptions of the other options confused me.
17
votes
6answers
2k views
How can I repair rusty tools?
Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust from the tools (e.g. Needle-nose pliers), or can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice?
Would I be better off just buying new tools (which can be an ...
-3
votes
1answer
115 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
296 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 ...
14
votes
8answers
4k views
How can I coil up a rope so that it doesn't get tangled?
When I get stuff for DIY projects, I regularly use rope to tie it all down to my trailer.
When I coil up a rope for storage I wind it around my palm and elbow (on the same arm) then use the last ...
0
votes
1answer
108 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
195 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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
151 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? ...
10
votes
1answer
355 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 ...
0
votes
1answer
124 views
What is a “Holders/Sujetadores de Sujecion”?
I bought a package of locking peg hooks at Home Depot, along with some pegboard and other assorted stuff. When I got home, I hung up the pegboard. It fit just fine. I then attempted to attach my new ...
1
vote
2answers
169 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
312 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.
3
votes
1answer
160 views
What is a jig?
What is the process called, when you create a shape of wood which will only be used during making the end product. Say if you want to glue 2 panels of wood together (butt them together) at a certain ...
1
vote
1answer
145 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
652 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
votes
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
869 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
432 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 ...
3
votes
1answer
151 views
“Built-in corrosion inhibition” - Does it work? How?
I recently bought a new toolbox to tame the piles of tools I've acquired for general home maintenance in my first year of home ownership. It's the Kobalt 26" hammer box; good size, sturdy enough for a ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I clean sticky and dirty hand tool's rubber?
I have a hand tool - Needle-nose plier that had a rubber that is used as the handle. Currently, I managed to clean up all the rust on the metal and would like to clean up the rubber handle as it is ...
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 ...
4
votes
2answers
506 views
How do you break in a new air compressor?
Just got a new craftsman air compressor (33 gal). I have read that it is important to "break in" the unit by running it with the pressurized chamber open (so that there is no load on the motor). How ...
