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
12
votes
2answers
438 views
What should I keep in mind when building my house myself?
I inherited a piece of land and want to build a house on it. Nothing fancy: one floor, 2-3 rooms.
Since I don't really have the money :D to build it "in one go", I'm going to build it over a longer ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views
How do I get started with dovetail joints?
I've never made a dovetail joint before, and I'd like to do things right for my next project. I have the router and table and all that - but I don't have a dovetail jig. The prices vary from $40 to ...
0
votes
1answer
223 views
How can I build a shuffleboard surface that is movable?
My friends and I are planning on building a shuffleboard this weekend. However shuffleboards are pretty long (~16 feet) and moving the full board is going to be a pain.
How can we build it so that ...
4
votes
1answer
588 views
How to cut Patio Pavers
I would like to lay patio pavers for a patio in a diagonal fashion. I would like to know what kind of tool I should use to cut the pavers in half. They are about 2" thick, and I'd like to not use ...
10
votes
2answers
3k views
How do I replace an axe handle?
I have an axe with a damaged handle that needs replacing, but I don't know how to do it. What tools and techniques should I use to get the job done?
7
votes
1answer
117 views
Are there advantages / uses to having disk and belt sander surfaces?
On a tool like a Delta 31-300, what is the advantage of having a disk sanding surface as well as a belt sanding surface? When would you decide to use one or the other?
2
votes
1answer
143 views
What tools would I need to have/borrow/buy to build a table? [closed]
What are the types of tools that I would need to have access to in order to build something like a table from wood?
6
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I use precision screwdrivers?
I am talking about those small and narrow screwdrivers with a thin handle. I can't get a tight enough grip on the handle to generate enough torque to remove a small screw. Do I have to use something ...
2
votes
2answers
263 views
What tools are required to unclog sink drain with garbage disposal?
So yesterday someone in my family put some celery stalks (with the hard stems included) down the garbage disposal, after which our drain drained much slower. I tried filling up the sink with water ...
2
votes
1answer
365 views
Snake drain gun vs compressed gas drain gun vs liquid - which is better for what?
I borrowed a powered snake style drain gun for some toilets and shower stalls, from an HVAC guy who said that liquid drain cleaners were next to useless. The short version is that the drain cleaner ...
2
votes
1answer
763 views
What tool for easily cutting cardboard is child-safe? [closed]
What is a child-safe (for a 10 year old) tool to cut cardboard (~1/4" thick, from a typical cardboard box)?
EDIT:
I'd like the child (who is fairly responsible) to be able to use this independently ...
4
votes
1answer
471 views
Is it a good idea to spraypaint my axe head?
I saw a YouTube video where someone restores an old axe. After removing the rust and piths, he spray paints the head with black primer. Is this advisable? While it protects the head from water and ...
3
votes
1answer
312 views
Is gun oil worth the cost for oiling an axe compared to alternatives?
I've done some research on axe maintenance and it seems gun oil is the best lubricant for axes. However at approximately $10 for a 4oz. bottle cost becomes an issue if you get a lot of use out of your ...
0
votes
1answer
65 views
Which blade should I use on a Silverline Adjustable Hole Cutter with Cowl?
I just bought this hole cutter to make some large holes in a plaster board ceiling. It comes with two sets of blades but no instructions! So which type blade should I use for plaster board?
The ...
3
votes
2answers
112 views
Where can I find a 1/2" bit screwdriver?
I have a 3/8" bit screwdriver but the bolt I need to unscrew is even bigger than that and TIGHT, so using that screwdriver is starting to strip the screw a bit. I can't find a bigger one anywhere ...
3
votes
1answer
177 views
How can I stop primer from eating my roller handles?
Whenever I use primer, it seems like I get about one room's worth of coverage before the roller handle seizes up, so that I'm pushing the roller along the wall instead of rolling it. I'm ...
1
vote
3answers
113 views
Are there any good ways to manage all the different chargers?
My workbench is being invaded by chargers!
I have 3 different battery chargers for different power tools, plus a couple of wall warts for simple stuff that plugs in directly. Some of the chargers ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
What tool would you use to cut through cinder block?
I have a hidden room in my house that I would like to turn into a closet. The room (currently only accessible from the outside through the vent) vents the utility room to the outside. I'm not sure why ...
4
votes
1answer
237 views
Name of tool used to check/make squareness
I urgently need to know the name of this tool.
I'm not talking about a try square.
It has for pieces of plastic which have inside corners in them, exactly 90 degrees, a piece of string goes around ...
2
votes
2answers
836 views
What are my compact CNC milling machine options for stone carving?
I am looking for suggestions about a small and compact CNC milling machine to sculpt decorative figures in metal and stone plates. I have no experience with such machines (I once saw an industrial one ...
3
votes
2answers
327 views
How to select a good Triangle (Speed square?)
My father is now retired and has returned to his hobby of being a woodworker. He's been helping me build a standing desk for my office and happened to mention while we was working that he wished he ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Borescope recommendations (features)
I'd love to get a borescope, but I've never used one. Should I try to find a place to rent one first(does such a place even exist?), or should I bite the bullet and buy one. What features should I ...
2
votes
2answers
412 views
refractometer instead of hydrometer for battery testing?
some one pointed out to me that there is a better and more accurate way, as he says, to measure the specific gravity of my lead-acid battery then the simple hydrometer. he suggested some thing like ...
4
votes
1answer
339 views
How to paint a wood house?
I'm looking for good resources for painting a wood house. I'm looking for the proper tools and techniques.
I don't want to hire somebody to do the job, I would like to do it myself. I just need to ...
6
votes
3answers
539 views
“Bendy” screwdriver
I've got some screws right next to the geyser and there’s no space to get a screwdriver in. I'm guessing they were originally inserted before the geyser was installed.
Is there such a thing as a ...
2
votes
2answers
552 views
Building a mechanical Clock
this is probably off topic as it's not "home improvement", but still, it's DIY, so, here it goes:
I want to build a mechanical clock.
I've read technical things about how they work, this is not my ...
4
votes
1answer
309 views
Is it ok to use pneumatic tools underwater
I have a concrete that is stuck underwater. The concrete piece is too heavy. I think that I could break it into small pieces with my pneumatic impact drill.
12
votes
2answers
2k views
When should I replace a circular saw blade?
Is there a rule of thumb for how often a circular saw blade should be replaced? Is visually inspecting the blade condition enough?
1
vote
1answer
77 views
Where to find folding stands for painting?
I'm looking for plastic folding stands for painting. The idea is to put e.g. plywood board at the top of those and paint furniture on it. Any idea where (e.g. web store) I can find these?
9
votes
1answer
88 views
Unidentified pneumatic part
I recently purchased a pneumatic micro die grinder and it came with pretty much no instructions and this piece with some clear plastic that screws inline. I have no idea what this for. What is it ...
1
vote
1answer
272 views
How do I use a stopper-borer?
I need to bore a small hole in a rubber stopper (bung) like this:
I have a set of tools called stopper-borers like these:
But I can't figure out how to use them. Simply pressing on the borer ...
23
votes
6answers
4k views
Why are there so many different types of screws (phillps/flat/hex/star/etc)?
Newbie question.
Why is it that there's a bazillion different types of screws? Why can't we just always use one standard screw type? Are there advantages/disadvantages to the different types? Are ...
2
votes
1answer
540 views
Removing knockouts in composite granite sink
The sink has one existing hole, and 3 knockouts which are cut about half way through the material.
What are the best tools, and techniques for removing fixture knockouts on a composite granite ...
1
vote
3answers
115 views
What are good cleaners to use on pruning shears?
I'm new to the realm of shrubbery trimming, though have gotten some good results already.
Now, however, I need to clean my pruning shears so they don't rust / get sticky.
What are good cleansers to ...
2
votes
3answers
196 views
Good technique for squaring-up hardwood edges?
I'm building a small shelf for organising my desk, using sections of 42mm*19mm hardwood. I've cut the pieces to appropriate length using a hand saw, allowing some tolerance for the kerf. Now I'd like ...
13
votes
5answers
5k views
What is the recommended home design software?
I am going to be finishing my basement. I would like to design the new basement myself using design software. What is the recommended home design software?
10
votes
1answer
1k views
What is this drill guide/template used when fixing electrical sockets called and where do I buy one?
My dad used to have one, you use it as a drill guide/template when fixing electrical sockets, but I cannot find anywhere that sells them, and as I don't know the name Google is not much help!
...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
Why is my Hoover Pet Cyclonic belt not spinning the brush anymore?
Does anybody have any experience with this particular vacuum or series and can offer me any more explicit things to check than just "is the belt on the brush cylinder" and the like.
I'm under the ...
4
votes
5answers
704 views
What's a good cheap sander to sand the ends of wooden blinds?
I need to sand down some wooden blinds because they are about a millimeter too wide for the old window frames they are going into.
I'm trying to figure out a cheap and easy way to sand down about 6 ...
4
votes
4answers
698 views
What is the best tool/method for vine removal?
i recently bought a 108 year old house with an ancient garage that has vines growing up the back of the entire structure. the vines have started getting into the gutters and even inside the garage. ...
7
votes
4answers
240 views
What is this bit for with a hole in the end? [pic]
I just came across this bit in my toolbox, which I'm fairly sure came with an installers drill bit (54" long flexible bit, with a hole in the end for pulling wires back through).
It's a standard ...
0
votes
4answers
632 views
How to reduce noise while drilling?
Unfortunately I can only drill in the late afternoon or during weekends, but my area is very quiet and I would really like to avoid driving my neighbours mad...
So is there anything I can do to make ...
3
votes
4answers
3k views
How do I achieve required torque when using an impact driver?
There's such tool called impact driver (like this one for example). The manual says it uses a special mechanism to produce a series of torque impulses to fasten/loosen nuts and screws.
The tool has ...
3
votes
2answers
3k views
How can I measure water/moisture content within a wall cavity?
Related to improper placement of a vapour barrier within wall insulation, are there any tools or methods for measuring water/moisture content within a wall cavity?
5
votes
2answers
113 views
What to consider from picking a toolbox?
I need a tolbox but have got no experience with one. Can you suggest what things to consider before I choose one? Some examples will be very helpful.
3
votes
5answers
286 views
What quick and dirty tool/method should I use for cutting scrap drywall?
I have a pile of drywall scrap that's been sitting in my garage for a few years after a remodel, "just in case". My buddy came up with the idea of turning it into "karate boards" for our kids to ...
7
votes
3answers
662 views
Are those oscillating tools any good?
Has anyone used those oscillating tools like the Fein Multimaster or the Harbor Freight version? Are they as awesome as the infomercials suggest? What jobs are they good for?
4
votes
1answer
347 views
Faucet spout perlator: worth it?
I've seen the following perlator and similars (also plastic ones) on some shopping sites. They claim it can decrease water consumption up to 40%. Is it possible? Is it worth to try?
11
votes
5answers
2k views
Do I need a cordless screwdriver if I own a cordless drill?
I currently own a cheapo corded drill and one of DeWalt's lower-end cordless screwdrivers. I want to buy a cordless drill because I am done with extension cords.
Most (good) cordless drills seem to ...
4
votes
3answers
396 views
Which hammer drill should I buy?
I'm looking to buy a cordless hammer drill. What should I buy? Note: It can be just a drill not a screwdriver too if that makes a difference.
Its purely for diy. No real budget in mind, more just ...
