Handyman Advice
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-614 -- More Projects »
Handyman Darcy Westlind offers some handyman advice, including tips on storing tools.
- A dull saw blade can be dangerous and lead to serious injury. Keep blades sharp by covering them with a plastic report binder when not in use (figure A). Just cut the binder to fit the blade.
- Here's a neat way to keep a shop manual open during a project: Attach a clothes hanger to the top of the manual with two clothespins and hang the manual in a convenient location (figure B).
- Before spray painting, place the aerosol can in a warm-water bath for a few minutes to loosen up the paint on the bottom of the can. This will provide a better, more even finish.
- After using spray paint, hold the can upside down and spray out any remaining paint in the nozzle. This prevents the paint from drying in the nozzle and clogging it while in storage. This also works for hairspray.
- Drill a few holes along the side of the workbench and use them for storing small hand tools such as screwdrivers. Make sure the holes are spaced at least 5/8 of an inch apart.
- Attach a power strip to the side of a workbench to ensure plenty of outlets for power tools. Choose a power strip with the notches on the back that can be easily attached to the side of the workbench with screws.
- Before closing a can of paint, exhale into the can. The carbon dioxide from your breath will prevent a layer of scum from forming around the lid.
- When using tools that have been left dirty after the previous use, try this tip for easily removing the dirt: Place the tool into a plastic bag and toss in the freezer. Remove after a day and scrape off the dirt.
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