Index

Tool Tips

If you are looking for tool tips to make your projects go better, you have come to the right place. The following article will show you ways to improve working with wood and metal working tools.

Tool Box Anti-rust Tip
Throw in a couple pieces of chalk in the tool box. The chalk will absorb any moisture and help prevent rusty tools

Electric Drill Chuck Safety Tip
Tape the drill chuck key near the plug, this way you will have to unplug to add or remove drill bits.

Extension Cord Tip
When connecting two extension cords together for added length, loop the cords together and plug one to the other. Do this also at the power tool; this will prevent the cord from unplugging, especially when you working up a ladder
If a plug of an extension cord or power tool becomes too loose and falls easily out of a power receptacle; simply twist/bend one of the prongs a little; this will make a tighter connection.

Core Hole Saw Tip
To help the drilled out core to come out, spray the hole saw with non-stick cooking oil. When drilling the hole, drill about three-quarter of the way of until the pilot drill bit appears of the opposite side. Then reverse the material and finish drilling from this side. The plug should drop out easily.

Sharpening Drill Bits Tip
A quick way to determine if you are grinding the bit at the correct angle is as follow. Clamp two 3/8 inch hexagon nuts together, the outside angles is the correct angle for the drill bit end.

Checking a Try square For Trueness
To check a try square for trueness, place the try square on a straight board, draw a line and flip the try square over and check against the line. Any difference represents twice the error of the square.

Checking A level For Trueness
To Check a level for accuracy, hold the level against the wall and draw a horizontal line. Turn the level around 180 degrees and check the line again. If the result is not the same, then the level is faulty and should be discarded.

Tin Snips Cutting Tip
Use the first two-thirds of the cutting jaws, because this will result in a smooth cut. If you close the jaws all the way on each cut, it will result in ragged cuts.
If the pivot screw of the tin snip becomes loose and worn over time; the tin snips will not be able to cut near the outer edge of sheet metal, because it will curl the sheet metal, instead of cut. Tighten the screw and it will perform more like new. Add a drop of oil to the pivot area to prevent wear.

Wood Cutting Hand Saw Teeth Protection Tip
Use a piece of slit garden hose to cover the teeth of a hand saw. A 3/4 inch slit plastic pipe also works to cover a bow saws teeth; simply place over teeth and give it a slight twist to cover teeth and hold in place

When using a handsaw, support the work piece to be cut securely. Use a sawhorse or sturdy bench/table for a comfortable working height. The saw is held closest to vertical for rip cuts and lower for crosscuts. The lower the angle, the finer the cut. If you start to wander off the cutting line, twist the handle to get back on track, Make your cut on the waste side of the line as the kerfs will cut up to 1/8 inch wide.

If you are making a long parallel cut and the blade tends to bind, drive a small wedge into the end of the board where you started, this will open the cut and release any bind.

Circular Blade Clean-up Tip
Circular blades can be gummed up with tar and resins. To clean a blade, place in a shallow pan, such as an old pizza pan and spray with an oven cleaner. Work the gum off with a used toothbrush. Use eye protection and latex gloves and do this in a well ventilated area.

Circular Blade Cut Tip
To prevent splintering wood, use masking tape; place if over the area to be cut and draw your guide line on the masking tape. The tape will help keep the wood from splintering. Be aware a dull blade will cause splinters and nothing but a sharp blade will help.

Drawing A Circle Tip
To draw a circle, use a hacksaw blade. Nail one end of the blade to the center of the circle to be made. Place a pencil in the appropriate position and continue drawing the circle. You can also drive a nail in the center of circle to be, and use a string with a loop on both ends. Place the pencil in the outer loop and draw your circle pivoting on the nail in the center.

Cutting Thin Wall Material Tip
Use a 32 teeth per inch hacksaw blade when cutting thin walled materials; this will make it much easier.

Using An Adjustable Crescent Wrench Tip
The adjustable wrench is not as strong as a boxed -end wrench. Place the adjustable wrench on a bolt and adjust the jaw to fit snugly against the flat of the bolt head. Always place the wrench on the bolt so that the force is enacted on the stationary jaw, not the adjustable.

Screw Driver Tip
Never use pliers on a round headed screw driver to tighten a screw. Pliers can slip off and cause injury. Use a wrench on heavy duty square shafted screw drivers.

Wood Screws And Hardwood Tip
Drill a pilot hole into the wood, and then add a bit of candle wax to the screw, this will make the screw easier to drive home.

Measuring Wood Screws
Roundhead screws are measured from the underside of the head to the tip. Flathead screws are measured from the top of the head to the tip.

File Tips
Files can be plugged up when filing aluminum. Spray the file before use with non-stick cooking oil (sold in supermarkets). This will help keep the file clean. Finish up with a wire brush.

Hammer Safety Tip
Avoid striking a hardened steel surface with a steel-headed hammer as this can cause flying particles of steel may break off and cause injury.

If you are looking for a hammer with a wooden handle, choose a handle where the wood grain runs the full length of the handle from end to end. Wood grains that run across the handle tend to break easier. This also applies to picks and sledge hammers.

To Keep a hammer striking face clean; rub it's face as needed with a piece of sandpaper. This action will help prevent the hammer face from slippage during use.

Toe Nailing Tip
When toe nailing, the nail tends to wander away from the spot you choose to start the nail. Use the head of the nail to provide an indent to start your nail in. Lay the nail down with the head in the proper spot and tap it with the hammer. You now can use the indent to start your nail.

Removing a Nail
When using the claw of a hammer to remove a long nail, pry the nail as far as the hammer will allow, then place a block of wood beneath the head of the hammer and wood. This will allow a greater leaverage and longer pulling action for the hammer.

Starting Small Nails Tip
Cut a small strip of cardboard, insert the tiny nail into the cardboard and while holding the cardboard gently tap in the nail.

Lock Nut Grip
Once a lock nut has been used and removed, it should be replaced because it loses its locking ability. It is the same for locking washers.

Bolts And Wrench Sense
Start bolts and fasteners by hand and make sure it fits properly before using a wrench. Take care when attempting to loosen a stubborn nut or bolt. Always pull on a spanner rather than push. If the spanner slips off, you will only fall away from the nut or bolt, rather than onto it. Using this procedure will save you skinned knuckles.

Table Saws Safety
Always use hearing and eye protection when using the table saw. Work with a sharp blade; discard a dull blade as they promote accidents. Never stand directly behind the revolving blade as this is the direction flying objects will go. Brazed on teeth can come loose and become "flying bullets". Jammed wood will take the same route. Stand off well to the left side of the revolving blade.
Only cut dimension lumber and plywood; it becomes very dangerous to try and cut odd shaped wood. Don't try and cut small square pieces of plywood between the blade and fence as it will twist and become a flying object. Rather use the T-square, to hold small square pieces of plywood.
Unplug the saw when changing the blade. Drop the blade below the table height when not in use.

Gluing Tips
Glue that is left on the wood will prevent stain from absorbing into the wood. Glue that is pressed out of joints that are tightened can be difficult to remove completely, especially in 90 degree joints. To help with the removal, sharpen a dowel like a pencil, wrap a rag around it and use it to lift the glue from the joints. Finish up with Q tips and warm water.

Wood Filler Tip
When filling small indents with wood filler; drill a couple of holes with a 1/16 inch bit. The wood filler will seep into the holes, adhere and stay in place.

Installing A Striker Plate On a Door frame
When installing a striker plate for a door, coat the end of the latch with lip stick, then close the door. The lip stick will show you where to mount the striker plate

Measuring In Tight Quarters
To measure inside an enclosed area such as inside a boxed area; use two straight sticks of wood, slide them side-by-side to get the length. Place them side-by-side and slide them apart until they touch each side. While holding them, remove and measure the total length of the two sticks.

Storing Lumber Tip
When storing lumber, place the lumber with the annual rings arching upward, the smallest annual ring should be on the downside. This will cause any moisture to drain down and help prevent any cup formation.

Drilling Angle Holes On Your Drill Press Tip
Set your drill press to the correct angle. Use a brad-point bit as it provides more flat surface and intends not to wander as much as a regular bit. Clamp your work piece and set it to the correct height and drill the angled hole.

Locating A Center Of A Circle Tip
Combine a carpenters square and a combination square with a 45 degree angle. Position the combination square so the blade extends through the center of the 90 degree angle of the carpenter square and clamp together. Draw a line down the combination square; rotate the work piece 90 degrees and draw another line. Where the lines cross is the center.

Shortening Bolt Length
To shorten a longer bolt, simply screw a nut on to the bolt on the head side of the cut. Place the bolt in a vise and cut the bolt to the correct lenghth with a hack-saw. Spin the nut off the bolt, so half the nut thread is extended pass the end of the cut edge; remove from vise and stand it upright on a metal surface with the nut on the top end. Gently tap the nut with a hammer. The starting thread will be perfect; unscrew the nut and it is ready to use.

Dividing A Board Into Equal Parts
If you have a piece of wood that you want to divide into 4 equal parts, do as following. Use a ruler or tape measure and place it across the work piece. An example, you want to divide a 7 and 1/2 inch wide board into four equal parts. Pick a number that can be divided by four, we will use 8. Place the number one of the ruler with one edge of the board. Slant the ruler so 8 lines up with the edge on the other side. Make a mark at 2, 4, and 6.

Choosing Your Tools
Buy real tools, not toys. Buy genuine brand name tools. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to use a toy to do real work. Don't waste your time and energy with cheap tools. Shop for tools carrying a lifetime warranty that lets you return them for a replacement if they break. You want a manufacturer who believes in their product will back the retailer who sold you the tools. If you pay for quality tools, you'll probably never have to return broken tools for warranty.

Check-out Consumer Reports, Handyman magazines, and other such publications to get some information on features of tools and tool manufacturers. Experts, at first rate hardware store, can provide you with information about power tools, their features and particular safety tips. Browse around different stores before you decide on the particular tools to buy.

Also very important, is the balance and feel of the tool in your hand. A tool that is too heavy or unwieldy in your grip not only makes the work less fun and more difficult, it can be an accident waiting to happen.
A big mistake is to borrow someone else’s tools and delve into a project.

Always use safety glasses! Consider using a face shield when one is required. Never rush a job, or become reckless with power tools. If possible, don't use power tools if you are over-tired or feeling ill. If possible work with a partner, the work goes much easier and if you should have an accident, you will have someone to assist.

Always work with sharp tools, dull tools have to be forced, which can cause accidents and spoiled projects.

Choose a shoe or boot with non skid soles, and protective toe guards.

Tape Measures
For easier and more accurate wall, stud, and floor joist construction, always use a tape measure with stud and truss joint markings.

Use hold-down devices and use a push stick when using a table saw. Be aware that working with short pieces is very dangerous.

Take the time to make sure you have removed the key from the drill chuck before drilling.

Never use power tools for what they were never intended.

Always clamp small pieces before using any power tool on them.

Use a dust mask when doing any work that creates dust.

Always wear eye protection when using power tools. Hang goggles next to the drill press or table saw, so you will be reminded to use them before working with the power equipment. Do the same with ear protection devices

If you are very tired or taking medication, put off using power tools.

Never cut small pieces of wood from short lengths of wood with a power saw, use a hand saw and clamp the small piece of wood firmly before cutting.

Before changing bits or blades, make sure the unit is unplugged from the power source first.

Always make sure you have sufficient light when working with power tools.

Keep all tools sharp as dull tools can be dangerous.

When sawing with a power saw, never use your knee to support the material while cutting.

Never carry sharp or pointed tools in your pocket as this can lead to accidents.

Average Homeowner Woodworking Tools

Recommended tools.

1. 12-volt Cordless drill 
                          
2. 16-ounce claw hammer

3. Angle squares, twelve inch and twenty-four inch

4.Quality set of individual screw drivers 

5. Pry bar (wonder bar)

6. Utility knife (jyp-rock knife)

7. 12-foot tape measure, combination, inch and metric

8. Eight-inch adjustment crescent wrench

9. Chalk line

10. Non-contact voltage detector 

11. Brand name 7 1/4 inch Circular saw

12. 24-inch level

13. Jig saw (electric)

14. Hand saw

15. Hack saw

16. Slip joint pliers

17. Diagonal cutting pliers

18. Lineman’s pliers

19. Needle nose pliers

20. Heavy-duty scissors

21. Hand block planer

22. Wood rasp file

23. Set of wood chisels

24. Eight inch metal file

25. Staple gun (manual) and selection of staples

26. Small bottle of carpenter glue

27. 3/8 inch electric cord drill

28. Metal drill bits 1/16-3/8 inch
     Wood drill bits 1/4-1 inch

29. Carpenter pencil

EXTRAS:
Sand paper assortment
25 ft. extension cord
Assortment of screws and nails

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Wood and Metal Working Tool Tips To Make Your Projects Go Better, For The Average Person