Hand, and Power Tool Tips. Welcome to Shebang, your free information site.
Tool Box Anti-rust Tip
Throw in a couple pieces of chalk in the toolbox. The chalk will absorb any moisture and help prevent rusty tools
When shopping for a tool box, consider the size you will need. How many tools do you have? Are you going to buy more in the future? Do you want to specialize your tool boxes, where you have one for plumbing, one for electrical, etc.
Consider the material the tool box is made of, plastic is cheaper, but the hinges and clasp can easily break. A metal tool box is more expensive, but will stand up better over the long run.
Electric Drill Chuck Safety Tip
Tape the drill chuck key near the plug end, this way you will have to unplug the power cord, 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 prevents the power cord from unplugging, especially when you working up a ladder, where there is tension at the connection.
If a plug of an extension cord or power tool becomes too loose and falls easily out of a power receptacle; simply twist or bend one of the prongs a little; this will make a tighter connection.
Core Hole Saw Tip
To help the drilled core come out of the core hole bit, 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 of the material, 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, 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 gloves when using tin snips, the cut metal can be very sharp. Use the first two-thirds of the snips cutting jaw, 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 curls the sheet metal, instead of cutting. Tighten the screw and it will perform more like new. Add a drop of oil to the pivot area to prevent wear.
If you try and cut metal which is too thick for the design of the tool, you will spring the blade. Only use hand pressure to squeeze the handle together, do not pound with a hammer.
Wood Cutting Hand Saw Teeth Protection Tip
Use a piece of a garden hose that is slit 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
Handsaw Use
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 opens 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 it over the area to be cut and draw your guideline on the masking tape. The tape will help keep the wood from splintering. A dull saw blade will cause splinters.
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 with a Hack Saw
Use a 32 teeth per inch hacksaw blade when cutting thin walled materials, this makes it cut 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 screwdriver to tighten a screw. Pliers can slip off and cause injury. Use a wrench on heavy duty square shafted screw drivers.
Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel or a pry bar, you will damage the blade, or cause injury to yourself.
Wood Screws and Hardwood Tip
Drill a pilot hole into the wood, and then add a bit of candle wax to the screw, this makes 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 cleaning up with a wire brush.
Wood Chisel Tips
Keep a wood chisel sharp, dull tools cause accidents. Store chisels in a wood box or drawer, if you have end covers, use them.
Do not use a wood chisel as a screwdriver or pry bar.
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.
Never use a hammer with a damaged handle. If the hammer head has cracks, chipped or mushroom, get rid of it.
Hammer Handle Information
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 sledgehammers.
There are many different brands of hammers, and sledgehammers, choose one which has a comfortable grip.
To Keep a hammer striking face clean; rub its 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. 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 allows a greater leverage 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 Information
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 Tip
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 Tip
Always use hearing and eye protection when using the table saw.
Work with a sharp blade, discard a dull blade as they promote accidents.
Jammed wood will take the same route. Stand off well to the left side of the revolving blade.
Only cut dimension lumber and plywood on a table saw, it becomes very dangerous to try to cut odd shaped wood. Do not try to cut small square pieces of plywood blocks between the blade and fence, the wood will twist and become a flying object. Use the sliding T-square, to hold small square pieces of wood.
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 lipstick, then close the door. The lip stick will show you where to mount the
striker plate
Measuring in Tight Quarters Tip
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 causes 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 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, the line crosses at the center.
Shortening Bolt Length Tip
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 length with a hacksaw, file or grind the end to remove sharp edges. 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 Tip
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 divided by four, we will use the number eight. 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.
Soldering copper pipes Tip
You cannot solder a copper pipe joint when there is water present. At times when you attempt to solder a joint, a very nuisance drip of water keeps coming down the pipe causing a problem with the soldering. Jam some white bread up the pipe, this holds the water back long enough to solder the joint. After you turn on the water again, open the nearest water tap and the bread will be flushed out.
Choosing a Tool Tip
Buy real tools, not toys. Buy genuine brand name tools. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to use a toy to do real work. Do not waste your time in addition, 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 will probably never will have to return broken tools for warranty.
Checkout 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, Do not 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 Measure Tip
For easier and more accurate wall, stud, and floor joist construction, always use a tape measure with stud and truss joint markings.
Keep the measuring tape blade clean and free of water. Water on the blade will work inward and rust the return spring. To clean the blade, use alcohol or kerosene especially for tar and the likes. Do not retract the blade at full speed, the blade stop can be damaged beyond repair, when it snaps to a sudden stop. Never leave a tape measure laying around with the blade extended, if you step on the blade you could damage the blade, where it will never be the same again.
When you look to buy a new measuring tape, chose one that feels comfortable in the hand. You should be able to engage and disengage the blade lock with one hand. The Blade lock should hold the blade firmly, with no slippage. Make sure the blade is easy to read and understand. Choose a size suitable for the job.
Power Tools Safety First Tips
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.
Stripped Wood Repair
Over tightening or removing wood screws too many times can cause stripped wood problems. Removing cupboard doors for repainting etc. can cause the wood to fall away and leave no wood for the screw to hold.
A quick and sure way to deal with this problem is already in your cupboard. Take some round tooth picks, three will do per hole, place the first two, one at a time into the screw hole and break them off level with the surface. Take the last one with a pointed end, tap it in with a hammer, break it off, put the screw back in place and you are done! Although no glue is required, in some really bad situations, add the glue.
Some screws that are stripped, will not screw out in a normal fashion. To remove a badly stripped screw, help, by applying a slight outward pressure while un-screwing. Insert a screwdriver behind the hinge, bracket, etc and gently pry outward while un-screwing (this technique can be used to remove stripped bolts in metal)
Repairing Stripped Metal Bolt Threads
If the threads are only slightly stripped in metal, you can usually repair them by running a threading tap of the right size and thread pitch, through the damaged threads. If the threads are excess fully damaged the only course left, is to drill the hole to the next size up and re-tap to the larger size.
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