http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM7Vp6lQ2fs

I understand the frustration you feel when you want remove something hanging on the wall (book shelf, picture, towel rack, etc.) only to find out that a wall anchor needs removed too.

And, as you probably know, trying to remove that little wall anchor by pulling it out usually leaves a really big hole!

Now your small do-it-yourself project has turned into a large hole patching project too.

You see, most wall anchors are plastic and have barbs that hold them in place. These work quite well but tend to leave big holes in the wall if you try to pull them out.

Well, I have a great little tip for you that will help you easily remove that wall anchor while minimizing the hole to patch.

So here we go.

How to Remove Wall Anchors

Our goal is to cut the face of the anchor off and then push the remaining part of the anchor through the wall.

1. Take a new utility blade and place it flat against the wall just above the anchor face. * BE CAREFUL. Using a utility blade like this can lead to injury. I recommend wearing gloves.
2. Next, slide the blade slowly and carefully behind the face of the anchor.
3. Alternate downward pressure, left to right, on the blade, slowly cutting the anchor face off.
4. Once the anchor face has been cut off, gently push the remaining part of the anchor (that is left inside the hole) into the wall. A small Phillips head screwdriver works well.

Now you have just have a small hole to patch.

Removable Wall Anchors

There is a newer type of wall anchor available to do-it-yourself’ers called EZ Anchor.

These wall anchors come in a variety of sizes and screw directly into the wall.

This is a time-saving benefit for both installing and removing because when you need to remove the anchor, you can simply un-screw it from the wall and patch. You can pick up EZ Anchors at your local home center.

It’s that easy.

If you have questions about your DIY projects, just ask your personal DIY consultant. I’m here to help you succeed with speed.

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Stud Finders

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How to Easily Remove Wall Anchors

Do you have a wood screw that’s not holding well? You know, the screws you keep having to tighten in a place where you can’t just use a larger screw.

Not to worry as I have the solution for you.

Here’s How To;

1. Remove the loose screw.
2. Drill the screw hole out to the same size as a golf tee.
3. Put a drop of carpenters glue in the hole.
4. Next, tap the golf tee in the hole and let the glue dry.
5. Cut off the excess tee sticking out. A hack saw blade works great.
6. Re-install a new screw.

Providing solutions to help you succeed with speed.

DIY article from: DIYAnswerGuy.com. Don't forget to follow me (@DIYAnswerGuy) on Twitter for more DIY answers. Thanks!

How To Fix a Loose Wood Screw

Like anyone’s house, there’s always little projects and repairs to be done. You know, replace a deck board, hang a picture, install a ceiling fan… you get the idea. And so many times when you set off to take care of these projects or repairs you come up missing the right fastener for the job.

This can be very frustrating, as we all dislike running to the store for just one item. And it’s especially frustrating and costly if the hardware store or home center is 30 miles away, like it is for me.

So, if we’re missing the essential fastener we need, we end up either putting off those projects and repairs or do them improperly (only to end up having to do them again).

Life can be so much easier if you have right fasteners as well as the right tools for the job at hand. That’s why I’ve created this essential list of Do-It-Yourself Fasteners. You know, the ones you’ll use most often.

Types of Fasteners

Although there are many different types of fasteners; Screws, Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Pins — and available in a range of materials and grades; Metal, Plastic, Stainless, Standard, Industrial and Specialty — these are the fasteners to have on-hand because they’re the ones you will use the most.

Screws

Drywall Screws

Pick up a box (each) of these sizes of drywall screws. (3/4″, 1 1/4″, 2″ and 3″). Drywall screws are the great universal fastener and can be used in so many applications (note: indoor use only).

Torx Head Screws

Torx screws come in various sizes (1 1/4″, 1 3/4″, 2 1/2″ and 3″). These are self-drilling and great for building decks or any outdoor project. Pick up a box of each.

Nails

Finishing Nails

As far as nails go I don’t stock many because screws are definitely the fastener of choice these days. Having said that, I do keep some 1 1/4″ finish nails on hand for projects like hanging pictures and small repairs. I also keep some 16d galvanized finish nails around for deck repairs.

16d Vinyl Sinkers

The reason they’re called sinkers is that they have a vinyl coating, making them easier to drive and once in, hard to remove. 16d vinyl sinkers are the best choice for framing and 8d vinyl sinkers for the smaller jobs.

8d Galvanize Nails

Lastly I recommend having some 8d galvanized nails on hand. These are great for building and repairing smaller outdoor projects.

Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and bolts are a more difficult item to decide what to keep on hand. What I recommend is picking up a combination set. You know, like the ones that come in an organizer. Like this.

Overall, I find the need for nuts and bolts is pretty low and, typically, you’ll know in advance exactly what you’ll need for a particular project.

Also, here’s a nice Bolt and fastener chart from BoltDepot.com showing a selection of different types of fasteners, what they’re called, and a description of each.

You can also download a handy Standard US Hex Bolt Sizes and Thread Pitches Chart [PDF]

Wall Anchors

A must have for any DIY’er, wall anchors are invaluable for fastening just about anything to walls and tile. Pick up a couple packs of each of the various sizes and types listed below — and don’t forget to pick up the correct size screws to go with each size anchor.

Plastic Expansion Anchors

Plastic anchors are very popular but are mostly used for smaller jobs and for tile.

EZ-Anchors

EZ-Anchor fasteners (also called threaded drywall anchors) are one of the best inventions ever. Best used for attaching just about anything to drywall as they hold quite well. I find the EZ-Anchors the best wall anchors for mounting LCD and Plasma TV mounts.

These anchors come in several sizes and are easy to install as well as remove. Be sure to pick up some #6 and #8 sheet metal screws to go with them (note that small 3/4″ — 1 1/4″ drywall screws also work with these anchors).

Toggle Bolts

Toggle bolts are mostly used for fastening things to ceilings as they spread the load over a larger surface area. These too are removable.

Having the right fasteners on-hand will save you time, money, and frustration — and you’ll seldom have a problem holding things together.

So consider picking up these essential fasteners at your local home center or hardware store. Believe me, they will last quite a while and be well worth the investment.

Coming up next, a fantastic, lightweight and DIY tool box-organizer to hold all your hand tools or fasteners. This great tool box makes it so convenient to take all your hand tools or fasteners to your project. Also coming up, DIY Essential Supplies.

One more way to succeed with speed from your DIY Answer Guy.

Stop wasting money buying the wrong tools or tools you don’t really need!

DIY article from: DIYAnswerGuy.com. Don't forget to follow me (@DIYAnswerGuy) on Twitter for more DIY answers. Thanks!

DIY Essential Fasteners, Holding Things Together

Here’s the problem. We all have a tool box or two around the house, right? But no matter which cool tool box we buy, it only ends up as a pile of tools in a box. You know, totally disorganized, heavy, taking up too much space and you can’t see what’s at the bottom of the pile. Well, a cardboard box could do just as well.

You may even own one of these popular tool box styles.

Even if you have a multi-drawer tool box that’s well organized, it’s too big and heavy to lug around. Anyway, the fact remains that for the majority of do it yourself projects you only need the essential tools, not every tool you own.

I’ll bet, like me, you hardly ever take your tool box to your project, you just try taking the tools you think you’ll need. Inevitably, you end up running back and forth. What a waste of time!

Here’s the simple solution that will make it easier to; carry your tools to your project, find your tools, and save space and money. I know, sounds like a pie-in-the-sky dream right?

It’s not. And I’m going to reveal to you an amazing tool box you’ll love forever.

So here we go.

One day I was strolling through my local home center looking for a divided box to store my fasteners when I spotted a multi-section plastic organizer.

It was different from others I’d seen before. It was made of heavy duty plastic, had adjustable sections, a locking clear lid, a good strong handle and the lid closed tight against the dividers so nothing can not jump from one section to another — even if dropped.

This tool box is only 18″ W x 12.5″ D x 3″ H, which makes it’s easy to store just about anywhere.

Sensing I found buried treasure, I immediately grabbed the case and started playing with it right then and there on the floor. You may laugh, but hey, I’m a tool guy! So, I bought it and headed home.

When I got home I started thinking, “Hey, I wonder if my hand tools will fit in this case?”

So I got the hand tools I use most often (the same ones in the (Essential Hand Tools PDF) plus a few others, and began arranging them in the case.

I was totally amazed, everything fit (even the extra tools I carry)!

This tool box makes it so easy to actually carry your tools to your project and quickly find the tools you need.

And get this, they’re even stackable! I can’t begin to tell you how much space you’ll save.

But the big bonus is the incredibly low price. This tool box costs only $10 bucks! What an amazing deal.

I can’t imagine how much I would have saved if I’d only found this tool box earlier. I’ll bet I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on tool boxes over the years and none of them have been as good as this one.

Take my advise, the next time you’re at Home Depot, go to the tool organizing isle (generally located next to the power tool section) and buy the Work Force 26 compartment organizer. You won’t be disappointed.

By the way, I went back and bought two more of these incredibly useful tool boxes, one for my fasteners and a second for my electrical gear.

It’s amazing how much less space these three new tool boxes take up versus just one of my old tool boxes.

Just one more do-it-yourself solution to help you succeed with speed!

Important Update

Please see Special Note at the bottom of this post
The Work Force 26 has been replaced with the Stanley 25 Compartment Organizer. It’s the same exact box, only now branded with the Stanley name. See below photo.

Product Information:
Description from Home Depot: Workforce 25 Adjustable Deep Compartment Small Parts Organizer. Built-In Handle With 2 Locking Tabs And Lid Lock So Parts Stay In Place. Ideal Tool And Small Parts Storage And Organizer For Carpenters, Mechanics, Handyman, Toys And Hobbies.

• Stanley 25 Adjustable Deep Compartment Storage Organizer 199-Gray/Yellow
• 25 Deep Adjustable Compartments
• 3 Locking Mechanisms To Prevent Spills
• Removable dividers allow customization
• Extra wide, built-in handle designed for gloved hands
• Dimensions: 18–1/8 x 13–3/16 x 3–7/8 inches
• MFG Brand Name : Stanley
• MFG Model # : 14005
• MFG Part # : 14005
• SKU: 542047
• UPC: 076174932737
• Price: $9.98 (+ shipping)
• Available from Home Depot.

I recommend calling ahead to make sure they have this in stock (they sell very quickly). If not, you can have them order it for you.

I have attempted to locate this online but, so far, have only found it through a Canadian Home Depot for $16.

This is now available through Home Depot website.

SPECIAL NOTICE: As of 3/10/09 Stanley has discontinued this tool box and it is no longer available at Home Depot.

Home Depot has assigned the SKU# from this old box to a new Stanley box. IT IS NOT THE SAME AS THE OLD BOX, so beware.

I’m currently  investigating a new, available, tool box and will post my finding soon.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Tool Box Update 3/26/09

Good news! After weeks of searching, I believe I have found a replacement tool/parts box. In fact, I found a set of three different size boxes (small, medium and large). I have ordered the boxes and will be testing them shortly.

4/4/09 UPDATE: I have finally received, and am currently testing three new tool boxes, similar to the Stanley. They look and work great so far. I’ll be posting my findings in the DIY Answer Guy newsletter, followed by a new article with all the details and where to purchase, so hang in there, it’ll be worth the wait.
5/5/09 UPDATE:
The new DIY Best Tool Box and Organizers have been tested and are ready for your approval and purchase at DIY Tool Box SIghted and Captured. Thank you once again for your patience.

9/20/09 UPDATE:
Stanley has been in contact in the last couple of months and told me that the Workforce toolbox/organizer with be re-released in October of this year. I’ll let you all know when and
where just a soon as Stanley let me know.
Hang in there, and thanks for your patience.

10/21/09 UPDATE

I have just been advised, by the Stanley product manager, that the original Workforce tool box/organizers (14006) have been re-released and will be available at Target stores to start. Stanley promised to advise me of other locations that the box will be available at ASAP.
Note that the boxes you see on Lowes and Home Depots site are not the original boxes. They are the new ones with the fixed center section.
Thanks for your patience and please let me know if you have any questions.

DIY article from: DIYAnswerGuy.com. Don't forget to follow me (@DIYAnswerGuy) on Twitter for more DIY answers. Thanks!

Tool Boxes, Quest for the Best.