With the help of almost the entire DIY population here are the seldom revealed, but well know real uses of our common DIY tools. Enjoy!

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

Normally used to stab a hole in oil cans thus splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used to strip out Phillips screws, while blistering your palm.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER

A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws, and butchering or slotting your palms.

PLIERS

Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.

SIDE CUTTERS

Most often used to cut electrical wires resulting in a flash of light, followed by smoke and a breaker being tripped.

VISE-GRIPS

Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

CHISEL

The best tool to create a huge splinter of wood where you only wanted to remove a bit.

HAMMER

Originally employed as a weapon of war. Nowadays the hammer is often used to bend nails, flatten fingers and sometimes destroy anything close to what we are trying to hit.

UTILITY KNIFE

Used to slice through the contents of cardboard packages delivered to your front door; such as seats, clothes, liquids in plastic bottles, books, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Also useful in sharpening pencils from 6″ down to 2″ in a matter of seconds.

PRY BAR

Most effective in destroying the wooden trim that you are trying to remove, or putting a hole in the drywall as you try to remove that wooden trim. Also a great to crumple that metal clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER

Simply a tool used to make hoses too short.

THE NAIL SET

By far the best tool for setting nails and splitting trim at the same time.

HACKSAW

One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle… It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

SKILL SAW

A portable cutting tool used to cut studs too short, make incomprehensible miter cuts, and make weaving cuts down the length of a sheet of plywood.

RECIPROCATING SAW

The perfect power tool for breaking blades as soon as you pull the trigger.

BELT SANDER

An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

THE 1/2″ DRILL with two handles

First off, go ahead and remove that side handle. Now proceed with breaking your wrist. Told you so.

JIG SAW

The best power tool for cutting weavy lines on some bizarre angle.

TABLE SAW

A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity, as well as shortening digits.

PALM SANDER

Excellent for sanding the little scratches out of that table top, but resulting in burning through the veneer.

THE COMPOUND MITER SAW

Yes, you guessed it, for cutting those compound miters on crown molding that are always just a bit to short.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK

Used for lifting your car of the ground, but not keeping it there. Also used to test the strength of parts not made for lifting you car off the ground.

DRILL PRESS

A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching whatever you’re drilling out of your hands, so that it smacks you in the chest, flings your beer across the room, and ultimately dents the freshly-painted project you had carefully set in the corner.

WIRE WHEEL

Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, ‘Oh sh –’

OXYACETYLENE TORCH

Used almost exclusively for lighting almost anything in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.

BAND SAW

A large stationary power saw primarily used to cut most types of material into smaller pieces that fit more easily into the trash can, due to cutting on the wrong side of the line.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST

A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

THE SON of a B****’ TOOL

The closest tool you grab and throw across the garage while yelling ‘Son of a B****’ at the top of your lungs, just after having used any of the above. It usually turns out to be the next tool you’ll need right after you let it fly.

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The Truth About Tools

Sometimes when you’re planning, or working on a do-it-yourself home improvement project you find that you just need a bit of quality information on how things work in order to proceed–like electrical, plumbing, or basic construction.

So today, I’d like to help you do just that.

Below you’ll find three of the best do-it-yourself reference books on the market. I’ve been using these great DIY books since they were first published, and, I’m still using, loaning, and recommending them to friends today.
All three books are inexpensive, easy to understand, and are loaded with excellent photos and descriptions.

Whether you want to just learn the basics, or take on some advanced DIY projects, these are the best DIY books to own.

Anyway you look at it, having these DIY home improvement guides on hand will surely help you succeed.

And remember, for answers to your specific questions, just ask your DIY Consultant.

The Complete Guide to Wiring

This fantastic DIY reference and learning guide and has over 700 easy to understand photographs and diagrams, making it an invaluable tool for the 
DIY’er.

It covers all the basics such as, how electricity works, how electrical circuits works, electrical terms, how a home’s electrical system is set up, electrical circuit breaker panels, wiring switches, outlets, GFIs, lights, and fans, as well as information on DIY electrical tools, safety, security systems, home theaters and surround-sound systems.

It also covers most types of wire, cables, and conduits. As well as many types of DIY electrical repairs such as, plugs, cords, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and much, much more.

I bought this book when it was first published, and it taught me all the DIY electrical basics when I first started out, and I’m sure 
it will do the same for you. Enjoy!

The Complete Guide to Plumbing

This book is filled with so many excellent pictures, diagrams and explanations that you’ll probably never need to buy another DIY plumbing book again.

It explains not only how a plumbing system works, but breaks it down into the water supply system, and the waste/venting system. You’ll learn how to install basic plumbing, add new plumbing, make repairs, and even how to solder.

Plus, the how to install bathroom and kitchen sinks, all types of faucets, toilets, garbage disposals, dishwashers, water heaters, bath tubs, showers, washing machines, and more. As well, it covers the how to of DIY plumbing repairs, such as– toilets, sprayers, aerators, leaks, drains, and so much more.

It also covers the how to of working with Pex, piping (cross-linked polyethylene) the bendable water supply tubing that’s taking over a major portion of the DIY market. As well as working with PVC pipe, copper pipe, outdoor flexible pipe, iron pipe, and most plumbing fittings.

From basic repairs to advanced renovations, this is the best 
plumbing book I’ve ever found for the DIY homeowner.

Building and Finishing Walls and Ceilings

This must be the most comprehensive DIY book on building and finishing 
walls and ceilings I’ve ever seen.

It takes you step by step on how to build walls, ceilings and soffits. It also teaches you how to frame with wood and steel. There’s a section on how to build glass block walls, as well as sound proofing walls, and ceilings. Plus a section on building curved walls.

The drywall section includes drywall basics, hanging drywall, drywall finishing, and drywall repairs. This includes taping, mudding 
and finishing techniques.

There’s also a section on painting which includes, painting tools, techniques (such as washes and faux), and wallpapering.

If that’s not enough, there’s a section on door and window trim, wainscoting, crown molding, paneling, suspended ceilings, ceiling tiles, and more.

This book has tons of full-color photos, and easy to understand step by step instructions that will ensure you succeed with speed

These three do-it-yourself reference books will prove to be invaluable resources for many years to come. They also make great DIY gifts too.

If you have questions about your DIY projects, just ask your personal DIY Consultant.

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Three of the Best Do-it-Yourself Home Improvement Reference Books You Can Own

DIY Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Are you hearing funny noises coming from your water heater? Does it seem like your hot water supply is less? Have you noticed that your gas or electric bill has increased?

Well, your water heater could be the culprit.

Of all the appliances in your home it seems the water heater is ignored most. That is, until it stops working.

Today I’m going to give you two simple do-it-yourself tips that can help extend the life of your water heater and save you some money by reducing energy consumption.

What You Need To Know

First off, it’s important to know that most water contains minerals and sediment. These minerals and sediment travel throughout your water system and usually end up trapped in your faucet aerator, washing machine hose screens, water filters and your water heater.

I’m sure you’ve probably had a faucet that didn’t flow well or the water started to shoot out to the side. And, if you removed the aerator you would find it was full of sediment.

The same thing happens inside your water heater.

Gas Water Heaters

Corrosion, scale, and sediment are the things that cut down the life of your water heater. As the sediment builds up on the bottom of your gas water heater it can increase the amount of time it takes to heat the water, thus using more energy and costing you more money.

Electric Water Heaters

Inside an electric water heater scale builds up on the electrodes that heat the water, also increasing energy consumption. The reason scale builds up on the electrodes is because the hotter the water becomes, the more scale falls out of solution and clings to the electrodes. So if your water heater temperature is set above 120 degrees, there will likely be more scale on the electrodes and more corrosion of the tank.

There is a sacrificial anode inside the tank. It’s purpose is to allow the acid in the water to eat away at it, and not the water heater tank. But, once again, if your water tank temperature is set higher than 120 degrees, the hotter, more acidic, water will eat up that anode much quicker.

And here’s the thing: You won’t even know that the sacrificial anode is gone until the acid/corrosion either eats a hole in the tank or the electrodes stop working. Also, and most obvious, setting your water heater to above 120 degrees is of no benefit to you—it only uses more energy, costing you more money.

Note, having soft water is not necessarily a plus because the softer the water the more corrosion and the harder the water the more scale. So what’s the solution?

Your Two Do-it-Yourself Water Heater Tips

1. Lower Water Heater Temperature

One, lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 or below. Hey, mine’s at 110 and there are no complaints from the ladies in my house.

Lowering the temperature on a gas water heater is relatively easy. Just turn the dial to the desired temperature and that’s it.

An electric water heater is quite different. Depending on the tank size, you may have one or two heating elements. These will most likely be located behind small panels on the outside of the water heater. That’s where the temperature adjustments are located.

BEFORE you attempt to adjust the temperature of your electric water heater you must turn off the electricity to the water heater. Next, consult your owners manual to the proper procedure for adjusting the temperature.

If you don’t have one, here is where you can find owner’s manuals.

Next, locate and remove the access panel/s. After the panel is removed you may have to move aside a bit of insulation to see the temperature dial. The dial usually has a place to put a small slotted screwdriver in the middle to adjust/turn the pointer to the desired temperature.

Once you have set the temperature replace the insulation and panel and you’re done.

2. Drain and Flush Water Heater Tank

It’s recommended you drain and flush your tank at least once a year. This helps remove debris and sediment from the tank.

Most water heaters have a plastic drain valve located at the bottom of the tank.

Connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Be Careful, as these valves typically are not of the best quality and can easily break.

Once you have the hose attached to the drain valve Turn off the electricity to the water heater (at the circuit breaker) or turn the gas off to your water heater.

Next, turn off the cold water supply to the water heater. Usually located at the top of the water heater.

Open the drain valve slowly to check for leaks where the hose connects to the valve. If all is well open the valve and let the water drain.

Once the tank is empty, open the cold water supply on the top of the tank to flush any remaining sediment out. Let the water run for about 1 minute, then turn off the cold water supply.

Once the tank is empty Close the pressure relief valve. Then Close the drain valve and disconnect the hose. Have a towel ready for any mishaps.

Turn the cold water supply back on. Open a faucet in the kitchen or bathroom to relieve the air being flushed from the tank and let it fill.

Once the tank is filled turn off the open faucet and turn on the electricity to your water heater.

For gas water heaters be sure to follow the directions in your manual for turning the gas back on to your water heater.

That’s it. You now have a cleaner more efficient water heater, and you did it yourself.

By following these two easy do-it-yourself water heater maintenance tips you can save energy, money and add more life to your water heater.

One last DIY Tip: To save even more money, insulate your water heater.

Just one more useful solution to help you succeed with speed.

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

The Complete Guide to Plumbing

DIY TIP: Check out “The Complete Guide to Plumbing”, The perfect reference guide for all your DIY plumbing projects. About $17 from Amazon.

If you are interested in making the switch to a Tankless Water Heater, check below.

Tankless Water Heaters

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click through for more options.

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2 Amazingly Simple DIY Water Heater Maintenance Tips

Over the years I noticed that there were certain do-it-yourself supplies I was continually buying. You know; tape, glue, caulking and many others. Having these DIY supplies on-hand has saved me so much time and money that I decided to assemble a list of those indispensable and most used supplies you should have on-hand before taking on your next DIY project. I’ve also included photos of each for easier reference.

Since these supplies are used so often and are quite inexpensive, you’ll be glad to have them on hand. Also, not having to run to the store every time you need one of these supplies will save you time, money and frustration.

So here we go.

Do-it-Yourself Supplies

Cable Ties

This first one has saved me many times. Cable ties are the totally indispensable fastener. You’ll just be amazed of how many uses there are for these handy items. They come in many different sizes and colors and you can tie almost anything together with these. I have used them for hinges, clamps and even to temporarily hold up plumbing pipes. Definitely a 1001 uses and only about $12 for 650 pieces.

Wood Glue

First choice of glue is yellow carpenters wood glue.  This is a great multi-purpose glue used for joining all types wood. Used extensively in cabinet making and Popsicle stick houses.

Liquid Nails

Liquid Nails is great to have for heavy duty jobs, like laminating wood for a beam, installing sub-floors and extra holding power for outdoor jobs.  Remember, this adhesive is stronger than the wood it holds together, so once it’s glued, getting it apart will be quite improbable.

Liquid Nails also comes in small tubes and in clear as well.

There are many other types of liquid nails for masonry, mirrors, tub surrounds and more. Great for small projects as well.

Latex Caulk

Caulking is essential for giving projects a finished look.  The most popular is Latex painter caulk, used for filling the gaps in moldings, nail holes, sealing up doors and windows and many others. Latex caulking comes in different colors and is paintable.

Don’t forget the caulking-gun (one of many essential DIY tools you should own).

Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is great for kitchens, baths, doors and windows. It’s waterproof and comes in colors as well as clear.

Patching Plaster

Patching Plaster  is another must. Great for filling holes in drywall, trim and various finish jobs around the house. It’s easy to apply and can be sanded.

Masking Tape

Masking tape comes in different widths and colors.  The colors represent different applications, such as green is used for very fine line and curve masking. Blue works well for most applications.

Double Back Tape

Double back tape is great for steadying pictures from moving side to side, posting temporary art, holding rugs down and so much more.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is number one on the list of must haves. You know what they say, “duct tape and baling wire”, it’ll hold just about any thing together. There are many different brands, grades and colors, so buy the correct type for the job.

Teflon Tape

Teflon tape is applied to the threaded ends of pipes to improve the water tightness of a joint.  They also make teflon tape for gas pipes too.

Plumbers Tape

Plumbers tape is most often used for hanging pipes, giving them support, but this product is great for so many other uses because it is so pliable.

Drill Bit Gauge

A drill bit gauge is the easiest way to match the size bit you need to a particular screw or bolt.

Carpenter Pencils

A must have for any DIY project.

Coat Hanger

You laugh, but a piece of a coat hanger is great to have in your tool box. It can be used to hold things in place, reach for something you dropped, hang something you want to paint and a million other DIY uses. I’ve had a piece of coat hanger in my tool box for over 30 years–well not the same one.

Walnut Pick

These are great for cleaning out screw heads filled with paint or cleaning out any small area.

Lubricants

Tip, WD-40 is a solvent not a lubricant.
So use a teflon or silicone spray to lubricate.

Electrical Supplies

It nice to have various electrical supplies and connectors available for you home, car and others projects.  I would recommend picking up an assortment of connectors like this.

Many of these kits come with a wire-stripper and a crimping tool.

If you’re ever in a pinch you’ll be happy to have these DIY Essential Fasteners on hand.

Just one more way you can succeed with speed.

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Essential DIY Supplies

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.

Here’s some laser stud finders to help make your next project easier.

Stud Finders

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, click through for more options.

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Bosch GMS 120 wall scanner wire metal detector

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THE FILLER DETECTIVE BODY DAMAGE BONDO DETECTOR FDA 01

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Black Decker Bullseye Laser Level and Stud Finder BDL100S

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How to Easily Remove Wall Anchors

I’d like to share a little story with you that involves my neighbor Mike who lives through the woods, right behind my house. He’s not your average retired guy as he always has some kind of do-it-yourself project going on. This time he was looking for an effective solution to insulate his garage workshop.

Just a little background on my friend Mike. He spent 30+ years working as a machinist for the Navy. And Mike wasn’t just any ole machinist, he worked on the nuclear propulsion systems on Submarines and Carriers. Mike’s also a rough and tumble Alaskan gold miner and can build or repair just about anything.

Well, not to long ago, Mike invites me over to talk with him about coming up with a solution for insulating his workshop doors. He says if we use the 1/4 of a brain we each have, we should be able to come up with a solution. Funny guy.

His metal garage workshop doors are a pair of 10 ft. wide x 14 ft. tall flat framed 2x4 doors with sheet metal cladding on the exterior.

The doors also bypass each other to open (clearance between them is only about 1/4 inch) making it difficult to apply standard insulation to the doors.

Well, after some discussion, I recommended using Prodex radiant barrier insulation on his shop doors. This is an excellent insulation material I’ve used on another garage door insulation project.

Since Prodex is only 1/4 in. thick, he simply cut each section of insulation a bit taller than the space between the 2x4’s. That way, the insulation could be stapled to the 2x4 framing as well as siliconed directly to the metal.

Prodex recommends creating an air space to increase the effectiveness of the product, but we didn’t have that option due to the extremely small clearance between the sliding doors. Having said that, an air space was naturally provided by the 50% corrugation of the metal cladding.

Notice that foil tape was applied on all insulation seams.

In the end, the shop doors easily open and look great too. Now, not only is Mike using less energy to heat and cool his workshop but the reflective qualities have improved his garage workshop lighting and created a more comfortable place to work.

So even if you’re a brilliant and resourceful guy like Mike, but still have a question about your project, just ask your personal DIY consultant, and I’ll find the answer to help you succeed with speed.

Here’s a link for more information on Prodex including installation instructions.

Workshop Plans

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DIY Garage Workshop Insulation

The easiest and fastest way to clean tile grout is by using a steam machine, such as the Euro Pro Shark Super Steamer. Just apply steam to the grout, use a toothbrush on any stubborn spots and wipe clean.

You can pick up a steamer for about $40 and they’re also a great way to clean windows, bathroom fixtures, appliances and so much more.

Another time saving tip to help you succeed with speed.

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How to Clean Tile Grout Lines

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.

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How To Fix a Loose Wood Screw