Hardware

Avoid paint strippers by removing paint from old hardware using a hot water bath.

This inexpensive workshop storage solution is perfect for fasteners, electrical parts and small, miscellaneous doodads, and it takes up almost…

If you install them properly, joist hangers will keep your decks and floors strong as wood dries, twists, shrinks and ages. We'll show you a…

Don't replace your casement window if it won't open or shut completely. You can usually replace a bad crank in an hour, and have it…

Solve your concrete fastening problems with our favorite concrete anchors. We show you how to install light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty…

Concrete screws are the perfect fastener for speedily anchoring objects to concrete. We show you how to drill and drive them quickly and easily,…

A missing doorstop means that sooner or later the wall will get dented by the door handle. Either of the two most common types of doorstop can…

Carpenters always talk about 16d common nails or 8d finish nails or 10d sinkers, but nobody ever explains what the heck ‘d’ means.…

A floor that bounces as you walk across it may just need to be stiffened with bridging, which spreads the load on each joist to adjoining…

Drywall screws have conquered home centers and hardware stores, but the traditional wood screw is still better designed for holding two pieces…

Use small toggle bolts to fasten bath accessories to fiberglass or plastic tub and shower surrounds. Avoid cracks and pullouts with these simple…

Instead of using bulky surge protector strips, you can now install a point-of-use surge protection receptacle to protect appliances and…

Storm door handles break or become tarnished long before the door need replacing, but installing a new handle is a simple job that can usually…

High-strength structural screws are beginning to displace traditional lag screws as the fastener of choice for structural applications.…

Learn special tools and techniques for stripping any kind of wire. Different types of electrical cable and cords, coaxial cable, communication…

Not sure about your smoke alarm battery? Wondering about the mystery batteries in your kitchen drawer? Check them with a multitester to find out…

Biometric keyless locks let you unlock or lock your entry door with just a quick scan of your fingerprint— the perfect solution for anyone…

Older photocells in outdoor lights often don’t work with compact fluorescent lights, but new technology is available that addresses the problem.…

Learn how to fix common casement window problems. Free up a sticking window, replace a broken crank operator or sagging hinge, even replace an…

A cheap switch and an expensive switch will both turn a light on, but fixtures that draw more power require the larger, more durable parts built…