Tool Skills

Buy and use a torque wrench to prevent common over-tightening problems and avoid expensive fixes later.

Learn to use a bench-top planer correctly and avoid common problems like tearout, snipe and ridges. Reclaim old wood, clean up inexpensive…

A torque wrench is a necessity for changing a tire. Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause expensive brake problems and also break wheel studs.

Learn to use the right tools and materials for successful grouting on any tile job. A proper grout mix and application technique will give your…

Level over short, medium and long distances with ease. Whether you're installing a dropped ceiling, laying out a deck, or building a whole…

When two-cycle leaf-blowers, string trimmers, chain saws or other small engines won't start, first see if one of these common problems is the…

A rethreading kit is an important part of any automotive toolbox. Use it to restore stripped threads on old, rusty nuts and bolts when you…

Cut cleaner and safer with your miter saw and circular saw. Take the worry out of making tough cuts like plunge cuts and miter cuts on wide…

A diamond tile saw is essential for cutting natural stone tile and other hard tile. In this article a tiling pro explains how to make tough cuts…

Want perfect end cuts every time? We'll show you how to get them on your table saw. Follow these tips, tricks and techniques to make straight…

Create a stone-lined garden pond, then carve a waterfall out of a block of stone using basic power and hand tools. The technique is simple, even…

We show you out seven best tips for making smoother, straighter and more accurate cuts on big sheets of plywood. Your circular saw can cut just…

Build a simple table saw sled to make perfectly square cross cuts in both small and wide boards. You only need a 4x4 sheet of 1/2-in. plywood…

Smart phones are the new essential tool for home repair and improvement. Learn about must-have apps for DIYers that save money and produce…

A power miter saw is an essential tool for almost any type of carpentry work. This article explains basic techniques for using the miter saw,…

Learn to make straight cuts, curved cuts and even round cuts in sheet metal with tin snips. With proper tool selection you can do it with ease.

Cutting clean holes with hole saws requires a little skill and practice. Here are the key techniques that will make the task safer and give you…

We'll show you handy tips and techniques for using your table saw. Use these accessories to help you make clean, straight and safe cuts on…

A garage door opener that hums or grinds but doesn't open the door may just have stripped gears—an easy, inexpensive repair. Use this guide to…

Learn how to use a circular saw to quickly and accurately cut long boards and plywood. Plus, we've included plans for a handy cutting guide…