Hand Tools

Sharpen knives quickly and keep them that way with two simple, inexpensive tools, several easy-to-learn techniques and a little practice.…

A one-minute level accuracy test: Level or plumb in one direction. Then flip it around and test the level or plumb in the opposite direction.…

The art of toenailing is easy to learn. With a little practice you can drive an angled nail perfectly every time.

Here are favorite tools of landscapers, electricians, tile setters, woodworkers and other pros that make their jobs faster, easier and better.

A well-organized tool belt allows you to work faster and better and climb and work from ladders more safely. Here's how to organize it…

Three professional woodworkers talk about their favorite woodworking tools—a grinder, a sharpener, calipers and a hand plane.

A portable clamping table is a great tool for home improvement projects. It'll tightly clamp a wide variety of pipes, sheet metal, boards, tools…

Serrated knives can be sharpened at home, but you'll need a special sharpening steel that matches the scallops of the knife. Here's how to do it…

Bench grinder wheels need occasional TLC to do a good job of sharpening. Learn how to "dress" a wheel to keep it clean, which type to use for…

Cut clean round holes in drywall for electrical boxes and light fixtures with this circle cutter. It's quick and easy, and only takes seconds

Save time and energy when breaking up a concrete slab or steps: Tips, tools and planning advice guide you through the job and save you big…

These six expert shop tips simplify and speed up sanding, gluing, cross cutting, drawing and measuring lines, making repetitive cuts and other…

If you have a stuck screw or bolt and have mangled the head, try removing it with a special screw extractor. It usually does the job quickly and…

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

Washing brushes thoroughly and combing the bristles to get them completely clean will make them last much longer. Then wrap and hang them to…

Learn how to get the best cutting results from your hacksaw. Hacksaws are designed to cut in one direction, and reversing the blade will…

Make the worn edge of an aluminum shovel straight and square again in about 15 minutes. You only need a jigsaw and a file or belt sander.

Sharpen your shovel or spade and make digging easier. You can do it in 10 minutes.

Mark, cut and fine-tune curves in wood, using routers, saws and other simple tools, by following these expert techniques. You can master them…

Learn to pull bent or errant nails quickly and efficiently with your hammer, a cat's paw, nippers, and a wood block, or cut them with a…