Overhead electrical outlets
Are you always tripping over extension cords that snake all over the floor of your shop? End that hassle by installing ceiling-hung electrical outlets.
Family Handyman
Why overhead electrical outlets are a great idea
Are you always tripping over extension cords that snake all over the floor of your shop? End that hassle by installing ceiling-hung electrical outlets. Place them wherever you frequently need to plug in power tools, vacuum cleaners, steam irons or any other corded tool that you want to plug in right here, right now. The cost per outlet will run about $18.
Popular Videos
For each overhead electrical outlet you’ll need:
■ A metal electrical box
■ A metal box cover with a center knock-out
■ A strain-relief cord connector
■ Electrical connectors
■ A cord receptacle
■ A short length of stranded-wire electrical cord (buy 12-3 stranded wire for 20-amp circuits and 14-3 for 15-amp circuits).
Position the receptacles at least an inch above your head so you won’t bump your noggin. Turn off the breaker or unscrew the fuse on the circuit you’re tying in to. And check for voltage with a voltage sniffer to make sure the power is truly off before you splice into the circuit and wire the new receptacles. Thanks to Tom Dybas for this tip.
Reinvigorate Dry Putty
Ad-Hoc Micrometer
Use a Sneaker to Clean Sandpaper
Sanding Sponge Grit Label
Copying Cuts
Paint Can Opener on Hand
Super-Strong Sandpaper
Tear Out Saving Tape
Bolt Head Hack
Bobby Pin Nail Holder
DIY Flexible Sanding Block
Magnetic Broom
Trigger-Style Bench Clamps
More Planing, Less Exercise
Rx Bottle for Earplug Storage
Cut From Both Sides
Instant Hardware Patina
Makeshift Countersinking Tip
Pie Plate Dustpan
Stay-Put PVC Pipe Cutter
Shop-Made Finishing Helpers
Check if a Square is Square
How to Fix a Square
Small Parts Jointer
Visual Aid for Sanding Even SurfacesWith an orbital sander and good sandpaper you can smooth wood evenly and easily with first-class results. When flush-sanding solid edge-banding, draw a squiggly line across the joint before sanding. The edge-banding will be slightly proud of the plywood veneer, so the pencil marks provide a visual aid to make sure that you're sanding flat, and that you don't sand through the plywood's veneer. As you go, you can also test for a smooth, level transition by gently scraping your fingernails against the transition. If it’s smooth, your fingers will not catch on the seam between the two pieces. |
Foam Ball Tool Storage
Measure Once, Cut 10 Times
Kitty Litter Pouch for Tool Protection
Behind the Door Storage: Tool-Apron Storage
Hands-Free Light Hack
Close Paint Cans with Less Mess
Drill Bit Girdle
Chap Stick for the Toolbox
Bungee Cord Organizer
Pallet Dolly
Moisturized Wood Putty
Lighted Screwdriver Hack
In-the-Bucket Air Tools
How to Magnetize a Screwdriver
Paper Towel Roll Bag Storage
Cheap Zero-Clearance Miter Saw
Handy Rag Cutter
Caulk Gun Clamp
Paper Towel Holder Tape Storage
Flush-cut ShieldEven when using a flush-cut saw I take precautions to save wood surfaces from marring. My trick for trimming dowels is to cut a hole in a thin piece of cardboard or plastic and fit it over the dowel. This way the blade never touches the wood. The remaining dowel sands flush in a snap. – Brad Holden |