Hot Tools & Equipment Posts


How To: Use a reverse drill bit
Tim Carter demonstrates how easy it is to remove damaged screws with a reverse drill bit. Quick-and-easy solution for a drilling problem.

How To: Adjust the miter and bevel angle on a miter saw
In this DIY guide from the folks at eReplacementParts, we learn how to adjust the miter and bevel angle on a miter saw using an adjustable square. For step-by-step instructions, and to learn how to adjust the miter angle and a bevel angle on a miter saw yourself, take a look.

How To: Use a handheld router with Skil & Lowe's
In this tutorial, we learn how to use a handheld router with Skil & Lowe's. There are countless ways to use the router in all your project, but there is one that's the most popular. You have a lot of choices, like a round over, a chamfer, or an ogee. Regardless of which you choose, the technique is always the same. Begin with mounting the bit in the router, then use a wrench to tighten it and make it secure. After the bit is on, reinstall the base and you will be ready to use your machine. Us...

How To: Identify hardened steel compared to mild steel
Hardened steel is very durable, but nearly impossible to work with at home. If you are trying to choose a piece of steel and can't tell if it's hardened or not, you're in luck, because this video contains a quick method for doing so. All you do is try to file an indentation in the steel with a file. If that doesn't make a mark, you've probably got hardened steel.

How To: Select the right disc for your angle grinder or cut-off tool
Angle grinders (or cut-off tools) are great for all sorts of major construction and repair projects. One of the reasons for this is that you can put all types of discs on them for different jobs. This video tell you all about the different types of discs and which ones you should use for different kinds of jobs.

How To: Pick a combination lock using a soda can
In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a combination lock using a soda can. To begin, have your lock next to you and an empty soda can and scissors. When your lock won't open, cut the soda can in the middle so you have a small square. After this, cut off strips, then measure the size of your pinkie on the foil. Next, cut the foil out so it's the exact size of your pinkie and then stick this piece of foil into the lock. Move the foil around until it comes undone and you will have the lock unlo...

How To: Replace the brushes in a cordless DeWalt power drill
Cordless drills may seem complicated, but only if you've never take one apart before. They have a really simple design, compared to other power tools, and this means easy fixing! When it comes to brush replacements for your DeWalt cordless drill, it's super easy and super fast to replace yourself. This step-by-step guide will show you just how to remove and install drill brushes.

How To: Replace the switch on a corded DeWalt power drill
If the switch on your DeWalt drill is in need of some serious replacement, don't send it off to the shop for expensive repairs… try doing it yourself. It's easy to remove and install a brand new switch on a corded DeWalt power drill. Watch this video to learn how a professional changes the power switch on a corded DeWalt drill.

How To: Fix an oil leak on a KitchenAid stand mixer
In this DIY guide from the folks at the eReplacementParts], we learn how to repair an oil leak on a KitchenAid stand mixer. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about two minutes. For all of the details, and to learn how to repair a leaky KitchenAid mixer, take a look.

How To: Sharpen your chainsaw with a hand file
In this tutorial, we learn how to sharpen your chainsaw with a hand file. First, take the cover off of the chainsaw and jam something into place so the chain stays in place. Put gloves on before you touch the chain, and use a hand file to file down on the chain. Look for the shortest tooth and put the file in, holding it well and giving it two or three strokes. When filing, be consistent on each different tooth you are sharpening. You will be able to feel the blade being taken off. You might ...

How To: Fix a slack recoil starter on your chainsaw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to fix a slack recoil starter on a chainsaw. Begin by removing the bolts off of the side casing. If you leave the cord hanging out, it will make the saw much more difficult to start and can be caught onto things. To put more tension on the spring, wind the cord around the nylon spool and retract the cord. Make sure not to put too much tension in the spring or else the spring will break. This video will benefit hose viewers who have and use a chainsaw,...

How To: Install a hidden hitch on a 2005 Toyota Sienna
If you're looking to go out on the road and bring along your boat or trailer, having a hitch is needed. But what if your vehicle doesn't have one or you wish you could have it, but not show? Well this tutorial may be what you need. In this two part video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install a hidden hitch on a 2005 Toyota Sienna. It may seem easy to do, but it can take a good number of hours to complete. So good luck and enjoy!

How To: Install an ignition coil on your 2-cycle lawn trimmer
If your ignition coil is out on your lawn trimmer, you will probably have to replace it. You can easily test the ignition with a spark tester before removing it to see if it is indeed your ignition coil. There are a number of things that can go wrong with the ignition, it can simply just not create a spark anymore or it can be acting up where you're lucky if you get it to start up when you need it to.

How To: Use a multimeter as a battery tester
Thanks to How To Make Anything, you can learn how to make and do pretty much anything! In this video, learn how to use a multimeter as a battery tester for those days your battery tester is out to lunch!

How To: Convert a sponge mop into a sanding pole
In this video Danny Lip ford is showing how you can convert an old sponge mop into an inexpensive pole sander for your household purposes. For this, take an old sponge mop and remove the sponge from it by loosening the screws. Then cover the rectangular sponge fully with the sheet of sand paper. Now screw back the sponge with sand paper to the head of the mop. You can do your sanding in the wall very easily now. If you were to use just a sheet of sandpaper and sand the wall, it would take a l...

How To: Tighten & keep tight those loose bolts
Bob Schmidt teaches the secrets to tighten & keep tight those loose bolts in simple steps. First buy a removable blue thread locker and keep it ready to use. Check for any loose door locks or bolts in your house and remove its screw. Squeeze some thread locker out and apply it to the screw and stay away from carpets while squeezing it out. Let it set on the screw for about 5 minutes and fit the screw back. It can also be used in nuts and bolts and bath accessories.

How To: Replace or sharpen lawnmower blades with Lowe's
Do you want to know what's the secret to a great looking lawn ? Then you have to watch this video in which Lowe's home improvement expert Mike Kraft explains how to sharpen or replace a Lawn Mower blade. Mike will share with you all the tips and the secrets of this simple and yet crucial operation. From the tools required to the safety measures, everything will be explained to you in this video with all the steps actually executed and filmed right in front of you.

News: Insanely Cool John Deere Insect-Tractor
Created by a now discontinuted John Deere subsidiary Plustech in Finland, this walking tractor is weirdly alien-monster-insect-esque. Reminiscent of Big Dog and Little Dog, but way bigger... This belongs in a sci-fi movie, not a farm. Amazing. Several videos in the gallery below.

How To: Polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol. In this polishing tip we polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol Metal Polish. The tutorial includes detailed work instructions and best practices.

How To: Replace the float valve in a toilet tank
If your system keeps filling up and won't shut off, you will probably need to switch out your toilet's float valve. Make sure to turn off the water before making any plumbing repairs! Watch this video home improvememnt tutorial and learn how to replace the float valve in a toilet tank.

How To: Build a scrollsaw cutting jig
In this tutorial from the Scrollsaw Workshop, Steve Good will teach you how to cut metal with a DIY cutting jig. Learn the basics of metalwork with a scrollsaw while Steve walks you through making jewelry from U.S. coins. Take a look!

How To: Use flour to draw layout lines
Need an easy, efficient and inexpensive way to layout your garden beds? This how to video shows you how to use regular old kitchen flour and paint string to mark layout lines. Drawing layout lines with flour comes in handy when you run out of chalk and don't have time to run to the store.

How To: Reset the combination on a Giant Surelock
This video is a short tutorial to assist in setting the combination for a Giant Surelock. In the event that a combination is compromised, it is important to change a lock to prevent from unwanted break-ins or theft. Watch this instructional video and learn how to reset the combination on an Giant Surelock.

How To: Make a cutting disc for a Dremel rotary tool
Get a little use out of those empty tin cans you are going to throw away. Recycle them into a cutting disc. So, check out this video tutorial to see how to make a cutting disc for a Dremel rotary tool. These Dremel cutting disks are pretty easy to make. Just get a can opener, take off the lid of one of your junk aluminum cans, and begin to disc away. You'll need a Dremel sanding disc for a stencil reference. These are less dangerous than normal sharp cutting disks, not to mention cheap.

How To: Use a jackhammer to break cement or stone
No one should be intimidated by jackhammer. This Home & Garden how to video demonstrates how to operate and use a jackhammer to break up cement or stone. Once you get all the tips and tricks for using a jack hammer you will be able to remodel any part of your home.

How To: Copy a key with a Coke can
This is a how-to video explaining how to copy a key with a can of cola. All you need is an aluminum soda or beer can. To make it come out better, add a additional side to the one piece. This technique works well when you don't have time to get a new key cut. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to duplicate a key with a Coke can.

How To: Use a secret nail gun
The secret nail gun is used to nail timber floor boards to floor joists or on top of a sub floor construction. It shoots nails on a 45 degree angle through the tongue of the floor which is covered by the next board. No nail holes are required to be filled by the floor polisher. Watch this video tutorial for a demonstration on how to use a secret nail gun.

How To: Use a Paslode impulse framing nail gun
The Paslode Framing Gun is operated by a gas cartridge and battery so an air compressor is not needed. The tool also has a large range of nails available for different job requirements from 50mm To 75mm. Watch this video tutorial for a demonstration on how to use a Paslode impulse framing nail gun.

How To: Cut a hole into metal
Tim Carter shows simple ways to cut holes into metal. This easy-to-understand and well demonstrated video is a perfect guide for metal drilling.

How To: Adjust Skid Plate Shoe Height on a Snow Blower
Learn how to set or adjust the skid plate or show height on your snow blower so that the scraper is off of the ground.

How To: Install a Battery Float Charger Maintainer on Your ATV
How To Install a Battery Float Charger Maintainer On Your ATV

How To: Tighten a Loose Snow Blower Belt - Toro - Tutorial
This video will show you how to tighten a loose snow blower belt on a Toro snow blower. This would work on a Toro 624, 724 and 824. Also many other snow blowers that have a Briggs and Stratton engine.

How To: Make a Magnetic Hammer Handle for Picking Up Nails
Gravity can be a real pain when you are trying to finish a project and your supplies wind up on the ground.

How To: Start a Briggs and Stratton Power Generator After 3 Years
My Briggs and Stratton power generator wasn't used for 3 years. Trying to start it again, lead to some problems. The video will show you the true story and the solution. The first problem was, that it lost some fuel - the fuel pipe was broken. In good hope I tried again to start it, but it stopped within seconds. A check of the spark plug to find a very dirty one. After cleaning the spark plug, the engine ran, but only for a few seconds. It lost a lot of fuel and stopped again. The fuel was c...

How To: Magnetize a Screwdriver
Oftentimes, when using a screwdriver it can be hard to keep the screw connected to the screwdriver. In this article, we show a trick on how you can magnetize your screwdriver so the screw will hold onto your screwdriver. Get a heavy duty magnet.

How To: Inject Your Drill Press Table Crank with Steroids
First, I would like to explain that among my family members, I am considered somewhat of an oddball. Mostly because of some of the mods that I have performed on a few of my woodworking tools. After I show you what I did to my drill press, you may be inclined to agree. When I first hatch an idea in my little pea brain, the first thing I take into consideration is whether or not this mod is irreversible and will destroy my tool. In the case of my drill press, I determined that it was safe to pr...

Shortcut: Drill Powered Pencil Sharpener
As someone who keeps an electric drill in the same 5 foot proximity of a manual wall pencil sharpener, here's a clear cut case of "Why didn't they think of this sooner?!"... Introducing, the coolest drill bit ever: Wowee, just watch it go. The C.H. Hanson Pro-Sharp Finishing Pencil Carpenter proclaims itself as the "world’s first chuckable drill powered pencil sharpener”. It promises to produce "a fast, consistent pencil point every time” and universally fits any drill or 1/4" quick change sy...

How To: Make a spark and fire with a 9 volt battery and steel wool
If you're out in the wilderness at night and it's starting to get chilly, you sure as hell better know how to make yourself a campfire. But let's just say you forgot your matches and don't feel like rubbing two sticks of wood together hoping to create a spark.

News: Build Your Own Civilization with the Global Village Construction Set
If it takes a village to raise a child, you can imagine what it takes to raise a village! In brief: a whole lot! Thanks to the folks behind the Open Source Ecology movement, however, starting your own self-sufficient community has never been easier! Taking free software as a model, the group is working on what they call the Global Village Construction Set—"a fully integrated [and freely reproducible] set of machines for creating a self-sufficient modern life from the resources of a small amou...

How To: Use a Roof Rake (Removing Snow & Ice from Your Home's Rooftop)
For lazy children, winter snow means snowball fights, snowmen and snow days. For lazy homeowners, it can mean leaky roofs and costly repairs. Fortunately, where snowy roofs are concerned, a little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way.