Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos — Page 12 of 14 « Tools & Equipment

How To: Sharpen a dovetail saw

Furniture maker Chris Gochnour demonstrates how to revive a dull dovetail saw or turn a mediocre saw into a high-performance tool. In this video the Salt Lake City-based woodworker demonstrates his five-step sharpening process. Sharpen a dovetail saw.

How To: Build a geek's workbench

Tired of getting reamed for using your Mother's antique end table as your own personal workbench? Well then pay attention as David Randolph and Patrick Norton show you how to make a quick and dirty workbench SYSTM style.

How To: Operate an excavator or track hoe

Basic instructions on how to operate an excavator (track hoe). This is a simple video geared toward children.

How To: Understand torque

Torque is the most direct way to measure the power you need in a walk-behind mower. Learn more about torque from Pat Simpson.

How To: Make a simple silicone mold

This video segment will show you the basics of working with the TAP Silicone RTV System. This will explain how to measure the proper ratios.

How To: Make a urethane mold

This video segment will show you how to make a simple urethane mold using TAP Urethane RTV System.

How To: Choose the right mold making product

This video segment will give you an overview of our three mold making products. The information will help you determine which product is right for your project.

How To: Bend plastic with a strip heater

This video segment will show you how to bend plastic using the BriskHeat Strip Heater.

How To: Build a plastic heat bender

This video segment will show you how to build a plastic line bender using BriskHeat Strip Heater, so that you can bend plastic at home.

How To: Use laser levels

Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com reviews Laser Levels and how they can be used for hanging pictures, installing chair rail, or mounting electrical outlets and switches.

How To: Remove rust from tools

Tools can last for years if you take care of them. But don't worry; if your favorite shovel has gotten a tad rusty, it's a snap to make tools shiny as new.

How To: Clean garden tools with simple techniques

Extend the life of your gardening tools using these simple cleaning techniques. This is most important when you're putting tools away for winter.

How To: Use a mole wrench

A Mole wrench is a useful tool it has a powerful grip and is able to be latch-on to objects holding and gripping them hands free. This is a good tool for diy, do it yourself.

How To: Use spiked lawn aerating shoes

Learn how to keep your lawn healthy and aerated with a pair of spiked lawn aerating shoes. Like golf shoes, but with longer spikes!

How To: Prepare your lawn mower for winter

As you shove your lawn mower into the garage for the last time this year, here is some advice that will save you time and money next spring. Allen Smith takes you through the steps to prepare your lawn mower for winter.

How To: Use a torque wrench for a bicycle

Today's bikes are tough, but they're held together by fasteners that mustn't be stressed. Many components come with recommended torque settings. Breach these settings and you may void your warranty. It now makes sense to use torque wrenches. Torque is a measurement of torsion, a twisting force. A "torque wrench" has a spring-loaded indicator that gives a numerical readout of the amount of torque being applied through it.

How To: Use a string trimmer

A string trimmer is a useful tool for maintaining your lawn. Learn how to use it correctly and safely with this tutorial. Another name for this tool is a weed whacker.

How To: Use the swanson speed square

Learn how to use the original swanson speed square.

How To: Use a pressure washer for high-pressure cleaning

Learn how to use a pressure washer for various cleaning purposes.

How To: Use an electric stapler

In this video series, our expert will show you how to safely operate an electric stapler, how to identify its parts, and how to care for your electric stapler. Forget about trying to use an ordinary office stapler. Electric staplers supply all of the power, and as you'll see in these videos, they're easy to use!

How To: Use a corner sander

In this woodworking video series, our home improvement expert Jon Olsen tells you how to use the corner cat finish sander to smooth out the shop project you've been working on. He begins with an overview of workplace safety, covering work area safety as well as electrical and personal safety. Then he tells you how to identify individual parts and then how to selection the correct sanding pad for the job at hand. Don't know how to properly attach the dust bag?

How To: Use a sabre saw

The sabre saw (sometimes called a Sawzall) is one of those power tools that cuts just about anything and is a favorite among demolition workers and construction workers alike. Ed Reyes how to use a sabre saw.

How To: Use a scroll saw

In this how-to video series, learn from power tool expert Ed Reyes how to use a scroll saw. Part 1 of 12 - How to Use a scroll saw.

How To: Use a plunge router

In this how-to video series, learn from contractor and power tools expert Ed Reyes how to use and maintain a plunge router.

How To: Maintain a drill press

In this video series, our expert Chris Ramirez will show you how to use and maintain a drill press. Chris will teach you how to power up the drill press, clean the drill press, and maintain it. He will also teach yo how to adjust the table height and angle, adjust depth and speed, and mount the material.

How To: Sharpen riding lawn mower blades

In this how to video series, learn how to sharpen the blades of a riding lawn mower from riding lawn mower mechanic Paul Popplewell. Paul will demonstrate how to remove the deck from a riding lawn mower, how to remove riding lawn mower blades, how to sharpen riding lawn mower blades, how to replace the blades on a riding lawn mower, how to check the belts on a riding lawn mower, and how to lubricate the deck of a riding lawn mower. Sharpen riding lawn mower blades - Part 1 of 7.

How To: Use the self-centering mortise jig

The shop-built router jig detailed in this video uses an innovative system to position a workpiece square and centered when cutting matching mortises for loose mortise-and-tenon joinery. This jig relies on two vertically aligned, rotating circles with protruding metal bolts to align a workpiece, and a moveable fence to set the width of a mortise. After watching this video, you should easily be able to use this tool. Use the self-centering mortise jig.

How To: Fold a bandsaw blade

The best way to store a bandsaw blade is to fold it. Here is a simple technique that gets the job done quickly and safely. Wearing gloves if the blade is wider than 1 in. is strongly recommended. Fold a bandsaw blade.

How To: Pick the right lathes for turning big bowls

Barnum, a woodturning instructor at State University of New York in Purchase, shows off the powerful motors on these lathes, which offer high torque at low speeds -- ideal for turning big-diameter or off-balance work. He also demonstrates how the heft, speed control, and outboard turning capabilities make these lathes ideal for just about any turning project. Pick the right lathes for turning big bowls.

How To: Use a shovel properly

Even if you are using a shovel improperly, you'll still wind up with a hole. You'll probably also wind up with a sore back. Learn how to use a shovel the proper way. You'll need to select the Real Player or Quicktime link to actually start the video. Use a shovel properly.

How To: Tune up a circular-saw

You don’t have to take your circular saw to the shop for a tune-up; we’ve brought the shop to you. Learn how to extend the life of your saw with simple cleaning and general maintenance. There's no 3,000 mile rule here, but if your saw starts running slower than normal, or you see sparks coming from the back of the housing, it’s time for a tune-up. Tune up a circular-saw.

How To: Replace a circular-saw switch and cord

This video demonstrates how to replace the trigger switch and cord on a HD77 Skill Saw, but the technique he uses could apply to just about any circular saw you own. Replace a circular-saw switch and cord.

How To: Bend sheet metal without a brake

The bend won’t be quite as sharp, but suitable bends can be made for many construction projects without using a brake. This video will show you how to do it, and hopefully save you some money! Bend sheet metal without a brake.

How To: Make a story stick

Kitchen cabinets have multiple pieces that must fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. A story stick will help keep the measurements accurate when transferring them from the installation site to the layout and fabrication shop. Watch and learn how to build this helpful tool. Make a story stick.

How To: Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow

A simple wheelbarrow, a stiff rake, and a reliable process transform the task of mixing concrete from back-breaker to no-brainer. Watch and see how to mix concrete in a wheelbarrow. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow.

How To: Make a cut bucket

A new or used gallon paint can with the rim cut off makes a perfect container to load your brush from. There's no rim to get in the way when you slap the brush against the side, and no lip to get messy from dripping paint. Learn how to make a cut bucket for your next paint project here. Make a cut bucket.

How To: Accurately use a tape measure

Not all tapes are created equal, so here are a few tips for making accurate measurements. “Measure twice and cut once,” is the mantra of all carpenters, but it won't make a difference if the measurement is inaccurate or your math is wrong. Accurately use a tape measure.