Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
How To: Pick a door lock using only a paper clip
In this video, we learn how to pick a door lock with a paper clip. First, make sure you have a door lock that has a pinhole on the outside. Now take your paperclip and open it up so it's straight and flat. Once you've done this, stick your paperclip into the pinhole and wait until you feel a small hole on the inside of the lock and twist the paperclip. Keep twisting the paperclip until the door becomes unlocked, you will hear and feel the lock opening. If the paperclip slips, just stick it ba...
How To: Clean and sharpen garden tools
John White shows how to clean and sharpen your tools by using a file and WD40. He also advises to repair the wooden handles of your tools to prevent injury. Run the file along the back and sides of the shovel. Leave the front part smooth. Make sure you remove any mud to prevent corrosion. Use steel wool to achieve this as well as WD40. Use the file to sharpen the edges of your hoe and again clean with steel wool and WD40. The file is also useful for sharpening trimmers. Clean all the dried pl...
How To: Use a tile nibblers on ceramic tiles
This video demonstrates how to make small cuts on ceramic tile by using Tile Nibblers. The video starts with a quick overview of the tile nibbler tool. It looks like a pair of pliers that have been sharpened. The presenter stresses that a tile nibbler should be just that; nibble away at the tile. If you try to cut out bigger chunks it will result in cracking. Once you get the cut close to how you want it, the presenter uses a tile file to remove the remaining tile and smooth the edges. This v...
How To: Open a locked door with Barbara K
Have you ever been locked out of a room in your own home? Well Barbara K is going to show us exactly how to open a locked door in this video. This will let you get your bedroom door open when you have locked yourself out!
How To: Bend acrylics (like Plexiglas) with a hot air gun
Have you ever wanted to bend a small piece of acrylic? Well now you can with the help of a traditional hot air gun and this informative video. Make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves before trying this project. Clamp the acrylic to a work table, and proceed to turn the gun on and heat up the piece of acrylic, using a steady back-and-forth sweeping motion. As it heats up, you can use your fingers to gently bend the acrylic upward. Leave it at 90 degrees to cool down for a couple minutes, a...
How To: Use a jig saw
In this video presenter Dominic shows you how to use a Jig Saw correctly. Dominic suggests that if you are going to make a tight turn then you should use a skinnier blade in order to avoid banging up the wood or breaking the jig saw blade. He adds that you should be patient and try not to go too fast. With the jig saw you first have to drill a hole in the wood and then put the jig saw through as the blade is flexible and cannot be pushed through by itself. He suggests trimming off the first p...
How To: Repair a damaged garden hose using a coupling sleeve
This video is a tutorial on how to repair a damaged garden hose using a coupling sleeve. Coupling sleeves are available at home improvement stores. First, you being by identifying the location of the lead in your hose. Hold it in a bucket of hot water for a few minutes to make the hose pliable. Second, use scissors to cut the hose right in half on the location of the hole. Put the sleeve clamps over both ends of the garden hose. The man says that the hardest part now is to insert the tube int...
How To: Use a chop saw the right way
In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to use a chop saw. A chop saw is a power tool which is typically used to cut hard materials. This saw can cut pieces at different angles. When cutting any material, make sure it is pushed tight against the fence. Hold the material tight in this position and make sure it is correctly leveled. When using this machine, be sure to wear safety glasses or a face guard. Avoid cutting small pieces of material and go at a slow pace. This video tutorial wi...
How To: Make your own dry wall tape dispenser
This video shows how to make your own dry wall dispenser. Trying to put the tape between two seams is difficult because you need both hands. This
How To: Organize your tool belt by adding extra compartments
In a tool shed there are two gentlemen discussing how handy a well organized tool shed or tool box is. One man starts to say that he has come up with a easy and in expensive way to keep hand tools organized. Find a old simple nail apron and draw some lines down the pouch. This lines will later turn into places to put tools so it is a good idea to think ahead about what tools you will end up using and adjust the size accordingly. Next, snitch up those lines that you have drawn. Finish up by pu...
How To: Wear a tool belt to provide easy tool access
Danny Lipford demonstrates how to wear a tool belt to provide easy access to your tools. A tool belt is handy because you can keep your materials like nails and screws, in addition to tools, right at your fingertips. A nail apron is lightweight but can slide down because it has thin strings. To solve this problem, loop the nail apron strings around your belt loop. When you put the string around the hammer holder, loop it around a second time to securely keep the hammer in place. A tool belt t...
How To: Use a post hole digger as a measuring stick
Here is a simple technical to measure hole you dug with a post hole digger. Take measuring tape. Place it with the post hole digger from bottom to the end of the post hole digger. Mark each foot division on the post hole digger with a marker. So now you can measure depth of the hole you dug with post hole digger without the need of a measuring tape. If you want to dig 2 feet deep down the earth and you could not find a measuring tape to measure, but markings on the digger will help you to mea...
How To: Make a wet dry vacuum more mobile
Most often when cleaning, using your wet dry vacuum cleaner, you tend to pull at the hose while towing it around. This invariably leads to the hose being pulled off very often. In this video, Joe demonstrates how you can overcome this problem and thereby make your ‘Wet Dry Vacuum’ more mobile. Sealing the hose pipe to the cleaner with a duct tape doesn’t help much, especially when you need to put the cleaner back for storage. So Joe shows an innovative and effective way out. He drills a hole ...
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: Turn a rake into a screed tool
This video is a tutorial on how to turn a rake into a screed tool. It begins by explaining that a screed tool is something used for spreading concrete. First, you will need a rake and a piece of wood that is called a 1 by 4. Put a steel rod over the rake blades and use a drill to secure it to the wood. Use wing nuts to tighten the bolts. By using a 1 by 4, you are creating a light-weight smoothing tool. It can be used to smooth out concrete, mulch, sand, or soil. If you make the screed tool t...
How To: Use a tile file to shape a tile
This how-to video explains how to use a tile file to remove a sharp edge from a piece of tile. To being you just need to buy a tile file (or a couple if you plan to use it a lot). A tile file would be used if a piece of tile has a sharp edge that you cannot hide in a corner or cover with another piece. To use the tile file simple rub the tile file against the tile like you would a piece of sandpaper on wood. Rub the tile file back and forth until the sharp edge has been smoothed out and then ...
How To: Make an old paint can easier to open
In this video it is demonstrated that how to easily open an old paint can. It is harder to open lid of old paint can because when you open and close lid there is some paint which remains at the top of can and it act as a glue and the lid sticks on it. You can get rid of it by using old grocery bag or two layer of plastic. Just cover the top of the can with this plastic and close it with the lid and now with the help of wood block and hammer, make the lid tight. Using this process you can easi...
How To: Put together the perfect home tool kit
A great way to save money and be more independent is to do your own repairs. Having a well-rounded tool kit is the best way to be prepared for those unexpected problems. A good base kit will last for many years and is a sound investment.
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: Use an extension ladder safely
This video shows you how to safely use an extension ladder. To put the ladder up put the bottom against the wall and walk it hand by hand until the top is against the ladder. Then grab the bottom and pull it out. To make sure the ladder is at the correct angle and stand with your toes against the base of the ladder and stretch your arms out straight. You should be able to grasp a rod. If you can't reach it you should readjust it. Avoid over reaching to the sides.
How To: Sand mold
Sanding molding can be pretty challenging with all the curves and details. First for sanding curves try wrapping your sandpaper around a piece of dowel rod. Choose the proper sized dowel for the size of the curve that you have to sand. The larger the curve the larger the piece of dowel that you will need. To get into hard to reach crevices try folding the sandpaper several times and then use the edge of the sandpaper to sand down in the tight crevices.
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.
How To: Wrap cable for easy unraveling
This video shows you how to wrap cables for later easy unraveling. Place one of the ends of the cables in one hand. With the other hand make a loop out of the cord and place it into the first hand. Make a second loop and turn it 180 degrees before placing it in the first hand. Make another loop and place it into the first hand. Make another loop and turn it 180 degrees and place it in the first hand. Keep repeating this process to the end of the cord. Eventually the cord will form itself to t...
How To: Replace or sharpen riding lawnmower blades with Lowe's
Back again with another great instructional video, Mike Kraft, a Lowe's home improvement expert, demonstrates how to properly sharpen or replace the lawnmower blades on a riding lawnmower. Mike provides tips on inspecting your worn lawnmower blades to determine whether or not your blades need to be replaced, or merely sharpened. This video will give you an idea of the tools you will need to complete this project, as well as the steps involved in both removing and re-installing the lawnmower d...
How To: Use a circular saw and miter box with Lowe's
Lowe's teaches how to Use a Circular Saw and a Miter Box. You'll need to learn how to use a circular saw for this approach Learn how to guide the blade to make smooth cuts in your wood. You will also learn how to use a miter box to cut small wood pieces easily. Once you have mastered your wood cutting techniques you'll be able to put together some crafts at your home. This video help you to simplify projects around the home.
How To: Make rip cuts without a table saw
Ron Hazelton shows how to rip cut a very long piece of wood using a circular saw instead of a table saw. First, place sawhorses approximately every 4 feet under the wood. Choose the correct blade for the wood. Affix the circular saw with an edge guide. Set the blade depth so that the blade barely goes past the wood. Put scrap pieces of lumber on the sawhorses under the wood. Then the long rip cut can be a zip.
How To: Use a miter saw with Skil & Lowe's
This informational and instructional video is brought to us by Lowe's, a leader in the `do-it-yourself' retail business. In this video, Bill shows you how to properly set and use a Skill miter saw. There are four basic cuts you can do with a miter saw: the cross cut, miter cut, bevel cut, and the compound cut. Experienced and beginner home project do-it-yourself enthusiasts will appreciate the techniques and teachings that Bill provides you within this easy to understand and follow how-to video.
How To: Use a pocket hole jig with Lowe's
Professional furniture makers have used pocket hole joinery for years... and for good reason. It's a simple way to achieve a strong, permanent joining of two pieces of wood.
How To: Use a copper wire stripper
This how-to video demonstrates how to use a copper wire stripper.
How To: Tune up a walk-behind lawnmower with Lowe's
Lowe's shows you how to tune up your walk-behind mower. Make a difference in how your motor starts by changing the spark plugs and cleaning the filter and lubricating when necessary. To do this you will need a drop cloth, a cleaning brush and work gloves, oil, spray lubricant, air filter and spark plug. Before performing any maintenance, read your owners manual. Ventilate your work area, protect the ground and remove the grass catchers. Disconnect the spark plug so your mower won't start. Lub...
How To: Tune up a riding lawnmower with Lowe's
Lowe's knows that riding lawnmowers are a big investment for your home and garden. This video shows the proper tools, and safety equipment needed to perform the maintenance needed. Lowe's explains how to replace the air filter on the mower, replacing and testing the spark plug, and how to lubricate the moving parts of the machine itself. The narrator also reminds viewers that when performing maintenance, to do so in a well-ventilated area. Following the steps in this video will make sure your...
How To: Change oil in a lawnmower with Lowe's
Lowe's home improvement expert, Mike Kraft provides a step-by-step method for changing the oil on a walk-behind lawn mower. From assembling the proper tools and supplies you will need to complete the task, through disconnecting the motor for safety, through the proper drainage technique and finally refilling the crank case this video gives complete instructions for any mower maintenance. Changing the oil on your mower will extend its life. Following the steps in this guide will provide you wi...
How To: Sharpen a jack knife or wood carving knife
This video shows you how to sharpen a jack knife or wood-carving knife using coarse, medium, and fine stones and cooking oil. Use the coarse stone, applying oil to the stone first then pushing the knife down on the stone in each direction, matching the bevel to the stone. Next is the medium stone. Add oil before continuing the sharpening process. Apply cooking oil to the fine stone and finish the sharpening process. Using a leather strop will remove any burrs and polish the knife.
How To: Make a glue bottle holder
Use whole saws or drill bits larger than the necks of the glue bottle and about a ten inch 2x4 piece of wood. Drill holes for the amount of bottles you want to have. You can add feet to your rack if the necks on the bottles are too long for the rack by gluing a couple of small wood blocks underneath on both ends.
How To: Build a craft table
In this video Ron Hazelton tells you how to build a craft table. By following each step carefully you will have a sturdy and proper table. Some of the things you will need are laminate, trim, nails, screws and stringers. Using these steps and creativity putting together a craft table is made easy.
How To: Waterproof the inside of a planter box
Back with another great how to tutorial for your home, Ron Hazelton, from Ron Hazelton's House Calls, and ronhazelton.com is here to bring us another great tip to save us time and money on our household projects. In this video Ron shows us a great way to waterproof the inside of your outdoor planters, which will protect them from water, provide a longer life-span, and help your plants to be healthier, in a quick and easy to understand manner.
How To: Start a STIHL blower or any other leaf blower
Description: The New Stihl ‘simplified starting procedure’ eliminates the chance of flooding your machine during cold starting by mispositioning the choke.
How To: Organize nails and hardware in disposable containers
Do you find your tool shed to be a little disorganized? Do you find yourself frustrated over is at least once a week? Ron Hazleton is here to help you, getting your screws, bolts, nails, fasteners, hardward (and more) neat and tidy using plastic food containers for storage.
How To: Polish out aluminum
In this DIY video tutorial, learn how to polish aluminum using greasless and greased abrasives. It is extremely important to have the right equipment and a well-made breathing respirator as this process can be very dangerous and toxic. The products and tools used in this video to polish a piece of sand blasted aluminum, can be found at www.englishcustompolish.com.
How To: Use a Rockwell reciprocating saw
Mark Donovan of Home Addition Plus goes over the key features and benefits of the Rockwell reciprocating saw with active vibration canceling technology. A reciprocating saw is a type of saw in which the cutting action is achieved with a push and pull reciprocating motion on the blade. A positive feature of the Rockwell is that there are no tools needed to replace the blade and it acts great with all materials including wood, metal, plastic, and/or aluminum.