Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
How To: Buy a good extension ladder
When buying extension ladders, you have various options. There are metal ones, fiberglass ones and (increasingly rarely) wood ones. Each kind has its own plusses and minuses. In this video, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com talks you through what to look for when shopping for an extension ladder.
How To: Use a floor sander to sand a deck
If you don't know what you're doing, sanding a deck can be many hours of back-breaking work. But in this video, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com demonstrates how to use a floor sander. By using a floor sander correctly, sanding a floor can be a much simpler process.
How To: Install a tool rack
A tool rack doesn't need to look great, it just needs to keep your tools organized. But having your tool rack look its best can really improve the whole look of your tool storage area. In this video tutorial, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows us how to install a level, good-looking tool rack.
How To: Use boom lifts for exterior painting
Ladders can be very useful when painting exteriors, but they have their limitations. In this video tutorial, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows us how to use boom lifts to paint exteriors. Using a boom lift, you can go places you'd never be able to reach with a ladder.
How To: Buy jigsaws and jigsaw blades
A jigsaw is a powerful piece of equipment, and it can make your home repair projects go a lot faster. But what should you look for when buying a jigsaw? In this tutorial, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com explains what you should look for when you are going to purchase jigsaws and jigsaw blades.
How To: Use ceramic tile nippers to cut tile
In this short video, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows you how to cut ceramic tile using nippers. Nippers are good for cutting tile in an arc or for cutting irregular tile. Using them, you can trim your tile to the precise dimensions you need for your floor.
How To: Use a Craftsman snowblower
If you live in a cold climate, a snowblower can really be a lifesaver during the winter months. But a snowblower is actually a pretty powerful piece of equipment, and using them incorrectly can be very dangerous. In this video tutorial, Tim Carter, of Ask the Builder, shows you how to safely use a Craftsman snowblower.
How To: Sharpen a hatchet
Is your hatchet in need of a quick tuning? Doesn't quite get the job done anymore? It's time to sharpen it. This also applies to sharpening an axe.
How To: Measure your home's square footage
If you’re selling your home, you’ll need to know its square footage. Why pay a professional when you can measure it yourself?
How To: Start a fire in a fireplace
Longing for the coziness of a fire? Follow these tips for a safe and successful experience. You Will Need
How To: Use a torque wrench
With a torque wrench, you can set a bolt to the proper tightness and cut down on wear and tear. You Will Need
How To: Keep clean with a homemade drill dust collector
Drilling is always a messy job. Some just drill and leave the dirt behind to clean up later. Some require someone to stand next to them with a vacuum cleaner, sucking up the dust as they drill. But to eradicate the extra manpower, and to clean up your mess as you drill, try something a little simpler... a mere piece of paper.
How To: Assemble a gardening tool set
Most jobs get easier when you use the right tools, including gardening. This video will show you how to assemble a gardening tool set.
How To: Keep your snow shovel de-iced for easy snow removal
Check out this DIY video tutorial from Curbly, the best place to share pictures of your home, find design ideas, and get expert home-improvement advice.
How To: Use a wet saw to cut tile
This how to video is brought to you by Handy Magazine. The Handyman Club of American provides reviews and how to's on a variety of home & garden project. This video covers what you need to know to use a wet saw to cut tile.
How To: Care for your garden hose
Your garden hose can give you many years of good service if you treat it right. Learn how to properly care for your garden hose with this gardening how to video.
How To: Collect dust and stay clean when drilling
Drilling is always a messy job. Some just drill and leave the mess behind to clean up later. Some require someone to stand next to them with a vacuum cleaner, sucking up the dust as they drill. But to eradicate the extra manpower, and to clean up your mess as you drill, try something a little simpler... a mere piece of paper.
How To: Store your extension cord without tangling
Check out this video tutorial on how to store your extension cord without tangling.
How To: Replace the blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330 mower
Watch to learn how to replace the blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330 mower. You'll remove and replace the 33cm Flymo blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330. If your mower is not cutting properly remember you need a sharp blade for the perfect lawn. We use spacers to adjust the Flymo cutting height. This lawnmower maintenance video includes cleaning and we use a scraper tool to do this.
How To: Make a clamp when you don't have one
Get some simple home repair and improvement advice from the H.O.W. TV team. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make a clamp when you don't have one.
How To: Unstick rusted nuts and bolts
Never be frustrated by a rusted nut and bolt again with this foolproof removal method. Loosen as much rust as possible off the nut with a wire brush. Tap the sides of the nut with a hammer to help the rust separate and fall off. Apply heat to the side of the nut for about a minute. When the bolt is cool enough to touch, spray WD-40 on and around the nut and bolt. Tap the end of the bolt with a hammer to loosen the threads and allow the oil to penetrate. Wait another minute or so for the oil t...
How To: Work with sheet metal
The tools you need for drilling, punching, cutting, bending, joining sheet metal. In the video, we forgot to mention tin snips and a riveter/rivets. Sheet metal tools are specific so that you don't destroy your bits and equipment.
How To: Make an Arc Welder with a Car Battery & Pocket Change
Arc welding is a type of welding that uses a power supply to create an electric arch between an electrode (electric conductor) and a base material to melt the metals at the welding point. While you can certainly purchase a welder for your car shop or jewelry making business, you can actually save some money in that department by making your own.
How To: Cut metal with aviation snips
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips cut small metal like aluminum, but not big pieces like nails. Nails and large pieces of metal should be cut with bolt cutters. Use eye protection during all cutting of metal. This video shows the cutting of pipe straps.
How To: Cut metal rods with bolt cutters
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips are good for cutting small metal, but nail and steel rods require bolt cutters. Use safety glasses and clear the room as pieces could fly. Stand up as bolt cutters require strength and pressure.
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: Put together a tool kit for your home
The most important items in a tool kit, are the protection and safety equipment, like a breathing mask, ear muffs, and eye goggles. Other than that, tools vary on your needs. Some basics are a handsaw, a hacksaw, a level, a hammer, screwdrivers, a measuring tape, a shifting wrench, a chisel, pliers, a combination square, a utility knife, and a clamp. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to select tools for a basic tool kit.
How To: Choose a jigsaw
A jigsaw can be used to cut wood timber, metal, and plastic. The jigsaw is a very versatile tool, and comes in an array of options that may or may not work for you. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to choose a jigsaw.
How To: Choose the right adhesive for a repair job
Depending on the job at hand, you're going to want to choose the right drill glue. There are different adhesives that will work better with metal, wood, glass, ceramic tile, or anything else you might need to bond, and that have different techniques for using. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to pick the right glue for the repair job at hand.
How To: Sharpen a blade
Kitchen knives not cutting right anymore? Check out this how-to video; it'll show a way to sharpen up those knives. You'll see how to use a knife steel, a wetstone, and a sharpening machine. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to sharpen any blade easily and effectively.
How To: Use power saws
Explore the features and benefits of several power saws including the circular saw, the table saw, the jig saw, the mitre saw and the reciprocating saw. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to properly and safely use each type of power saws.
How To: Use pneumatic tools
Learn how to use safe and easy pneumatic tools. Pneumatic tools are great for any do-it-yourself project. Pneumatic tools are smaller, lighter devise with more power. Watch this video tutorial on how to choose and use pneumatic tools.
How To: Get exact measurements with a tape measure
In this how-to video, Ron Hazelton, do-it-yourself expert, shows you how to get exact measurements with a tape measure, even when the tape measure "rolls" to an inside corner. Quick and accurate measurements will make any home improvement go faster, and turn out better. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to get exact measurements with a tape measurement.
How To: Operate and maintain a chainsaw
This two-part chainsaw safety maintenance and operation instuctional video was developed to give chainsaw operators the basic information needed to properly and safely use a chainsaw. Although this program covers a wide variety of subjects, you should always read and fully understand your own chainsaw's operation manual. For more information on using and maintaing chainsaws, take a look.
How To: Use an EMT, or thin-wall, conduit bender
This instructional video will walk you, step by step, through the different parts of a 1/2" EMT, or thin-wall, conduit bender. You'll learn about the arrow, tier drop, star point, and degree scale. For more, or to get started using your own conduit bender, take a look.
How To: Iron a shirt with the Battistella T220P ironing table
Have access to a Battistella T220P ironing table and, however improbably, wondering how to use it? Well, you're in luck: With this video demonstration, you'll learn how to operate the Battistella T220P ironing table in the service of ironing a shirt. For more, or to get started using your own Battistella T220P ironing table, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Iron a jacket with the Battistella ironing table
With this video demonstration, you'll learn how to iron a jacket using the Batisella universal ironing board, the technical specifications of which are as follows: board type 50x130cm with automatic steam generator [6,6kW power and 8lt boiler capacity] for 1 iron, board suction and blowing unit 0,37kW, board steaming, board heating power 0,8kW, ironing board height 92cm, heated 0,15kW and vacuum sleeve ironing buck. Equipped with turning iron support, double pedals [enabling work on both side...
How To: Use the General Pipe Cleaners Easy Rooter Junior
General Pipe Cleaners Easy Rooter Junior is the right machine to clear washtubs, small floor drains, roof vents and other medium-size drains. This video will give you a general overview of the operating instructions and safety procedures for the easy Rooter Junior. Take a look.
How To: Check your water meter
Water leaks weaste too much of our water. The amount of water you use is measured by a water meter. Your water meter is a great way to check if your property is leaking valuable water. For more, or to get started checking for leaks with your own water meter, watch this water-conscious video how-to. Check your water meter.