If you have a rollaway storage cabinet, you know it makes a great tool center. To make it work even harder, check out the wide variety of accessories now available to customize it to your needs. Mesh drawer liners will keep tools from sliding around and protect drawer surfaces. Foam drawer organizers will let you store your tools nestled in foam. Slotted foam divider systems will separate and hold your tools in place.
When drilling a hole, such as for hardware in a cabinet, use a back-up board of a wood that is different in color from the wood you are drilling through. By doing this you will know immediately when the drill is all the way through the cabinet wood because the wood chips coming out will turn a different color.
Here are some things to think about when you’re hanging your kitchen cabinets. Start by hanging the upper cabinets first so the lower cabinets won’t be in the way. Snap a level chalk line- along the wall to align the base cabinets. Then, establish a plumb line to make sure the top and bottom cabinets line up. Use shim shingles to help you level the base cabinets. Then, use drywall screws to secure your cabinets to the wall studs.
To take measurements inside an area like a cabinet drawer, use your measuring tape from inside edge to inside edge. Take the reading and then add on the length of the tape housing which is often stamped on the case. Another way is to use your tape along with a combination square. Position the square upside down in one corner and pull the case past the square’s blade. Select a number on the blade, and add the length of the tape.
Masking tape can serve as temporary pulls on new cabinet doors so you can open them without digging fingernails into a fresh finish. Make a tab and stick the other end over the door top onto the back. Tape can also be used as an edge protector for tool edges, or as a quick clamp for edge splinters that need to be glued down. It’s also handy for marking locations for furniture hardware.
Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops under cabinets.
Laminate countertops can be repaired and resurfaced at a fraction of the cost of replacement. The cracks and burns are repaired with a special plastic filler, then sanded smooth to fill in any rough or damaged areas. The counter is then sprayed with a special topcoat, which gives the appearance and durability of a new laminate countertop. The process usually takes four to five hours, and your kitchen will be ready to use the next day.
When laminating, use 1″ vinyl blind slats between your surfaces to align the edges.
