When you want to measure something at home or in the hardware store and you don’t have a tape measure handy, try using a dollar bill. It’s 6 1/8 inches long and almost exactly 1 1/2 inches when folded in quarters.
Don’t rely on eyeball measurements alone as sight lines can often be deceiving. Take a few seconds and use a measuring tape or level to be sure.
Keep a tiny pencil sharpener in your nail pouch to keep a nice sharp point.
A piece of pipe insulation wrapped around a screwdriver handle will give you a better grip when you need more torque, or when the handle is just plain slippery.
A sharp pencil is essential for making accurate cuts. To keep the pencil point sharp, rub it back and forth a few times against a sanding sheet. This will give the pencil point a chisel shape which is excellent for marking.
If you have a ladder you carry around from project to project, it often takes a couple of tries to find the right spot to grab it so it balances in a horizontal position. To solve this trial-and-error handling, do this: Grab one side and adjust your hand until the ladder balances. Then put a dab of bright paint or tape on that spot. Then you will always know exactly where to grab the ladder to move it.
When using a screwdriver, the most common mistake people make is to use the wrong size driver. You should always try to match the size of the screwdriver blade to the size of the screw as closely as possible. Mismatches will frequently result in the screw stripping, excessive wear on the screwdriver blade and a more difficult and time consuming job for you. Fortunately, finding the correct match is easy because screwdrivers are available in a complete variety of sizes and types.
When filing in a lathe, don’t hold the file rigid, but use a slight gliding motion. This will help the file clear itself and also prevent ridges. When filing metal, vary the speed according to metal. Generally use 150 surface feet per minute for cast iron; 175 for annealed tool steel; 350 for machinery steel, and 500 for soft yellow brass. Also, don’t run your hand over the work. Resulting oil and moisture will make it harder for the file to take hold.
To keep your retracting tape measure working smoothly wipe the metal blade with a small dab of car wax, then wipe with a clean cloth. This will help protect the blade’s finish and keep it retracting smoothly.
Be sure to frequently check the air filters on your tools. Clogged filters can choke an engine and many filters can be cleaned and reused.
