Handyman Tips

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     This old trick could save you hundreds of dropped screws over your DIY lifetime. Grab a magnet and rub it along the shaft of a screwdriver a dozen times or so. Rub in one direction only, kind of like sharpening a knife. In about 10 seconds, you’ll have a magnetic screwdriver. Repeat as needed. 

     When there’s no room for a hammer, sink the nail with a C-clamp. This trick works for plumbing and electrical straps, junction boxes, and even joist hangers. 

     Even the sharpest bit tends to skate across hard materials like tile, metal or glass, leaving loopy scratches behind. To steady a wandering bit, give it a softer place to start. Thin cardboard (the stuff cereal boxes are made from), taped firmly in place, works perfectly. 

     A nail or screw protruding under your workbench makes a handy bottle opener. Cheers 

    Adhesive tape (like duct tape) works better than solvents for removing sticky labels from pipes.

    Instead of trying to use your fingers slip the nail between teeth of a comb.

    Sticking drawers can be frustrating. Rub a bar of dry soap along the tracks to make them slide smoothly again. 

    Fold a sticky note in half and stick it below where you're drilling or screwing to catch dust and debris.

    Number 1 tip "Northwest Handyman is Professional and Affordable"