Choosing the right nail for your job isn’t always as simple as it may seem. And going to the local hardware store sometimes makes the job even more difficult with the large choice of nails available. I found this simple guide for choosing the best nail for the job at the Readers Digest site. Hopefully […]
iPhone App for the DIY Handyman
Just found this handy iPhone application for all the DIY handymen out there. The “iHandy Carpenter” turns your iPhone into a Plumb Bob and a Level in one go. Here is the info from the website: – THE PLUMB BOB, SURFACE LEVEL AND BUBBLE LEVEL BARCalibrate it first before any serious usage! – USE THE […]
Chalk Line – Must Have Tool
Here’s an article on one of those handyman techniques that I take for granted. It is as simple as stretching out a piece of string covered in chalk, and then giving the string a flick. Now you have a straight line marked out in chalk. The first time people see it they are not sure […]
How to use a Screw Extractor
Following on from my previous post about removing a screw with a broken or stripped head, here is a video I found showing you the actual process, including a good point I didn’t mention. You should use a centre punch to mark the centre of the broken screw before drilling. This will help to keep […]
How to Remove a Screw with a Broken or Stripped Head
The picture above shows the problem. After servicing my lawn mower, including changing the cutting blades, I was putting it all back together when I tightened one of the bolts too much (under the cutting deck) and I snapped the head off. The break is well below the surface and there is no way of […]
Bench Vice – Must Have Tool
The bench vice has got to be one of those essential tools for your workshop. This type of vice is a lot more versatile than the metal vice. For holding anything while you are cutting , sanding, planing this is definately the way to go. The picture above is of the old bench vice that […]
Timber & Working with Wood Show
Going to the “Timber & Working With Wood” show with my dad has become a bit of a yearly ritual. There is always lots to see and my personal favourite has to be that big country bloke who has the cross cut sawing race and demonstrates using the old woodworking tools. Here are the dates: […]
Online Tool Stores
Here are links to 2 stores that I have found where you can purchase your tools online. It does take out the enjoyment of browsing all the sections of your local Bunnings or Home Hardware, but it is handy: Just Tools Just Tools is Australia’s premiere supplier of power tools, hand tools, air tools, nail guns, […]
Replacing a Hacksaw Blade – in which direction?
Something I noticed today in the toolbox of a friend I was helping out with some home renovating. After picking up his hacksaw to make a cut I noticed the blade was on the wrong way. This is a simple mistake but my friend should have known better. Hacksaw Blade Direction When replacing the blade […]
Oz DIY Handy Women – DIY Woman website
Here is a site for the Oz DIY Handy woman around your home. The site specializes in tools designed for women: diywoman® is an innovative range of hardware & garden tools and accessories especially for women. Created for today’s woman who wants to Do-It-Herself, the range is shaped, sized and weighted to fit a woman’s […]