Archives

A drawing of paint thinner being poured into a bottle to be disposed of.

Recycling Paint Thinner: Everything You Need to Know

Throwing out paint thinner after a single use is a waste of money and harmful to the environment. Here's how to recycle it effectively.
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Pro Window Painting Secret

How the pros manage to paint windows without making a mess of the glass
an illustration of removing trim from a doorframe

How To Remove Trim

Learn to safely remove trim without damage. Our guide covers tools and tips to preserve molding for reuse or prepare for new installations.
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Making Holes in Ceramic Tile

Use a small drill bit to help you create a large opening
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Making the Cut

Choosing and using handsaws
an illustration of a sanding belt

Tips for Keeping Sanding Belts Clean

Extend the life of your belt sander by cleaning it and maintaining it with the DIY techniques listed in our belt sanding guide.
Illustration of a saw blade sheath being put on a handsaw.

Protecting Saw Blades

Keep your saw blades sharp and rust-free. Learn proper storage, cleaning, and maintenance techniques to extend the life of your cutting tools.
A drawing showing a shelf being aligned against a wall.

What You Need to Know to Install and Level Shelves

Learn the basics for aligning level shelves to create a balanced and organized look in any room. You'll just need a few basic tools.
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Splicing Molding

A single length of molding spanning a wall is best, but when you have to use a second piece, use this technique to hide the gap
A diagram showing the process of repairing a deadbolt.

A Step by Step Guide to Realigning Dead Bolts & Strike Plates

Realign and replace your dead bolts and strike plates with our how-guide. Choose from a variety of methods that best fit your needs
An illustration showing how door latch repair is done.

How To Fix a Door Latch and Keep Your Doors Secure

If you have to slam a door to get it to stay closed, you probably have a very fixable problem with its latch. Our guide will help you fix it.
A loose door hinge on a white wooden door.

How to Fix Loose Door Hinges

If a door sags because the hinge holes are stripped, you can use dowels to save the day.
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Scribing Circles

In this guide, we show you how to scribe circles with precision using common methods, household tools, and some expert tips.
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Patching Chipped Corners

How to fix the chipped corners on foundations, steps, and patios
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The Right Way to Toenail For Any Contstruction Situation

A complete guide to one of the most common woodworking techniques.
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Easy End-Grain Planing

A no-splinter solution
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Disposing of Chemical Stripper Sludge

How to contain the toxic goo of a paint-stripping job
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Protecting GroutProtecting Grout After an Installation

An annual sealing goes a long way toward preventing stains and discoloration.
Drawing of a man using a mallet to install tongue-and-groove plywood.

Joining Tongue-and-Groove Plywood

Tongue-and-groove plywood is often preferred for subfloors and roofing. Learn how to install it properly with this guide.
an illustration of what a closet rod looks like

How To Reinforce a Closet Rod

Struggling with a sagging closet rod? Our guide shares simple steps to reinforce rods and create a sturdy, reliable storage system.
a patio with refurbished outdoor furniture

How To Restore Outdoor Furniture

If your outdoor furniture is damaged, rusted, or torn, you may not need to replace it. Save money by reviving your furniture with these DIY tips.
flowering plants carefully placed by a blue door to a home.

Finding the Right Place for Plants in Your Garden

Follow our guide for plant placement and ensure your garden is perfectly planned. We walk through plant selection, placement, and transplanting.
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How to Put in Landscape Lighting

Read this step-by-step guide to learn how to illuminate a walkway by installing landscape lighting.
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May Is for Mulching: A Guide to Spring Garden Care

In this guide, we break down how to properly mulch your garden, and tell you why May is the best time of the year to do it.
Someone fixing springy floors

How To Fix a Bouncy Floor

Does your home have a bouncy floor? It could be an underlying structural problem. Follow these steps to find and fix the damage.