Archives
Covering Up Wall Cracks
A disappearing act for hairline cracks over doors and windows
Opening Jammed Windows
Windows painted shut? Patience pays off in getting them moving again.
How to Fix a Loose Newel Post
The key to a steadier handrail is at the bottom of the stairs. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post.
Unclogging Spray Paint Nozzles
Keep your spray paint flowing with this revival technique
Fixing Falling Drawers
Create your own stops for older cabinet drawers
Mending Miter Joints
Coax your baseboard's outside corners back into place with this simple trick
Painting Edges with a Drywall Taping Knife
Get a tidy edge by using a tool you probably already own
Support for Sagging Drawers
Bottom falling out of your drawers? Prop it up with this fix.
Choosing and Using a Circular Saw
What style is right for you, what features to look for, and how to use it safely
Recycling Paint Thinner
Don't throw out your paint thinner after a single use
Pro Window Painting Secret
How the pros manage to paint windows without making a mess of the glass
Removing Trim
Removing baseboards, chair rails, or window or door casing requires little more than a hammer and pry bar
Making Holes in Ceramic Tile
Use a small drill bit to help you create a large opening
Making the Cut
Choosing and using handsaws
Keeping Sanding Belts Clean
A thrifty way to extend an abrasive life
Protecting Saw Blades
Make your own blade cover, and keep your handsaw sharp
Aligning Level Shelves
Make sure wall-mounted shelves are perfectly level
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
Realigning Dead Bolts & Strike Plates
Get a misaligned lock headed in the right direction again
Door Latch Repair
If you have to slam a door to get it to stay closed, you probably have a very fixable problem with its strike plate.
How to Fix Loose Door Hinges
If a door sags because the hinge holes are stripped, you can use dowels to save the day.
Paint Spatter Protection
Don't tap a lid back onto a paint can without taking this precaution
Scribing Circles
A more accurate way to mark a circle on a sheet of plywood.
Patching Chipped Corners
How to fix the chipped corners on foundations, steps, and patios
The Right Way to Toenail
How to keep studs in position when you're driving nails on an angle