Tool Tips
When it comes to Tool, we've been there, done that, now serving 159 tips in 14 categories ranging from Air Tools to Workshop Accessories.
Drywall Doesn't Have To Mean "Dull Wall"
Aubuchon Hardware Tip: Once you get used to using drywall tools, you'll see just how messy a job it can be, and texturing the drywall is probably the messiest of all. Drywall texturing by hand can save some money on drywall tools such as a sprayer and compressor, but if you need to rent or purchase a sprayer to get the job done faster, it's important to get a nice armload of tape as well. You'll need it to properly mask any surface in the room you don't want to be covered in drywall texturing material. Sprayers work fast, but they are messy and an unmasked surface will definitely get covered by some amount of drywall texture material. This includes your drywall tool kit and tools. Mask before you spray!
Socket Set Getting Too Large?
Aubuchon Hardware Tip: A big benefit of using a socket set tray: when you unhook a socket wrench and take it out of the tray, it is very easy to tell that the tool hasn't been put back, thanks to the "hole" in your set. If you've ever wondered if you mislaid a socket wrench, this feature will come in handy. If you don't see any blank spaces your socket set, you can rest easy. Otherwise, you can go back to the work area and take another look around for your missing tool.
Metric Or Standard Wrenches?
Aubuchon Hardware Tip: The most common need for a good set of beginner metric wrenches is for budding car repair enthusiasts. If you own a foreign car, especially Japanese models, you will be forced to use metric wrenches to get your repairs and modifications done properly. You may be able to get by without a metric wrench set on simple household chores by using pliers, but on a vehicle designed to drive down the road at more than fifty miles per hour, you want the tools designed to do the job safely and correctly.
Cutting Pliers are an Important Hand Tool
Aubuchon Hardware Tip: Lineman's pliers have insulated handles because this hand tool is meant to be used for electrical work. You should know that the insulation is not designed to completely protect you from electrical shock, and unless the tool is specifically made from non-conductive material, the hand tool should not be considered safe with live current.. Take the same precautions with lineman's pliers as you would with any tool. Don't let the presence of a little rubber on those handles fool you into thinking you are safer around voltage or live wires. Live current has a nasty habit of arcing or bridging the gap wherever it can.
What Should Go In My First Set Of Pliers?
Aubuchon Hardware Tip: When using lockjaw and channel lock pliers, it can be quite easy to strip the sides off a bolt or similar fasteners. You don't need a death-grip to turn a bolt in most cases. Using a lighter touch insures the bolt or other fastener is able to be re-used when it comes to to reassemble the item you took apart with the pliers. If you have stripped a bolt with the pliers, don't try to replace it when the job is done. Discard it and replace with a serviceable bolt instead.
The Hand Saw
Aubuchon Hardware Tip: An older hand saw will begin "pulling" to the left or to the right during the cut, telling you the saw needs to be properly set and evenly filed. If you have two options if you aren't willing to try this yourself; purchase a new hand saw as it will already be pre-set and filed, or you can hire someone to set and file your saw. Most people will go straight to the hardware store for a new model, but if you know someone who can do the work, you may wish to hang on to those old saws, especially if they have some kind of sentimental value.
