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Screwdrivers
How Screwdrivers Should Work
 A screwdriver should fit the slot
its going to be used for, in width, length and shape. If the tip is
too wide it will markup the surrounding wood and if it's too narrow,
you will have inadequate leverage and could damage the screw head.
Screwdriver No-No's
Never use as a chisel or punchtype tool, this often destroys the
driver's tip.
Never use as a prying tool, (e.g. prying off a paint can lid).
Never use to increase another tools turning power.
Screwdriver Tips
Never start a screw by tapping with a hammer, you risk splitting
the wood.
Keep your fingers above the screwdriver when it is being turned,
especially when force is being applied. You donit want a hand injury
if your driving hand happens to slip!If joining 2 pieces of wood,
the screw length should be about 3 times the thickness of the top
piece of wood. (E.g., A screw should be 2in. long when joining a
piece of 3/4/in. wood).
The shank hole in the top piece should fit your screw freely.
The pilot home in the piece being joined should be slightly smaller
in diameter than the threaded part of the screw. This way the joint
will close tightly as the screw is being turned all the way.
To easily turn screws into hardwoods, first scrape a little wax
or soap on the screw threads.
Squares
Check Square For Accuracy
To check a
combinations square for accuracy, position it on a board and make a
mark. Then flip the square over and check to see that the blade
matches the first mark.
Painting Tools
Clogged Spraycan Nozzles
Aerosol spray paint cans instruct you to turn the can upside down
after using and spray until the stream of paint is clear, thereby
preventing the nozzle from clogging. However, sometimes this doesn't
stop all the clogging. You can try using the tip of a safety pin to
unclog, or soak the nozzle in some paint thinner for a couple
minutes.
If the tip fits on a can of WD-40, putting the tip
on the WD-40 can and giving it a squirt will clean a spray nozzle
fast.
Sharp Hand Tools
Overlooked Garden
Tool
The machete is one of the most overlooked garden
tools around! It can be very useful in outside work. It hacks
through overgrown grass, then you can use the mower more
effectively.
Axes
Whether old or new,
remember to sharpen the blade on your ax before using it. File on
both surfaces, rounding them to a convex profile. Use a fine grade
of steel wool to apply rust inhibitor. When done with ax, store
blade in a leather sheath.
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