Keeping toothpicks in your carpentry kit is a small trick that can be surprisingly useful when a screw strips out in wood. Once a screw hole becomes too loose, the screw may spin without tightening or fail to hold the material securely in place. Instead of abandoning the hole or moving the screw to a […]
Tips
Keep it Rolling On! – Tip from Express Handyman
This one comes from one of our designers Donna Alley. She loves smaller paint rollers that have a curved edge for several reasons…1-you can paint corners with ease. 2-they don’t use waste as much paint as a thick roller head. 3-they are a lot lighter. Try the Purdy White Dove Jumbo Mini Roller.
Stop the bleeding!- Tip from Express Handyman!
Ever used painters’ tape and your paint has bleed under the tape? After you apply the tape use the original color (in this example white) to paint the edge where the design (blue paint) is going to be painted. Then paint the new color as normal. The white will seep under the tape and help […]
Dusty Lampshades?- Tip from Express Handyman!
Keep lampshades looking fresh with a quick lint roller clean. For pleated shades, use a soft-bristle paint brush to gently remove dust and debris.
Old Cedar, New Again!- Tip from Express Handyman!
Putting away your summer gear? To revive an old cedar chest or cedar closet, rub the inside with a fine-grit sandpaper to bring back the fragrance and help repel moths. For pro tips on improving your woodworking sanding technique, read this Family Handyman article.
Blinded by Dust?- Tip from Express Handyman!
Wrap microfiber cloths around a pair of kitchen tongs with rubber bands to clean your blinds faster and reach both sides at once, cutting down dust and cleanup time with one simple trick.
Dusty Fan, Use a Pillowcase?- Tip from Express Handyman!
Clean the blades of your ceiling fan by using an old pillowcase. Simply open the pillowcase and insert the fan blade. The wipe the top (all the dust will collect within the pillowcase). Then apply furniture polish to the top and lightly buff to help repel dust.
Loose the Scale!- Tip from Express Handyman!
Do you have hardwater scale buildup around your faucets and shower head? Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and securely tie around the faucet, let it soak for at least an hour. The vinegar will soften the scale and make it easier to remove.
Reduce Dust on Trim!- Tip from Express Handyman
Use dryer sheets to dust baseboards and other trim. The sheet attracts dust and coats with an anti-static formula which will help repel dust and pet hair.
Stripping paint- Tip from Express Handyman!
This is a sure-fire way to get paint off metal. In a pot (don’t use one that you want to cook in again) bring water to a boil and add about a quarter cup of baking soda (do not stir in) drop your piece in and let sit for 15 mins. Once the piece cools […]