Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Using Tools
Jigsaws 8
Get the right jigsaw for you 9
Make relief cuts for sharp turns 10
Drill access holes 11
Make a metal sandwich 11
Cut with the "good" side down 12
Cut anything 13
Protect the work surface 13
Circular saws 14
Get the right saw for you 15
Easy depth adjustment 15
Accurate marks 16
Light up the cut 17
Shoulder the cord 18
Watch the blade, not the guides 18
Score a clean cut 19
Rotary tools 20
Cut stubborn parts 21
Vacuum-powered rotary tool 21
Fix a door that doesn't latch 22
Cut holes in tile 23
Dishwasher rack repair 24
Dust-sucking rotary tool 25
Cut stainless steel with a grinding disc 25
Oscillating tools 26
From hospitals to job sites 27
How it works 28
Cut stubborn parts 28
Get into tight spots 29
Remove old caulk 30
The best way to remove grout 31
Special oscillating tool blades 32
Faster flooring prep 33
Brad nailers 34
The nails 35
The basics 36
Tool weight matters 37
Use a brad nailer for perfect mitered corners 38
Chapter 2 DIY Products and Materials
Plywood 42
Core options 44
Plywood grades 45
How veneer is cut 46
Plywood handling tips 47
Melamine 48
8 tips to make your next melamine project a success 49
Caulk (interior and exterior) 54
Choose the right caulk 55
Interior painting 56
Kitchen and bath 56
Concrete and masonry 57
Roofing 57
Gutters 57
Concrete 58
Concrete recipe 59
Water makes concrete "work" 59
Too much water makes it weak 59
Don't overwork it 60
Keep it wet longer to make it stronger 60
Simple safety 60
Allow for cracks 61
Speedy concrete 61
How to mix bagged concrete 62
How to estimate a concrete order 65
Lubricants 66
Lubrication shop chart 67
Lubrication tips 68
Chapter 3 Clean and Restore
Pressure wash your whole house 72
Selecting the best nozzle 75
Water-stained brick 77
Restoring dingy stucco 78
Bathroom exhaust fan 79
Car exterior detailing 80
Car interior detailing 84
Central air conditioner 88
Clean the outdoor unit 89
Clean the indoor unit 91
Restore wood floors 92
Chapter 4 How to Paint
How to paint a ceiling 102
Paint a panel door 108
Prep and paint trim like a pro 114
Painting windows 122
How to use spray paint 126
8 tips for a neater paint job 132
Chapter 5 Store and Organize
Tips for a tidy garage 138
Dustpan caddy 139
Storage tubes 139
Double-duty shelf brackets 140
Garage ceiling track storage 141
Easy lawn chair storage 142
Save your lawn products 142
Up-and-away storage 143
Ski and pole organizer 143
Upside-down shelves! 144
Under-joist shelf 144
Movable bike rack 145
Stay-put balls 145
Simple storage rack 146
Fishing rod holder 146
Inexpensive storage cylinders 147
Hang-it-all hooks 147
Tidy up your kitchen 148
Wine glass molding 149
Cutting board rack 150
Adjustable spice shelf 152
Cabinet door message board 154
Cookware organizer 156
Measuring cup hang-up 156
Plastic bag dispenser 157
Racks for canned goods 157
Spice drawer 158
Spice mini-shelf 159
Quick bathroom helpers 160
PVC curling iron holsters 161
Toilet paper shelf 161
Under-sink organizer 162
His-and-hers shower shelves 162
Magnetic toothbrush holder 163
Tips for tidy closets 164
Closet glove rack 165
S-hook hang-up 165
Two-story closet shelves 166
Temporary valet rod 166
Accessory clip-up 167
Belts & other hang-ups 167
Closet nook shelves 167
How to install shelves 168
Chapter 6 Projects Any DIYer Can Do
Get rid of mice 176
Prune for healthier bushes 180
Replace a toilet seat 186
Remove ceiling texture 188
Move furniture 194
Chapter 7 DIY Skills You Can Master
Multipurpose shelves 202
Super-simple workbench 204
Easy outdoor bench 210
Behind-the-door shelves 212
Knock-apart table 214
Light-duty table 216
Chapter 8 DIY Projects Beginners Can Master
A smooth, fast polyurethane finish 220
Zero cleanup 225
Refinish furniture without stripping 226
Iron-on edge banding 232
Leveling 236
Poor man's laser level 237
Smartphone level 237
Extend your level 238
Fix crooked switches and outlets 238
Get your first row of tile perfectly level 238
Check old levels before you use them 239
Fishing wire 240
Staining wood 246
Bonus: Advice from the editors 246
Forget strings and stakes 250
Easy framing formula 251
Harness the power of a toenail 251
11 best quick tips 252
Throw together a miter saw bench 253
Memory (or lack thereof) trick 253
Mark, don't measure 254
Take a nip now and then 254
Best all-purpose hammer 255
Nail safety 255
Best way to perfect miters 255
Buy a trim gun 255
