Tools and Materials
In your left hand is a nail. In your right hand, a piece of wood. Now what? Here is a primer on the tools and materials you need to make your project a reality.
Buy a Rubber Mallet: Advice and Product Guide
In praise of one of the best tools around: the rubber mallet. While the rubber mallet is not the most essential tool in the world, it’s sure nice to have…and here’s why.
In praise of one of the best tools around: the rubber mallet. While the rubber mallet is not the most essential tool in the world, it’s sure nice to have…and here’s why.
Rockwell Jawhorse
We cast a critical eye on the Rockwell Jawhorse. Is this Jawhorse worth purchasing?
We cast a critical eye on the Rockwell Jawhorse. Is this Jawhorse worth purchasing?
Drywall Screws
Drywall screws are the new duct tape: their usage extends far beyond their original intent. But you may be surprised to hear that you can actually use drywall screws for hanging drywall.
Drywall screws are the new duct tape: their usage extends far beyond their original intent. But you may be surprised to hear that you can actually use drywall screws for hanging drywall.
Let's find out basic drywall screw lengths, threads, and brands that can help you install drywall on your next home remodeling project.
Scotch Tough Duct Tape
Check out our review of Scotch Tough Duct Tape and see if Scotch duct tape is right for you.
Check out our review of Scotch Tough Duct Tape and see if Scotch duct tape is right for you.
Rotary Laser Level
Find out about the rotary laser level and how it can help your DIY home remodeling.
Find out about the rotary laser level and how it can help your DIY home remodeling.
Ryobi 7" Wet Tile Saw Review WS730
We test the Ryobi 7" Wet Tile Saw WS730 for you, letting you know if this Ryobi tile saw is worth the cost.
We test the Ryobi 7" Wet Tile Saw WS730 for you, letting you know if this Ryobi tile saw is worth the cost.
Sears Cordless Drill
Check out our Sears Craftsman Cordless Drill review. In it, we review the 20v Lithium Ion Cordless Drill from Sears.
Check out our Sears Craftsman Cordless Drill review. In it, we review the 20v Lithium Ion Cordless Drill from Sears.
Lally Column
What is a lally column and how can you use lally columns in your home remodeling projects?
What is a lally column and how can you use lally columns in your home remodeling projects?
Can I Burn MDF?
Is it safe to burn MDF? What happens if you burn MDF?
Is it safe to burn MDF? What happens if you burn MDF?
Best Tools
What are the world's best tools? Give us your opinion!
What are the world's best tools? Give us your opinion!
The Best Tools for Remodeling
What are the best tools for your workshop? Learn about the best tools - and specifically, the best power tools - for home remodeling and renovation.
What are the best tools for your workshop? Learn about the best tools - and specifically, the best power tools - for home remodeling and renovation.
Can You Suggest Online Remodeling Calculators?
Need a roof calculator, siding calculator, or tiling calculator? Check out our online remodeling calculator round-up!
Need a roof calculator, siding calculator, or tiling calculator? Check out our online remodeling calculator round-up!
Twist-n-Seal(R) Caulking Gun Accessory
Want to remove the caulk plug that forms at the end of a tube of caulk? How about avoiding it in the first place?
Want to remove the caulk plug that forms at the end of a tube of caulk? How about avoiding it in the first place?
World's Worst Tools
World's Worst Tools
World's Worst Tools
Instant Lock Washers for When You Run Out
How can you make an instant lock washer when you have run out of "real" lock washers? It's easy if you know the trick.
How can you make an instant lock washer when you have run out of "real" lock washers? It's easy if you know the trick.
The World's 5 Worst Tools
Follow us on our countdown of the world's 5 worst tools. Bad tools abound in home renovation, and we cover them here.
Follow us on our countdown of the world's 5 worst tools. Bad tools abound in home renovation, and we cover them here.
Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 5 3/8” Blade Cordless Circular Saw Model 5995 and 5996
Read a review of the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 5 3/8” Blade Cordless Circular Saw Model 5995 and 5996. Find out if the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 5 3/8” Blade Cordless Circular Saw Model 5995 and 5996 is right for your shop.
Read a review of the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 5 3/8” Blade Cordless Circular Saw Model 5995 and 5996. Find out if the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 5 3/8” Blade Cordless Circular Saw Model 5995 and 5996 is right for your shop.
Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Model 9350
Get a review of the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Model 9350 here. Find out if the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Model 9350 is right for your shop!
Get a review of the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Model 9350 here. Find out if the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw Model 9350 is right for your shop!
Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 1/2” Cordless Drill/Driver Model 2895
Get a review of the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 1/2” Cordless Drill/Driver Model 2895. Find out whether the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 1/2” Cordless Drill/Driver Model 2895 is right for your tool shop.
Get a review of the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 1/2” Cordless Drill/Driver Model 2895. Find out whether the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V 1/2” Cordless Drill/Driver Model 2895 is right for your tool shop.
Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit Review
Here's an honest-to-goodness Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit review. Find out everything you wanted to know about the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit.
Here's an honest-to-goodness Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit review. Find out everything you wanted to know about the Skil® Lithium Ion 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit.
Magic Stud Finder: So Easy a 4 Year-Old Can Use It?
We take a view look at a much improved version of the magnetic stud finder - the Magic Stud Finder. More than a mere magnetic stud finder, and more accurate than an electronic stud finder, the Magic Stud Finder does a nice job at finding those elusive studs.
We take a view look at a much improved version of the magnetic stud finder - the Magic Stud Finder. More than a mere magnetic stud finder, and more accurate than an electronic stud finder, the Magic Stud Finder does a nice job at finding those elusive studs.
Cordless Nailer - Are You Ready for It or Not?
Are you ready to step up to a cordless nailer? Cordless nailers are not right for everyone (maybe it's not the right time for you). Choose a cordless nailer based on your needs, not your desires.
Are you ready to step up to a cordless nailer? Cordless nailers are not right for everyone (maybe it's not the right time for you). Choose a cordless nailer based on your needs, not your desires.
Sawzall
Sawzall is both a reciprocating saw made by Milwaukee Tools and a generic term. Sawzall is often applied to all reciprocating saws.
Sawzall is both a reciprocating saw made by Milwaukee Tools and a generic term. Sawzall is often applied to all reciprocating saws.
Makita 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver Kit: "Robo-Drill Delivers!
Read our review of the Makita 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver kit. Is this Makita cordless drill worth purchasing?
Read our review of the Makita 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver kit. Is this Makita cordless drill worth purchasing?
Make Your Own Wood Putty
Making your own wood putty is not so much a money saver but a way to (nearly) perfectly match your existing wood. Find out how.
Making your own wood putty is not so much a money saver but a way to (nearly) perfectly match your existing wood. Find out how.
12V Cordless Drill Kit
Can you find a decently priced cordless drill? The Hitachi cordless drill kit (12 Volt Ni-Cad 3/8" Cordless Drill Kit) delivers. Read our review of the Hitachi cordless drill kit.
Can you find a decently priced cordless drill? The Hitachi cordless drill kit (12 Volt Ni-Cad 3/8" Cordless Drill Kit) delivers. Read our review of the Hitachi cordless drill kit.
In Praise of the Rubber Mallet and Why You Want One
In praise of one of the best tools around: the rubber mallet. While the rubber mallet is not the most essential tool in the world, it’s sure nice to have…and here’s why.
In praise of one of the best tools around: the rubber mallet. While the rubber mallet is not the most essential tool in the world, it’s sure nice to have…and here’s why.
Cordless Power Tools to Buy for Yourself or For a Gift
Want a product "tour" of all the best cordless power drills, reciprocating saws, grinders, nailers, circular saws, and vacuums out there?
Want a product "tour" of all the best cordless power drills, reciprocating saws, grinders, nailers, circular saws, and vacuums out there?
Nail Set, Nailset
What is a nail set and how is a nailset used in finish carpentry?
What is a nail set and how is a nailset used in finish carpentry?
Paint Sprayer: Right for Your Job?
Find out if a paint sprayer is right for your job. Paint sprayers can cover side areas in a short amount of time, but there are problems involved, too.
Find out if a paint sprayer is right for your job. Paint sprayers can cover side areas in a short amount of time, but there are problems involved, too.
How to Use a Chalk Snap Line
Using a chalk snap line is one of the best ways to "draw" a line between two points, without using a ruler.
Using a chalk snap line is one of the best ways to "draw" a line between two points, without using a ruler.
Stanley Tools Clamp Miter Box and Saw
We take a close look at one of the cheaper miter boxes on the market, the familiar yellow Stanley miter box and saw combination.
We take a close look at one of the cheaper miter boxes on the market, the familiar yellow Stanley miter box and saw combination.
Tack Cloth - Miracle Tool
Tack cloth is one of those amazing, cheap things you can buy that makes your painting project turn out so much better. Learn about tack cloth and how to use it.
Tack cloth is one of those amazing, cheap things you can buy that makes your painting project turn out so much better. Learn about tack cloth and how to use it.
"What is a Wet Saw? Should I Buy a Wet Tile Saw?"
Describes the function of a wet tile saw, and informs the DIY home renovator about options for buying or renting a wet saw.
Describes the function of a wet tile saw, and informs the DIY home renovator about options for buying or renting a wet saw.
Black & Decker 150pc Accessory Set Project Kit Review
A cornucopia of drill bits, spades, sockets, and other goodies in the Black & Decker 150pc Accessory Set Project Kit. Do you get what you pay for?
A cornucopia of drill bits, spades, sockets, and other goodies in the Black & Decker 150pc Accessory Set Project Kit. Do you get what you pay for?
Review: Black & Decker 17-Piece Drill Bit Set
The Black & Decker 17-Piece Drill Bit Set is the most common and possibly cheapest way to buy a semi-complete set of drill bits for general use. Let's see whether it is worth the purchase.
The Black & Decker 17-Piece Drill Bit Set is the most common and possibly cheapest way to buy a semi-complete set of drill bits for general use. Let's see whether it is worth the purchase.
Supercharge Your Learning Process with Interior Painting Videos
What better way to learn interior painting than these crisp, succinct videos from About Home Renovations? Supercharge your learning in these instructive installments!
What better way to learn interior painting than these crisp, succinct videos from About Home Renovations? Supercharge your learning in these instructive installments!
Black & Decker 14.4 V Cordless Electric Drill Review
Find out if it's worth laying down your hard-earned cash for the Black & Decker 14.4 V Cordless Drill.
Find out if it's worth laying down your hard-earned cash for the Black & Decker 14.4 V Cordless Drill.
Electric Sander Buying Guide
Belt sander or orbital sander? Orbital sander or disk sander? What's the difference? Learn here.
Belt sander or orbital sander? Orbital sander or disk sander? What's the difference? Learn here.
Black & Decker Mouse
Let's take a look at the venerable Black & Decker Mouse Sander/Polisher and see if it can help you with your home remodeling projects.
Let's take a look at the venerable Black & Decker Mouse Sander/Polisher and see if it can help you with your home remodeling projects.
Sandpaper Grit Basics
Choosing the wrong grit - or "grade" - of sandpaper can either result in destruction of your project, or at the very least, extreme frustration. Everything hinges on choosing the correct grit of sandpaper.
Choosing the wrong grit - or "grade" - of sandpaper can either result in destruction of your project, or at the very least, extreme frustration. Everything hinges on choosing the correct grit of sandpaper.
How to Strip Wood with Scrapers, Torches, Heat Irons, and Heat Guns
Propane torches, heat irons, and heat guns are effective treatments in preparation for hand-scraping woodwork.
Propane torches, heat irons, and heat guns are effective treatments in preparation for hand-scraping woodwork.
Wonderboard - Basics and Review
Wonderboard is the brand name for a cement backer board for wet applications, mostly under tile? What is Wonderboard, and is it any good?
Wonderboard is the brand name for a cement backer board for wet applications, mostly under tile? What is Wonderboard, and is it any good?
How to Use Anchor Screws
Anchor screws should be used for hanging heavy objects on a wall, such as a large picture or a mirror. These allow you to hang items virtually anywhere, without having to sink the screw into a stud.
Anchor screws should be used for hanging heavy objects on a wall, such as a large picture or a mirror. These allow you to hang items virtually anywhere, without having to sink the screw into a stud.
Why Use a Manual Miter Box and Saw?
Why do you need a miter box and saw? And why, in the age of cheap power miter saws, would you need a manual miter box and saw?
Why do you need a miter box and saw? And why, in the age of cheap power miter saws, would you need a manual miter box and saw?
Reciprocating Saw
A nice--but not essential thing--for a DIY home renovator to have on his or her tool bench is a reciprocating saw. Find out what a reciprocating saw is good for--and why it's not absolutely essential, too.
A nice--but not essential thing--for a DIY home renovator to have on his or her tool bench is a reciprocating saw. Find out what a reciprocating saw is good for--and why it's not absolutely essential, too.
Framing Hammer Basics
Framing hammers are not typically found in the DIY toolbox, but it may be worth the investment if you are serious about home renovation.
Framing hammers are not typically found in the DIY toolbox, but it may be worth the investment if you are serious about home renovation.
Makita JR3070CT Reciprocating Saw Product Review
Want power when cutting through pipes and heavy timbers? Consider the Makita JR3070CT Reciprocating Saw. See full product review.
Want power when cutting through pipes and heavy timbers? Consider the Makita JR3070CT Reciprocating Saw. See full product review.
Little Giant Ladder - Product Review
Does the Little Giant Ladder--a staple of late-night infomercials--really work? Check out our Little Giant Ladder review.
Does the Little Giant Ladder--a staple of late-night infomercials--really work? Check out our Little Giant Ladder review.
What's Microlam or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)?
What's a microlam and how does it fit into your home renovation plans?
What's a microlam and how does it fit into your home renovation plans?
How to Rip Wood on a Table Saw
Ripping wood on a table saw is one of the very reasons you bought a table saw in the first place. But how do you rip wood on a table saw and do it safely, too?
Ripping wood on a table saw is one of the very reasons you bought a table saw in the first place. But how do you rip wood on a table saw and do it safely, too?
ZipWall Dust Barrier Product Review
I set up the ZipWall barrier system to see how well it prevents construction dust from infiltrating the rest of the house.
I set up the ZipWall barrier system to see how well it prevents construction dust from infiltrating the rest of the house.
Puzzle Floor Product Review
Review of an unusual new flooring product--Puzzle Floor.
Review of an unusual new flooring product--Puzzle Floor.
Magnetic Stud Finder
One of the cheapest ways to find a stud.
One of the cheapest ways to find a stud.
Blue Masking Tape
Blue tape--a special kind of masking tape that will save you much time and effort when painting interior surfaces.
Blue tape--a special kind of masking tape that will save you much time and effort when painting interior surfaces.
Tool Profile: Caulking Gun
An overview of a critical tool: the caulking gun.
An overview of a critical tool: the caulking gun.
Parts Profile: Plumber's Putty
Critical to many plumbing jobs, including garbage disposal installation.
Critical to many plumbing jobs, including garbage disposal installation.
Parts Profile: Parts to Connect Garbage Disposal to Sink
Check out the parts you'll be using when installing a garbage disposal.
Check out the parts you'll be using when installing a garbage disposal.
Tool Profile: Voltage Tester
A handy, inexpensive little device that may save your life.
A handy, inexpensive little device that may save your life.
Tool Profile: Cordless Drill
Next to the hammer and saw, one of the most indispensable tools you can own.
Next to the hammer and saw, one of the most indispensable tools you can own.