Home improvement and home repair tips: On The House with the Carey Bros.
Home
What's New
Tip of the Day
Weekly Project
Monthly E-Newsletter
Q & A
Features
Radio Show
About the Bros.
About Rebecca Cole
Contests & Promotions
Our Partners
Mailing Lists
Contact Us
Employment Opportunities
Affiliate Toolbox
Buy our Books!


 
Search for the answers to your home repair and home improvement questions.
 Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tip of the Day Categories » Tools

Tip of the Day



Make Do / Get-Me-By Tools

Don't have the tool you need for a quick little fix-it job? Today you'll learn to improvise some of the basics using stand-in stuff and inside-info "pro" tricks. Need to measure something but don't have a ruler? Pick your pocket (literally!) A quarter is just less than one inch and a dollar bill is just slightly more than six inches. Need a small brush for chipped or scratched paint? A cotton-tipped swab will do in a pinch, as will a paper towel or a rag over the tip of a pencil. For a medium-size clamp to hold things together, wrap string loosely around the pieces, insert a pencil, and twist until it's tight, then hold the pencil in place with tape. For quick sandpaper, use an emery board. Finally, if the open end of the wrench you have is just a little too big for the bolt you're tightening (or loosening), slip a coin or two into the gap and it just may do the trick. Be a "make-do" survivor!

See more tips in the Tools category!

Sign up for the Tip of the Day mailing list and receive a new Tip of the Day every day! Our mailing lists are the easiest way to read our latest tips... and best of all, they're On The House!


Random Tip of the Day!
Garage Attic Ladders
When (and why) some garage attic ladders are okay...and others aren't safe.


View Printer-Friendly Version View Printer-Friendly Version
Send this Article to a Friend Send this Article to a Friend
Listen to the Audio Clip! Listen to the Audio Clip!


About the Bros. | Advertise | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
On The House Media © 1996-2010 All Rights Reserved.
Website Maintenance provided by FreeForm Technologies.