Tool of the week - Tape Measure

The tape measure is the must have tool that you will probably end up using the most out of any tool in your weekend warrior kit.  It is also a tricky tool to get familiar with because you are using fractions to calculate your measurements.  A good tip if you are not familiar with calculating measurements is buying a tape that has them printed on it.


 Understanding measurements is very important though and if you are using it allot I suggest studying up on it and getting really comfortable with it because the better you are with a tape measure the more accurate your cuts and finished product will be.   You should have a tape measure that is 25 foot long, this will cover almost any project you will encounter.  They range in price from under $10 up to $30 plus depending on how fancy you wanna go.  My Favorite brand is Stanly, they make an affordable model for occasional use on the weekends to the "Fat Max" brand that is for the professional craftsman.  What ever you end up going with make sure you are comfortable with using it and remember the old carpenter saying "Measure twice, cut once"

Tips for choosing nails

Choosing the right nail for your project can seem like a daunting task with so many options out there but its really simple when you break down the kinds of nails and the conditions that they will be used in.   Check out this video I shot with Home Made Simple for a tutorial on the different kinds of nails and which one is right for your next weekend warrior project.  If you have any questions on what fastener is right for the job please leave me a comment and I will help you choose the right one.

I want to fix your home renovation problems!

Steve Harvey wants to send me over to your house to fix any home renovation problems you have.  Click on this link and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the form.  Fill it out with a picture of what the project is and you could win a chance for me to come over and fix it for you!!

http://www.steveharveytv.com/contractor-tips/

Unclogging a kitchen sink

A clogged sink or shower can be cleared easily enough with a $3 plastic "Zip-it" hair catcher but what about a kitchen sink clog?  Usually the blockage is further down than the hair catcher can reach because of the way the plumbing lines have to be postioned and you need something with a longer reach to get to it.  

This basic hand crank plumbing auger can reach up to 20ft down the drain and rotates as you turn the handle to catch and clear what is clogging the drain.  This tool can be found at most hardware stores for around $20 and is a good investment for you weekend warrior tool kit.

Tool of the week - Hammer

The hammer is one of the most important tools that you can have in your weekend warrior kit, it is also the oldest tool that was first created back in 2,600,000 BCE. 

Today hammers are made with a steel or titanium head that has a waffle head or a smooth finish.  The handles are made for wood or synthetic materials to help reduce reverberation when driving fasteners.  When you are trying to find the right hammer for you take in to consideration what you are using it for, there are so many different kinds of hammers out there and each has its own specific use.

  For the common weekend warrior projects I suggest a hammer with a synthetic handle with a good rubber grip that will be easy to hold on to even in wet conditions.  Pick one with a smooth face on it so that you reduce the damage it can make on your finish surface as you are driving a nail into it.  There are two different kinds of claws on the back of the hammer, a straight and a curved claw.  A straight claw is great for demo and prying two surfaces apart.  A curved claw is great for pulling nails and the curve helps to give you leverage when pulling nails and reduces the strain on your elbow.  Generally hammers can run anywhere from $10.00 upwards to $250.00 but the hammer in the above picture is great for your everyday home fixes and can be found at almost any hardware store for under $20.00.

If you have any questions on what hammer is right for your specialized job please post any questions you have and I can elaborate on what would be right to fit your needs.

Why Buy A Low VOC paint?

With all the paints avaliable today why should we buy a low VOC paint?  and what is a low VOC paint?!?

In my experience using many different kinds of paint, a low VOC or "volatile organic compounds" is at the front of the line for what we can exspect paint products to be in the world of eco frinedly and less hazordious to our families and our environment.  Lets start with a little back ground info on what is a low VOC paint.

VOCs are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air. When they enter the air, they react with other elements to produce ozone, which causes air pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea. Some VOCs also have been linked to cancer, as well as kidney and liver damage.

As paint dries, these harmful VOCs are released into the air at high levels. Indoor VOC levels are routinely 10 times higher than outdoor levels, and up to 1,000 times higher immediately after painting. Although VOC levels are highest during and soon after painting, they continue seeping out for several years. In fact, only 50 percent of the VOCs may be released in the first year.  VOC's were once widely thought to increase the quality of a paint but new methods and products have changed that outlook.   That being said no matter what your situation is, a low VOC paint is what we should all be looking towards in our next weekend warrior project. 

Hollow Wall Anchors

Hollow Wall Anchors are a great way to give you the strength in a wall for attaching or hanging things when there isn't a stud to be found.  Check out this Webisode that I shot with Home Made Simple that will give you a general understanding of what fastener to use and when you use it.  If you have a different situation and have more questions feel free to leave a comment and I will answer any questions you have. Don't forget to go to www.homemadesimple.com where you can find more great webisodes and step by step instructions for your home makeover projects.