DIY Projects

Pre-Use Activities:                                                               

• Review and understand information provided in the owner’s manual, specifically the safety procedures.
• Inspect the air-impact wrench for damage, disrepair, or missing parts, including assessing the condition of the air hose and associated fittings.
• Assure the air hose and fittings are secured tightly.

Operating Precautions:

• Wear safety glasses with side protectors.
• Never wear a tie, loose clothing, or jewelry (watch, rings, etc.) when using an air-impact wrench.
• Tie long hair back or secure under a cap.
• Wear hearing protection when using this tool; an air-impact wrench creates a noise exposure of about 103 dB.
• Use clean, dry air at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (about 90 psi) to power the air-impact wrench.
• Use impact wrench sockets that are specifically designed for this type of tool.
• Stop using the air-impact wrench if you experience tingling, numbing, or painful sensations in the hands, fingers, or arms and seek medical attention if the sensations persist. Air-impact wrenches vibrate while being used.
• Use a torque wrench to apply the proper torque to bolts and nuts. Do not over torque bolts and nuts with an air-impact wrench.
• Carry an air-impact wrench by the handle or body; never carry an air impact wrench by the air hose.
• Disconnect the air hose before installing or while performing tool maintenance.

Router bits spin so fast that they demand your constant attention. Accidents can happen suddenly. Here are a few of the most important safety rules for using Routers and Router Tables:

• Always unplug the router when changing the bit.

• Push the bit into the collet. Then lift it to expose about one-quarter of the shank before tightening the collet nut. This will keep the bit from coming loose in the collet. At least two-thirds of the bit’s shank should be engaged in the router collet.

• Cover the bit with a guard whenever possible.

• Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.

• Use featherboards and push sticks to keep your fingers away from the bit.

• Move workpieces from right to left against the fence.

• Move workpieces counterclockwise around a piloted bit.

• Never position the fence so the workpiece is pushed between it and the bit.

Gentlemen-have you ever wanted your wife to help you with a home project, only to find that your tools just don’t work for her?

Stop and think about it. Most tools are designed for guys, rugged, tough, & heavy. The handles are large so you can grip it, however, that usually means that she can’t. Also, your power tools are just too heavy for her to hold and control, making it just a little difficult for her to feel comfortable enough to help.

When my wife and I were flipping houses, there were a lot of jobs that she could do herself, once she found tools that she was comfortable with. So now she has some of her own tools. Not a full set, just some that are a little lighter or some that have smaller handles.

So next time you are shopping for tools, remember, that all things being equal, buy one that she can use too.

I’m not implying that you go out and buy all new tools, or that you buy her a set for Christmas, just think about it the next time you ask her to help. It can make all the difference.

Forstner bits are a type of drill bit used to bore precise, flat bottomed holes in wood. They can cut on the edge of a block of wood and can also cut overlapping holes.

Forstner bits are perfect for dowling, mortising, pocket holes & hardware installation.

Pre sharpened bits can be used on any type of wood.

A Forstner bit is generally best suited to be used in a drill press, since the bits are guided by the outside rim and require great force to push them into the material.

The reciprocating saw is one of those tools the DIY home renovator doesn’t usually buy right off the bat, but I think they should. The reciprocating saw is a tool that has many practical uses around the home. These tools cut pipe (pvc, emt, galvanized and copper), wood, tree limbs, tree roots, nail embedded wood, like fences, etc. They will do a good job on plaster and lath (either metal or wire lath), although this does eat up blades. You’ll buy a reciprocating saw for one specific purpose, and then find yourself finding other uses for it.

The most important thing to keep in mind when using a reciprocating saw is utilizing the correct blade. There are blades for metals and blades for woods, and it is generally not a good idea to mix them up.

A reciprocating saw is a powerful hand-held electric saw. It must be held with 2 hands. The blade can be inserted into tight spaces and used in much the same way as a jigsaw. Its foot does not need to be resting on the material in order for it to work.

Some features worth looking for are:

1. Variable speeds are well worth having, since this allows an appropriate cutting speed to be selected for the material in question.
2. A “tool free” blade change mechanism is also highly desirable (budget saws tend to require an Allen key for blade changes).
3. A cordless version is ideal for helping you get into places the other saws cannot reach.

Important Safety Tips:

• Before operating your reciprocating saw, take a few minutes to read the owner’s manual. Familiarize yourself with hazards and recommended operational procedures.
• Do not remove the blade guard with which your unit is equipped.
• Hold the saw only by the provided gripping areas. Grabbing it by the front metal parts can result in electrical shock if you accidentally cut into live electrical wires when sawing into walls or floors.
• If the handle of the unit is cracked or broken, don’t use it. Electrical shock could occur if you touched anything metal that is grounded.
• Do not use if you or the reciprocal saw are wet or while standing on a damp or wet surface.
• Always wear safety glasses and earplugs.
• Keep children and pets away from all power tools.
• Protect the cord. Keep it away from heat, and don’t yank on it to disconnect it from an outlet.
• When not in use, disconnect from power source.
• Ensure the switch is turned off before you turn the tool on. Don’t carry it with your finger on the switch trigger.
• Keep your hands away. Do not reach under your work while the blade is moving.
• Do not use the unit if the cord shows any sign of damage. Maintain a safe distance at all times between the cord and the machine when you’re operating it.