As 2019 ends, we’re reviewing the best tooltips of the year. Working with hand and power tools can get tricky and tedious, but Acme is here to help! Our blog and social media channels are updated with many knowledgeable user-focused tooltips throughout the year.
We’ve picked the 10 top-performing tooltips to try in the new year!
10 Best Tool Tips
Tool Tip #1
To remove a nail that has lost its head, firmly clamp a Vise Grip on it so there’s something to pull.
Tool Tip #2
Need a level but only have a carpenter’s square and chalk line handy?
Wrap the chalk line over the top of the square at a 90-degree angle. Your surface is level when the string lines up with the 45-degree mark on the square.
Tool Tip #3
Cut a plastic jug to make a container for small paint jobs and touch-ups. Besides having a helpful handle, it has a great place to store your brush. Add a rubber band for a tidy way to remove excess paint from your brush without having to rub the brush against the edge of the container.
Tool Tip #4
Tired of accidentally dropping the nut when you try to hold it in a tight space as you attempt to thread it? Just wrap some masking tape, sticky side out, on your finger to keep the nut on your finger until the threads hold.
Tool Tip #5
When using a hole saw, it’s common for sawdust to stick between the teeth and bog down the cut. Eliminate this with a relief hole that allows sawdust to fall through. You’ll be amazed by how much more accessible and cleaner the cut will be.
Tool Tip #6
Screwing a large wire nut onto the nozzle of a partly used tube of caulk or sealant will help keep the contents from drying out. As an added precaution, put a dab of petroleum jelly down the nozzle before you screw on the nut. When re-opening the tube, be sure to discard the product that first comes out that could have mixed with the jelly.
Tool Tip #7
Plumbing shut-off valves can often be complex to reach, so instead of emptying the cabinet and climbing in, grab a piece of 1-1/4″ PVC, cut (2) 1″ wide x ½” deep notches on opposite sides of one end, and slide the notches over the shut-off valve handle.
The PVC will allow you to reach into the cabinet without any effort. Keep the PVC length long enough to get the valve but short enough to store it in the cabinet.
Tool Tip #8
Sometimes, you don’t need a lot of clamping pressure, but you need a small clamp. Try cutting off a thin slice (1/4″ or less) of a 3″ PVC pipe and then cut a slit into it. The spring action of the PVC will hold your items in place and not damage your work. Quick, easy, and, hopefully, painless.
Tool Tip #9
Keep an empty spray bottle with your plumbing supplies.
After a vertical pipe has been cut, water is often left inside. You can use the head to pump at least six inches of the water into the bottle, keeping your work in the dryer.
Tool Tip #10
If you don’t have a tiny drill bit handy, simply clip the head off a small nail. Then, chuck this headless nail into your drill. It’s impressive how well the nail creates a nice, clean hole. This also works excellent for pre-drilling hardwood trim if you are not using an air nailer.
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