Applying a cloth soaked in any carbonated beverage can often easily loosen a rusty bolt.
Sticking Door
Glue some rough sandpaper to the place where the door sticks, open and close the door repeatedly and it will sand itself into a perfect fit.
Longer Lasting Sandpaper
Sandpaper will last longer, work better and resist cracking if the paper backing is dampened slightly. Sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood makes it easier to handle.
Loosening a Tight Screw
Heat the edge of the screwdriver before loosening the screw.
Put a few drops of peroxide on the tight screw and soak for a few minutes.
Preventing a Screwdriver from Slipping
Rub the tip of the screwdriver with chalk.
Wobbly Drawer Knobs
Paint the screw holding on the knobs with fingernail polish before inserting it. When the polish dries, it will hold the screw tightly.
Leaking Vase
Coat the inside with paraffin wax and let harden. The wax will last indefinitely and the vase will not leak.
Plywood Cutting
Place a strip of masking tape where you plan to start sawing, this will prevent the plywood from splitting.
Loose Screws
Place a small piece of wood or a wooden kitchen match in the screw hole and break it off, then put the screw back in.
Wrap the screw with a few strands of steel wood around the threads of the screw and screw in.
Dip the screw in glue before replacing it.
Finding a Wall Stud
Hold a pocket compass level with the floor and at a right angle to the wall. Slowly move it along the surface of the wall. Movement of the compass needle will indicate the presence of nails and reveal the stud location. Wall studs are usually 16 inches apart, center to center.
Prevent Nylon Rope Fraying
Heat the cut end over a small flame until the nylon melts and bonds together which will prevent the rope from fraying. Knots in the rope that you don't want working loose can be prevented by this same manner.
Rust on Tools
To prevent rust on your tools place a piece of charcoal or several mothballs in your toolbox to attract moisture.
Wax tools with an automobile paste wax. A light coat will ward off corrosion.
Storing small tools in a bucket of sand works well also.
Wood Sanding Tip
After sanding a surface slip over your hand an old pair of pantyhose and rub over the surface to easily locate any rough spots.
Mail Packaging
For wrapping small gifts for mailing the ideal solution are foam meat trays. Place the article in one tray and place a second tray on top and tape it. The trays are very light and will save you on postage.
Sticky Dresser Drawers
Lay a waxed bread bag on the runner of the side that is sticking. Open and close the drawer until all the wax is removed from the bag.
Candle wax applied to the runner will also prevent sticking.
Removing a Broken Light Bulb
Turn off the circuit breaker. Using needle-nosed pliers grab the edge of the bulb's metal base and turn it counterclockwise.
If pliers are unavailable insert a piece of fruit, such as an apple or orange, in the broken base of the bulb and turn. A potato or a wad of newspaper will also work.
