24 handy hints for your workshop

From tool hacks to genius storage ideas, these handy hints will help you save money, complete projects more efficiently, and definitely have more fun in your workshop.

Coming to the final steps in a project and finding my jar of putty as dry as the Serengeti and hard as a rock is frustrating. My solution is to remove the putty with a screwdriver and knead it with canola oil until it’s a usable consistency. The putty isn’t quite as good as new, but it works in a pinch. It’s a messy job, so wear latex gloves. – Richard Ryder

Measuring diameters can be difficult. Sure, it works OK to just measure the end, but if you need accuracy, here’s my method. Take apart one of your combination squares and slide the head to another square so that the straight edges are facing each other. Set one of the square heads at an even measurement and then slide the other head until both are touching the part you’re measuring. Read the measurement right off the ruler!

Make sandpaper nearly new again with a lowly old sneaker. Start up your power sander and dust collection system (remember to wear hearing and eye protection). Then slowly press the rubber sole of an old sneaker along the sandpaper – you’ll see a difference instantly!

Here are 20 unusual uses for workshop tools.

When I need a just a few boards cut to the same length, instead of setting up a stop, I use the first board as a template. Just set it on top of the next piece, line up the ends, slide the template piece against the blade and cut. – Brad Holden

DIY Basics: check out our essential guide to stationary power saws.

“I do a lot of finish-sanding freehand, without a sandpaper block, so I can smooth edges and get into nooks and crannies. But the finer grits are usually bonded to thinner paper and, at least for me, the paper is too thin and ends up tearing long before the grit wears out. So I apply duct tape to the back of the sandpaper. The sandpaper is still flexible enough to sand a tight radius and it’s far more durable. You can use this super-strong sandpaper like a shoeshine rag.” — Chuck Merchant

Discover 10 surprising ways to use sandpaper.

Cutting with a jigsaw causes nasty tear out in plywood. To limit tear out when cutting out small shapes, I cover the whole work surface with masking tape and draw the shape onto the masking tape before cutting. Nothing eliminates tear out altogether, but this greatly reduces it.

Don’t miss our essential guide to jigsaws.

Make a bolt head for any threaded rod by locking two hex nuts together. Then you can use a nut driver or wrench to turn the threaded rod or screw in fasteners such as hanger bolts.

There’s no need to risk hammering a finger when working with tiny nails or in tight quarters. A common bobby pin makes a great nail holder—and keeps your fingers at a safe distance! Once the nail is started, remove the bobby pin and continue hammering away.

Sanding curves is tricky. Sometimes you need a sanding pad that’s both firm and flexible. A small notepad works great. Just wrap sandpaper around the pad and bend the pad to whatever arc you need. The next time you are working on a woodworking project that has curves and tough-to-reach spots, use a notebook as a flexible sanding block.

Check out our woodworking projects for beginners.