How to Save Cash When Die-ing

Irwin Tools Hexagon Die HNS6520, 1/4" #20

Years ago I was headed north through California’s central valley in a fog that would give London a run for its money. I reached for the the truck’s sideview mirror to make an adjustment and, to my horror, it came off in my hand. The next day, I asked my father-in-law if he knew of a junkyard (now promoted to “auto salvage dealer”) to buy a replacement mirror, but he had a better idea. A small threaded rod in the guts had broken, so he just rummaged around in his workshop for a matching piece of rod stock, dug out a die and a big wrench, and in a few minutes he’d fashioned a replacement. Almost two decades later, it’s still in there. “I gotta get me some of those!” I thought at the time, and soon after, I did.

Center Yourself with a Best Way Dowel Center Set

Best Way Tools 25860 Dowel Center Set

Every woodworker learns pithy adages from whoever teaches him (or her) the basics. “Measure twice, cut once” is probably the best-known, but another one my dad taught me is, “It’s all about the joints.” There are many ways to join two pieces of wood, and the most elegant ones don’t involve nails or screws. Doweled joints are an excellent method for making a strong joint without visible fasteners: you simply drill a hole in each piece, stick in a short piece of dowel, and glue the two halves of the joint together.

He said “Simply”: Ha!

A Tasty Solution to a Woodworking Dilemma

Bench Dog Plastic Bench Cookies (4-Pack) 10-035

As a member of the fraternity of woodworkers I share a couple of their most infamous traits: a) a propensity for buying a new tool for just about every project I start, and b) a gigantic collection of bits of scrap wood to be used in making jigs and as clamp blocks or props. The significant problem with using wood scraps to raise a piece off the workbench is that the smooth wood is slippery, allowing the workpiece to move as I sand or rout along an edge.

The Added-Torque Option: Craftsman 10-Inch Flex Handle

Craftsman ³⁄₈-inch Drive 10-inch Flex Handle

A homeowner’s tool kit is not complete unless it includes an assortment – make that a set (or two) – of socket wrenches and the necessary drivers. These tools come in a range of drive sizes, where “drive” refers to the dimensions of the square bit that plugs into every socket and allows you to turn it. Drive sizes range from ¼ up to ¾ inch , though the biggest drives are only needed for work on large machinery. Most homeowners get by quite well with either ³⁄₈- or ½-inch drive set, which as a rule comprises seven or eight sockets and a ratchet.

Our Go-to Storage When We Run Out of Drawers

Sterilite 3-Drawer Cart #2830

Murphy’s first law of storage space states that, “A homeowner will always need one more drawer than is available.” [It doesn’t: I made that up, but it sounds pretty plausible, doesn’t it?] The good folks at Sterilite are, apparently, great fans of Murphy and the Ms is (in her turn) a great fan of Sterilite. That’s why there are boxes, tubs, and other assorted clear plastic storage items scattered around our house. There are several rollaround drawer units, including at least one wide-track setup, but this one – a Sterilite 3-drawer unit – is mine.