Contributed by David Galassi, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
Here are my ten ways to use your tools, but not what they were designed for!
Tools are designed for specific tasks on specific materials. Here are a few other uses for those tools in your workshop or garage. These creative ways to use hand tools can save you time, money and even your sanity in the workshop and around the house.
10. Hand push drill
Most people assume that you need a place to plug in or charge a drill. But for generations, woodworkers have taken their handtools with them for a wander in the woods. So how did they manage to work without electricity? A
Although originally designed as a pilot hole wood screw starter this handy pointed tool can be used to puncture most anything. Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, craft projects and use it for aligning holes in project assemblies.
8. Vice Grips
This clamp type wrench is designed for gripping rounded off bolt heads that no longer can hold a hex wrench or socket. Use it as a small clamp for craft projects, hold two pieces of metal together for fastening and clamp a dry line to metal framing stud.
7. Level
Not only used for what its designed for a metal edge level is great as a straight edge. Drawing lines, scoring cuts, cutting wallpaper and when clamped to material it can act as a circular saw rip fence.
6. Chalk Line/chalk box
After snapping straight lines your chalk box can be used for two other tasks. Clear the line of chalk and string it as a dry line for aligning lateral construction above the horizontal flat plane (like fence posts or stakes). You can also hang the chalk box from the hook end and create a plumb bob at the tip of the box itself. Hang it from a chandelier and find the perfect center for your table. Hang it down a wall to align several stacked pictures that need vertical alignment.
5. Hack saw
This saw is cumbersome by its configuration and great for cutting materials sitting in a vise or on a saw horse or work bench. For tight areas and small cuts of craft projects remove the blade, wrap one end with several layers of duct or electrical tape to form a grip and saw slowly as to not break the blade. Pushing too hard and too fast can snap the blade — so go slow.
4. Wood Chisel
Being careful that this extremely sharp tool can cut you if it slips. It makes a perfect pry bar for drawing floor boards together prior to nailing. With your hammer drive the chisel into the floor joist at a 45 degree angle to your floor board. Push it against your floor board drawing it tight and then nail it.
3. The adjustable wrench
When a bolt and nut are too tight, place your open end wrench on the nut. Take the hole at the end of the adjustable wrench and hook it in the opposite end of the open end you are using. It will add length to your wrench and thus act as a “cheater”. Be careful to position both wrenches correctly and be aware that they might slip.
2. The basic Screw Driver
When not turning screws in and out this tool can be used as a small pry bar, a small scraper for paint splatters, and can be used to carve out caulk and grout in narrow openings. Make sure you have a set of screwdrivers on hand for all those “I can use that!” momments.
1. The Reciprocating Saw
Although used for construction cutting and demolition work this handy saw can be used in the kitchen. Switch to a bimetal blade and cut the frozen pork roast in half. Cut a long frozen beef tenderloin in the same fashion. Refreeze what you don’t need. Be sure to wash any paint from the blade markings off the meat.