Power Tools69 guidesDrills, saws, sanders and the batteries that run them.
What's the job?
Pick the job. We pull the right tools off the wall and tell you the method, the time and how hard it really is.
Pick a job
Hang a shelf or frame
Find the stud, measure the spacing, and mark the height with a level before you drill. No stud where you need one? Use an anchor rated well past the weight.
Stud finderLocates framing and live wire
Torpedo levelKeeps the mark true
Tape measureMeasure twice
Cordless drillDrives screws, bores pilot holes
Patch a wall for paint
Cut away loose material, fill in thin coats with a wide knife, and feather each one past the last. Sand lightly, then prime the patch so the paint dries even.
Utility knifeCuts patch and trims tape
Putty knives6 in and 12 in
Sanding blockFeathers each coat
Roller and trayPrimer over the patch
Replace a light switch
Turn the breaker off and prove it with a tester before you touch a wire. Photograph the old connections, move them across one at a time, and call an electrician if the wiring does not match the guide.
Voltage testerProves the circuit is dead
Screwdriver setPhillips and flat
Slip-joint pliersGrip and twist
Set up a pegboard wall
Screw furring strips into the studs so the hooks have room behind the board. Hang the board level, then lay the tools out on the floor first and group them by job.
Stud finderLocates framing and live wire
Tape measureMeasure twice
Torpedo levelKeeps the mark true
Cordless drillDrives screws, bores pilot holes
Every category on the wall
243 guides across 8 categories. Each one opens with its three newest posts.
Power Tools69 guides
Accessories16 guidesBlades, bits, attachments and protective gear.
Hand Tools40 guidesWrenches, measuring and layout, and how to use them well.
Electrical27 guidesOutlets, switches, circuits and working safely.
Lighting26 guidesFixtures, dimmers, LEDs and workshop light.
Outdoors29 guidesDecks, fences, paths and yard projects.
Paint26 guidesPrep, primer, sheen and clean edges.
Storage26 guidesPegboards, cabinets, shelves and garage order.
Featured guides
Measure it, mark it, and protect your eyes and ears before the first cut.
Hand ToolsHow to Hang Shelves or Frames Level With Measuring Tools
Step-by-step: find studs, pick an anchor with a real load rating, set the height and hang shelves and picture frames level the first time.
AccessoriesProtective Accessories for Power Tool Users: What to Wear
Hand ToolsLayout Tools for Home Renovation: What Each One Does
Free calculators
Run in your browser, with the formula and sources shown.
Slabs, footings, posts
Concrete Calculator
Cubic yards and bag counts from published bag yields.
Yards and tonsGravel, Mulch and Topsoil Calculator
Volume for beds and bases, with tons for gravel.
GallonsPaint Calculator
Room size, openings and coats turned into gallons.
Inches and mmScrew Size and Pilot Hole Chart
Screw, pilot and clearance hole by gauge.
Tool kit basics
Eight tools do most home jobs. Buy these once and every guide above gets cheaper.
Cordless drillDrives screws, bores pilot holes
Torpedo levelKeeps the mark true
Tape measureMeasure twice
Claw hammerNails and gentle persuasion
Slip-joint pliersGrip and twist
Screwdriver setPhillips and flat
Utility knifeCuts patch and trims tape
Adjustable wrenchSupply nuts and fill valve
Before you start
- Shut off first.Power at the breaker, water at the stop valve. Then test that it is dead.
- Find out what is inside the wall.Stud finders flag wiring too; if unsure, go shallow with the screw.
- Buy for the weight, not the look.Anchors are rated in pounds. Pick one that holds three times your load.
- Thin coats beat thick ones.Compound, primer and paint all fail when rushed. Let each layer dry.