How to Extend the Life of Your Power Tool Batteries
Charge, store and clean lithium-ion tool batteries the way Milwaukee, DeWalt and EPA say to, and learn when a pack is done and how to dispose of it.
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Articles by Home DIY Online Editorial Team
Hand Tool Safety: PPE and the OSHA 3080 Checklist
Hand tool safety for DIYers: the five OSHA 3080 rules as a home checklist, plus which eye, hand and dust protection to wear and when.
Smart Light Controls: From Basic Timers to Whole-Home Systems
Compare timers, smart bulbs, switches, sensors and hubs, see what each needs from your wiring and Wi-Fi, and pick the right level of lighting control.
How to Plan an Outdoor Kitchen: Layout, Gas, Power and Permits
Plan an outdoor kitchen step by step: layout, grill clearances, gas rules (NFPA 54 and 58), GFCI power, permits, and which parts need a licensed pro.
Pull-Out Storage: How to Build Sliding Shelves and Drawers
Build pull-out shelves and drawers with the right slides: published load ratings from Blum, Accuride and Knape & Vogt, sizing and installation steps.
Drill Torque Settings: How to Stop Stripping Screws
How drill clutch torque settings work, how to pick the right number by testing, and fixes for stripped or overdriven screws, based on maker manuals.
When You Need a Sub-Panel and What an Electrician Does
When a sub-panel makes sense, what a licensed electrician does to install one, and how to prepare, hire and check the work. Not a DIY project.
How to Store Power Tools in a Small Workshop or Garage Corner
How to store power tools, batteries and cases in a small workshop: zones, wall shelves, stackable cases, carts and battery temperature limits.
Electrical Testing Tools for DIYers: NCVT, Multimeter, Outlet Tester
How a non-contact voltage tester, multimeter and outlet tester differ, what each can and cannot prove, and how to verify a circuit is dead before you work.
Common Lighting Problems: DIY Troubleshooting Guide
Fix a light that won't turn on, flickers, buzzes or trips the breaker: symptom-by-symptom checks, and the warning signs that mean call an electrician.
