Tool boxes come in a variety of sizes and configurations. However, it sounds like you just need a basic plastic tool box to store a few tools and some fasteners. I would recommend a 19” model with one lift-out tray.

Strapping a pair of suspenders to your work belt can relieve some of the strain on your back by allowing your shoulders to carry some of the weight.

Bit diameters are usually marked by a single number—the numerator of a fraction. For example, an auger bit, which is marked by 16ths of an inch, with a number 8 would stand for 8/16″ or 1/2″. Twist bits are usually marked in the same manner by 64ths of an inch. Thus a No. 8 bit would stand for 8/64″ or 1/8″.

PSA has a sticky back and is good to be used on large jobs that are likely to wear out the sandpaper. Hook-and-loop paper uses a fuzzy backing that sticks to the bottom of a sander. It can be pulled off and reused before the abrasive on the paper wears out.

A pro tool is designed to withstand heavier workloads and as a result they have more power. They also have motors that are able to withstand use for a long period of time without burning up the motor.

You can use either a fixed base or a plunge router with a table. The most common and easiest one to use is a fixed base. A plunge router may require a special attachment to use the plunge features with a table.

A biscuit joiner uses a special horizontal blade that plunges into a piece of wood to create a slot for a biscuit. A biscuit is a football-shaped piece of compressed wood that helps join together two pieces of wood. To use a biscuit joiner, align the joiner on the piece of wood and push the handle forward. Make a similar cut in the second piece of wood at the place where the two will adjoin.

If you will be using it mainly for quick clean-up jobs, a small 1.5 hp model will do just fine. They are also easy to store. Medium sizes, such as the 6 gallon size, are still easy to maneuver and they will hold more debris than the smaller versions. Models below 10 gallons tend to be louder and easier to tip. The large models, those more than 10 gallons in capacity, are best if you want something for your garage or workshop and will be cleaning up large spills. While they take up more storage space, their larger capacity means they don’t have to be emptied as often.

The numbers indicate the number of points per inch on a saw blade.

A table saw or a bandsaw might be the most useful tool you can have in your woodshop and should be your first major purchase. We recommend a drill press as the second major purchase.

Kickback usually occurs when the workpiece pinches the blade of the saw. In stationary power tools, the result can be that the workpiece suddenly lurches back toward the user. Power tools should come with an anti-kickback device that helps control this potentially dangerous situation.

The band saw blade makes a continuous loop and cuts by spinning in a circle. It can handle thick pieces of material, up to 6” thick. A scroll saw can only handle thinner pieces and uses a small blade that moves up and down.

There are different types of blades for different types of cuts, but here are a few blades that will give you versatility. A 1/4” wide blade is a good, all-purpose blade. A 4-tpi 1/4” size is good for quick curved cuts, or try a 6-tpi 1/4” blade for slower speeds and smoother cuts. The 1/2” hook-tooth blade is best for long straight cuts. For joinery or tight cuts, use a 1/8”, 14-tpi blade.

There are different types of blades for different types of materials and cuts. Blades with larger numbers (7, 10, 12) are best for cutting thick materials. Blades with smaller numbers (0000, 00, 2) are best for cutting thin materials.

Convenient features on a planer include a dust hood to collect dust, reversible knives that are often inexpensive and disposable, infeed rollers to grab stock and help feed it through the machine and preset depth stops to make it easier to set to a desired thickness.

You can use rotary rasps, sanding attachments and even a rotary planer for small pieces.

A 36” or 40” lathe is big enough to make stairway balusters and most legs for chairs and other furniture

Yes, one option is a product that uses a specially formulated corn derivative.

There are both room foggers and roach bait.

There are a variety of traps or you can use pellets that you can place in the area.

Gas chain saws can be used anywhere and are more powerful. Plus, they come in larger bar sizes. Electric chain saws must stay within the limits of an extension cord.

With a two-cycle engine, you will have to mix oil with the gasoline. Four-stroke engines tend to be more efficient and usually require less maintenance.

For a mulching or self-propelled mower, you need plenty of horsepower so look for one that has a 5 to 6 horsepower engine.

These tools provide a vertical cut into the soil, to create a clean line between a lawn and a flowerbed, driveway, sidewalk or some other structure. The fastest models are powered models. A non-powered edging tool looks like a shovel with a small blade shaped like a half moon. You can push the blade in with your foot so that it slices off a thin piece of turf, leaving a clean, straight edge of soil along the edge of the lawn.

If you can reach every corner of your yard with a 150-foot extension cord, you should consider an electric model. They typically cost less, are quieter and require less maintenance. If you have a larger yard then a gas-powered model may be better.

Anvil pruning shears work well on light foliage. For heavier cutting, a lopping shear with more leverage will be needed. For other trees, a bypass shear provides a cleaner cut that those trees prefer.

A gas blower provides mobility and is more powerful.

Yes, pole tree trimmers typically extend 12’ to 20’. Shears with a pulley and rope can cut about a 1” diameter branch, and saws are used on branches up to about 6”. For these and larger branches you may want to consider a chain saw.

This varies greatly. You either need to bring in your old string or know what brand and model you have. If you don’t know, we can make a guess. If we are right, you won’t have to come back. If you have an electric trimmer its probably .064 and if you have a gas trimmer is most likely .080.

Yes, you need to know the brand, width of the cut and whether it is a mulching mower. Some blades come with adapter kits that allow them to be used on different brands.

Most consumers buy a single-stage model, which has a rubber paddle that reaches to the ground. People with driveways that are wider than two cars may want to consider a two-stage model. These can throw snow farther, because they have an intake and an impeller that throws the snow. However, these do not always clean all the way to the surface of the drive.

Since all gas-powered equipment is noisy, some people prefer the electric models. The cordless models have run times of about one hour, which is generally sufficient for homeowners.

It’s best to buy a blower that can be reversed and also used as a vac. This allows you to sweep up the leaves, and some models even have a mulching feature.

For general use they are more than adequate, but most only offer run times of less than one hour and some corded models are more heavy duty.

The higher-priced shovels have a sturdier construction and have better materials. For example, the composite handles are less likely to break.

Limited space of a job may require a short handle. However, a long handle supplies more leverage and allows you to work in a more upright position. As a result, a long-handled shovel is usually a better choice.

These are called back savers, because they allow you to work without bending over.

Round-point shovels are used for digging, while most square points are used for scooping.

Anvils provide one blade that is pushed up against a flat surface. These are less expensive and are good on dried wood. Some experts also believe evergreens also prefer this type of cut. Bypass pruners allow you to cut larger branches (up to about ¾”).

These use mechanical action so the tool does more of the work. It requires less effort and force.

About 6” to one foot away from the trunk of the tree, cut about half way up through the branch. Next, cut down from the top. Finally, cut off the stub at its collar on the trunk.

Simply keep them clean and wipe them down with light oil. Oil their pivot points and blades and keep them sharp.

These cost a little more than wood-handled versions, but they are stronger. This can be particularly important if you have a tendency to overstrike, which can break a wood handle. In the past, wood handles were easier to replace, but new composite designs make these easy to fix as well. Some people say they prefer the feel of wood and that it creates less vibration.

If you are using bags of mulch, simply pour them out and spread them with a rake. If you have had a pile of mulch delivered, you should use a pitchfork specifically designed for picking up mulch. Use it to put the mulch in a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move where you want to spread it.

You can use a chemical paint stripper. Be sure to brush it on in one direction and always wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles. You will also need a putty knife.

Aluminum oxide is a good multipurpose sandpaper. It cuts fast and lasts long time. It’s usually best to use three different grits of sandpaper. Start with the #320, which is a course grade. Follow this with #400 and then #600. Sand with the grain of the wood at all times. For sanding fine woodworking projects you may want to use garnet sandpaper.

For smooth finishes you should use aluminum oxide, and for extreme fineness you can use emery to create a final polish. Steel wool can be used for removing rust or smoothing surfaces between coats.

A sanding block helps speed up sanding jobs, relieves strain on your hands and makes your sandpaper last longer.

These numbers stand for the number of particles per square inch. The higher the number the finer the sandpaper.

It can be just a matter of preference, but steel wool is normally recommended. You might also want to consider a finishing pad. They don’t shed or rust like steel wool, and they can be rinsed and reused. They’re available for wood, metal and stripping.

Using a fine steel wool between multiple coats will give you a smoother surface. Be sure to clean the surface with a tack cloth before painting each additional coat.

The smaller the number, the finer the steel wool.

Try a flexible sanding sponge.

Glaziers points are used to secure glass in a sash prior to adding glazing compound, which is a putty used to seal windows.

Wood stepladders are sturdy and the least expensive, but they are heavy. Aluminum stepladders are lightweight but more expensive than wood stepladders. Fiberglass stepladders combine strength and lightweight and are the most expensive.

You can use one of the deck brightener products that are on the market, or you can use TSP (trisodium phosphate). You can also use a power washer if you are careful not to mar the wood.

No. Chisels are grouped according to the material they cut—either wood, metal, stone or masonry. The two main types, however, are wood and cold.

You can handle most of your needs with a ¼ inch model and one larger one—either a ¾ inch or inch.

A power drill is a must for general maintenance. A drill, a circular saw, and a saber saw can handle most household repair and carpentry jobs. Power sanders have also become popular.

During construction, drop forging removes more air bubbles. This means there are fewer weak spots.

I would consider a cordless drill, a bench grinder, a palm sander, a level, a square, a chalkline or a new ladder.

Generally, more amps translate into more power for electric tools.

Yes, they are called metal cutting snips, and they come in a variety of sizes and designs.

Yes, tin snips are a good choice for cutting many kinds of mesh wire.

A pry bar is more efficient than a claw hammer, and its smooth base keeps it from damaging the wall.

They both look the same? Scrapers are too stiff for the efficient application of compounds. Putty knives are to flexible for scraping.

Buy the heaviest hammer that you can control, because the heavier the hammer the easier it will drive nails. However, the heavier the hammer, the harder it is to hit nails on the head and the more quickly your arm muscles will become fatigued.

A hammer with a curved claw provides leverage for pulling nails. A rip (straight claw) hammer is often the choice of professionals because it is usually a slightly heftier tool that is used to rip apart wood that has been nailed together.

Some people say the wood provides a better feel and absorbs shocks. While wood is durable, fiberglass is stronger.

A 16-ounce curved claw hammer

The higher priced hammers have sturdier handles and better steel in their heads. These hammers will perform better and last longer.

Wood or rubber mallets are a good choice.

Yes, small sledge hammers weigh between two pounds and four pounds. A two-pound model is a good choice.

Use a nail set to sink the nail head into the molding. Then you can fill the hole with a spackling compound, sand it smooth and paint it.

With the advent of cordless drills, both hand drills and bit braces aren’t used very much anymore. However, they are still used on some job sites where there is no electricity for re-charging batteries and in fine woodworking applications.

The hand drill with a brad point bit is the tool to use when precision counts. Since a hand drill is turned manually, it can be stopped easily and precisely.

A 9-inch torpedo level is good for hanging pictures and other small household tasks. A complete home toolbox will also include two-foot or longer carpenter’s level for larger projects like checking walls, bookshelves and fence posts.

To check it, place it on a level surface, then flip it over. Both readings should be identical.

You can layout the top plate of the wall (generally with studs spaced 16” on center) and then use a plumb bob to plumb down to layout the corresponding bottom plate. Then you can begin installing the studs.

A 12-foot-long tape is handy for most household work, but I recommend a 25-foot one because it can also be used for carpentry, plumbing, and other major projects.

A seven or eight point crosscut would be a good choice.

The numbers indicate the number of points per inch on a saw blade.

Fewer teeth work more quickly, but provide a coarser cut with rough edges. Saws with more teeth work more slowly, but provide a finer cut.

Use an 11-point blade—with a fine cut—so that the wood will not splinter when it is cut.

Yes the higher the number of points, the finer the cut.

Use a fine cut blade. On heavier metals, such as steel pipe, a coarser cut blade will be more efficient.

Yes, the fine teeth of a hacksaw can cut other materials too tough for wood saws, such as bricks.

A coping saw is best for this job.

You want to use a keyhole saw

No the brand of staples should match the brand of stapler.

The thickness of the material to be attached and the hardness of the wood. In hardwood, a ¼ inch penetration is sufficient, but softwood requires up to 3/8” penetration.

Your stapler does not have enough power to drive the staple into the hard surface. If you can, use a shorter staple or you will have to use a more powerful tool.

Some staple guns handle round-crown as well as regular staples, while electric staple guns can handle brads for molding and trim work.

You can shave off the top with a block plane, which is often the right tool, when you need to trim wood but not enough to use a saw. Block planes come in a variety of sizes to fit the job.

When using a plane on plywood, be sure to use a double-edged disposable blade. The adhesive in plywood will quickly dull a regular cutting iron.

10-inch set of adjustable pliers may look big, but they are a good choice for general all around use.

Use a pair of needle nose pliers, which are good for this task as well as gripping small items, precision work, cutting wire, bending wire to wrap a terminal. The jaws and cutting blades meet evenly. If you hold them up to the light, you should not be able to see any diagonal chinks of light coming though.

They can turn many parts that no other tool can and they are especially suited for clamping onto small parts and gripping pipefittings. You can also use them when a nut or bolt head strips.  But be careful because you and deform some parts if you over tighten them.

Most consumers use a 3/8-inch model that reverses, has variable speed and has a keyless chuck. You should get one that draws at least 3.5 amps.

A 12-volt model will handle the needs of most D-I-Yers. For bigger projects a 14-volt or higher model are a good choice. For lighter duty, a 9.6-volt model should be sufficient. For extended use, you should get two battery packs.

For drilling smaller holes in a variety of materials, choose a high-speed steel twist bit. These can drill holes from about 1/16 inch to ½ inch in wood, soft metal and other materials.

For drilling medium sized holes in wood, a spade bit is a good choice. Common sizes range from ¼ inch to 1 ½ inch. They can also be used on chipboards and floorboards.

A spade bit is a good choice, because they are relatively inexpensive and you can resharpen them with a file.

For larger holes use a hole saw. They range in size from about 1 inch to 4 inches. They have a pilot bit and a saw-toothed circular rim.

Yes a high-speed masonry bit is used on concrete, concrete block, cinder block, brick and stone.

For occasional around-the-house chores, a lightweight 9.6V model is a cost-effective choice.  It will drive about 50 screws between charges. For light remodeling projects, a 12.0V model will drive about 150 screws. For heavy duty jobs such as drilling in metal or major remodeling, consider a 14.0V drill. An 18.0V model is usually only needed by professionals requiring high torque.

High speed steel is good for general purpose. Other metals such as titanium reduce friction and last longer. Cobalt is a good option for drilling in hard metals.

The four most common are belt sanders, finish sanders, orbital sanders and random orbital sander.

For the homeowner, I suggest a random orbit sander because it balances the two main functions of a sander. It removes stock quickly and still provides a quality finish.

Yes, they work quickly, but I don’t recommend them for do-it-yourselfers because you have to be very careful. One mistake can ruin the piece you are working on.

Rather than orbiting, it moves the sandpaper back and forth and should be used where it is absolutely necessary that the sandpaper move in a single direction. These often use square sheets of sandpaper, which also makes it easier to get into corners.

An orbital sander moves only in a circular motion, while the random orbital sander also moves back and forth. As a result of the two separate motions, it leaves less of a swirl pattern on the wood.

It’s best to put the sander onto the surface before you start it. In addition, when using an orbital sander, don’t press down too hard on the tool. Let its weight do the work.

A 7¼ inch is the most popular size. It lets you cut to a depth of 2½ inches and to cut through a 2x piece of lumber even when the blade is set to 45 degrees.

Look for amperage and types of bearings—top quality saws pull 12 or 13 amps and run on ball bearings. Lower quality saws use roller or sleeve bearings and are rated about 9 or 10 amps. While plastic housings are not a sign of inferior quality, make sure the saw has extruded or cast metal base plates. Stamped metal plates can warp.

Unlike standard circular saws, these have the motor mounted parallel to the saw blade. In addition, they usually have a larger motor. These features provide for more powerful and stronger tools that are preferred by pros looking for heavy-duty, long-term use.

With the proper blade, it can cut wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass cement block, slate and brick.

How easy it is to see where the blade is cutting, is it easy to change the blade, will it cut bevels, can you use a vacuum attachment and can you attach a rib fence guide.

You can get more accurate cuts by using a guide or fence that help you stay on the right path.

When cutting across the grain, a crosscut blade has a series of evenly spaced, medium-sized teeth that are bent alternately from the left to the right. When cutting along the wood grain, a rip blade also has teeth bent to the left and right, but its teeth are on the top of the blade, not on the inside. They are like chisels that scoop out the wood as the saw moves along the grain.

For general use, you can buy a combination blade that incorporates the features of both rip and crosscut blades.

The cutting edges are made from extra-hard carbide steel that will last up to 20 times longer and are good for cutting materials of different hardnesses.

Yes, a plywood blade has small teeth that provide a clean cut and reduces splintering.

Use an abrasive wheel looks like a thin grinding wheel. It can also be used to cut fiberglass and light metal.

Generally, the higher the amp the more cutting power. They range in size from about 4 amps to 11 amps. Other features include cordless options, orbital action that cuts more aggressively, adjustable shoe to change the depth of the cut and variable speeds.

That’s common, but make sure you are using the right blade for the material you are cutting—wood, tile or metal.

Yes, there are 3½ inch saws that are designed for trim work. However, they are also good for people who don’t want to handle a large saw. They can be used to cut everything from lattice to a 2×4.

Since they are not expensive, I would recommend an 18-piece all-purpose hex key wrench set.

A screwdriver is most effective when the width of the head of the driver matches the width of the slot in the head of the screw. If you are going to buy just one of each, I recommend a number two Phillips head and a quarter-inch flat blade. However, I recommend that you get at least two sizes of each. In fact, you should really have a complete set of screwdrivers in your workshop to match the variety of jobs that occur around the house.

Two sizes will handle most screws.

No. Pliers are prone to slip, even on square shank screwdrivers. It is OK to use a wrench, but only on square-shank screwdrivers.

When it comes to gripping, bigger is generally better. If you are going to get just one I recommend a larger one: either 10-inch or 14-inch.

Since they are not expensive, an 18-piece all-purpose hex key wrench set is recommended.

Yes, an appliance roller can be slipped under it. You can even leave it there.

Use the 3-4-5 method. Measure along one wall for three feet (or a multiple of three—the bigger the better). Mark this point. Next, measure along the other wall from the same corner four feet (or the same multiple) and mark the spot. Then measure diagonally from mark to mark. If the diagonal is five feet (or the same multiple), the corner is square. If not, it is out of square.

You probably should get a model with a retractable blade, especially if there are children present in the home.

Yes. A carpet knife is what you need. Its angled design allows you to access hard-to-reach places where a regular utility might not be able to reach.

A fixed blade utility knife with a large hook replacement blade is your best bet.

No. Snips are only designed to cut sheet metal. When cutting wire, always use wire cutters.

Generally no. Most do-it-yourselfers don’t have the type of sharpening device needed to sharpen the blades of snips. It’s probably best to purchase a new pair and properly maintain the blades.

The different types of snips are used to make cuts in different directions.

A speed square is probably your best option. It has a flange on one side that buts up to the edge of the board to allow making square marks. It can also be used as a guide for your circular saw.

They consist of rafter tables, which are used to figure lengths and cuts of rafters, and the Essex Board Measure table, which shows board measurements of almost all sizes of boards and timbers.

This is what a sliding bevel T-sqaure is designed for. You don’t have to calculate the angle, using this tool you can just copy and transfer it to the piece you’re working on.

A framing square is the proper tool. Place the corner of the square anywhere on the circle’s edge. Then mark where the tongue and the blade intersect the edge of the circle and connect those two marks. Repeat the process at another point on the circle and the point where the two lines intersect is the exact center.

Simply find a straight edge and make a mark at 90 degrees. Then flip the square over and make another mark next to your first mark. If the two lines are parallel, the square is still square.

By using a stud finder with a built-in AC current detector, you can trace hot wiring behind walls to make sure you drill in the right place.

A pair of dial calipers will do the job, using the inside measurement blades.

Replacing the handle of an axe is quite common. However, you need to replace it with a handle of the same size and quality as the original.

With a file, restoring the head to its original shape.

If you aren’t going to be using it very often, I would recommend a single-bit axe. It does the same job and it’s safer to use than a double-bit axe.

If you’re using a C-Clamp, you can simply put two pieces of scrap wood on both sides of the work piece so that any marring of the surface will be to the scrap pieces and not the finish piece.

A three-way edging clamp is designed for this purpose because it can apply pressure to three sides of a surface.

A standard bench vise will probably suit your needs. It is designed for light-duty applications and will handle a variety of tasks. All you need is a workbench or table to bolt it to.

A clamp vise is an excellent choice. You can clamp it to most tabletops or even sawhorses and take it with you wherever you need it.

Tool boxes come in a variety of sizes and configurations. However, it sounds like you just need a basic plastic tool box to store a few tools and some fasteners. I would recommend a 19” model with one lift-out tray.

Depending on the construction of the homemade ones, they are probably more durable and can be conveniently folded and stored out of the way.

Strapping a pair of suspenders to your work belt can relieve some of the strain on your back by allowing your shoulders to carry some of the weight.

Use a nail set to sink the nail head into the molding. Then you can fill the hole with a spackling compound, sand it smooth and paint it.

A pry bar is more efficient than a claw hammer, and its smooth base keeps it from damaging the wall.

A wrecking bar or crow bar, which comes in different lengths, would be a useful tool.

The center punch is probably the most versatile and can handle a variety of jobs that require a punch.

You will probably need several trowels, including a notched tiling trowel, a grout float and a margin trowel for mixing mortar. Be sure to buy the proper type of tiling trowel called for by the type of tile and mortar you are using.

A flat file will work well. Just be sure to sharpen (redress) the blade using the existing angle or bevel of the mower blade. Also, try to remove as little metal as possible to make the blade last longer.

A file is generally used to smooth metal, where a rasp is specifically designed for shaping wood.

With a taper file, which is a triangular shaped file specifically designed to sharpen saw teeth. Just be sure to follow the saw manufacturer’s recommendations for redressing the teeth and be sure the file size is the right size for the saw teeth you are sharpening.

No. You will want to use a chainsaw file, which is specifically designed for this purpose.

Differences are primarily denoted by the type of teeth the file has. A single cut denotes a single row of chisel-cut teeth. These files are used on saw teeth and metals where a good finish is required. A double cut file is used primarily on metals where rapid stock removal is necessary and a rough cut is permissible. It has two rows of chisel-cut teeth. A curved-tooth cut features teeth that are milled in an arc. This cut is used on flat surfaces of soft metals for rapid stock removal and a fairly good finish. File teeth are further divided into four groups: coarse, bastard, second and smooth. Coarse and bastard cuts are used on heavy work, while second and smooth cuts are used for finishing or more exacting work.

Installing pegboard on a garage wall is an excellent way to keep your tools in sight so you can easily get them when you need them. Some people even draw outlines around the tools with a permanent marker on the pegboard so they know when a tool is missing from its proper location.

It is designed to slide the same amount as the thickness of the end of the hook. That way it can accurately measure distances when the tape is hooked to the end of an object (such as the end of a board) or when measuring between objects (such as the width of a door jamb). If it were fixed, one of these two measurements would be off by the thickness of the hook.

A 16 oz. hammer will handle most jobs easily.

For drilling smaller holes in a variety of materials, choose a high-speed steel twist bit. These can drill holes from about 1/16 inch to ½ inch in wood, soft metal and other materials.

For drilling medium sized holes in wood, a spade bit is a good choice. Common sizes range from ¼ inch to 1½-inch. They can also be used on chipboards and floorboards.

A spade bit is a good choice, because they are relatively inexpensive and you can resharpen them with a file.

For larger holes use a hole saw. They range in size from about 1 inch to 4 inches. They have a pilot bit and a saw-toothed circular rim.

It primarily used for cutting deep holes in all types of wood.

Yes a high-speed masonry bit is used on concrete, concrete block, cinder block, brick and stone.

It’s a portable jigsaw that can perform many tasks, such as cutting curves and holes. However, it can’t handle heavy jobs. Some models have orbital blade action for a more aggressive cut. Another feature some people like is blower that keeps the cutting line visible and sawdust free.

Look to see if the mechanism for adjusting the base plate is sturdy. On less expensive models these are weak and will eventually wobble making it difficult to cut accurately. Look for a model that draws 3 amps and has variable speed.

That’s common, but make sure you are using the right blade for the material you are cutting—wood, tile or metal.

For the homeowner, I suggest a random orbit sander because it balances the two main functions of a sander. It removes stock quickly and still provides a quality finish.

A metal rake usually has more spring and is better suited for large areas. It is easier to clean around flowerbeds, shrubs and bushes and does not rake up essential thatch in a lawn.

Simply keep them clean and wipe them down with light oil. Oil their pivot points and blades with 3-in-1 oil and sharpen them if need be. Also remove any rust with Naval Jelly.

Choose a tip that won’t damage the siding. A 15-degree tip is a good choice.

A folding workbench is ideal for general household projects, especially when you don’t have much work or storage space. Folding sawhorses can also be conveniently stored away and don’t take up much space.