In this post I take you through the principles of changing a circular saw blade. As you might imagine, I put an emphasis on safety. Here’s a Youtube video of Ethan’s that demonstrates a blade change: Tool List: I’ve used Makita circular saws for over 30 years. Here’s a link to a very reasonably priced one on Amazon. If you do a lot of framing, here’s a 10-pack of 24-tooth framing/general purpose blades For fine cuts, your circular saw blade needs more teeth. Here’s a 60-tooth Diablo: First, Unplug It!!! Treat your circular saw as you would a weapon. Make sure it’s not loaded, so ..read more

In this post, I explain the difference between a drill and an impact driver, or just “driver”. How are they different and what do we use them for? Below is a video that Ethan did on the subject. But hey, please Dear Reader, help an old man out and read this post. I put my own spin on things. History and stuff. Forget the video. Tool Link: Here’s a link to a nice combo set:   First, let’s look at a closeup of each tool. Here’s a typical cordless drill. In this case, it’s a Dewalt 20v Max XR Cordless: Dewalt 20v Max XR Drill/Driver with belt clip (no battery) Confusingly, the tool abov ..read more

This post explains the French cleat. French cleats are the strongest, most adaptable mounting system in all of carpentry. As a bonus, they’re exceedingly simple to build. That’s why they get used in shops and houses around the world. Here’s a Youtube video of Ethan’s that explains and demonstrates the French cleat: Tools for Your Cleat Rips For rough French cleats, like in a shop or garage, you can use a circular saw. For nicer work, you need a table saw. Here’s a “jobsite” saw: What Is a French Cleat? The French cleat is simply a system for mounting or hanging thin ..read more

One of the most common calls a handyman gets is when someone’s door latch is not working properly. This can result in a door popping open, with embarrassing results. Especially if it’s a bathroom door! Below, I describe some steps to make this repair. Here’s a video that Ethan did on the subject:   Tool List: A “demolition” screwdriver is used in the easiest fix. Here’s an Amazon link to one from Klein Tools: Here’s a link to a really comfortable, versatile 11-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver: Anatomy of a Lockset (with Door Latch) First of all, the many parts in a “doorknob” combi ..read more

I’m not a big fan of drywall anchors. Of course, they have their time and place, but I think people use them too often. Or in situations where they’re not really effective. They hang heavy things from them. And use them to mount fixtures that get touched and jostled a lot. Those fixtures work loose over time. Here’s Ethan’s video presentation of the ideas in this post: Drywall Anchors Drywall anchors are pushed or screwed directly into drywall. Then screws are driven through the anchor, holding a hook or other hanger. Unfortunately, the anchors often pull ou ..read more

Here’s the situation: I’m stranded on a desert island. I can only take one tool with me. Would I take a knife? Or a magnifying glass? How about a leatherman’s tool? Nope. I would take this: What the heck is that thing? They call it a five-in-one. Or a six-in-one. Or a painter’s tool. It doesn’t really have a fixed name. I know it doesn’t look like much. But this simple tool has given me more value than any other three tools combined. It has an endless number of uses. For tradespeople, DIYers, or homeowners, it’s an indispensable tool. Below, I show the 10 most importa ..read more

Typically, a multi-bit screwdriver comes with 4 bits; 2 flat slotted and 2 Phillips. They also come with 2 nut drivers. This screwdriver from Klein Tools comes with 8 bits and 3 nut drivers! The additional bits are 2 square drive and 2 Torx. All of the bits are blast-finished to reduce cam-out. As a nice bonus, you can get replacement bits if you lose any, Also, the screwdriver has a nice fat handle, with a cushion grip. No more trying to turn a tight screw, only to have the handle slip in your hand! Our affiliate link is below. When I posted the link, there were over 15,000 reviews, 86 ..read more

The Swanson speed square two-pack (12″ and 7″) is an outrageously good deal! These lightweight aluminum tools are virtually indestructible. I still have my originals from the 90s, and multiples in the shop. Primarily an angle layout tool, the speed square actually has about a million uses. For many carpenters, it’s also the fastest 90-degree marking tool. And, you can use it as a guide for your circular saw! This particular combo also comes with Swanson’s “Blue Book,” which is a legendary guide to laying out roof and stair angles that many framers have kept in their tool belts over the years ..read more

In 40 years of construction and woodworking, the tools I’ve used most frequently are my Stanley PowerLock® tape measures. For one reason or another, I’ve used other tapes, but none have been as comfortable and easy to use as the PowerLocks. So, for me, the Stanley PowerLock is the best tape measure ever! On my construction jobsites, I used the 25′ model; around the house and shop, I use the 12′ model. Stanley Powerlock 25′ tape measure Stanley Powerlock 12′ tape measure   Here are the element of tape measures, as well as a list of the features of the PowerLock.   A well-used Stanley ..read more

When my old Hitachi died, I bought this Black and Decker jigsaw because it had high reviews. Two months in, I can’t believe how quality it is–and under $50! Click Here   Probably the best all-around feature of the Black + Decker Smart Select is the “curve control” knob. This little wheel lets you control tension on the blade.   Essentially, if you’re making tight-radius cut, you can dial down the tension on the blade. This will let the blade curve more freely to navigate the cut. BLACK+DECKER jigsaw “Curve Control” knob On the other hand, if you’re making longer, straight cuts, you ..read more