Skills

Master your craft and perfect your skills with these professional tips, techniques and industry insights.

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    Simple Circle-Layout Tool

    This simple jig makes laying out circles a breeze.


    What is Milk Paint and Should You Be Using It?

    If you're looking for that naturally rustic look, milk paint is your best bet.


    Here’s Why You Need to Leave Grass Clippings On The Lawn

    Gathering up those grass clippings has always been an integral part of the lawn care routine. But after looking at...


    Masonry Nailing Trick

    If you’ve always had trouble driving masonry nails into concrete to mount furring strips or boards, try this trick.


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    14 Ways to Use a Rotary Tool That Will Have People Buzzing

    These brilliant ideas may just inspire a renaissance of rotary tool use in your shop and beyond. Honestly, there isn’t...


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    10 Surprising Things You Can Do with Concrete Blocks

    From a succulent wall to an attractive sofa, these are some seriously creative ways to use concrete blocks.


    Join Miters Easily With this Miter Joint Clamp

    Make these amazing miter joint clamps now so that you have them the next time someone needs a frame.


    Square D Plug-On Neutral Load Center (sponsored)

    I started wiring panels before arch fault protection was required.

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    14 Cheap Landscaping Updates that Make a Splash

    Revamp your landscape (and impress your neighbors) with these inexpensive updates.


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    Quick Fix For Running Toilets

    Here’s a nifty way to prevent the lift chain on your flapper from getting caught underneath when the flapper closes.


    Third-Hand Crown Molding Hanger

    Mounting long pieces of molding by yourself is a lot easier with this molding hanger.


    Why You Should Consider Creating a Garden Bed Edging

    Garden beds can be fun to plant and tend, but as soon as unwanted plants invade, the battle begins. Your...


    What is a Birdsmouth Cut and How to Cut It On a Rafter

    A Birdsmouth cut can create a joint to fix rafters and joists to wall plates. Click to learn more about...


    Pickled Wood Finish for Interior Design and Decor

    Unlock the secrets of the chic pickled wood finish, from its Nordic roots to DIY vinegar tricks and the best...


    Double-Duty Vise

    Save yourself from buying a new vise with this tip.


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    How To Build a Post and Beam Pavilion

    Does it seem like whenever you want to spend your day off outside, the weather foils your plans? Rain and...


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    10 Easy Ways to Cut Metal Fast

    Our best tips for getting your project done right.

    Homeowner’s Guide to a Weed-Free Landscape

    Don't let your landscape get overtaken by weeds this season! We've got solutions for banishing even the most troublesome invaders,...


    Patching Drywall: 10 Tips & Techniques

    Before you paint a wall you have to prepare the surface, which inevitably involves patching. It's one of the most...


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    How To Make a Container Water Garden for Your Patio

    Mini ponds perfect for patios or decks.


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    Portable Router Table Base

    Just when you thought you’d seen every possible use for your portable workbench (the Workmate bench is shown here), here’s...


    Reader Project: DIY Solid Cedar Mailbox

    Reader Todd Johnson needed to replace his mailbox.  So he went to his local home center to get inspired.  


    You’ve Got Your Pallet, Now Where Do You Start?

    You've been eyeing a project that uses wooden pallets, but you're unsure how to get started. We'll show you the...

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    Don’t Make These Mistakes When Planting a Tree

    Reap rewards from your investment of time and money by planting a tree correctly. Avoid these costly mistakes—all of which...


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    PVC Hacks for the Workshop

    Transform scrap pieces of PVC pipe into storage sites for dowels and fasteners, courtesy of “tipfull” reader Al Miller. 


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    How to Buy Rough-Sawn Lumber

    There are a few things you should know before heading to the lumber yard to buy wood. These great tips...


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    10 Lawn Care Myths You Really Need To Stop Believing

    When to fertilize, when to water, how short to cut the grass. You've surely heard one or more of these...


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    Saturday Morning Workshop: How To Build a Floating Shelf with Secret Drawer

    Learn how to make this sleek, modern floating shelf with a secret hiding place for your valuables.


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    10 Common Tiling Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them

    Laying tile isn't the most challenging DIY project, but it can be easy to make mistakes. To avoid any mishaps...