tools & hardware channel library

Tools and hardware are the nuts and bolts of every home improvement project. Learn about different kinds of tools and hardware and find out how to use hardware correctly.

Featured Article: House Quiz

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. But just how does one go about building a home in the first place? Find out some fun facts about this detailed process by taking the quiz. See more »

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5 Tools You Need for Demolition

Got your sledgehammer in hand ready to tear down the wall between rooms that never made much sense to you? Well, unless you're willing to spend unwanted money on repairs, put the sledgehammer down.

House Quiz

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. But just how does one go about building a home in the first place? Find out some fun facts about this detailed process by taking the quiz.

Bolts

A bolt is a type of fastener that comes in a variety of types, including carriage bolts, stove bolts, and machine bolts. Learn more about bolts.

Files

Files, like those for fingernails, shave down and remove excess wood. Learn about the different files typically used for home repair on this page.

Lumber

Lumber can be tricky to understand because the sizes are a bit misleading. Learn about the nominal versus actual dimensions of lumber here.

Nails

Nails come in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of jobs around the house. Learn more about this handy fastener only at HowStuffWorks.

Plywood

Plywood is often better than lumber for some jobs. Learn about the various grades of plywood -- both interior and exterior.

Sandpaper

Because sandpaper comes in various grades of coarseness, it's important to know which type to select for your home repair job. Find tips on this page.

Screws

Screws have a few benefits over other fasteners -- they provide lots of strength and can be easily removed. Find out about different types of screws.

Sanding, shaving, and smoothing out a surface can transform a shabby-looking object into a professional piece of material. Read about abrasives, and see how they eliminate rough patches and strip away old layers.