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:  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. See more »

10 Multifunction Tools on the Market

10 Multifunction Tools on the Market

What if you could pull a contraption right out of your pocket that could open a can of food, break down and reassemble a rifle, or drill a hole? Well, if you own a multifunction tool, those tasks are a snap.

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5 Tools You Need for Demolition

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.

See more »
Under One Roof: Test Your House Knowledge

Under One Roof: Test Your House Knowledge

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.

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Bolts

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.

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Files

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.

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Lumber

Lumber

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

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Nails

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.

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Plywood

Plywood

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

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Sandpaper

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.

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Screws

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.

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Abrasives

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.

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Electrical Contact Cleaner

Electrical contact cleaner is compressed air with a cleaning agent. It's great for cleaning food and grease off electrical fixtures. Learn more.

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Steel Wool

There are many grades of steel wool on the market today. Check out this helpful article for details on the various uses for steel wool.

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