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.
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 »
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.
See more »
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 »
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 »
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.
See more »
Files, like those for fingernails, shave down and remove excess wood. Learn about the different files typically used for home repair on this page.
See more »
Lumber can be tricky to understand because the sizes are a bit misleading. Learn about the nominal versus actual dimensions of lumber here.
See more »
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.
See more »
Plywood is often better than lumber for some jobs. Learn about the various grades of plywood -- both interior and exterior.
See more »
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.
See more »
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.
See more »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.
See more »Electrical contact cleaner is compressed air with a cleaning agent. It's great for cleaning food and grease off electrical fixtures. Learn more.
See more »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.
See more »
