Home Improvement Tools

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.

By Fix-It Club

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.

By Fix-It Club

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.

By Fix-It Club

Multipurpose glues encompass everything from school glue to epoxy. Find out which glue to use for which home repair in this helpful article.

By Fix-It Club

Electrical components in your home sometimes stop working because the flow of electricity has been interrupted. The electrical tools in this article will help you measure the current, locate interrupted connections, and clean blocked contacts.

By Fix-It Club

A power saw can be intimidating, but is actually easy and efficient to use. Learn about power saws and their uses, and determine when a power saw might be the right tool for you.

By Fix-It Club

Fasteners attach two materials or objects together, which makes them a necessary part of home repairs. Explore the world of fasteners. See how each type works and choose the right ones for your next project.

By Shane Wilson

To stick two materials together without putting a piece of metal through them, consider glues. Read about different types of adhesives, including multipurpose glues and those specially-designed for given surfaces.

By Fix-It Club

Every home repair project calls for an accurate measurement and a clear marking. Learn how measuring and marking tools will help you get the precise calculations you need to complete your project.

By Fix-It Club

Before you begin any home improvement project, be sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. Read about the different types of home repair tools available to you, and the purpose each serves.

By Fix-It Club

You can't select tools or plan out a repair until you know your materials. Read about the different kinds of materials you will encounter, and how to approach them in your home repair project.

By Fix-It Club

An electric sander removes material from a surface with much greater speed than sanding by hand. Learn more about sanders.

By Fix-It Club

A circular saw makes cuts in wood, metal, or plastic with a round, flat blade. Check out this article for tips on how to use this power saw.

By Fix-It Club

The saber saw uses a reciprocating motor that moves a small saw blade up and down. Learn more about how this versatile power saw works.

By Fix-It Club

A power drill features an electric motor that rotates a drill bit to make a hole. Learn all about this powerful all-purpose tool here.

By Fix-It Club

Hammers come in a different varieties and head sizes. Learn about the most common - claw hammers - and many others on this page.

By Fix-It Club

A screwdriver has two common tip designs -- standard and Phillips. Every toolbox should have at least one of each. Learn about screwdrivers here.

By Fix-It Club

Pliers are a great tool to have around to help you grip an object and turn, bend, or otherwise manipulate it as needed. Learn all about pliers here.

By Fix-It Club

A tape measure is a portable measurement device that is a must-have for any tool box. Find out how to safely use this measuring tool.

By Fix-It Club & Austin Henderson

A level is used to make something horizontal with the earth's surface. This handy tool can also measure vertical plumb. Learn about levels here.

By Fix-It Club

A chalk line makes it easy for anyone to draw a long, straight line. Learn how to use this marking device at HowStuffWorks.

By Fix-It Club

A stud finder is a valuable tool that makes the job of finding studs behind a wall very simple. Learn how this battery-operated electromagnet works.

By Fix-It Club

A crosscut saw is the best saw for cutting wood across the grain. This handsaw must be handled with care, so check out the tips here first.

By Fix-It Club

A ripsaw is a useful tool for cutting lumber, making furniture, and other wood-cutting tasks. It is used to manually cut wood in the same direction as the grain. Learn how to safely use a ripping saw in this article.

By Fix-It Club

A backsaw is typically used to cut tenons, also called joints or grooves, in wood. Find out how to safely use this handy tool in this article.

By Fix-It Club