Home Improvement Tools

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

A keyhole saw is most often used to cut holes in soft woods or drywall. Find out more about safely using a keyhole saw here.

By Fix-It Club

A coping saw features a U-shaped frame with a swiveling spigot, or clip, that eases the job of making turning cuts. We'll show you how to use one.

By Talon Homer

A hacksaw is the tool to grab when you need to cut a metal pipe or other small household material. Find out how to properly use this handsaw.

By Fix-It Club

You want to fix up your house, but there's a problem: Your tools are in short supply. Fear not -- we'll tell you what you need to repair just about anything. Check it out.

By Fix-It Club

The metal used to construct buildings resists all sorts of damage, making it a very reliable material -- and very difficult to manipulate into the appropriate form. Enter the plasma cutter. Learn all about the amazing device that cuts through metal like a knife through warm butter.

By Robert Valdes

Super glue definitely deserves its name -- a 1-square-inch bond can hold more than a ton. So, what if find yourself in a super-sticky situation?

By Katherine Neer

How do spray bottles (like the ones used for cleaning products) pump fluid? Why do you have to pump them a couple of times before they start spraying? Find out the answers to these questions with this helpful article.

A number of tools, like wrenches and C-clamps, have the words "Drop Forged" stamped on the handle. What does that mean? Find out with the help of this article.

If you're a homeowner looking to clean up a few trees in the yard or cut some firewood, a chain saw will be a very handy tool. Get a good look at the inner workings of a chain saw.

By Marshall Brain

Metal locks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and are made of various materials. Some locks have the words "Case Hardened" stamped on it. What does "Case Hardened" mean?

I have an electronic stud finder, and I am amazed at how well it works. How does it know where the studs are?

Circular saws can be so loud that a person may have to wear hearing protectors whenever using it. Vacuum cleaners are also as loud as a jet engine. How can a 30-inch table saw be so much quieter than a circular saw?

A lot of tools, like saw blades and drill bits, come with "carbide tips" that can be used for various purposes. But what is carbide and how does it enhance a tool? Find out about carbide and its many uses in this article.

Electric screwdrivers combine batteries, motors, gears and a switch into one extremely compact package. How can such a lightweight, handheld tool drill through tough wood or even metal?

By Marshall Brain

Blowtorches aren't just for welders and plumbers. These fire-breathing machines can cut metal and brown creme brulee.

By Jane McGrath

A spud gun can hurl potatoes hundreds of feet at close to 400 miles per hour. But why is this staple of the dinner table such a popular projectile? Learn the science of spud guns and how they can be customized.

By Tracy V. Wilson

If you've ever missed the nail and hit your thumb with a hammer, you understand the draw of a nail gun. And the raw power is a nice perk too. Some nail guns can launch nails at 1,400 feet per second.

By Tom Harris

Some of us don't think crooked kitchen cabinets are delightfully quirky or that uneven tiles give the bathroom floor personality. Some of us want things to be straight. Is a laser the answer?

By Marie Willsey