“Quality tools will not only last longer, they typically perform the task with more precision and less effort.”
DIY 101 – Tools and Common Mistakes (Epic Fails?)
I’m sure you have heard this before, but I am going to repeat it (probably more than once), the right tool for the right job is essential. True in any occupation or field of work, but especially true for DIY projects, the correct tool can make the difference between success and epic fail. Or a trip to the emergency room! I guarantee that will leave a bad taste for DIY projects.
My list of the essential DIY tools:
1. Cordless drill – probably the most useful and versatile tool you can own.
2. Reciprocating saw – may not use it often, but nothing else will substitute.
3. Circular saw – must have for framing, decks, making long cuts.
4. Miter saw/chop saw – from crown molding to plastic pipe, DIY must have.
5. Jigsaw – notching and circular cuts in wood, plastic, or metal.
6. Air compressor – you can rent pneumatic tools (trim nailer, framing nailer, etc) but you need your own compressor, you will use it for more than DIY.
7. A good quality level. Make sure to check periodically for plum and level. I will include a quick tip on this in a future post.
Quality tools will not only last longer, they typically perform the task with more precision and less effort. These are all tools that will make it possible to tackle most DIY projects and save time. Hand tools are also necessary, but fall in the personal preference category. I am sure you can find a hammer, chisel, tape measure, etc that you feel comfortable using. I would like to mention three hand tools that can be extremely useful and time-saving.
The first is an end-cutter, they look like pliers with a flattened cutting end. Great for clipping nails with no head, pulling nails in hard-to-reach places, and removing nails from pieces of wood you want to re-use and avoid damaging. They are inexpensive and well worth the investment.
The second and third are similar – a telescoping magnetic tip wand and a telescoping mirror. Again, these are inexpensive and tools you won’t use often, but when you need them – huge time savers.
Common mistakes in DIY I is obviously a matter of opinion. I believe avoiding these five mistakes are key to a successful project. They all relate to knowledge and experience, which many first-time DIY’ers fail to recognize.
1. Budget – Carefully planning and following a budget can be difficult, even experienced builders get fooled occasionally. Always make the assumption that there will be some hidden costs, ninety percent of the time there are.
2. Skill – Underestimating skill levels required to complete specific tasks leads to frustration and many times results in lesser quality workmanship. If you can tell it isn’t up to snuff, chances are other people will as well. If one of your goals is re-sale value, this can seriously limit your potential buyer base.
3. Time – This aspect of DIY projects often goes hand-in-hand with skill level. Planning for extra work and extra steps is not only wise, but necessary. Too many hidden factors come into play that often extends the time-frame of the project. So, that weekend renovation turns into a month of weekends, or time away from your regular job.
4. Permits – Always check your local building codes. Many areas require permits for anything more than cosmetic work. Better safe than sorry. Lack of proper permits can be disastrous.
5. Tools – As stated above, the correct tools will ensure that you can complete the work properly in a reasonable amount of time.
All of these factors fall under the old rule-of-thumb “measure twice cut once”. It is overly simplified but accurate none the less. You can save yourself a lot if time, money, and frustration by planning every aspect of your project. Then go over it again – several times! Avoid the Epic Fail!
Quick Tip – How to avoid splitting wood when hand-nailing.
The obvious way is to drill a pilot hole; but what if you don’t have your drill handy, or the correct drill bit? Simple solution (this is for headed nails typically used for exterior wood trim, siding, etc) – Hold the head of the nail on a solid surface with the point facing up. Tap the point with your hammer to blunt the tip of the nail. You don’t need to smash the tip, a solid tap should suffice. This causes the nail to bite into the wood instead of cutting (which will cause splitting), give it a try sometime.
Coming soon: Squeaky-stair repair, Is your level – level? Jobs better left to pros?
Photo: toolstop/Flickr