Find out how to use a hacksaw for improved control on difficult cuts. This increased control is essential when making precision cuts or working in tight spots. In fact, there are even miniature hacksaws designed specifically for accessing narrow gaps and spaces. Credit: Laurie Black Limit the number of people in your workspace to reduce the chance of accidental injury. Hacksaws often produce fine metal or plastic dust, so ventilation is another important consideration....

Learn how to use a hand plane like a professional woodworker for flattening wood and trimming moldings and doors. Plus, a hand plane can do things power tools like jointers, electric planers, androuterscan’t. What Is a Hand Plane? Credit:Getty Images / fStop Images - Jonathan Gelber Types of Hand Planes Most types of hand planes are slight variations of the same basic design. Safety Considerations The blade of a properly sharpened hand plane is razor-sharp....

Learn how to use one of the most versatile power tools for your workshop. The jigsaw blade extends down vertically from the body of the saw, through the shoe. Working in an open or well-ventilated space prevents sawdust from becoming a hazard. Credit: frantic00/Getty Images When working, never force the blade through the material. If you’re cutting through wood, choose a wood-cutting jigsaw blade. If you’re working with metal, opt for a metal-cutting jigsaw blade....

To ensure perfectly-cooked meat, check doneness with a meat thermometer. Learn the proper way to use one to accurately tell if your food is safe to eat. No one wants a dry,tough chicken breast(or any meat). A dial-type meat thermometer like this can be left in while cooking meat.Credit: Peter Krumhardt If you don’t have a meat thermometer, stop reading, and go buy one now. You need one to be sure you’re feeding your family safe food....

Make straight or angled cuts in wood, plastic, and soft metals with a miter saw. A miter saw equipped with the right blade can cut through wood, plastic, or soft metals. This guide demonstrates how to use a miter saw while offering tips for safe operation. Credit:Jake Sternquist Check the bevel and miter adjustments to ensure that the saw is aligned correctly. After using the saw, unplug it and set the lock....

Preparation and restraint are key for preventing injuries as well. To safely and effectively clean any exterior surface, consider this guide on how to use pressure washer equipment. Never pressure wash a surface with lead paint. Credit: cherrybeans / Getty Images The power tool comes in two typesgas and electricand both are rated for residential or commercial use. The right pressure washer for you depends on the surface you’re cleaning....

If you’re a seasoned DIYer, you’ve likely used a random orbital sander. What Is a Random Orbital Sander? Jacob Fox Types of Orbital Sanders Not all orbital sanders are the same. Credit:Jacob Fox In fact, the random orbital sander operates completely differently than a standard orbital sander. 1/4-Sheet Orbital Sander A 1/4-sheet orbital sander gets its name from its size. The square pad is big enough to hold 1/4 of a 9x11 sandpaper sheet....

This handy cleaning tool has a wide variety of uses. But what exactly do steam cleaners do, and does one deserve a space in your cleaning arsenal? Among them are fabric and clothing steamers, steam mops, and hard-surface or multi-surface steam cleaners. Credit:Grant Webster Steam mops are exactly what they sound likemops that employ steam in addition to water and/or cleaning agents. When working with steam, use caution to avoid painful burns....

Finding studs isn’t always challenging. In fact, there are many ways to find studs without a stud finder. Sometimes, it just takes a stud finder to ensure accuracy and avoid damaging crucial components in the wall. Credit:Brie Goldman These gadgets work by detecting metal nails or density changes. Brie Goldman What Is a Stud Finder? A stud finder is a handheld tool that’s used to identify a stud’s location inside a wall....

Be sure you’ve properly turned off the power before you begin any electrical project. Here’s how to use a voltage tester during home repairs. BanksPhotos/Getty Images A voltage tester is designed to test for the presence of an electrical current. Credit:BanksPhotos/Getty Images Both devices are useful forhome electrical systemrepairs, and they function essentially the same. A simple voltage tester is more affordable and easier to use. For this reason, it’s recommended to test the voltage tester before every use....

As landscaping equipment goes, a weed whacker is one of the most versatile power tools to have around. First, find out what to keep in mind when choosing the best weed whacker for your landscaping needs. First, think about whether you want a plug-in, battery-powered, or gas-powered model. Credit: CasarsaGuru / Getty Images Plug-in weed whackers are relatively quiet and powerful. And being electric, there’s no exhaust to contend with or trips to the gas station for fuel....

If you haven’t jumped on theair fryer trend, the time is now. Deliciousair-fryer recipeslikeair-fryer pickle chipsare another good reason. Learn how to use an air fryer to makehealthier french fries, fried chicken, desserts, and more. Credit: Blaine Moats How Does an Air Fryer Work? While it might seem like magic, there’s a simple explanation forhow air fryers work. The drier your food is when it goes in, the crispier it’ll be when it comes out....

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Theyre also remarkably handy to help youmeal prepwhile accomplishing other tasks simultaneously. Test Kitchen Tip: Dont completely forget, of course! Credit:Jason Donnelly And yes, almost all work like a separate slow cooker does. Thats incorrect: Low on one is not equivalent to Low on the other. This will allow you to monitor progress. What Lid Should I Use?