These clever little helpers do jobs much bigger than their size and their price tag let on. Here are our top 5 picks for things you should have on hand and how they can save the DIY day.
Wrangle a Stack of Materials
What it is:
Self-locking reusable ribbon "tape" (think one-sided Velcro).
Why you need it:
Because it ties together pieces of molding and stacks of lumber without sticking to the surfaces-again and again. Scotch Bundling Wrap, available at 3M.
Cut Power to Appliances
What it is:
A single-plug adapter with an on-off switch.
Why you need it:
Because your toaster oven shouldn't be a vampire when it's done browning your English muffin. Outlet Switch, available at Harriet Carter
Steady a Table
What it is:
A set of adjustable feet that can raise furniture ½ inch to 1¼ inches.
Why you need it:
Because the stack of matchbooks just won't stay put underneath your wobbly coffee table. Leveling Trio, available at American Science & Surplus
Unstick a Vacuum Seal
What it is:
A ball-check valve you can install on your garbage bin to let trapped air escape.
Why you need it:
Because wrestling a full trash bag out of the can shouldn't be such a struggle. Vacuum Release Device , available at American Science & Surplus
Organize Small Stuff
What it is:
A carabiner-type hook that screws on to soda-bottle tops.
Why you need it:
Because Diet Coke empties can hold your hardware: Cut hole in side of bottle, fill with nails, screw on hook, hang in garage. Cinchtite Hooks, available at American Science & Surplus
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