If you've ever used a butter knife to tighten the screw on a
loose cabinet knob, then you know that often the best tool for the
job is the one that's most readily available. But the kitchen isn't
the only place to get your MacGyver on. Your medicine cabinet or
dressing closet are also full of on-the-spot problem solvers,
whether you need to condition a soapstone countertop, lube a
sticking drawer, or clean up drippy spray-foam insulation.
OK, you've sanded all the new trim work. Now, sweep all that dust
out of those little crevices with a narrow fan brush before you
prime and paint.
Much like wax pencil wood fillers, eyeliner comes in array of colors to match most stained finishes. Use it to touch up shallow scratches and fill finish-nail holes in kitchen cabinet doors, furniture, trim, doors and paneling.
After you've cut pipe with a hacksaw, use an emery board to file off sharp burrs.
Snip wires to length with an old nail clipper, cut off the outer insulation by slipping the tiny pointed ends of a nail scissor between it and the wire, then wrap the exposed wire around a contact point with tweezers while you tighten the screw.
When installing drywall or paneling, you need to cut holes for electrical outlets. To know where to make the cutouts, rub chalk onto the edges of the box, then push the panel into position against it to transfer the mark. Chalk won't stick to plastic boxes, so use lipstick instead.
See More Makeup-Bag MacGyver Tricks
See More from This Old
House:
Tools You Should Keep in Your Kitchen Drawer
