Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [tools]

Tool (n) - 1. A mechanical device intended to make a task easier, 2. equipment used in a profession, e.g., tools of the trade, 3. Something to perform an operation; an instrument; a means

There are several large branches of tools that a DIY-er might be concerned with, but they can be easily split into two categories: Power tools and Hand Tools.

Power tools use electricity, gasoline or some other form of chemical energy, or compressed air to perform a task. They are usually but not always man-portable. They may also use some form of mechanical energy provided by human muscles to complete a task. Examples would include a power drill, a nail gun, an orbital sander, or a gas-powered auger.

Hand tools are man-portable tools that are operated using solely physics and mechanical force provided by human muscles. Examples might include a hammer, saw, or screwdriver.

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What is the purpose of these holes on my wire stripper?

I have been using this wire stripper for a while, but I have always wondered what was the purpose of those holes in the center and above LOOP, and those teeth on the handles.
alecail
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What is the purpose of this Y shaped bit?

I have bought a bits set and there is this bit: It is a Y shaped bit, and there is a groove on the inside of the branches. The angle is approximatively 90˚ (a little more).
alecail
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When pre-drilling for screws, how do you determine the correct bit diameter?

Suppose I want to pre-drill for, say, a 5/16 screw. How do I determine the correct drill bit diameter?
ageektrapped
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What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?

What are the tools that every DIY'er should have? This is a community wiki as there is no one right answer. Instructions: One item per answer (so they can be voted on - answers with multiple items will be voted down) Clear formatting like…
Mike Sherov
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Why are there so many different types of screws (phillps/flat/hex/star/etc)?

Newbie question. Why is it that there's a bazillion different types of screws? Why can't we just always use one standard screw type? Are there advantages/disadvantages to the different types? Are there times when one type is preferred over…
Doug T.
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Is it worth spending extra to get a nicer circular saw?

I'm doing some small projects such as building a workbench, and I don't have a saw to cut plywood with. I've got a 12" compound miter saw, so I don't currently need a circular saw for anything other than cutting plywood. I looked around and I think…
Doresoom
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Why do Contractor Levels have two vials with the same orientation?

It seems to me that having multiple vials in the same orientation is redundant, but many levels seems to include this feature. What am I missing? There has to be some reason.
DaggerOfMesogrecia
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Can you identify this tool that looks like a pyramidal rake with an integrated sliding plate to compress the tines?

Found when cleaning out the garage. It slides to open up as shown in the photos.
Jason
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How to prevent batteries leaking out in devices?

Is there a common method of preventing batteries from leaking out and destroying the device? Why does this happen in the first place? I have laid another head lamp to waste because it was sitting in my truck unused for several months. Could it be…
amphibient
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How to drive a nail in a confined space?

I keep finding myself needing to hammer nails in places where my hammer is too long to actually make the hammer head contact the nail. This isn't a situation where I need the leverage provided by the handle - I'm choking the hammer anyway for added…
Jeremy W. Sherman
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Should I release the pressure out of an air compressor when it is not in use?

Just got a new compressor and I wondering if I should be releasing all of the pressure out of the unit when it is not in use? Or is it better to leave the pressure in so that the unit does not have to work as hard to build up the pressure next…
Milos Petrovic
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How can I repair rusty tools?

Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust from the tools (e.g. Needle-nose pliers), or can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice? Would I be better off just buying new tools (which can be an expensive choice for expensive tools)?
Larry Morries
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What are the differences between SDS, SDS Plus, and SDS Max drills?

Basically I had to use a breaker last weekend, it was clear I did not need the “heavy duty” as I did not have 6” of solid concrete, but the descriptions of the other options confused me.
Walker
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Where does the lawn string trimmer line go?

I'm learning how to use a string trimmer before buying one. I know that it uses a line to cut the grass. But the line will wear and get shorter. Where does the line go? I guess into the grass and ground. Then it will be plastic waste into the…
Tony B
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What is this sharpened steel rod with rubber coating?

Got this at a yard sale in a bin with mostly random fasteners. Its about 3" long. It is very similar to a standard framing nail in diameter, if not slightly less. It has a tip like a nail but a dipped-looking rubberized coating. Any ideas what this…
StayOnTarget
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