Thursday, July 22, 2010

Tool Tip #5: Magnets in Molded Plastic Cases

Once upon a time all tool cases were metal, but with the advent of molded plastic cases I had to adapt this little magnetic storage trick.  Now I attach the magnet to the case using epoxy, but it still functions well as a handy storage "tray" for a myriad of blades, bits, wrenches, keys, drivers or whatever is needed for the particular tool in hand or in case, as it were.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Tool Tip #4: Extension Cord Hair Band

A really quick and easy way to cinch an extension cord for storage is to wrap the center with a cross section of car inner tube looped through itself.  Mine are cut with pinking shears, and the little teeth provide even better "locking."  Car inner tubes are harder to find these days, but just one from your local tire dealer or flea market will produce numerous handy giant rubber bands for this and lots of other binding purposes.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Woodworking Tip #5: Velcro's New Coat

When the good guys at Woodworker's Supply offered to send me a sampler of their Black-Max ceramic sanding discs, it was a no-brainer to accept.  Thing was I received 5" PSA discs, but my sander pad is hook and loop.  The adaptation was as easy as first attaching a disc of real fine 320 grit H&L sandpaper, then sticking the new PSA Black-Max disc to it.  This worked even better after some of the grit got peeled off by the adhesive.  Thing was too I was working on a deck instead of furniture, but the Black-Max ate through beams and balusters like there was no tomorrow.