Helpful Hints for the Home Handyman

One of the most common problems experienced by both seasoned carpenters and the home handyman alike is that of the "slipping" hammer. When you are driving a nail, it seems as if you are not hitting it squarely and you wind up making "moons" on the wood you are securing. The problem is not with you or the nail. It is your hammer. Look at the head. Feel the face. It will be mirror shiny and just as smooth. That's the problem. How do we remedy that? Very simple. Take a piece of coarse sandpaper, and using moderate pressure, scuff the face of the head. Just three or four times up and down, then three or four times side to side (depending on the coarseness of the sandpaper). No sandpaper available? Then just scrape the face on the concrete to scuff it up alittle. You will be surprised at the difference this little tip will make. Go ahead...try it.

There are dozens of types and styles of hammers out there to choose from. From the itty bitty tack hammer variety to the huge framing hammer. Basically it is a matter of personal preference. From my observations over the years let me share some experiences with you that may help you in your selection.

The framing hammer was defintely invented by a man who never had to swing one all day. They are long, heavy and cumbersome. I worked alongside of carpenters that carried these long handled things and most of them had to "choke up" on the handle. It was too big and heavy to be held near the bottom of the handle. These fellows worked hard at their job and it only took them about three blows to drive a 12 penny nail home once they had it started. Then I noticed something else. My hammer. For 90% of my construction career I used a normal everyday run of the mill 16 ounce hammer (I preferred a straight claw for framing). I held the hammer near the bottom of the handle and could drive a nail just as fast as they could. The benefits? It cost a whole lot less to buy and at the end of the day I wasn't nearly as tired as I would have been after throwing a 24 ounce hammer at every nail.

It's a matter of personal preference, I know. But part of being a builder or a do-it-yourselfer is to work smart, not hard!

Product photo credit Amazon.

A square, whether it is a framing square, pocket square or a sliding square, is one of the most useful tools ever made. If you want to cut your lumber straight, mark it with a square. If you need to make a set of steps, you need a square. Rafters? You need a square. A versatile and much needed tool. Using it properly takes the guess work and trial and error phases out of seemingly difficult jobs.

But what if you need to square off a large area like a concrete form for a patio you are going to pour. A two-foot framing square is alright, but you left it at home or loaned it to your brother-in-law. What do you do? Geometry my dear Watson!

From the inside corner of the form, take your tape measure (I hope you didn't loan that to your brother-in-law too!) and measure along the form to the left or right, whatever direction you want to take it, and make a mark at 3 feet. Then go back to the same inside corner and measure off in the other direction and make a mark at 4 feet. Then hold the end of your tape measure on one of the marks and measure to the other one that you made. If you read 5 feet, you have a square form. If it reads over 5 feet, tap the form in until you get to 5 feet. If it reads under 5, then tap it out until it gets to 5 feet. The 3-4-5 method. Works on small projects as well. Instead of feet, just do it in inches : 3-4-5 inches. The Latin term for this Geometrical principle is "Tapem Squarem Upem". Well, I just made that up because I really have no idea...but it works just the same!

Oh yeah, and when you buy a framing square, make sure that it comes with an instruction booklet. Stanley Tools always included one with theirs. It was called (are you ready for this?) the Stanley Square Book. It's pocketsize and full of useful information. A truly indispensable item. In it you will find how to lay out stairways, and roof rafter angles. Top notch info that takes the guesswork out of building.

Photo credit google images creative commom domain.