How to Use a Rubber Band to Loosen a Set Screw and Other DIY Tricks
Each master has his own unique style of work. Ask a question about a particular tool or method, and you are likely to get as many different answers and suggestions as there are professionals in the room. However, some tricks are more useful than others – here are some of the best I know, from how to unscrew a nut from a bolt to how to (safely) find any nails or screws scattered around your work area.
How to peel off metal fittings
If a nut is stuck on a bolt, you can use a pencil lead as a lubricant. Oils can adhere to dust and cause residues to accumulate on the surfaces of nuts and bolts. But graphite, the material from which a pencil lead is made, is an excellent dry lubricant that does not cause sticky deposits on parts. This method is also suitable for locks, door handles and set screws. Simply scratch the thread of the bolt or the inside of the nut with a pencil, then screw the nut onto or remove the thread.
How to use a hammer safer
For painless nailing use a “finger guard” made from several different household materials. To hold smaller nails like trim nails you can use a piece of cardboard or a food container lid – just make a hole in the material with the nail you are going to use and then insert the nail into the hole as a holder. You can then hold the nail straight with your fingers a few inches from where the hammer hits. For larger nails, you can use a clip to hold the nail and keep your fingers clean.
How to sand hard-to-reach areas
Sanding multi-plane or curved surfaces can be challenging. A regular orbital sander or sander won’t get to all the points you need to get to. In difficult hard-to-reach areas, you can use items other than traditional sanding blocks to get to any hard-to-reach areas that need to be smoothed out. For corners and thin surfaces, you can sandpaper a tongue trowel or a stick to stir the paint. For the interior curved surface, you can use a pencil, screwdriver, or roller pen. For larger bends, a three to four inch piece of PVC pipe or pool noodles works well. If you are having trouble keeping the paper in place, you can glue it or double-taped it to the makeshift block.
How to peel off a jammed screw
Stuck screws can be a real problem. If the head of the screw you want to remove starts to scrape off, you can try putting a strong rubber band on the head of the screw and pushing the screwdriver through the rubber. Sometimes this will give you enough strength to get started. If the head of your screw is covered with paint, you can try inserting a screwdriver into the slot on the head and tapping with a hammer to remove some of the paint so you can grip the screw with the screwdriver. If the screw is bent, try grabbing it with a pair of clamps and twisting to remove.
How to make a drill depth stop with your own hands
If you need to drill a hole to a specific depth and don’t have a retaining ring, you can use a piece of masking tape wrapped around the drill at the height you want to stop drilling. Wrap it several times to feel how it hits your surface. Please note that this method is not reliable. If you press hard enough, you can get past the makeshift stop, so it takes some dexterity.
How to pull out a nail without leaving marks
To pry the nails off the surface without leaving hammer marks, use a piece of wood, a piece of cardboard, or a sponge to press down on them. Place the buffer material between the hammer and the surface and then pull the nail out with the clawed side of the hammer.
How to find all those fallen nails
To prevent screws and nails from being damaged if dropped to the floor, lift them up with a magnet. Of course, there are special tools for this, but in fact, any magnet will do. Apply double tape to the end of a roller bar or tie a magnet to a rope to keep your back from pain. For ease of removal, use a zippered bag or piece of meat paper between the magnet and the equipment. Remove the lid from the trash can or container. This trick can also attract metal shavings, so gloves are essential to protect your hands.