Move a pocket compass along the wall. When the needle moves, usually the stud will be located at that point. Studs are usually located 16 inches apart.

Fraying Rope

Shellac the ends of rope to prevent fraying.

Fraying Nylon Cord

Heat the cut end of nylon cord over a match flame to bond the end together

Loosing Rusting Bolts

Apply a cloth soaked in any carbonated soda to loosen rusted bolts.

Straight Line

Mark a straight line by using a knife instead of a pencil.

Sandpaper Tip

By damping the backing on sandpaper, it will last longer and resist cracking

Tight Screws

Loosen a screw by putting a couple drops of peroxide on it and let it soak in.

Screwdriver Tip

Keep a screwdriver from slipping by putting chalk on the blade

Loosening Joints

Loosen old glue by applying vinegar from an oil can to the joint

Screwdriver Substitute

Use a large new nail to substitute for a Phillips screwdriver.

Rule to Remember for Tools

Left is loose and right is tight

Creaky Boards

Fasten floorboards down with extra long nails to prevent creaking

Another Floorboard Tip

Another way to prevent creaking floorboards is to put a thin wedge between the sub flooring and the joints.

Preventing Rust

To prevent rusty tools, coat with auto paste wax

Corrosion Preventative

Put piece of charcoal in your toolbox to prevent corroded tools

Sanding Tip

To locate any rough spots that remain, put an old nylon stocking over your hand--run it lightly over the surface of the wood.

Sticking Drawers

Rub the runners of drawers with a candle or a bar of soap so they will slide easily

Window Insulation

Hang plastic lings behind curtains to insulate windows against heat or cold

Chips in the Sink

Small chips in porcelain sinks can be hidden by applying contact paper to the spots

Drawer Knobs

Use building blocks instead of knobs on a child's dresser

Stubborn Locks

Dip key into machine oil or graphite to loosen up a lock. Turn the key in the lock a few times

No Graphite

Rub the key with a lead pencil if you have no graphite on hand to loosen up a lock

Hairdryer Bellows

Use a portable hairdryer as a fine fireplace bellows

Shut-off Valve Safety Tip

To keep the shut-off values on water pipe from sticking, turn them every six months or so

Slamming Doors

Reduce the noise level in your home by putting self-sticking protective pads on the inside edges of cabinet doors, cupboards, etc.

Audio Tip

Audiophiles or those who are hard-of-hearing can avoid disturbing others by having earphone jacks installed in television sets, stereos, radios, etc

Snow Shovel Wax

Coat a snow shovel with floor wax to keep snow from sticking to it.

Icy Sidewalk Tip

Sprinkle sand through a strainer on an icy sidewalk to distribute evenly

Anchored Garbage Can

Prevent garbage cans from being tipped over by firmly anchoring inside an old tire.

Garbage Can Tip

Garbage cans will last longer if they are painted. Use primer on galvanized metal, then paint with matching house paint.

Key Identification

Paint the top of keys with corresponding colors on front door, car, etc.

Towel Rack Tip

Replace the bottom screws of towel racks with cup hooks. Small towels and washcloths may be hung from them.

Handy Item

To retrieve things from hard-to-reach areas, fasten a cup hook to the end of an old mop or broom handle.

Screen Repair

Use clear cement glue to repair a small hole in wire screening.

Hairdryer Hint

Thaw a frozen pipe with a portable hairdryer

Repairing Linoleum

Mix shellac with particles of matching linoleum to repair holes in your flooring. Apply to the spot, let it harden, sand until smooth, and wax.