How-To
Category
How-To
13 articles
How-To
How to Start Your Lawn Mower After Winter Storage (Step-by-Step)
Your lawn mower won't start after winter? Here's exactly how to get gas, battery, and riding mowers running again with a step-by-step spring startup guide.
How-To
How to Sharpen Chainsaw Chains (Without a Pro)
Step-by-step guide to sharpening chainsaw chains by hand and with an electric sharpener. Covers file sizes, angles by chain type, and when to replace instead of sharpen.
How-To
How to Change a Table Saw Blade (Safely)
Step-by-step guide to changing a table saw blade safely. Covers blade removal, arbor nut direction, blade types, alignment, and when it is time to swap.
How-To
How to Square a Miter Saw: Step-by-Step Calibration
A miter saw that is off by even 0.5 degrees compounds across a project. Here is the step-by-step process to check and calibrate both the miter and bevel angles.
Power Tools
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run Power Tools?
Running power tools on a generator requires matching starting watts, not running watts. Here is how to calculate exactly what size generator you need.
Saws
Why Is My Circular Saw Burning Wood? 5 Common Causes
Burning wood while cutting is caused by five specific problems: dull blade, wrong feed rate, incorrect depth, or blade wobble. Here is how to diagnose and fix each one.
How-To
How to Choose the Right Drill Bit for Any Material
Wood, metal, concrete, tile: each material needs a different drill bit. We explain exactly which bits to use for any material and how to pick the right size.
How-To
How to Remove a Stripped Screw: 7 Proven Methods
7 methods for removing stripped screws ranked by how badly stripped the fastener is: from rubber band tricks to screw extractors. Covers wood and metal.
Drills
Why Does My Drill Keep Stalling? Causes and Fixes
A drill that stalls mid-hole has one of six causes: wrong speed setting, dull bit, stripped clutch, overloaded motor, or incorrect technique. Here is how to fix each.
How-To
How to Extend Cordless Tool Battery Life
Cordless tool batteries last 3-5 years with proper care or 12-18 months without it. Here are the specific habits that determine which outcome you get.
Drills
How Much Torque Do You Actually Need in a Drill?
Most homeowners need 300-400 in-lbs for furniture and shelving. Contractors need 600+ for structural work. Here is how to match torque spec to your actual tasks.
How-To
The Ultimate Guide to Tool Maintenance: Keeping Your Equipment in Peak Condition
Power tools are expensive. A $200 drill that lasts 10 years with basic maintenance beats a $400 drill you replace every 3 years because you ignored the basics. Here's everything you need to know to keep your tools running.