While tips and tricks for keeping your home in tip-top shape have been passed down from generation to generation, many of these vintage fix-its and time-savers still hold up today.
Veteran handyman Nick Gerhart offers the following tips, courtesy of The Family Handyman magazine:
Roof gutter tool trays. If you’re constantly wasting time looking for small items buried on your cluttered workbench, mount vinyl roof gutters along both ends of the workbench. In addition to being durable and inexpensive, they make it easy to spot small tools and gadgets. Be sure to use an end cap at each end to keep your stuff from sliding out.
Drill bit holder. Keep disappearing drill bits handy with a block of Styrofoam. Poke the bits into the foam, reusing the same hole each time you return a bit. Push the bits almost all the way to the bottom of the foam block so that the holder won’t be top-heavy and tumble over.
Painter’s catch box. When painting indoors or out, place the paint can and painting paraphernalia in a cardboard box—one that fits snugly between the legs on the fold-down shelf of the stepladder. The box allows for safe and easy transport, makes dumping the can less likely, and catches any spills or drips while you’re working.
Paintbrush keeper. An empty coffee can with a plastic lid makes a great container for soaking brushes. Cut an X in the center of the lid, push the handle up through the X and place the lid on the can. The lid seals the can so that the solvent or water won’t evaporate while holding the bristles suspended above the bottom of the can.
Eliminate door slams. For quieter door closings, stick three or four small, self-adhesive felt pads onto the door jamb molding. You can also lubricate the latch with a dab of petroleum jelly, further encouraging gentle closings.
