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Choosing The "Right" Contractor
If you own a home and have a project your thinking of, you may need a contractor, BUT you run a risk of being scammed by a fraudulent one. Contractor fraud in the home improvement industry is one of the most complained about industries at the...
Is an Electric Fireplace Right for You?
Electric fireplaces are growing in popularity amongst homeowners. Does that mean one is right for you? Let's take a look at the benefits (don't worry, we'll hit on the cons too):
They are great for people who want to add the warmth and style...
Organize Your Home Storage and Simplify Your Life!
Be delighted with yourself -- committing to organize your home
is the first step in actually doing it! The Linen Closet will
need attending to eventually so lets go there now.
If you have excess laundry to deal with, you probably have...
Taking the Time to Find the Best Home Improvement Loans
The best home improvement loans usually aren't going to be the first loans that you encounter, but if you're in the market for a loan to pay for repairs, expansions, or improvements to your home or other real estate then it might be worth your...
Transform Your Home with Decorative Country Lighting
As we become more of a home-based society, many more of us are pouring money into our houses with DIY renovations. Do it yourself home improvement projects are both rewarding and usually will give you a good return on investment should you decide...
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Secrets of the Screw
I often see friends and fellow home-improvers using screws in their DIY efforts, and it never ceases to amaze me how hard some of these people find it to make a simple screw do what it's designed for. lets take a look at why. Of the two basic types of screw (Phillips cross head and the older 'traditional' slot head) the Phillips is gaining ground rapidly, due mainly to the fact that the extra cross-slot means you can apply more force and thus drive it into denser materials.
You need both types of screwdriver in your toolbox, because believe you me, nothing ruins a screwdriver faster than using it on the wrong type of screw! But what type of screw to use? Let's focus on common plywood for a moment - a material we often use at www.homeimprovementor.com because of its cheapness and versatility. You use number 8 screws for plywood up to 5/8th of an inch thick. Between 1/2 an inch and 3/8ths of an inch, you need a number 6. above that, try a number 4.
To join 2 pieces of wood with a screw, follow these easy steps. Firstly, make a mark where you plan to do the screwing. Position the pieces together and fasten with a clamp or your mighty left hand. Depending on the job, you may be able to use your body weight thru your knee to hold the bits in place. If neither of these methods are
practicable, and you intend to sit several screws, use the first one as an effective 'clamp' by tightening it firm before you start the other screws.
Drill a quick pilot hole thru the bits. This pilot hole should be less than half the diameter of the screw you intend to insert. Handy www.homeimprovementor.com tip - if you want to gauge the depth your have drilled, place a bit of tape on the drill bit.
Countersink on the top piece of wood, so the job will look nice and sit flush. Insert the screw and tighten till the head is flush with the countersunk hole. Don't over-tighten or most modern self-tapping screws will start to 'chew up' the wood, and may even become loose!
To hide the screw head (especially important on jobs where security is an issue!) use a dowel plug. You'll have to drill the countersink a little deeper for this, of course. After inserting the plug, simply sand it down level with the board.
Handy tip to prevent splitting when screwing near the end of a board - drill a larger hole and insert a dowel, then screw into THAT instead of the wood itself. Easy huh? Till next time, happy screwing!
About the Author
Tim is the head DIY expert at www.homeimprovementors.com the free site for tool home improvement tips.
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