There's a Better Way - Fine Homebuilding Reader Quick Tips - Page 3 of 20

Painter’s Tape to the Rescue
When I needed to scribe door trim against a rock wall, I had to invent an easier way to make it fit accurately. Painter's tape was quick to tear and…
Saving tubes of caulk
When doing maintenance around the house caulk is needed at times but rarely the whole tube. A small piece of flashing tape works great to re-seal the tube of caulk.
Pocket Door Track Remover
Ever had an issue with a pocket door that forces you to cut into the wall to get to the track out? I had a recent client request adding a…
Fuzz-Bustin’ Deck Sander
Ever clean your deck to restain it and had to deal with residual wood fuzz? Here's an easy way to bust the fuzz.
electrical outlet and switch shims
Electrical shims in a pinch. When you run out of shims, and the housing quality inspector is coming, and there's no time to run to the store, snip a wire…
Accurately cut miters on long pieces of molding.
Cutting accurate miters on long pieces of molding is difficult especially if you are installing them overhead. I came up with a method using my workbench but sawhorses would also…
Keep caulk off your hands
Using caulk can be a messy process, especially is you are using a finger to smooth it in. Using a rag to keep the stuff off you doesn't work very…
Another use for plumber’s epoxy putty
Quickly install partition panels with surgical accuracy
Is it time to change utility knife blades?
When I put a fresh blade into my utility knife I mark the end with a squiggle from my Sharpie. When dull, I flip the blade as usual. When the…
Plugs and Backsplash
Whenever adding a backsplash to a kitchen the existing plugs are often too shallow, and the plugs have to be spaced out to the new correct depth. Using several washers…

Page 3 of 20 Previous

Submit Your Tip

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

Follow

Fine Homebuilding

Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X
- LinkedIn
GBA Prime

Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- YouTube
Old House Journal

Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.
Subscribe Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X

Fine Homebuilding

Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X
- LinkedIn
GBA Prime

Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Facebook
- YouTube
Old House Journal

Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.
Subscribe Now
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

There’s a Better Way

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

Fine Homebuilding

Green Building Advisor

Old House Journal

Follow

Fine Homebuilding

GBA Prime

Old House Journal

Membership & Magazine

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.