Tool Tutorials

How to Make a DIY Half Lap Joint using Miter Saw
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How to Make a Half-Lap Joint with a Miter Saw

Want to add another joint to your woodworking skillset? Today I'll show you how to create a simple DIY half-lap joint with your miter saw. Half-Lap Joint with your Miter Saw Hi! It’s Kristen from In Her Garage and I am going to teach…
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DIY Circle Cutting Jig for the Table Saw

So, you love making DIY projects but want to expand your talents further than squares and rectangles. I’m going to show you how to make DIY Circle Cutting Jig for the Table Saw. Yes!! Your table saw. DIY Circle Cutting Jig for the Table…
3 sanders
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How to Use a Sander

Welcome to another tool tutorial. Today I'm going to save you time and effort by teaching you how to use a sander. How to Use a Sander If you don't have a power sander, you'll likely recognize this contraption below. That's a manual sanding…
How to Make a Long Clamp with Short Clamps | Pretty Handy Girl
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How to Make a Long Clamp with Shorter Clamps

How to Make a Long Clamp with Shorter Clamps When you are trying to outfit your workshop with equipment it can be tempting to skip purchasing more expensive long clamps. After all, how often do you really need to clamp something longer than…
Top 10 Power Tools Every DIYer Needs
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Top 10 Power Tools Every DIYer Needs

Top 10 Power Tools Every DIYer Needs Time and time again I've been asked what my desert island tool would be. But honestly I have a hard time narrowing my answer down to just one tool. Instead I decided to make a list of the Top 10 Power Tools…
DIY Table Saw Stand and Collapsible Off Feed Table
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Table Saw Stand and Collapsible Out Feed Work Table

DIY Table Saw Stand and Collapsible Out Feed Work Table Today I want to share with you my new workshop configuration that has a DIY Table Saw Stand and a collapsible out feed (or work) table. I've struggled for years to find a workbench that…
Installing Cabinet Handles the Easy Way | Pretty Handy Girl
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Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way

After installing my fair share of cabinet knobs and handles over the years, I've made my own templates out of cardboard or scrap wood. But, after trying this new gadget, I can honestly say this is how you too can Install Cabinet Handles…
Pantry with Coffee Bar and Hidden Wine Storage | Pretty Handy Girl
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Table Saw Safety Guidelines by The Sawdust Maker

Friends, it’s Nick from over at The Sawdust Maker! A site devoted to helping others take their woodworking skills to the next level. While I am in the middle a joint series on my website, I wanted to take a minute to talk to you about…
WORX 56v Hedge Trimmer Review | Pretty Handy Girl
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WORX Hedge Trimmer review

We have a very wooded and heavily landscaped lot with lots of mature bushes. Some of the bushes were starting to achieve monster proportions. Do you see the resemblance? Today we are going to be talking about this awesome hedge trimmer.…
DIY Chalkboard Memo Board (4th grade project) | Pretty Handy Girl
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Chalkboard Memo Board – The Time I Made a 4th Grade Teacher Use a Power Tool

Before the end of the school year a REALLY GOOD friend of mine asked if I would give a talk in her daughter's class about what I do for a living. I hemmed and hawed because I rarely have the free time. But, the main reason I was hesitant…
DIY Marble Toss Game | Pretty Handy Girl
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Building a DIY Marble Toss Game with Dremel Fortiflex

The summer is dragging on and the kids don't have any summer camps for the next few weeks. That means: 1) I need to find a way to keep the kids entertained. 2) I need to keep them from pushing me over the brink of insanity. 3) I need…
How to Trim Closet Doors with Dremel UltraSaw | Pretty Handy Girl
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How to Trim & Install Closet Doors {Dremel Ultra-Saw Review}

I have a friend named Holly. She and I live in the same neighborhood and we help each other out with DIY projects. Last week she asked me to help her come up with a solution to hide her dirty laundry. Holly and I were trying to figure…
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Ryobi Battery Powered vs. Campbell Hausfeld Pneumatic Finish Nailer Comparison

A finish nailer is a great tool to have in your workshop.  It's great for small projects, installing moulding, wall planking and more. After using both types of finish nailers for many projects, I wanted to break down the pros and cons…
Xtend + Climb Telescoping Ladder Review | Pretty Handy Girl
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Xtend + Climb Telescoping Ladder Review

A few months ago I got an email asking me if I wanted to test an Xtend + Climb telescoping ladder. I said I'd be happy to try it, but I couldn't promise I'd blog about it. I try lots of products, but only the ones I love get mentioned on…
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How to Solder Metals Together – Tool Tutorial Friday

  Wheee, it's another episode of Tool Tutorial Friday! Do y'all miss TTF? I do too, but this handy gal only has so many tools in her toolbox. I added a new one a few weeks ago, a soldering iron. Let's learn How to Solder Metals Together! When…
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How to Salvage Wood from Shipping Pallets

Pallet upcycling is all the rage today. But, if you've ever tried to actually remove wood planks from a pallet, you know that it is not an easy task. The nails that are used are typically spiral nails and are designed to really grip that…
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Are You Woman Enough to Handle My Power Tools? – Plywood Sign Tutorial

There is a joke on our street that Pretty Handsome Guy isn't allowed to touch my power tools. Okay, it isn't really a joke, it's a fact. He knows he is not allowed to use them without me around (smart guy.) 😉 Before the Woman's Day…
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Tool Tutorial Friday – Using a Dremel TRIO

Today we'll be learning about the Dremel TRIO! This smaller power tool fits comfortably in your hand. The tool is a cross between a  jigsaw, router, and regular dremel. Further, it has a rotating bit that cuts into drywall, wood, plastic,…
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Tool Tutorial Friday – How to Use a Caulk Gun

You know the old saying, "No question is a dumb question." Well, I have to say that about this tutorial, "No tutorial is a dumb tutorial." I realize that a caulk gun isn't a big scary power tool, and yet I still think learning how to…
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Tool Tutorial Friday – Circular Saw Tutorial

Today is Friday! And you know what that means...it's time for another Tool Tutorial Friday! Today I'll be introducing you to the circular saw.   But first, how are you? I don't know about your week, but I've had a busy one. If…
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Tool Tutorial Friday – How to Use a Band Saw

Welcome back to another Tool Tutorial Friday! I hope you enjoyed some time off last week. Today I want to share with you a power tool that can cut long straight lines and it can cut curved lines with ease. This tool is also my "go to" tool…
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Tool Tutorial Friday – Table Saw Tutorial

Welcome back to another Tool Tutorial Friday. I have a secret to tell you, this is one of the two power tools I own that I fear the most (the other is my router.) However, everytime I use my table saw I get a little more comfortable. Regardless,…
how to use a cordless drill
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Tool Tutorial Friday – How to Use a Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is an essential tool for any DIYer. If you don't have one, stop reading this and go buy one! Seriously, a cordless drill is one of the most important tools for your toolbox. How to Use a Cordless Drill If you've been reading…
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How to Use a Pneumatic Finish Nailer and Air Compressor (with video)

Welcome back for another Tool Tutorial Friday! Today I'm going to introduce you to a 2 gallon compressor and pneumatic finish nailer.  I use the Campbell Hausfeld 2 gallon compressor with Pneumatic Finish Nailer. I bought these as a kit…
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How to Use a Jig Saw

Welcome back for another Tool Tutorial Friday - How to use a jig saw. Today I have two lessons for you. The first will cover the basics of using a Jig Saw. THEN....I'll show you  a professional trick for cutting a hole inside a piece of…
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How to Use a Miter Saw

Today I'll teach you how to use a miter saw safely. We'll learn the difference between a miter and a bevel cut. Plus, I'll also show you the different features and functions of miter saws. How to Use a Miter Saw Hello and welcome to the very…
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Sanding Tutorial and Prepping a Branch Towel Bar

We've moved several times and each time I've packed one special tree branch with us. I have had this branch so long that I can't remember where I found it. I do know that I picked it up on one of our camping trips. Whether it was Yellowstone,…
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Board & Batten Moulding Tutorial

Board & Batten moulding is very popular right now. And why not? It is easy to work with and looks great (after it is painted)! If you remember, I used board and batten in my  my son's closet turned reading nook last year. I decided…
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And in this corner we have an Irwin 15″ Universal Handsaw…

While sanding down my garden bench, I decided to make a design change. I chose to saw off the ball finial posts that are at the end of the armrests. I felt they were too tall and since I'm moving my bench onto our screen porch I didn't want…
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Miss Safe-T DIY 2011

This weekend I'm competing in the Ms. Safe-T DIY Pageant for 2011. What? You never heard of it? Well, let me tell you the competition is fierce. I'm up against 7 other beautifully safe women for the title. The final 8 contestants are…
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I Love My Cordless Drill

Recently I was asked what my favorite tool is. My Ryobi 12 volt Lithium Ion battery cordless drill was the first thing to pop into my head. Barely a week passes that I don't reach for my drill to assist with a few loose screws (not that I personally…