Handyman Darcy Westlind shares timesaving workshop tips.
- Got a jar filled with a variety of nails and screws? Make a sorting tray to help find just the fastener for the job. Cut about an inch out of the corner of a metal pan with tin snips and cover the sharp edges with duct tape. Empty that container of odd screws and nails into the pan, find what you need, and funnel the rest back into the jar (see photo).
- If a jar of varnish has become contaminated with dust or wood particles, simply strain it by placing an old nylon stocking over a quart jar and straining the varnish.
- To prevent finish from a can from oxidizing and forming a skin, drop it in a zipper bag filled with marbles or rocks. Raising the contents to the brim of the can will keep the air out and preserve the finish.
- Keep paint splatters to a minimum when pouring from a can by punching a hole in the lip or groove of it.
- Save old toothbrushes and use to apply paint remover in small cracks and corners.
- Clean up leftover-steel wool particles by putting a magnet in a plastic bag. Once the particles are stuck to the bag, turn it inside out and toss in the trash.
- Organize small saw blades in pieces of pipe that are sealed at both ends with corks. For really small blades, use an empty breath-mint tin.
