4 x 4 Magazine - Show Us Your Tips

CONGRATULATIONS to the following winners of a WORX Circular Saw.

Here are winning Handy Hardware Tips*

MARIT MAHER - ACT

When using silicone, spray window cleaner on after application. Then smooth & shape silicone with fingers as window cleaner makes the silicone less sticky

PETER WARNER - VIC

Save your back: When reapplying deck oil, use a cheap bucket and sponge mop and then you can just throw away the disposable sponge

KAREN OLDLAND - WA

After using stanley blades, remove them from the knife and put them in a container with some oil, this prevents rusting

ANDREW LERK - VIC

Weld a bit of wire onto the head of a bolt (or the nut) to get it into a difficult spot and stop it from turning, great for towbars and bullbars

TENILLE OGDEN - NSW

Order 10% more than you need when tiling. Tiles can go out of production, batches can vary in colour & accidents can happen

PAUL MAHER - ACT 

To clean circular saw blades, soak for up to 2 hours in a combo of turps / kerosene (50/50) & then give a light scrub

FINN STELMACH - SA

When a drill bit breaks, grind it to a point as it then makes a good centre-punch

HELEN COMMENS - QLD

Use a non slip mat used for material craft when drilling holes/fiddly jobs to stop timber moving

CRAIG FOWLER - NSW

Always drill screws (countersink) before screwing the screw in

ADRIAN FRYATT - ACT 

Thread a wire through your paint brush handle so that it can sit suspended in a jar in water or turps and you have no more bent bristles

MELANIE KYNION - WA

Stick a potato over a broken light bulb and twist and it will pop out easy - safe and cheap!

CHRIS LAWLER - VIC 

To keep unvarnished or unpainted wooden handles on tools looking like new, wipe them down frequently with linseed oil

DANIEL BROWN - TAS

From time to time, rub the striking face of your hammer with sandpaper. This keeps the surface clean and helps to prevent slipping during use

LIANA COULTHARD - VIC 

Alway store power tools in bags, dust can cause, motor lag

JOHN MAYES - QLD 

Before sawing a block of wood, run a candle, soap or dripping along both sides of the cutting edge. It will saw much more smoothly!!!

JOHN BRADLEY - WA

For nailing small nails, place the nails between the teeth of a comb. Hammer gently

MICHAEL POTTER - VIC

Never start using an axe before ensuring that the handle is firmly attached to the head

STEVE LEVENTHAL - WA 

Broken light globe stuck? Turn off the power. Use a raw potato that fits the socket. Just stick it in the broken end and turn

STUART COLBECK - TAS

Stop splintering by clamping sacraficial timber over work piece before drilling or cutting

TONY LEE - NSW

To keep tools from rusting, place a couple pieces of chalk in your tool box or storage container as chalk absorbs moisture

ALICIA BARDSLEY - VIC

Use masking tip on your drill bit to ensure you don´t drill all the way through!

GORDON PYNE - NSW

When drilling steel, put a little machine oil on the steel. This will give you longer life to your drill

BROOKE SMITH - NSW

Wood expands - so leave a couple of mils for this and youll never have a problem with your timber

MAREE ROSS - VIC

Place a plastic bag with a rubber band over your paintbrush after use and will stay moist for the next day without having to rinse and clean

ZENA KAUSCHKE - SA

Rub soap on the edge of the saw when cutting large pieces of timber - helps cut the wood easier

PHIL KINGSBURY - WA

When drilling into a plaster wall, use masking tape over the area you´re going to drill to stop chipping and cracking off the plaster

GEOFF DICKSON - NSW

When replacing a hinge and using same holes, break a matchstick in each hole to give the screw material to bite into

MARYANA COLE - SA

Paint your garden tools a bright colour (like red) so when you finish your gardening, you can find them easily

PETER KAUSCHKE - SA

If you are using very small screws, place a bit of blue tac on the end of the screw as it helps hold the screwdriver in place

* Competition participants have independently sourced all information for these tips.  Home Timber and Hardware cannot be held responsible for information featured.