Buzz
Even the simplest DIY home repair or project can hit a snag when you discover you're missing a crucial tool. While this often leads to yet another frustrating trip to the hardware store, leaving your home in chaos, sometimes a bit of ingenuity can save the day. Discover how to craft makeshift tools from everyday items or repurpose existing tools to wrap up your project and move on with your day.
Transform a hammer into a mallet using a tennis ball
While everyone has varying levels of expertise with hand tools, swinging a hammer is something most of us can manage. However, hammers can cause unintended damage, like unsightly dents and marks on wood, especially if your aim isn't perfect. Mallets are designed to prevent such mishaps, but if you're not a regular DIY enthusiast, chances are you own a hammer rather than a mallet.
Don’t fret—if you’ve got a tennis ball, you can easily convert any hammer into a makeshift mallet by cutting a hole in the ball and sliding it onto the head of your hammer. The result might not look polished, but it’ll effectively get the job done without leaving behind a trail of dents.
Creating Your Own DIY Bubble Level
Seasoned DIYers know that trying to eyeball whether something is level is almost always a losing battle. Even in newly constructed homes, perfectly level surfaces are rare, making it unreliable to use room features as reference points. If you’re without a bubble level to ensure your shelves are hung straight, you can craft a temporary one using clear plastic tubing and some water (add food coloring for better visibility if desired). Cut a section of tubing, fill it with water, and shape it into a “U” on your work surface. The water levels at both ends will align, allowing you to mark a perfectly level line. This method also works for aligning two different surfaces to the same height.
Crafting a Caulk Gun Using a Trigger Clamp
Caulk is a fantastic invention, and the caulk gun is a straightforward tool for applying it. However, if your caulk gun is broken or you never had one to begin with, you can still manage with a trigger clamp and some scrap wood or similar material. Place a piece of wood at the base of the caulk tube, then position the tube and wood into the clamp: voilà, an instant caulk gun. You may need to adjust the wood piece as you work, swapping it for a longer one as needed, but this clever hack will help you complete your task.
Or create a caulk gun using a hammer
If you’re in need of a caulk gun but lack a trigger clamp, you can resort to the hammer method: Insert the hammer’s handle into the caulk tube, brace the head against your shoulder, and slowly pull the tube toward you to dispense the caulk. While it’s far from elegant, this technique can save you a trip to the store and help you finish the job.
Or repurpose a caulk gun as a clamp
If you find yourself in the opposite situation—owning a caulk gun but needing a clamp—you can easily use the caulk gun as a makeshift clamp. Just add some scrap material to the ends to prevent marks, and as long as your items fit into the caulk gun’s opening, you’re all set.
Craft a sanding stick from a paint stirrer
Sanding sticks are a staple in crafting and are particularly handy for sanding in confined areas. If you don’t have any available, you can quickly create a substitute by attaching sandpaper to a paint stirrer using glue or tape. This makeshift tool can also function as a wood file or rasp, depending on the sandpaper’s grit. While it won’t match the durability of a metal file or rasp, it can serve as a temporary solution until you acquire the right tools.
Convert a dustpan into a hose or funnel
When you need to fill a large container like a tub or barrel with water but lack a hose or a sink large enough, a dustpan can double as a handy makeshift funnel. While not ideal for frequent use, this trick is perfect for those moments when you just need to fill a bucket quickly without making a trip to find a hose.
Use a zip tie as an improvised wrench
If you find yourself needing to remove bolts without a proper wrench, you’ve just discovered the importance of torque. But don’t worry—if you have plastic zip ties on hand, you can use one to loosen those bolts. Wrap the zip tie around the nut or bolt, tighten it, and use the excess tail to turn the bolt. It may require a few attempts, but you’ll eventually succeed in removing the bolt without a wrench.
