Mike McClintock

Can you find the right DIY supplies– even major tools — without heading to the hardware store?

May 14, 2019 at 5:45 a.m.

Whatever you're looking for — a commercial-grade snow thrower or a DIY drill kit — there are dozens of options at the biggest tool and equipment store in the world,...

Learn simple scribing skills for accurate fits

May 14, 2019 at 5:44 a.m.

The time-consuming snag in many renovations is making new materials that are square fit against old materials that aren't. It happens laying new flooring, replacing kitchen cabinets — everywhere a...

Need it clean? Apply just a little pressure

May 23, 2019 at 2:34 p.m.

In the do-it-yourself world, more is usually better — the bigger drill, the mower that cuts a wider swath — but not with pressure washers. Electric models can boost household...

Warranties: Dubious value

May 14, 2019 at 5:38 a.m.

Home warranties, maintenance plans and service contracts have two things in common. One: You pay upfront to cover home repairs and services even if you never need them. Two: Many...

Tackling your personal frozen winter wasteland

May 14, 2019 at 5:30 a.m.

Digging through drifts to make paths for people and cars is tough enough. But the really hard part is dealing with the ice underneath. If it's not too cold and...

To replace a helper, try 2 handy sidekicks

May 14, 2019 at 5:24 a.m.

Professional carpenters usually show up with at least one helper. Do-it-yourselfers usually go it alone. It would be handy to have another pair of hands — to read the level...

Stuff a handy person’s stocking with these gadgets, tools

June 20, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

You could give your do-it-yourselfer a hammer — and maybe some nails and a to-do list. But how about something spiffier like these four ideas, which cover lighting, comfort, storage...

Those uh-oh moments

May 14, 2019 at 5:24 a.m.

Every do-it-yourselfer has limits, shining on one job, struggling with another. For some, climbing a ladder to clean the gutters is fine, but a few steps farther onto the roof...

Clamps offer a hand on household projects

May 23, 2019 at 2:32 p.m.

Clamps are the helping hands you need on construction, repair and hobby projects. Small ones will hold a split edge of veneer in its bed of glue. Big ones will...

Switching to softer water jettisons the rough stuff

May 23, 2019 at 2:32 p.m.

Most household water is treated before it reaches your home, and in many homes again after it gets there. There are filters to deal with chlorine, lead, metals, pesticides, sediment...

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