Tool & Fastener Questions Answered

Over the last several years, the HIR staff has been asked and has answered a multitude of questions regarding home improvement, maintenance and around-the-house repairs. Here’s a look back at many of the different topics and tips we’ve covered for our readers.

Should a DIY’er begin welding by learning with MIG or TIG?

answer: Most professionals consider TIG (tungsten inert gas) to be the “elite” of all welding processes, because a TIG weld is typically stronger, neater, and easier to control than with other processes. However, a TIG unit can be the most expensive of all welders, so a DIY’er should consider how much they’ll be using the machine before investing.

Although a TIG setup works with a torch (electrode) to melt a welding rod with pinpoint accuracy, MIG (metal inert gas) welds utilize a wire-feed system. These machines are easy to learn but hard to master. For $300, a DIY’er can pick up a MIG welder from the home center, plug into a 110-volt outlet and begin welding immediately. These are great for building a grill or shop equipment. The MIG gun feeds flux-cored welding wire into the weld, and the weld begins as soon as you squeeze the trigger. However, all the smoke and sparks impede

visibility and can make it difficult to achieve a truly clean weld.

How do I fasten to a hollow door? I would like to install a mirror on the door, but there is no wood inside to hold the screws for the brackets.

There’s not much solid wood in a hollow-core interior door, so screws will tear out of the door if any weight is applied to them. To mount items such as mirrors, pictures, hooks, etc. to the door, you need to use special fasteners specifically labeled as "hollow door anchors."You will find a couple of different versions available, including threaded metal anchors meant to screw into the door with a screwdriver, and these anchors will hold the screws that mount your item. Another version of "hollow door anchors"uses plastic anchors that fold flat to fit inside a pilot hole drilled into the door. Once they are inserted, a small key is used to open the plastic anchor, which spreads out interior brackets inside the door to clamp the collar of the anchor against the door face, like a toggle-bolt. The screw is then driven into the anchor until tight. Both versions work well.

Should concrete screws used in a brick wall be driven into the brick or the mortar joint?

Concrete screws such as Tapcons are suitable for use in a variety of base material, including brick and the mortar joints between the brick. The holding value of the screw depends on the brick itself and the quality (and quantity) of mortar in the joint. As you’ve probably noticed on old buildings, mortar tends to deteriorate faster than brick, and if you see any signs of such deterioration, then you’ll probably get a stronger hold from the brick. Concrete screws require a pilot hole made with a hammer-drill and a masonry bit sized specifically for the diameter screw you’ve chosen. Drill the hole a half inch deeper than the length of the screw and use a wire brush, compressed air, or a vacuum to clean the hole of brick dust before driving in the concrete screw.

What is the easiest way to cut sheet metal?

“Aviation snips” (AKA tin snips) with compound leverage can cut sheet metal up to 18 gauge. Note that snips are designed for cutting either to the left, to the right, or straight, and a novice user will usually get the most versatility from the straight snips. A metal nibbler can often cut sheet metal up to 1/8-in. thick, depending on material, and some of these tools are sold as attachments that fit onto an electric drill. For straight cuts, a metal-cutting circular saw blade with a high teeth-per-inch count works well. Electric metal shears are another option for the pro who often works with sheet metal.

How do I remove scratches from a stainless-steel appliance?

You should be able to remove light scratches with a non-abrasive, stainless-steel scratch-remover compound, which can smooth out the surface to remove minor damage. This product is sold under brand names such as Rolite Metal Polish Paste and 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound. Use microfiber cloths to apply and remove the compound. Deeper scratches can usually be removed with an abrasive pad and a small amount of cooking

oil. You’ll need a scouring pad or scrubbing sponge, plus some cooking oil (olive oil works), but this only works with uncoated stainless steel—not if it’s coated by a protective coating.

It’s also important to understand that, similar to wood, stainless steel has a directional grain as indicated by the very fine lines seen throughout the metal surface. Always work the abrasive pad in the same direction as the grain to remove scratches, because abrading the surface across the grain will only create further scratches. Sandpaper can effectively remove deep scratches, but you should only use fine-grit abrasive (around 400 is sufficient) that has been soaked in water.

Is there a way to expand a doorway for a wheelchair without rebuilding the frame?

If you only need a couple of extra inches, you should try using an expandable hinge. Also called an offset hinge or handicap hinge, these 90-degree hinges install easily

and add 2 inches to almost any doorway, allowing access for most wheelchairs, walkers and transfer chairs. They are designed to swing doors completely clear of the jamb opening when the door is opened 90 degrees. Expanding hinges typically work on left- or right-hand doors by flipping the hinge.

How can I cut a bolt shorter without damaging the threads?

The problem with clamping metal bolts, machine screws, or threaded rod in a vise to cut them to length is the damage caused to the threads. Here’s a better method: Attach a

2-by-2-in. board to a workbench with clamps or screws. Drill a hole through the face of the board the same diameter as the bolt you plan to cut. Screw a nut onto the bolt or rod, then slide the other end of the bolt through the hole in the board. Mark the cutline on the bolt that extends out of the board. Screw a second nut onto the bolt and tighten it against the board, bracketing it on both sides with the nuts to hold the bolt steady while cutting. Use a hacksaw to cut the bolt to length. Unscrew the nut with a wrench. The threads of the nut should remove any metal burrs and reshape any deformed threads left from cutting the bolt.

When shopping for a tape measure, what is the difference in the terms “length,” “reach,” and “standout”?

These terms originated from package marketing copy and can be misleading or confusing. The “length” indicated is indeed the length of the tape when fully extended from the box, i.e., a 25-ft. tape measure will extend a full 25 feet. “Standout” refers to the maximum extension of the tape blade from the box before it buckles and falls under its own weight. “Reach” is basically the “standout” measurement plus 3 feet, as determined by a worker using a guide hand to support the tape as it extends from the box, estimated to be 3 feet from the tape box.