Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. DIY

What tool should I use?

Choose the right tools for your DIY projects. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 02 Aug 2017
What tool should I use?

Having the right tools for your DIY projects makes the job easier, gets it done faster and usually with better results. Here are a few common problems and the right tools to get them done.

Drilling into bricks

The trick with drilling into bricks isn’t so much with the drill; it’s with the right drill bit to use. Masonry drill bits have a hardened tungsten tip that will handle going into brick, concrete or stone. A regular drill bit will quickly become blunt. Make sure you switch your drill to the hammer setting to make the job a lot easier.

Cutting in hard to reach places

brick
Phil Aynsley

Cutting either metal or timber in a corner can be very frustrating as it’s hard to get a power tool in there to do the job. That’s where the multi tool comes into its own. The blade protrudes out from the front of the machine to get into those hard to reach spots. They are also interchangeable so you can swap the blade to suit the material you’re cutting. Multi tools also come with a range of other attachments such as sanding pads and scrapers, making the tool even more versatile.

Getting a grip

grips
Getty Images

During your projects, you’ll often need more grip than your fingers can provide. For small items, a pair of pliers is the tool. For larger items move up to a pair of multi grips. The adjustable jaws allow you to grip a much wider range of objects. The long handles give you better leverage for greater holding power or to turn something if needed. For keeping a grip without having to hold the tool, use vice grips. They lock into position leaving your hands free to get on with something else.

Removing a stripped screw

screw

Just because your screwdriver can’t get a grip on a screw that has had the head stripped, it doesn’t mean it’s in there forever. The Grabit tool fits into your drill and is specially designed for pulling them out. One end reshapes the head of the screw, while the other end grips onto the head of the screw and pulls it out.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to make an aquascape fish tank

How to make an aquascape fish tank

How to fix the silicone seal on your basin

How to fix the silicone seal on your basin

Kmart's new DIY range has landed

Kmart's new DIY range has landed

How to create a family recipe book

How to create a family recipe book

{headline}

{headline}

Small bathroom? This DIY vanity bench project is for you

Small bathroom? This DIY vanity bench project is for you

6 ways to make a handy potting station for your yard

6 ways to make a handy potting station for your yard

4 DIY storage projects for small spaces

4 DIY storage projects for small spaces

{headline}

{headline}

The clever Bunnings hack that makes any lamp cordless

The clever Bunnings hack that makes any lamp cordless

8 colourful Ikea hacks to brighten your home

8 colourful Ikea hacks to brighten your home

How to create a parking spot in your front yard

How to create a parking spot in your front yard

How to give your kitchen a makeover on a budget

How to give your kitchen a makeover on a budget

How to build an easy coffee table

How to build an easy coffee table

4 budget ways to stop heat escaping from your windows

4 budget ways to stop heat escaping from your windows

How to make a rustic wooden bench seat

How to make a rustic wooden bench seat

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription