100 Tool Tips Tricks

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100 Tool Tips and Tricks I

from HomemadeTools.net

This is our first ebook with the best homemade


tool tips and tricks contributed by
HomemadeTools.net members.

Click on any image in the ebook to see more


photos, details, or videos of the tool tip or trick.
You can also post on our forum with any
questions you may have, or to contribute your
own tool tips.

Onward! Scroll down to start browsing tool tips


and tricks.

Page 2 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Steel Plate Hole Cutting Method


by: bobneumann

Steel plate hole cutting method using a hole


saw to delineate the perimeter of the cut and
then using a drill bit to make a clearance hole
for the swarf to go into. Used in the absence
of an annular cutter.

Click here for more details on: Steel Plate Hole Cutting Method

Page 3 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Blind Bearing Removal Method


by: bstanga

Blind bearing removal method performed by


packing the bearing with wet paper towels.

Click here for more details on: Blind Bearing Removal Method

Page 4 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Large Radius Cutting Method


by: thehomeengineer

Large radius cutting method using a sacrificial


bar to visualize concave and convex radii.

Click here for more details on: Large Radius Cutting Method

Page 5 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Lathe Threading Accuracy


by: tonyfoale

Lathe threading accuracy improvement


achieved by setting the compound rest to 5.74
degrees to change the depth of cut to
one-tenth of the travel of the compound slide.

Click here for more details on: Lathe Threading Accuracy

Page 6 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Silver Soldering Technique


by: thehomeengineer

Silver soldering technique using a paint


marker to prevent the solder from flowing to
particular areas.

Click here for more details on: Silver Soldering Technique

Page 7 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Hydraulic Bottle Jack Honing Setup


by: tonyfoale

Hydraulic bottle jack honing technique using a


drill press fitted with a cylinder hone.

Click here for more details on: Hydraulic Bottle Jack Honing Setup

Page 8 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Aluminum Heat Treatment Method


by: bongodrummer

Heat treatment method for aluminum


castings. Castings are treated in an oven at
180 degrees Celsius for five hours to achieve
T5 temper. Machines better than non
heat-treated castings.

Click here for more details on: Aluminum Heat Treatment Method

Page 9 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Bar Stock Bending Method


by: thehomeengineer

Bar stock bending method achieved by filing a


notch on the inside radius. The stock is then
heated with a torch and bent in a vise.

Click here for more details on: Bar Stock Bending Method

Page 10 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Cold Bluing Method


by: The Aussie Shed

Cold bluing method using a gun blue solution.


The part is coated in the solution three times
before a lubricant is allowed to sit overnight
for the final finish.

Click here for more details on: Cold Bluing Method

Page 11 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Round Stock Cross Drilling Method


by: rgsparber

Round stock cross drilling method achieved


by squaring the work piece in the vise using a
steel rod and a steel block.

Click here for more details on: Round Stock Cross Drilling Method

Page 12 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Angle Measuring Method


by: Frank S

Angle measuring method using a framing


square and a combination square. Helps to
accurately check the angle or setback for a
bend.

Click here for more details on: Angle Measuring Method

Page 13 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Electrical Potting Method


by: rgsparber

Electrical potting method using a hot glue gun


and hot air gun to reflow the glue through
gaps. Helps prevent contact from shorting.

Click here for more details on: Electrical Potting Method

Page 14 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Internal Radius Cutting Method


by: thehomeengineer

Internal radius cutting method using a rotary


table in conjunction with an indexing head.
Used in lieu of a CNC.

Click here for more details on: Internal Radius Cutting Method

Page 15 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Broken Tap Removal Method


by: shopandmath

Broken tap removal method using a steel


plate guide and a masonry bit ground to the
shape of a spade drill.

Click here for more details on: Broken Tap Removal Method

Page 16 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Welding Magnet Cleaner


by: Mr.DK DIY

Welding magnet cleaner fashioned by


wrapping a neodymium magnet in a plastic
sheet to facilitate ferrous material removal.

Click here for more details on: Welding Magnet Cleaner

Page 17 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Mill Scale Removal Method


by: engineer steve

Mill scale removal method achieved by


soaking the parts in white vinegar for at least
72 hours.

Click here for more details on: Mill Scale Removal Method

Page 18 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Brass Drilling Method


by: thehomeengineer

Brass drilling method intended to prevent bits


from seizing the brass workpiece. Requires
grinding the drill bit with a negative rake.

Click here for more details on: Brass Drilling Method

Page 19 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Chrome Deruster
by: astroracer

Chrome derusting technique using aluminum


foil and metal cleaner.

Click here for more details on: Chrome Deruster

Page 20 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Circle Drawing Method


by: diyfixman

Circle drawing method using a tape measure


nailed to the center of the circle.

Click here for more details on: Circle Drawing Method

Page 21 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Mill Tramming Method


by: Crusty

Mill tramming method performed by fitting a


precision ground shaft to the spindle and
aligning the latter using a 2-4-6 block with the
aid of a flashlight. Provides a quick and
accurate method compared to using a dial
indicator.

Click here for more details on: Mill Tramming Method

Page 22 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Sawing Thin Aluminum Angle


by: rgsparber

Aluminum angle cutting method utilizing a


shaped block of wood to support the angle in
the bandsaw's vise.

Click here for more details on: Sawing Thin Aluminum Angle

Page 23 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Bore Measurement Method


by: mklotz

Simplified bore measurement method using a


set of adjustable parallels. Can be used as an
alternative to plug gauges and split ball
gauges.

Click here for more details on: Bore Measurement Method

Page 24 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Vee Block Spindle Centering Method


by: thehomeengineer

Mill spindle centering method using a


combination of vee blocks, bar stock, and a
parallel.

Click here for more details on: Vee Block Spindle Centering Method

Page 25 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Eccentric Shaft Cutting Method


by: thehomeengineer

Eccentric shaft cutting method using a


modified 3-jaw chuck fitted with soft jaws.
Allows machining for the correct throw without
the need for a 4-jaw chuck.

Click here for more details on: Eccentric Shaft Cutting Method

Page 26 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Delrin Turning Setup


by: Androo

Delrin turning setup using a steady, PVC


bushing, and a bearing. Prevents marring of
the work surface.

Click here for more details on: Delrin Turning Setup

Page 27 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Keyway Cutting Method


by: winkys workshop

Keyway cutting method using a milling


machine. Involves fabricating a simple
keyway cutter from bar stock and fitting it with
an HSS tool bit.

Click here for more details on: Keyway Cutting Method

Page 28 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Tailstock Alignment Methods


by: tonyfoale

Tailstock alignment methods carried out by


placing round stock between centers and
adjusting the tailstock until true. Second
method requires a precision ground alignment
bar together with a dial indicator.

Click here for more details on: Tailstock Alignment Methods

Page 29 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Hardened Steel Drill Bit


by: shopandmath

Hardened steel-cutting drill bit adapted from a


masonry bit. Drill bit tip is ground to a profile
and then sharpened to suit purpose.

Click here for more details on: Hardened Steel Drill Bit

Page 30 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Bolt Holding Method


by: Frank S

Bolt holding method using O-rings to keep the


bolts in position and prevent them from falling
into gaps. Alternative methods include using
grease or string.

Click here for more details on: Bolt Holding Method

Page 31 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Single Point Lathe Threading Method


by: Crusty

Single point lathe threading method executed


by mounting the tool upside down and running
the lathe in reverse.

Click here for more details on: Single Point Lathe Threading Method

Page 32 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Sticky Finger for Handling Fasteners


by: rgsparber

Sticky finger fashioned from a disposable


glove and a neodymium magnet. Helps pick
up small metallic fasteners or tool bits.

Click here for more details on: Sticky Finger for Handling Fasteners

Page 33 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Small Bar Sawing Method


by: rgsparber

Tip on how to saw short lengths of bar stock


by placing a piece of steel bar at an angle to
support the stock in the vise.

Click here for more details on: Small Bar Sawing Method

Page 34 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Using a Long Series Drill


by: thehomeengineer

Method for drilling straight through a gap.


Involves using a sacrificial metal bar that fits
inside the gap to guide the drill bit.

Click here for more details on: Using a Long Series Drill

Page 35 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Sheetmetal Bending Angles


by: rgsparber

Tip on how to calibrate a homemade brake,


making bends, and the theory behind these
bends.

Click here for more details on: Sheetmetal Bending Angles

Page 36 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Small Screw Starting Method


by: olderdan

Small screw starting method using a


freely-rotating drill chuck mounted to a drill
press to guide taps and drills.

Click here for more details on: Small Screw Starting Method

Page 37 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Stamping Method Using a Mill


by: Mr. Factotum's Workshop

Stamping method using a mill with its spindle


fitted with a wooden stamp guide.

Click here for more details on: Stamping Method Using a Mill

Page 38 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Drill Tips
by: Make Things

15-tip compilation on how to use a drill press


safely, securing work properly, centering and
drilling straight holes, bit storage, and other
useful tips.

Click here for more details on: Drill Tips

Page 39 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Keyway Broaching Technique


by: Paul Jones

Keyway broaching technique utilizing a HSS


cutting tool mounted in a QCTP boring bar. A
dial test indicator aids in establishing the
proper alignment.

Click here for more details on: Keyway Broaching Technique

Page 40 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Woven Plastic Line Finishing Method


by: rgsparber

Woven plastic line finishing method using


aluminum foil to protect the line end from
burning. Heat is applied with a butane torch to
fuse it to the plastic.

Click here for more details on: Woven Plastic Line Finishing Method

Page 41 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Odd Part Chuck Holding Method


by: Frank S

Odd part chuck holding method using shims


to position the work center to the lathe.

Click here for more details on: Odd Part Chuck Holding Method

Page 42 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Match Drilling and Tapping Method


by: rgsparber

Match drilling and tapping method using a


spotting drill, 1-2-3 block, and layout fluid.
Ensures that parts will not shift under side
loads.

Click here for more details on: Match Drilling and Tapping Method

Page 43 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Tying Gaskets
by: Frank S

Tip on how to keep gaskets in place while


installing manifolds. Utilizes thin sewing
thread so as not to disrupt the seal.

Click here for more details on: Tying Gaskets

Page 44 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Rod and Fastener Center Finding


by: diyfixman

Tip on how to find the center of small metal


rods and fasteners. The parts are spun on a
drill, sanding the rod ends or fastener heads
to find their centers.

Click here for more details on: Rod and Fastener Center Finding

Page 45 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Matched Taper Turning Method


by: rgsparber

Matched taper turning method using a parallel


to set the compound for cutting the internal
and external tapers. The external taper is
machined first and then used as a pattern to
cut the internal taper.

Click here for more details on: Matched Taper Turning Method

Page 46 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Round Stock Cutting Method


by: Occasional machinist

Round stock cutting method using a V-block


and a C-clamp to secure work. Used for
holding work in a bandsaw.

Click here for more details on: Round Stock Cutting Method

Page 47 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Semicircle Fixturing Method


by: rgsparber

Semicircle fixturing method utilizing a mill and


intended to produce two precisely aligned
holes within .002" of their designed locations.

Click here for more details on: Semicircle Fixturing Method

Page 48 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Method for Machining Deep Slots


by: thehomeengineer

Method for machining deep slots by chain


drilling holes along the slot to reduce forces
on the cutter.

Click here for more details on: Method for Machining Deep Slots

Page 49 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Polishing Aluminum Motorcycle Parts


by: PowerMk

Tip on how to polish aluminum parts using


paint remover for cleanup, sandpaper for
smoothing surfaces, and a buffing wheel for
final polish.

Click here for more details on: Polishing Aluminum Motorcycle Parts

Page 50 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Copper Plating on Aluminum


by: Kovanca Polock

Tip on how to electroplate aluminum parts


with copper plating. Involves the use of
copper sulfate, caustic soda, battery solution,
and distilled water.

Click here for more details on: Copper Plating on Aluminum

Page 51 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Epoxy Removal Tip


by: Make Things

Tip on how to remove epoxy by using hand


sanitizer.

Click here for more details on: Epoxy Removal Tip

Page 52 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Lathe Boring Using a 4-Jaw Chuck


by: uv8452

Lathe boring technique using a 4-jaw chuck


fashioned from steel stock, a disc spring, and
screws. For less precision, a boring bar
affixed to round stock will also work.

Click here for more details on: Lathe Boring Using a 4-Jaw Chuck

Page 53 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Reproducing Parts Without Drawings


by: Occasional Machinist

Technique on how to dimension parts from


pictures using cues from the reference image
and catalog illustrations.

Click here for more details on: Reproducing Parts Without Drawings

Page 54 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Woodwind Deep Drilling Bore


by: Christophe Mineau

Tip on how to bore long holes on woodwind


instruments using drill bits, D-bits, and gun
drills.

Click here for more details on: Woodwind Deep Drilling Bore

Page 55 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Lathe Indexing Method


by: bobneumann

Lathe indexing method using a printed strip of


paper wrapped around the chuck. A USB
borescope connected to a laptop magnifies
the index marks.

Click here for more details on: Lathe Indexing Method

Page 56 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Leather Conditioner Formula


by: DIYSwede

Leather conditioner made from a mixture of


beeswax and ATF fluid.

Click here for more details on: Leather Conditioner Formula

Page 57 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Large Diameter Measuring Method


by: desbromilow

Large diameter measuring method using a


framing square and a sliding square. A spring
clamp can be used to tie the squares
together.

Click here for more details on: Large Diameter Measuring Method

Page 58 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Wood Stabilizing Method


by: anthonyget

Wood stabilizing method utilizing an oven,


vacuum chamber, resin solution, and foil.
Intended for treating wood for use in knife
handles.

Click here for more details on: Wood Stabilizing Method

Page 59 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Headlight Deglazing Method


by: HandmadeCreativeChannel

Headlight deglazing method using a glass


cleaner, car wax, and tape.

Click here for more details on: Headlight Deglazing Method

Page 60 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Metal Wax to Protect Metal Surfaces


by: mklotz

Metal surface protector using a polishing wax


used to preserve museum items.

Click here for more details on: Metal Wax to Protect Metal Surfaces

Page 61 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

C-Clamp Jaw Pad Replacement


by: Kressey

Tip on how to repair a C-clamp with a missing


swivel jaw pad using a piece of
crack-resistant wall and ceiling liner material.

Click here for more details on: C-Clamp Jaw Pad Replacement

Page 62 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Drill Press Safety Tips


by: Make Things

Drill press safety tips on how prevent work


from spinning in the drill press table.

Click here for more details on: Drill Press Safety Tips

Page 63 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Revealing Stampings Method


by: rgsparber

Tip on how to reveal stampings by applying


water soluble glue to the markings. For light
colored paints, the glue can be mixed with
dark coloring.

Click here for more details on: Revealing Stampings Method

Page 64 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Lathe Broaching Method


by: jjr2001

Lathe broaching method using a surplus tool


bit mounted horizontally in the tool holder.
Multiple passes were done to keep the
pressure on the bit down.

Click here for more details on: Lathe Broaching Method

Page 65 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Knife Blade Blackening Method


by: Mazay

Knife blade blackening method executed by


immersing the blade in citric acid. Sunflower
oil was applied afterward to inhibit corrosion.

Click here for more details on: Knife Blade Blackening Method

Page 66 of 102
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Useful Metal Charts


by: Frank S

Metal charts and calculators for working


metals and other materials.

Click here for more details on: Useful Metal Charts

Page 67 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Taper Angle Measuring Method


by: mklotz

Taper angle measuring method using tooling


balls to find the angle of the bore.

Click here for more details on: Taper Angle Measuring Method

Page 68 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Replacing Lathe Way Wipers


by: mr_modify1

Method on how to make replacement lathe


way wipers from 1/8" thick rubber.

Click here for more details on: Replacing Lathe Way Wipers

Page 69 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Saddle Flycutting Method


by: [email protected]

Saddle cutting method using a fly cutter


without fine adjustment.

Click here for more details on: Saddle Flycutting Method

Page 70 of 102
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Mini Lathe Compound Slide Scraping


by: Make Everything

Tip on how to improve lathe accuracy by


methodically scraping the compound slide
with a file.

Click here for more details on: Mini Lathe Compound Slide Scraping

Page 71 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Removing Pipe Fittings Using Heat


by: Frank S

Method on how to remove seized pipe fittings


by applying heat using a torch.

Click here for more details on: Removing Pipe Fittings Using Heat

Page 72 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Small Piece Holding and Leveling


by: garage nut

Small piece holding and leveling method


using a magnet to level the workpiece prior to
clamping.

Click here for more details on: Small Piece Holding and Leveling

Page 73 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Making Custom Springs


by: flyforever

Tip on how to make custom springs by


making a simple jig from ABS sheet and
magnets.

Click here for more details on: Making Custom Springs

Page 74 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Motor Spindle Machining Method


by: [email protected]

Motor spindle machining method carried out


by chucking up the motor on a lathe and using
the motor itself to rotate the blank spindle.

Click here for more details on: Motor Spindle Machining Method

Page 75 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Spiral Cutting Tool Angle Finding


by: BuffaloJohn

Tip on how to find the angle for a spiral wrap


cutting tool. Tool is intended to cut spiral
wraps to protect hydraulic lines.

Click here for more details on: Spiral Cutting Tool Angle Finding

Page 76 of 102
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Wire Soldering Tip


by: tsbrownie

Tip on how to solder wires together to form a


good solid joint.

Click here for more details on: Wire Soldering Tip

Page 77 of 102
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Rocker and Post Construction


by: Toolmaker51

Rocker and post construction method using a


rotary table in lieu of a CNC.

Click here for more details on: Rocker and Post Construction

Page 78 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Avoiding Cross-Threading Screws


by: tsbrownie

Tip on how to avoid cross-threading screws,


nuts, and bolts by manually starting the
fastener until it clicks with the mating nut.

Click here for more details on: Avoiding Cross-Threading Screws

Page 79 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Metal Surface Protector


by: Make Things

Metal surface protector using an off-the-shelf


paste wax.

Click here for more details on: Metal Surface Protector

Page 80 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Using Coins to Measure Hole Sizes


by: mklotz

Method of measuring hole sizes by using


coins in lieu of plug gauges.

Click here for more details on: Using Coins to Measure Hole Sizes

Page 81 of 102
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Lathe Truing and Tailstock Alignment


by: MachineNZ

Lathe truing and tailstock alignment method


conducted by making test cuts on round bar.

Click here for more details on: Lathe Truing and Tailstock Alignment

Page 82 of 102
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Off Size Drilling Method


by: kess

Off size drilling method using emery cloth


wrapped around a steel rod to enlarge
non-standard hole sizes without needing to
buy expensive bits.

Click here for more details on: Off Size Drilling Method

Page 83 of 102
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Holding Irregular Parts in Vises


by: Toolmaker51

Tip on how to hold irregularly shaped parts


squarely in a vise. Involves building a vise
insert with square faces to accommodate the
part.

Click here for more details on: Holding Irregular Parts in Vises

Page 84 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Gear Ratio Calculations


by: mklotz

Method for calculating gear ratios using an


equation where gear speed and gear teeth
are variables.

Click here for more details on: Gear Ratio Calculations

Page 85 of 102
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Broaching a Boring Bar


by: JRock

Tip on how to broach a boring bar by heating


the bar red and hammering a piece of HSS.

Click here for more details on: Broaching a Boring Bar

Page 86 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Stock Clocking Method


by: thehomeengineer

Square and rectangular stock clocking


method for use on a 4-jaw chuck. Uses a
simple nut and bolt tool and a dial indicator.

Click here for more details on: Stock Clocking Method

Page 87 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Coloring Pozi Drives for Identification


by: mklotz

Organizing tip on how to distinguish Pozidriv


from Phillips bits by coloring the tips of the
bits with a marker.

Click here for more details on: Coloring Pozi Drives for Identification

Page 88 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Tap Magic Spout Improvement


by: Paul Jones

Cutting fluid spout adapted from a penetrating


oil straw.

Click here for more details on: Tap Magic Spout Improvement

Page 89 of 102
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Specimen Tube Small Part Storage


by: mklotz

Organizing tip on using specimen tubes to


tether small components essential to machine
or tool operation.

Click here for more details on: Specimen Tube Small Part Storage

Page 90 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Labeling Tools with Polyester Sheets


by: jdurand

Electronic device labels printed on printable


polyester sheets.

Click here for more details on: Labeling Tools with Polyester Sheets

Page 91 of 102
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Improving Clamp Grip


by: Paul Alciatore

Clamp grips fashioned by wrapping electrical


wire insulation around the handles.

Click here for more details on: Improving Clamp Grip

Page 92 of 102
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Wood Glue Friction Additive


by: Make Things

Wood glue friction additive based on common


table salt. Intended to prevent glued layers
from sliding around.

Click here for more details on: Wood Glue Friction Additive

Page 93 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Wrenches as Lathe Speed Handles


by: Catfish

Lathe chuck speed handles adapted from a


speeder wrench. Intended to facilitate the
process of reversing chuck jaws.

Click here for more details on: Wrenches as Lathe Speed Handles

Page 94 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Using Magnets as Stud Finders


by: tsbrownie

Stud finders intended to facilitate the process


of locating nails, studs, and screws. Small
magnets are left in place where the fasteners
are located for ease of tracing.

Click here for more details on: Using Magnets as Stud Finders

Page 95 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Bolt and Screw Length Scale


by: astroracer

Bolt and screw length reference made by


marking the storage drawer lid with inch
graduations.

Click here for more details on: Bolt and Screw Length Scale

Page 96 of 102
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Making Keyways in Gear Blanks


by: Captainleeward

Keyway cutting tip conducted by drilling a hole


the same width as keyway slot to facilitate the
process of cutting.

Click here for more details on: Making Keyways in Gear Blanks

Page 97 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Fixing a Broken Tap


by: GBWM

Method of repairing a broken tap by welding


the pieces together and then grinding the
weld to the tap profile.

Click here for more details on: Fixing a Broken Tap

Page 98 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Plastic Coating Labels


by: Make Things

Tip on how to protect plastic labels from dust,


dirt, and oil by coating the labels with PVA
glue.

Click here for more details on: Plastic Coating Labels

Page 99 of 102
Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Compound Indexing
by: mklotz

Method for performing compound indexing on


a standard dividing head for indexing gears
with prime number of teeth.

Click here for more details on: Compound Indexing

Page 100 of 102


Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Sine Bar Alternative Angle Setting


by: mklotz

Tip on how to accurately set angles using a


pair of machined rods similar in use to a sine
bar.

Click here for more details on: Sine Bar Alternative Angle Setting

Page 101 of 102


Tool Tips and Tricks I from HomemadeTools.net

Band Saw Cutoff Aid


by: jjr2001

Bandsaw cutoff aid adapted from a milling


vise. Intended to secure round rod for cutting
with a bandsaw.

Click here for more details on: Band Saw Cutoff Aid

Page 102 of 102

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