If you keep misplacing your carpenter’s pencil, we have the perfect “There’s a Better Way” tip to help you keep your pencil from getting lost. David Halé of Plainfield, Vt., has devised a way to cut a simple notch in a carpenter’s pencil and joins it up with a clothespin. Now, the pencil will easily clip on to just about anything.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Heat-Shrink Tubing
Wirefy's heat-shrink tubing is super reliable, high-quality, and great to have on hand.
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Large-Capacity Lightweight Miter Saw
This very capable miter saw weighs less than 30 lbs. and can cut a 2x12 @ 90 deg. and a 2x8 @ 45 deg. Precise cutting and smooth-adjusting controls make it a pleasure to use.
Affordable IR Camera
This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Handy Heat Gun
This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
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