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Tips & Techniques

Tips & Techniques is a collection of methods, tools, and jigs that our readers have devised to get things done on their own construction projects. Email photos and descriptions of your tips to us at [email protected]; post them with the #FineHomebuildingTips hashtag on Instagram; or upload them to FineHomebuilding.com/reader-tips for a chance to have them featured in an issue of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Plus, we pay for any tips we publish.

Big Drywall, Small Lifts

These simple site-built jigs make hanging 12-foot-long sheets of wallboard easy, even when working alone.
Clamp Turnaround

Most woodworking bar clamps allow you to flip the ends to use the tool for spreading instead of clamping.
Keep Your Hammer from Slipping Out of Sweaty Hands

An adhesive designed for repairing shoes also makes a great DIY handle grip.
Easy Vacuum Upgrade

A DIY skirt made of duct tape helps a vacuum get more suction when cleaning up dust during a remodeling project.
An Alternative Workbench Surface

Soft carpet scraps protect delicate projects from scratches.
How To Drill Large Round Holes in Tile

Get off to a good start when using a hole saw by using plumber's putty, a little water, and a glass-and-tile bit.
Staple Standoff

Improvised and improved stapler for securing wiring
Grout-Space Raking Tool

Modified tool removes thinset and makes for better tile joints.
The Glue Roller

Easy and professional way to spread glue
Making Vent Hood Lamps Work

How to deal with and prevent future stubborn vent hood lamps.