8 DIY Hacks That Will Change Your Life

1. How to calculate the hole depth when drilling

To make sure you drill a hole that is exactly the right depth for a wall plug, use a very simple trick: place the drill bit next to the wall plug and mark the desired length with masking tape. This will allow you to stop at the right moment when drilling and avoid making holes that are too deep or not enough.

2. Avoid making a mess when drilling holes

When you drill into the wall, falling dust can be a problem, especially if you have gotelé or surfaces that are difficult to clean. A practical trick is to place a sachet just below the point where you are going to drill, securing it with masking tape. The dust will fall into the sachet, leaving the area clean and without the need to sweep or vacuum afterwards.

3. Prevent wood from splitting when inserting a screw

If you tend to split when inserting a screw into hard or dry wood, try drilling a small pre-hole with a smaller diameter drill bit. This will relieve the pressure when screwing and prevent the wood from splitting.

4. How to make a large circle

When you need to draw a large circle on wood and you don't have a large enough compass, use a thin strip of wood. Insert a screw into one end and a pencil into the other, creating a makeshift compass. Rotate the strip with the screw just barely embedded in the surface, and you'll have a perfect circle.

5. How to remove dings in wood

If you have wooden furniture with dings or dings, don't worry. Dampen the affected area with a little water, place a cotton cloth on top and run a hot iron over it for a few minutes. Steam will cause the wood to return to its original shape, making the marks disappear.

6. Inserting a screw in difficult places

When you have to screw in a place where you can't hold the screw with your fingers, use a hairpin. Place the screw between the prongs of the hairpin to hold it steady while you screw it in.

7. Fixing splintered wood

If you break off a piece of wood while nailing or screwing, don't worry. Use white glue to glue the broken pieces together and secure the repair with a headless nail. This will hide the crack and keep the wood looking good.

8. How to remove a wall plug

To remove a wall plug without damaging the wall, insert a screw into the plug, but only a couple of turns to prevent it from expanding. Then, using pliers, gently pull the screw out until the plug comes out completely.

These DIY tricks will not only save you time, but will also make your projects easier and more efficient. Now you can tackle your DIY jobs with more confidence and security. Let's get to work!