December 23, 2021 Diversitech Mfg

The Best Tool Hacks You Need to Know About!

There are a variety of ways to use common tools to perform uncommon tasks. We have written this article to explain some of the coolest tool hacks you may never have previously considered.

Similar to our article on hacks for your cordless drill, this article is full of interesting ways to get more functionality out of your tools. While some tools are specifically designed to be multi-tools, we hope that this article will show you that there are multiple uses for all kinds of tools.

For even more suggestions on how to use tools and what types of tools you should buy for your own use, check out the other articles in our blog.

Screwdriver Funnel

screwdriver funnel

Liquids have a tendency to stick to solid materials. Some exhibit this trait more than others, but for some tasks you can use this to your advantage when you don’t have a funnel around.

If you are adding oil to the engine of your car and don’t have a funnel, you can actually use a long screwdriver to help guide the fluid. Simple hold the screwdriver vertically and in the opening of the oil filler. Then pour the oil along the screwdriver and watch as it follows the shaft and flows into the hole without spilling all over your engine.

Pliers Flashlight Holder

flashlight hack

You can turn your slip joint pliers into a handy flashlight holder by putting some elastic bands around the handle. This creates constant pressure in the jaws of the pliers.

Once the elastics are attached to the pliers, you can open them and insert a flashlight. The pliers will grip the flashlight, and then you can angle the light wherever you need it. This simple hack allows you to create a ready-made worklight tripod.

Power Drill Cleaning

Your cordless drill can be turned into a powerful cleaning machine. All you need is a cleaning brush with a long, straight handle and, well, a drill.

Insert the handle into the chuck of your drill (you may have to whittle down the end so it will fit). Then you can use your drill to power through difficult cleaning tasks like scrubbing toilet bowls and cleaning the kitchen floor. Who knows, your drill might make cleaning fun!

Dirt Drill

Your cordless drill can be used to help create holes in loose material like soil. If, for example, you need to plant a sign or spikes into your yard, you can pre-drill the holes instead of the labor-intensive method of pounding stakes into the ground with a hammer.

Besides a drill, you will need a large and long enough masonry bit approximately the same diameter of the object you plan on embedding in the ground. If you use a slightly more narrow bit, the object will be more secure.

Vice Grips Nail Puller

grip nail

The rounded shape and firm grip of your pair of vice grip pliers can be used for pulling nails. If your claw hammer is not readily available, try pressing your vice grips into nail-pulling service. If you are looking to minimize damage to the material, a piece of wood or metal under the pliers will prevent them from leaving marks in the material.

Measuring with Your Favorite Tool

Do you have a favorite tool you always have close at hand? If you memorize the length of this tool, you can use it as a measuring stick for that specific length.

If you have a favorite hammer, the length of this tool can be used for estimating certain lengths quickly when it would be time-consuming to go and get your tape measure.

Nail Drill Bit

A nail can be used as an improvised drill bit. By inserting the head of the nail into the drill’s chuck, the pointy end of the nail is ready to drill out pilot holes. You may have to compress the head of the nail to get it to work properly.

Hammer Dampener

Metal hammers can do damage in areas where a rubber mallet is the better tool. However, if you do not have a mallet, your hammer can still do the trick: you just have to find a way to dampen its blows.

Elastics holding a rag over the end or even the rubber end cap from a chair leg or cane can be used to keep your hammer from doing damage to softer materials and objects.

Elastic Drill Bit Storage

elastic band drill

Your drill or rotary tool can, if you’re creative, be used to store excess bits. All you need are some heavy-duty elastic bands around the tool.

The elastics wrapped around the tool provides a high-friction mounting place for a variety of tool accessories and bits. No more going back and forth from your toolbox when you have to change bits!

Needle Nose Pliers Nail Holder

Tired of hitting your fingers with a hammer? So are we! Your needle nose pliers can provide you with a secure way to place nails where you need them while keeping your hands safe from the hammer.

This hack is pretty self-explanatory yet rarely used. Simply grip the nail (or screw if you are using your drill) with your pliers, and hit it as you normally would.

Summary

Common tools often have uncommon uses; all it takes is a little bit of creativity and thinking outside the box. That is why we wrote this article: to share the great ideas of others in the DIY industry with newbies and seasoned handypeople alike.

Want more great information on tools and how to use them? The Hi-Spec website and blog is a great place to get the tools you need and the ideas for projects to put them to use!