Broadcaster Press 13 September 26, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com F all Home Improvement & Car Care How To Care For Tools Properly Create More Closet Space Without Major Renovations Homeowners often choose to save money and learn valuable skills by doing their own home improvement projects. These minor or major renovations are made much more successful by having the right tools for the job. Investing in good tools can be smart, but those tools are only effective if they are accessible and in good repair. Homeowners who emphasize taking care of their tools can make DIY projects that much easier and more rewarding. Establish a place for everything Nothing can be more frustrating than wanting to begin a project only to spend precious time looking for tools. Almost as important as the investment in tools is the investment in tool storage. Hardwood or metal tool chests feature various drawers and cabinets that can house tools of different sizes. By keeping tools in a chest, they’re easy to find and more likely to stay sharp and in good condition. Metal tools should be stored in a cool, dry area, as dust and moisture can cause rusting issues on metal tools. One way to alleviate rust is to spray metal tools with a product like WD-40 to serve as a moisture barrier, then store them in closed drawers or containers. All tools do not necessarily have to be stored in a garage or work shed. Many homeowners like to keep smaller tools in the house so that frequently used items are within reach. A hammer, wrench, pliers, and a few screwdrivers are handy tools to have around inside the house. Put tools back Remember to return tools to their proper storage spots when you finish using them so they can be easily found the next time they’re needed. This saves time and even increases personal safety. Tools that are left around can become tripping hazards or end up in the hands of children. Hang garden tools Whether garden tools are kept in a shed or inside the home, hang them so they don’t crowd the floor. Moisture can creep up from concrete or dirt floors and eventually compromise the tools. Keep cords neatly wound and secured as well. Rely on original cases Power tools typically are packaged in hard plastic cases. This keeps the tools secure and often is the best method of storage. Original cases also help protect tools from humidity. Label each case so tools are easily identifiable when stacked on a shelf or in a cabinet. Clean tools after use Hand tools and gardening tools usually can be cleaned with rags. If these tools are especially dirty, give them a wash with soap and water. Just be sure to dry the tools thoroughly after washing them. LifeHacker advises wiping down wooden handles on tools with linseed oil to keep them in good repair. Power tools may benefit from compressed air being blown into smaller crevices to dislodge sawdust and other debris. Lubricate any moving parts with a product recommended by the manufacturer. Keeping tools clean and in good repair goes a long way toward safer, more efficient home improvement projects. ? MetroCreativeConnection Did You Know? According to a survey of its users, the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor found that the average kitchen remodeling project took six weeks to complete. While some homeowners might be turned off by the prospect of having little or no access to their kitchens for more than a month, HomeAdvisor warns that the length of time it takes to complete a kitchen remodeling project depends on a host of factors, including the scope of the project. Some homeowners reported to HomeAdvisor that their projects lasted for several months, though those projects required extensive work, including moving walls and rearranging plumbing. Others who only replaced the flooring and countertops in their kitchens were back in business in just three weeks. Homeowners should always receive a projected completion date when soliciting estimates from contractors. But it’s also important that homeowners plan for unforeseen problems that may arise during the project, thereby extending the length of time necessary to complete it. ? MetroCreativeConnection Romsdahl’s ' 3 HDGOLQHV Repair & Remodel Carpentry, Decks, Windows & Doors, Refinishing, Drywall, & Ceramic Tile Classified Ads: Friday at Noon Display Ads: Friday at 11AM 18 Years in Business Free Estimates 605-670-2161 Make Yourself at Home. Save Up To $2250 With Manufacturer Rebates & Utility Incentives HEATING & COOLING after more than a century, we’re still inventing new ways to keep you comfortable, no matter the season. Call your dealer Today! 2401 Broadway, Yankton 605-665-9461 www.larrysheatingandcooling.com Closet space is at a premium in many homes and apartments. Many older homes were not built to accommodate large wardrobes, while rental properties are often designed to maximize living space at the expense of storage. Closets vary depending on the size of the home, but many tend to be a minimum of 24 inches deep so they can store garments without the clothes brushing against the walls. Bedroom and hallway closets can be four feet in length or more. Walk-in closets are the largest options, but such spaces tend to only be available in modern homes or custom-built properties. It is not always practical or possible to undergo renovations to create more closet space. Apart from moving to a new residence, homeowners or renters must evaluate the space they have and make some more efficient choices in how they utilize available areas. Clear out clutter The first step to more closet space is to eliminate unused items. Clothing that no longer fits or items that can be stored elsewhere should be removed from the closet. Donate as much as possible. Some organizations will even pick up donations at your convenience. Upgrade hangers and rods Replace existing hangers with slimmer, more uniform alternatives that more easily fit into your closet. In addition, remove empty hangers, which are likely just taking up space. Consider dual closet rods if space will allow PRECISION PAINTING •Interior •Exterior •Commercial •Residential Quality Workmanship, Reasonable Rates Since 1983 CLINT TUCKER 624-4621 them. Hang the second rod below an area reserved for shorter clothing to achieve a two-tiered design. Grouping short items together also can free up valuable floor space. Stack taller Many closets are as tall as the ceilings of the rooms where they’re located. However, the upper area may go unused because if it is not easy to reach. Install shelving above the closet rod with small swing-out style cabinet doors to offer access. In such areas, store seasonal items that you won’t need to reach for each day. Keep a step stool close by for easy accessibility. In small rooms, homeowners may want to find another way to utilize vertical space. A loft bed, which raises the bed up to a level where it might be on the top bunk of a bunk bed, will free up plenty of storage space beneath the bed. This can be turned into a floor closet. Create storage for small items Bookends, bins, boxes and drawers can be used to contain items that don’t easily conform to closets. These may be purses, scarves, ties, and more. Don’t overlook the possibilities of hanging items on the wall inside the closet or on the back of closet doors. When finishing closet makeovers, be sure to install lighting inside the closet so items are more visible. ? MetroCreativeConnection