DIY Thread - Let's see your "Inventions".

[perchie.girl]

All this talk about screwing stuff in... invest in a small pancake air compressor and a nail gun. You can get a good set for under $200 at a big box store. Most useful tool I own. Nail are a lot less expensive than screws, so in the long run it pays off.

Yep they are, cheaper. But in the long run? probably not so much. Especially for things that move like doors and gates and Tractors. Or things that get picked up and dumped and hosed out ..... For decks where they live through the seasons hot cold wet dry ..... wood changes shape it swells and shrinks and will work a nail out.... So they have to be tapped back in periodically.

Then there are those of us who know how to put a nail in correctly to minimize that effect.... I know it has to do with the angle....

BTW same air compressor works a hammer drill quite nicely .... just sayin.... LOL.

deb

 

[AmyPaperlady]

And screws are a lot easier to take out if you've messed up.

 

[DMRippy]

And screws are a lot easier to take out if you've messed up.

amen!

 

[saellis]

My chickens have been breaking eggs. Not sure if they're actually eating them or if they're getting stomped on as they fight for control of the nest box. Yesterday there was a royal battle between my alpha and one of the lower girls who had enough of her space getting invaded. I did a little brainstorming and came up with an egg trap prototype for one of the nest boxes so the eggs will roll out of the girls' reach. Just lift the floor panel to retrieve the eggs. I'll probably put a piece of fabric or carpet on it but one of the girls has already accepted it in its current form.

 

[PrimroseMom1]

C

My chickens have been breaking eggs. Not sure if they're actually eating them or if they're getting stomped on as they fight for control of the nest box. Yesterday there was a royal battle between my alpha and one of the lower girls who had enough of her space getting invaded. I did a little brainstorming and came up with an egg trap prototype for one of the nest boxes so the eggs will roll out of the girls' reach. Just lift the floor panel to retrieve the eggs. I'll probably put a piece of fabric or carpet on it but one of the girls has already accepted it in its current form.

le Clever!! Might need a patent on that one.

 

[yogifink]

And screws are a lot easier to take out if you've messed up.

Well, don't screw up! lol

 

[AK Baha]

Waterer made from an empty vinegar jug and bottom was cut off one of those giant jugs of puff balls from costco.

 

[rojororeo]

rojo, Next time you're at the hardware store, look for a drive guide.

See the 2 longer peices on the right? They have two shafts. An inner shaft that turns the bit and screw, and an outer shaft that's loose. The outer shaft will slide up over the screw(as long as the screw head isn't too big) and hold the bit on the screw while you push. No more bit slipping off and jabbing your fingers.

Shouldn't cost more than $5-$8.

WHA?!????? I HAVE one of those- we didn't know what that annoying sleeve did! Or my husband didn't share that info with me most likely!!
I will remember this next time... I think I still want an impact drill for myself- plus we build alot together, so we kinda need a second one, right?! Do they come in purple?

 

[rojororeo]

All this talk about screwing stuff in... invest in a small pancake air compressor and a nail gun. You can get a good set for under $200 at a big box store. Most useful tool I own. Nail are a lot less expensive than screws, so in the long run it pays off.

I agree with this... but haven't learned to finesse the airgun nailer things yet, so I tend to waste more of these than screws, I think. Not counting when we decide we don't like the item we built lol. I actually almost shot one into my knee building our first hutch style coop. The gun slipped right when I pulled the trigger, so I go double the nail- one bounced off my knee! That was not cool. I am glad it was a graze.... could have been very bad...

 

[yogifink]

Quote:
You can never be too careful with a nail gun. Especially if you are using a powerful framing nailer. I have been on many-o-job and seen more nails through hands and fingers than I would like to admit. And, if you think a hammer or drill is any safer, I have seen people put drill bits through their fingers and hands as well and broken thumbs from a hammer. Take it all in stride I guess. I like the nailer and tend to over build when I use it, unlike screws, I use sparingly.