![Clean Dryer Vents or Waste Energy and Risk a Fire](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16FEB_FORGET_10.jpg)
Clean Dryer Vents or Waste Energy and Risk a Fire
![Trunk Bumpers](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06DJA_464_08_008.jpg)
Trunk Bumpers
Bonus! Here are 3 more super-useful things you should know if you own a home:
![Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH01MAY_02302001.old_.jpg)
Switch Your Ceiling Fan Direction
![How to Sharpen Lawnmower Blades](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/dfh17jun027_fh06apr_467_07_008.jpg)
How to Sharpen Lawnmower Blades
![Test the Sump Pump or Risk a Flood](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FH16FEB_FORGET_02.jpg)
Test the Sump Pump or Risk a Flood
![Topsy-Turvy Door Painting](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/123_FHMB_101Things17b.jpg)
Topsy-Turvy Door Painting
![Measuring Cup Hang-Up](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06SEP_47108_015.jpg)
Measuring Cup Hang-Up
![Stir-Stick Paint Organizer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17ONO_582_08_200.jpg)
Stir-Stick Paint Organizer
![cardboard box sawhorses](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FH99NOV_01784007.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Cardboard Sawhorses
I use cardboard appliance boxes as collapsible sawhorses. They’re lightweight and plenty strong for many tasks. They hold heavy workpieces like doors without wobbling and fold up flat in seconds. You can cut them to a comfortable working height with a utility knife. — reader Guy Lautard
Plus: Savvy Sawhorse Tips.
![Tight-Space Shelves](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH09NOV_503_08_011.jpg)
Tight-Space Shelves
![Six-Pack Shop Organizer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17SEP_581_08_011.jpg)
Six-Pack Shop Organizer
![Pull-Tab Picture Frame Hook](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17ONO_582_08_007.jpg)
Pull-Tab Picture Frame Hook
![tape trick tearing](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Untitled-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Tape-Tearing Tip
Here’s an easy way to tear tape and get a starting edge at the same time. Simply fold the tape under at a 90-degree angle to the roll. Then, with a snapping motion, pull the tape against the edge of the roll. The tape tears, leaving a triangular starting tab. This won’t work with plastic tapes; those must be cut. — reader Chris Henrichs. Plus: How to Tape Drywall
![Eliminate Drain Odor](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Get-rid-of-drain-odors.jpg)
Eliminate Drain Odor
![Kitchen Organization: Racks for Canned Goods](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/JAU_2005_009_T_01.jpg)
Kitchen Organization: Racks for Canned Goods
![Extra Towel Bar](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH11JUN_519_08_001.jpg)
Extra Towel Bar
![S-Hook Hang-Up](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/067_FHMB_101Things17.jpg)
S-Hook Hang-Up
![Toilet Paper Shelf](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/067_FHMB_101Things17b.jpg)
Toilet Paper Shelf
![Phone Shield](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH12OCT_532_08_023.jpg)
Phone Shield
![Stop Losing Socks](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05JUN_459_08_013.jpg)
Stop Losing Socks
![No-Slip Seat Cushions](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05SEP_461_08_022.jpg)
No-Slip Seat Cushions
![poop pipe](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17JAU_580_08_R01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Poop Pipe
My dogs and I have an arrangement. They poop; I pick it up. But rather than make daily trips to the trash can, I built this poop pipe. It’s just a large piece of 4-in. PVC drainpipe sunk into the ground a foot or so, with a trash bag lining it and a cap sitting loosely on top. A rubber band holds the bag in place, and the cap helps keep odors at bay. When the bag gets full, I just take it to the trash bin and put a new one in the drainpipe. — reader Kelley Griswold
![Monetary Measurements](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06NOV_473_08_035.jpg)
Monetary Measurements
![How to Stop Under-the-Door Air Leaks](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH98OCT_013_98_025_26.jpg)
How to Stop Under-the-Door Air Leaks
![Closet Nook Shelves](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/066_FHMB_101Things17a.jpg)
Closet Nook Shelves
![crayon saw tip](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17ONO_582_08_031.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Wet-Saw Marking Tip
Use a crayon to draw the cutting line on tile before using a wet saw. Unlike a pen or pencil line, a crayon mark won’t wash off and is easier to see in the muddy water. — reader Mike Winter
![Test and Replace the Batteries in Smoke Detectors](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/fh15jau_smokea_10.jpg)
Test and Replace the Batteries in Smoke Detectors
![Junk Drawer in a Bag](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH01JAU_02381_007.jpg)
Junk Drawer in a Bag
![Self-Selecting Key](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/127_FHMB_101Things17c.jpg)
Self-Selecting Key
![Find a Flashlight](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH04JUN_03351_037.jpg)
Find a Flashlight
![Repurpose Old Jars and Containers for Free Garage Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/dfh17apr046-5-shutterstock_61108465.jpg)
Repurpose Old Jars and Containers for Free Garage Storage
![Stay-put balls](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fh07mar_477_08_043.jpg)
Stay-put balls
![Instant Drawer Dividers](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/071_FHMB_101Things17b.jpg)
Instant Drawer Dividers
![Mobile Tool Rack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/064_FHMB_101Things17.jpg)
Mobile Tool Rack
![Hang Ladders Low](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06SEP_471_51_021.jpg)
Hang Ladders Low
![Spray Bottle Pipe Pump](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/014_FHM_JULAUG17.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Spray-Bottle Pipe Pump
When soldering a fitting onto a copper pipe, you have to get the water out of the pipe or the solder won’t melt. But removing the water from vertical pipes is tricky. That’s when I grab the spray nozzle from a plastic bottle. I just stick the plastic tube down into the pipe and pull the trigger a few times. It helps to have a small cup to shoot the water into. — reader Dean Debeltz
![How to Fix a Loose Doorknob](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH00MAY_02008006.jpg)
How to Fix a Loose Doorknob
![Hang a Bike on the Wall](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/073_FHMB_101Things17.jpg)
Hang a Bike on the Wall
![Fast Shelves](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/068_FHMB_101Things17.jpg)
Fast Shelves
![Blister Buster](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16APR_567_08_022.jpg)
Blister Buster
![Flash Finder](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06JUN_468_08_006.jpg)
Flash Finder
![Under-Sink Archives](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/071_FHMB_101Things17.jpg)
Under-Sink Archives
![Tarp Trailer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05NOV_463_08_053.jpg)
Tarp Trailer
![Gutter Inspector](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH04MAR_03251_001.jpg)
Gutter Inspector
![Let Paint Dry, Then Cut the Tape Loose for a Perfect Edge](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FEB_2007_017_T_01.jpg)
Let Paint Dry, Then Cut the Tape Loose for a Perfect Edge
![Simple Storage Spools](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/070_FHMB_101Things17.jpg)
Simple Storage Spools
![Clog Claw](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05FEB_455_08_024.jpg)
Clog Claw
![Closet Bracket Bike Rack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/070_FHMB_101Things17B.jpg)
Closet Bracket Bike Rack
![Luminous Light Switch](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/123_FHMB_101Things17PIC.jpg)
Luminous Light Switch
![pinecone scooper](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16SEP_571_08_003.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pinecone Scooper
My pine trees drop cones all summer long, and my old back doesn’t like me bending over a lot to pick them all up. I don’t have a dog, but a pooper scooper has turned out to be this man’s best friend! Gently squeezing the handle opens its jaws, allowing me to pick up pinecones with no back pain. — reader Don Greer
Plus: Easy Lawn Care Tips
![Loosen Stuck Pipes with Heat](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH15FEB_WKPLUMB_05.jpg)
Loosen Stuck Pipes with Heat
![Picture frame bumpers square ruler](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17SEP_581_08_025.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
A Sticky Solution
To keep my square from sliding on slick material when I’m trying to mark with it, I stick vinyl picture-frame bumpers on the back. This holds the square in place while I draw a pencil line. — reader Kelly Hicks
Plus: Learn how to Hang Artwork and Wall-hangings Straight and Level.
![Dust Catcher](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05MAY_458_08_023.jpg)
Dust Catcher
![Perfect Keyhole Template](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06JUN_468_08_056.jpg)
Perfect Keyhole Template
![FH17SEP_581_08_300](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17SEP_581_08_300.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Wine Cork Caulk Saver
Synthetic wine corks are great for sealing partially used tubes of caulk. Drill a 5/16-in. hole into the cork about 1 in. deep. The cork fits perfectly and makes an airtight seal. — reader Susan Claussen
Plus: Tips for Caulking
![Make the Most of Your Vacuuming](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH15MAR_DUSTME_07_08.jpg)
Make the Most of Your Vacuuming
- Vacuum high-traffic areas twice a week and the rest of the carpeting and large area rugs at least weekly.
- Make numerous slow passes over the same area in all directions (fast passes stir up more dust than is being sucked up).
- Use certified True High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to remove invisible particles and allergens. Look for the word 'True" on the label.
- If you have allergies, upgrade to a sealed-body bagged vacuum with an airtight 'sealed filtration' system that works together with a True HEPA filter. This means all of the exhaust will exit through the HEPA filter instead of leaking dust back into your house through the machine's housing. Sealed-body vacuums have rubber seals or gaskets around the lid and filter and will last 10 to 20 years. Brands include Riccar, Miele and Sanitaire.
- Buy high-quality vacuum bags. Inexpensive 2- or 3-ply paper bags leak more dust. Higher-quality cotton-lined paper bags are better, and top-quality synthetic cotton HEPA bags are the best. Bag capacity matters too. Higher-capacity bags capture more, smaller particles that would have otherwise clogged the filter.
- Clean all your bagless vacuum filters regularly and replace them every three months.
- Turn off the agitator brush on hard flooring so you're not blowing dust into the air.
- Maintain your vacuum: Empty the canister frequently (always outside) and change bags and belts when needed. Keep the agitator brush free of hair and other material, and check the vacuum for cracks and loose hinges and get it serviced every so often to keep it running smoothly.
![Glove and Mitt Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/fh11feb_515_50_055.jpg)
Glove and Mitt Storage
![Touch-up Without Cleanup](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH10MAR_506_08_022.jpg)
Touch-up Without Cleanup
![Dustless Drilling and Drum Sanding](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/811_004.jpg)
Dustless Drilling and Drum Sanding
![Pocket Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06DJA_464_08_009_tm.jpg)
Pocket Storage
![Cabinet Slots](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/073_FHMB_101Things17a.jpg)
Cabinet Slots
![Screw Loosener](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/screen-5.jpg)
Screw Loosener
![Solid Cord Connection](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH09OCT_502_08_027-105.jpg)
Solid Cord Connection
![More Shower Shelves](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/066_FHMB_101Things17b.jpg)
More Shower Shelves
![Pre-Paint Lotion](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06OCT_472_08_021.jpg)
Pre-Paint Lotion
![Don't Choose a Problem Tree](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH13OCT_PLTREE_02.jpg)
Don't Choose a Problem Tree
![Don't Wreck an Outdoor Faucet](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16FEB_MAKEIT_03.jpg)
Don't Wreck an Outdoor Faucet
Here's why you end up replacing outdoor faucet washers that have worn out long before they should: When you turn off a frost-proof faucet, water continues to trickle out of the long pipe even after the valve is closed. When people see that water, they often assume the valve didn't close, so they crank down harder, which overcompresses the washer, greatly reducing its life. Patience is the key. Wait a second or two after closing the valve. The water should eventually stop (unless you've already destroyed the washer).
MYTH: Frost-proof faucets cannot freeze.
FACT: Leaving a hose attached throughout the winter could leave water in the line to freeze and cause the faucet to burst. Also, if the faucet slopes slightly toward the house, the long pipe will also hold water that can freeze.
Plus: Winter Preparedness: Handy Household Tips for Weathering the Winter
![Before You Call an Electrician](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/JUN_2008_117_T_01.jpg)
Before You Call an Electrician
![Instant Mini Bins](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/067_FHMB_101Things17a.jpg)
Instant Mini Bins
![Tablecloth Drop Cloth](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DJA_2006_016_T_01.jpg)
Tablecloth Drop Cloth
![Store on a Door](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH07JUN_482_50_022_alt.jpg)
Store on a Door
![Keep Pictures Level](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05FEB_455_08_027.jpg)
Keep Pictures Level
![Fix Loose Joints With Epoxy Resin](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16MAR_EPOXYS_03.jpg)
Fix Loose Joints With Epoxy Resin
![Fix a loose screw](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/shutterstock_400632202.jpg)
Fix a loose screw
![No-Mess Epoxy Mixer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05FEB_455_08_015.jpg)
No-Mess Epoxy Mixer
![Suck Out Drain Clogs](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH10SEP_511_08_033.jpg)
Suck Out Drain Clogs
![Add-On Clothes Rod](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FH11FEB_515_50_040.jpg)
Add-On Clothes Rod
![Hide Wires](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/MAY_2008_022_T_01.jpg)
Hide Wires
![mirror message board](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17MAR_576_08_001_hsp.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Mirror and Message Board
My family is always on the go, so staying in touch with one another can be tough. We thought about putting a whiteboard near the door so we could write messages, but we wanted something better looking. So we bought a full-length mirror, turned it on its side, and mounted it on the wall. Now we can write on it with dry-erase markers and give ourselves one last look before heading out for the day. — reader Matthew Kelly
![Long Reach Shears](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH12JUN_529_08_018.jpg)
Long Reach Shears
![Secret Lock Code](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH05FEB_455_08_035.jpg)
Secret Lock Code
![Replace loose, popped nails](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FH04APR_YOU_CAN-FIX-5.jpg)
Replace loose, popped nails
![Loose Gutters](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH13JUN_GUTFIX_04.jpg)
Loose Gutters
![Overhead Ladder Rack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH11FEB_515_50_018.jpg)
Overhead Ladder Rack
![Hidden Remotes](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH06APR_467_08_056.jpg)
Hidden Remotes
![Draft Dodger](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16JUN_569_08_009_R02.jpg)
Draft Dodger
![Heat up sticky stuff](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH04SEP_03421_015.jpg)
Heat up sticky stuff
![Make the Most of Skinny Spaces](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FH10JUN_KITROL_07.jpg)
Make the Most of Skinny Spaces
![woodworking curves](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH01NOV_02483_004.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Robin Hood Curves
When I build woodworking projects with curves, I often turn to my trusty homemade curve tracer. It’s made from a long, 1/4-in.-thick strip of straight-grained, knot-free wood with a 1/4-in. hole drilled in one end and a narrow V-notch cut into the other end. I tie mason’s string to the drilled end and bend the strip to whatever size curve I need, tying a knot in the string that I slide into the V-notch. Then I just hold the bowed wood on top of my workpiece and trace the curve. Leave it unstrung between projects or it’ll become permanently bowed. — reader Bruce Philbrook
Plus: Woodworking Projects
![Clean Hard Floors Faster](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH030711_001_TOUCLE_05.jpg)
Clean Hard Floors Faster
![Create Secret Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/dfh17jul030_13.jpg)
Create Secret Storage
If you’re stashing valuables in secrets spots, watch this video on home security to beef up your defenses.
![Refrigerator](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH02FEB_FRIDGM_16.jpg)
Refrigerator
![Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/dfh17sep042-13.jpg)
Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan
![Sizing a Ceiling Fan](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FH10FEB_FANREM_01-2.jpg)
Sizing a Ceiling Fan
![Vertical Cabinet Space](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/070_FHMB_101Things17PIC.jpg)
Vertical Cabinet Space
![Coffee bag twist ties](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/FH17SEP_581_08_004.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Coffee Bag Ties
Small bags of fancy coffee have heavy-duty ties to keep them airtight. The ties are handy for securing small coils of electrical cable and rope. They’re usually fastened to the bag with just a dab of glue, making them pretty easy to pull off. — reader Joe Gemmill
![Tennis Ball Parking Guide](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH04DJA_03181_003.jpg)
Tennis Ball Parking Guide
![Joist Space Storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/FH07JUN_482_50_056.jpg)
Joist Space Storage
![How to Seal Outlets and Ceiling Boxes](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH16MAR_566_06_011.jpg)
How to Seal Outlets and Ceiling Boxes
![Preserve Lawn Supplies](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH07MAR_477_08_047.jpg)