Helpful Hank's DIY Tips

Quick reads on DIY products and projects

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Choosing ladders:  think twice, buy once

Choosing ladders: think twice, buy once

Like most homeowners, I found out a long time ago I can’t get by with just one ladder. Especially not that rickety old aluminum stepladder I found in my garage—though I tried for awhile. You’re likely going to need at least two ladders to get your basic DIY stuff done (unless you go with a multipurpose ladder: more on that later). (more…)

Are keyless locks better than regular front door locks?

Are keyless locks better than regular front door locks?

When my front door’s regular mechanical deadbolt lock started seizing up, I wasn’t even considering keyless locks until I saw them at Home Depot.

You know, the electronic kind with a keypad like in office buildings. My first reaction was ‘oh hell no,’ … but I decided to at least read up on them. After all, I’m hoping I won’t have to do this again for at least another 10 years. (more…)

Best wet-dry vac for the money … depends on your budget

Best wet-dry vac for the money … depends on your budget

Shopping for a wet-dry vac will suck the life out of you if you let it. There are SO many models and options to choose from, and so much competition.

Not only are there a lot of features to weigh against each other, there are several models for every need and price point you can imagine, from $50 to $1000 and everything in between. Literally dozens of models overall to choose from, and—because of the intense competition—many of them quite good for the money. (more…)

Pressure washers I can afford? What a blast!

Pressure washers I can afford? What a blast!

I never thought about buying a pressure washer until I looked into renting one to blast some mildew off my brick walls. For about $50, I could rent one for 4 hours, or—much to my surprise—I could buy an electric pressure washer in the $100-$200 range. Electric? I’ve always seen gas-powered models before; wasn’t really familiar with electrics. (more…)