13 Household Tools You’re Misusing That Could Cost You
This post may contain affiliate links.
If you’ve ever started halfway through a DIY project and wondered, ‘Am I using this thing even right?’ ….. You’re not alone. Though designed to make life easier, household tools can be abused, without even knowing it. And guess what? Even these small missteps can become large costs, from replacing broken tools, to repairing accidental damage, to covering unexpected injuries.
The good news? With some insight, you can avoid these pitfalls and maintain your home looking great. In this post, we’ll go over 13 everyday tools you may be using incorrectly and explain how to use them properly. Not only will you save money, you will stay safe, and maybe even impress your friends with your newfound tool wisdom.
Plunger
Not all plungers are the same, and you’d think that more people would grab the right one. A classic flat plunger is great for sinks, but not toilets. If you have pesky toilet clogs, you will need a flange plunger. The rubber flap of it is soft and its rubber flap fits snugly into the toilet drain, making a better seal and more effective suction. Using the wrong plunger? More than likely you’re just splashing water around, and no one wants that mess.
Screwdrivers
Sure, you might think you know them, but screwdrivers are one of the most abused tools in the toolbox. Have you ever used one as a pry bar, or paint can opener? Guilty as charged! Not only does this habit destroy the screwdriver tip, but it also can lead to slips that scratch surfaces or worse, hurt your hands. While a flathead would be nice to grab in a pinch, proper tools will save you more money and fingers.
Power Strips
Simply plugging in too many devices to one power strip is a recipe for disaster. You’d be surprised to find out that power strips have load limits and that if you exceed those limits you can overheat the strip causing it to catch on fire. The National Fire Protection Association says overloaded powerstrips are one of the top causes of electrical fires in U.S. homes. If you have lots of high wattage devices (space heaters, gaming console, etc.) running, you may wish to spread them out across multiple outlets.
Wrenches
Adjustable wrenches are handy, as long as you use them right. One wrench technique that puts stress on the movable jaw (the part with the teeth), and can wear it down, is when many people tighten the wrench and pull it toward themselves. In short, always pull towards the fixed jaw. It’s just a simple switch, but it can prolong your wrench’s life and spare you the expense of buying new one every time.
Vacuum Cleaner
Just because you think a vacuum cleaner can do just about anything, it is not a trash can on wheels. The motor can get clogged or damaged by large debris, liquids or sharp objects such as glass. Pet hair can become a problem if it builds up in the wrong places too. The American Cleaning Institute recommends, as part of regular vacuum maintenance, having someone check the filters and cleaning the brush rolls.
Duct Tape
Duct tape, that handy sticky savior, can do pretty much anything, or so it seems, but there are limits to its power. Despite the name, it’s not ideal for sealing ductwork. The adhesive deteriorates through time, and, eventually, there is air leak and higher energy bills. Rather than using duct tape for HVAC repairs, choose specialized foil tape.
Box Cutters
These cutters are convenient, but when misused, they can be very dangerous. Accidents or uneven cuts happen when you use a dull blade or too much pressure. Sharpen the blade for cleaner, easier cuts. A fresh blade eliminates a lot of the risk of slipping, which is a big cause of workplace injuries.
Ladders
If you put your ladder down on uneven ground, or lean it too far, your day can end in disaster. The CDC has reported that ladder related injuries send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room every year. Make sure to always stabilize the base and always follow the “three points of contact” rule, meaning two hands, and one foot or two feet, and one hand should always touch the ladder. It is basic physics.
Hammers
The wrong type of hammer for a task can backfire, literally. For driving nails, a claw hammer is great, but if you’re chiseling or breaking up materials, you’ll need something a bit heavier like a sledgehammer. Using the wrong hammer makes improvising more likely to result in missed swings and damaged surfaces. And no, wrapping the handle with tape won’t alleviate a loose head, it’s time for a new one.
Extension Cords
You have probably done it: connecting multiple extension cords to stretch just a little farther. However, this daisy chaining is a major safety hazard. It can cause overheating and also weakens the current. When it comes to long distances, invest in a single heavy duty cord. Sure, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Paintbrushes
It’s easy to think that leaving paint brushes soaking in water overnight will keep them clean, but in the long run that will ruin the bristles. Wash them with soap and water right after using them and let them dry in the air. Bonus tip: If you are doing multiple coats, wrap the brush in plastic wrap between coats so that the paint doesn’t dry out.
Cordless Drills
There is a school of thought that says running a cordless drill all the time at full speed is efficient, but it ends in stripped screws and damaged bits. The difference is adjusting the speed for what material you’re working with. Drilling into drywall or assembling furniture requires great control and so a slower speed is better.
Scissors
Workhorse kitchen scissors can dull quickly if you use them on everything from chicken bones to cardboard. A pair of scissors for food and another for crafts will last longer and work better. Consider them the multitaskers that need a break occasionally.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad
Bring Nature Indoors with These DIY Terrarium Ideas
