Wall Hook Bike Rack

Fed up with his bikes laying all over the garage, @gavjitsu attached heavy-duty bike hooks to the wall to store them vertically.

First, mount two planks of wood to the wall studs to ensure a sturdy hold, then install as many hooks as you need along the wood. The rubber-coated hooks protect the bike from scratches and hold up to 50 pounds.

Use a Closet Organizer System

Are your closets and garage overflowing with stuff? Are your kitchen cabinets stuffed to capacity? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to find new storage space in your home. You just need these decluttering strategies from our organizational gurus to organize every room of your house.

For economy and quick installation, you can’t beat wire-shelving systems; you can outfit a typical closet in an afternoon. You easily build your own closet organizer, adapting the plans to your specific needs and DIY skill level. You can also buy a pre-made system, but before you go shopping, go online to check out the options, accessories and installation steps.

Prevent Fishing

By pushing the door inward to create a gap at the top, a crook can insert a wire hook and fish for the release cord. Some use a wedge to hold the gap open. Once the cord is hooked, all it takes is a good yank to disconnect the door from the opener. On some garage door models, hooking the release lever works too.

Make a Garage Door Lock Shield

A garage door lock shield makes grabbing the release cord almost impossible. This shield is simply a wood cleat and a scrap of plywood screwed to the opener’s arm. The plywood is fastened to the cleat with just two brad nails, so it can break away— rather than do damage—if it runs into something while the door is traveling.

Add a Tie

If your trolley has a pair of holes, you can make a garage door lock with the release and a small plastic zip tie. Use the smallest tie you can find. It will be strong enough to resist the tug of a fishing wire but will break away with a hard pull on the release cord.

Every garage door opener has an emergency release that disconnects the door from the opener. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to open the door when the opener is on the fritz. But some clever crooks have turned this essential feature into a security risk.

Keep in mind that “fishing” a garage door isn’t exactly easy. In some situations, it’s almost impossible. Some garage door openers have a release mechanism that must be pulled straight down and won’t release if the cord is tugged at an angle toward the door. Others are a bit easier to fish, especially if your garage door has a window that allows the crook to see what they’re doing.

Add a Garage Door Monitor

The monitor receives the signal from the sensor and displays whether the garage door is open or closed. Sensors and monitors are battery-operated—no wiring is required.

Automatic Door Closer

Garage security is often undermined simply because someone forgot to close the door.  An automatic door closer gives you more security by closing the door whether you’re home or not. Installation requires some simple low-voltage wiring and takes less than an hour.

Keep Your Opener With Your Keys

It’s simple: If you take your garage door opener with you, thieves can’t steal it from your car. A keychain remote just makes sense.

A thief who breaks into your car can grab the remote for easy access to your garage. This isn’t just a problem when your car is parked in the driveway; the registration card in your glove box gives a crook your address.

So get rid of the remote on your visor and buy a keychain remote. You can easily take it with you every time you leave the car.

Lock the Track

If your door doesn’t have a lockable latch, drill a hole in the track just above one of the rollers and slip in a padlock. This is a good idea if you’re going on an extended trip and won’t need to get in and out of your garage for a while.

5 More Ways To Lock Down Your Garage

1. Beef up the service door. The walk-through entry door (called the “service door”) is the number one security weak spot in most garages. It should be equipped with a deadbolt and a heavy-duty strike plate, just like any other exterior door in your house.
2. Lock the entry door. If you have an attached garage, lock the entry door that leads into the house. Too many homeowners rely on the service door and leave the entry door unlocked.
3. Cover windows. If crooks can’t see the tools and toys in your garage, they won’t be motivated to get in. Sheer curtains or translucent window film lets in light but keeps valuables out of sight.
4. Add lighting. Bright lighting makes burglars nervous and just might make them go elsewhere. Motion detector lighting is better than on-all-night lighting because it saves energy when it’s off and attracts attention when it’s on.
5. Install a full home security system.

But now and again, one of us would come across a trashed sewing machine or garden tiller and drag it back to the center of our garage floors to see what we could make of it.

Around that time, my grandfather, who I more or less lived with for a couple of years, gave me a cheap 24-piece tool set to try and hone my mechanical interests.

The small plastic black case was like a surgeon’s kit to me and my friends, full of shiny chrome ratchet handles, a bunch of sockets and a pair of screwdrivers.  We would fly home after school on our BMX bikes and grab it to disassemble every rusted and discarded machine-like victim we found thereafter.

I still own that socket set to this day, though the cheap plastic case crumbled years ago. For me, that was a coming-of-age gift, much like my first Swiss Army knife or BB gun, one I’ll hold onto forever for the memories entwined in it.

Recently I was in the market for a decent sized socket set, one I could easily lug to and from friends’ garages and weekend cabin trips.  I did some research and decided to snag the DeWalt 84-piece Mechanics Tool Set. When it arrived a few days later, I was eager to test it out.

What is the DeWalt 84-piece Mechanics Tool Set?

The DeWalt 84-piece Mechanics Tool Set features a single, 7-1/2-in. long, 72-tooth ratchet with a 3/8-inch drive head, ideal for high torque wrenching in tight spaces.  The accompanying 63 six-point sockets range from 5/32-in. all the way up to 13/16-in., and 4mm to 21mm in metric. The set also includes a handful of extension bars, adapters, spark plug sockets and a specialty screwdriver with bits.

The entire chrome plated tool set comes in a molded 10-in. x 14-in. heavy-duty plastic storage case. Every piece looks and feels sturdy and strong. The set as a whole is compact and easy to carry, weighing less than ten pounds.

How We Tested It

With the break-in period coming to an end on my months-old enduro motorcycle, the manufacturer suggested changing the oil and doing a valve adjustment.  I also planned to do a quick once-over, lubing or tightening components that may have rattled loose over this phase.  What better time to try out this DeWalt Mechanics Tool set?

I also had a pushmower and a chainsaw that could use an oil change and maybe new spark plugs, too. It was time to get into the garage and get my hands dirty!

Performance Review

I started with the oil and spark plug changes on the chainsaw and mower.  I was glad the set included 5/8-inch and 13/16-inch spark plug sockets as the mower and saw each had a different plug sizes.

This DeWalt set is fantastic!  The six-point sockets fit firm and tight on the heads of the bolts and plugs, and the 72-tooth rachet was much better in tight spaces than the old rachet from my childhood.  It took a little muscle to break loose the drain plug on the mower, but the DeWalt socket and wrench did their job and held firm without disfiguring the decades-old bolt.

On to the motorcycle. I began with the oil change and valve adjustment, with the case wide open on my workbench so I could choose what I needed as I worked through the maintenance.

I used most everything, from 4mm sockets to the #3 Phillips bit in the screwdriver. I took took off the seat, gas tank, chain and engine covers to access the parts I needed, then reversed the process to get everything back together and running.

After almost three hours, with all the machines closed up and running well, there was nothing bad I could say about the DeWalt 84-piece Mechanics Tool Set.  If there were one change I’d make — and this is minor — I’d add a socket release button on the back of the ratchet’s head to assist with switching sockets with sweaty or oily hands. That’s it.

This DeWalt 84-piece mechanics retails for less than $70.  You’d be hard pressed to find a set this size and quality for less, especially if you factor in the DeWalt’s “Guaranteed Tough” lifetime warranty.  I trust this set will be durable and reliable for years to come. Who knows — maybe I’ll pass it on to a tinkering grandson of mine many years down the line!

Why You Should Buy This

If you’re in the market for quality, durable and compact tool set, check out this DeWalt 84-piece mechanics tool set. It’s full of great features like a 72-tooth ratchet, strong six-point sockets and durable storage case.  Plus, with DeWalt’s full lifetime warranty, you can be confident it’ll last forever.

Where to Buy

The DeWalt 84-piece Mechanics Tool Set is available at Amazon and The Home Depot.

Buy Now!

Epoxy is an increasingly popular floor-coating method for garages nationwide. It’s a DIY option, though a plethora of coating professionals are available for affordable installation. We’ve been asked about polyaspartic floor coating, and whether it’s a better option than the ubiquitous epoxy coating. The short answer? Yes.

What is Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coating?

Polyaspartic coatings have been available for about 20 years but are only recently gaining ground in garages. The product is typically used on bridges and piers, or to coat parts of ships or railcars. It’s similar to polyurethane, though a polyaspartic cures faster than both urethanes and epoxies, and it can be applied in a wide range of temperatures.

Poly­aspartics vs. Polyureas Garage Floor Coating

When shopping for a poly­aspartic coating, it can be easy to confuse polyureas and poly­aspartics; they’re related but different.

Chemical differences make polyaspartics more versatile, more durable and easier to apply on your garage floor. Although polyurea coatings are also durable, they have a short cure time. That makes them difficult to install, especially for DIYers.

How Does Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coating Cure?

Polyaspartic coatings cure quicker than epoxy coatings, but slowly enough that you can work with them. By manipulating the mixture of esters, polyaspartics manufacturers have made products with a cure time that’s slow enough for easy application and fast enough to quickly allow floor traffic.

A polyaspartic-coated floor can cure and be ready for foot traffic in two hours and vehicle traffic in 24 hours. In comparison, an epoxy-finish floor needs 12 or more hours of cure time before foot traffic and 72 hours before vehicle traffic.

What Else to Know About Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coating

That’s all good, so is there a catch?

Poly­aspartic finishes do cost about 20 percent more than epoxies. Some companies sell poly­aspartics by the gallon; Sherwin-Williams’ Elladur Floor Coating is part of its Industrial product line.

More resistant to UV exposure, poly­aspartic coatings hold color better than epoxy coatings and will not yellow. They also resist marking from hot car tires, making them well-suited to garage use.

With a viscosity closer to water than paint, polyaspartic coatings can be a topcoat over epoxy. Versatile Building Products markets two-part kits through GarageCoatings.com that can be poured over a flaked epoxy floor.

If you’ve done any of these projects, you know it’s a hassle to constantly remove and re-chuck the bit you need. Awhile back, Worx came out with its new and improved Switchdriver 2.0, a single drill with a switchable chuck. That lets you jump back and forth between the bits and torque settings you need, on demand.

I was curious. So I got ahold of one, charged it up and put it to the test.

What is the Worx Nitro Switchdriver 2.0?

The Worx Nitro Switchdriver 2.0 is a battery-operated drill/driver that features a pair of 1/4-in. hex-drive rotating dual chucks. It’s powered by a re-engineered brushless motor, and ships with a 20-volt, 2-amp-hour battery and charger.

An intelligent digital interface lets you change torque settings and switch between drill or driver bits with a click of the keypad. It also features many standard facets like LED work light and a variable speed trigger.

The Switchdriver looks and feels well-made, and is surprisingly lightweight and compact in your hand.  It comes with a small bag for storage and some bits.

How We Tested It

Needing more garage organization, I used the Worx Nitro Switchdriver 2.0 to build an eight-foot-wide shelving unit around my rolling mechanics tool chest. I did it with 2×4’s, 1/2-inch plywood and countersunk deck screws.

I was curious to learn how much power the drill had, whether the digital interface was easy to use, how long the charged Worx battery could go in constant mode, and any torque changes that might come with running separate types of bits.

After cutting all my plywood and lumber to size. I pulled out the drill, plugged a #2 Phillips bit in one chuck, put a tapered pre-drilling bit with an attached countersink in the other, and got to work.

Performance Review

The Worx Switchdriver came in handy for building my garage shelves.

I love how quickly and easily you can switch between chucks, but I wish one was a traditional drill chuck rather than two hex drive chucks. A hex drive chuck is nice because you can quickly and securely switch out specifically made hex bits or drivers.  Unfortunately, most drill bits are not hex drive; those are much more expensive and harder to obtain.

For such a lightweight tool, the Worx Switchdriver packs a little punch. The brushless motor and battery supplied adequate power for this Saturday afternoon project, but not much more. After I finished, I plugged in a 1-1/2-inch spade bit so I could play around with the digital interface and torque settings. It struggled to drill a handful of holes with the larger, more taxing bit.

The two-button interface is simple and easy to use.  It functions the same as the twist torque control on a traditional drill, without a hammer-drill function. But it’s sleeker and more high-tech looking, as if from a James Bond movie.

What Others Thought

Verified Amazon purchaser Monkey gave it four stars, writing: “Novel design, but even when using the 20v 4A Worx battery, the [power] on this is way less than ideal. Still, great for every day, non-heavy use.”

Geep, another Amazon verified purchaser, raved about it in a five-star review: “This is one neat tool. I just finished installing 40+ cabinet and drawer pulls. Having a drill bit and a Phillips screwdriver on one device really simplified the job. I also use the same battery for my yard blower. I recommend this product.”

Final Verdict

The Worx Nitro Switchdriver 2.0 is a useful and capable tool for light, everyday use, but feels a bit gimmicky, too.

If you already own other Worx tools and batteries, there’s a place for the Switchdriver in your workshop. But if not, I’d suggest looking elsewhere. For the $130 price tag, I’d still rather have a trusty drill/driver combo than this tool.

Pros

• Innovative timesaving design;
• Easy to use;
• Great for around-the-house;
• Slick intelligent interface.

Cons

• No traditional chuck;
• Under-powered.

Where to Buy

The Worx Nitro Switchdriver 2.0 is available on Amazon.com.

Buy Now!

Back then, on the last few warm weeks leading into the summer break, lots of us headed home from school on Friday, dragged out the hose and a five-gallon pail, assembled our soaps, sponges, waxes and towels, turned on some tunes and started scrubbing our cars in the middle of the driveway.

Of course, this was the precursor to taking the car out cruising later that night. But I remember it just as fondly.

Recently I headed to the local auto parts store to pick up a wiper blade for my wife’s Subaru. As I entered the store, I ran smack into an aisle loaded with washes, waxes, tire shines and shammies and felt a wave of nostalgia. After pacing up and down the aisle a few times, I settled on a jug of Armor All Ultra-Shine Wash & Wax to bring home and relive those memories.

What Is Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax?

It’s a concentrated combo car wash soap and wax in one. It combines a proprietary blend of cleaners, surface lubricants and real carnauba wax to deliver a streak-free, mirror-like shine.

The orange-soda-colored liquid concentrate can be applied to your vehicle with a car washing foam gun or a bucket and a rag. It’s available in sizes ranging from 16 ounces to one gallon.

How We Tested It

I waited for the first summer-like May day. Then pulled my pickup into the driveway, dragged out the hose, bucket and sponges and got to washing.

Performance Review

The Wash

The bottle of the Armor All Ultra-Shine Wash & Wax recommends just under an ounce-and-a-half of soap concentrate per gallon of water. Online reviews of this product advised more soap per gallon of water for shiner results, but I stuck to this formula exactly, mixing three ounces for two gallons of water. At first, the meager amount of suds concerned me.

I hosed off my truck, then began scrubbing, starting on the roof and working down. After finishing one side, I sprayed it down, checking to see if I missed any dirty spots. Then I wiped off any beads forming on my windows or mirrors before moving on to the next side.

I scrubbed my way down each side, doing the tires and wheels last. Once finished, I ran around the truck with a microfiber cloth, spot-cleaning drips or runs I missed. At this time, I noticed some film buildup. This must have been where the product dried on my truck’s surface. I effortlessly buffed out the film spots with a dry cloth. In no time, I was finished and cleaning up.

Final Result

The finished product looks good. Not flawless, showroom quality, but better than the ten-dollar super-wash from the gas station up the street. The soap cleaned the day-to-day dust and dirt, and removed more of the caked-on bugs and debris across the front bumper and grill than they usually do at the touch-free car wash. In fairness, that probably has more to do with elbow grease than the detergent itself.

I’m happy with the way my wash turned out. The 16-ounce bottle of Armor All Ultra-Shine Wash & Wax cost just under five dollars, and will get me four or five more washes in the future.

Rather than using more detergent, you can improve the luster of the finished product by pairing it with a spray-on or buff-on wax.

Why You Should Buy This

The all-in-one formulation, easy application, affordable price and trusted brand name make the Armor All Ultra-Shine Wash & Wax ideal for anyone looking to keep their car shiny and beautiful without breaking the bank  — or their backs.

Where To Buy

The Armor All Ultra Shine Wash and Wax is available online or in-store from Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts, or at Amazon.com.

Shop Now

On a recent ride home from work, the angle of the late-day sun hit just right to showcase the thick coat of dust on the dashboard of my pickup truck. Ugh. So I made a quick detour and picked up a can of Dry Shine Ultimate Shine to help restore my vehicle’s interior to its previous, glossy brilliance.

What Is Dry Shine Ultimate Shine?

Dry Shine Ultimate Shine is a liquid aerosol cleaning spray formulated to renew and protect vinyl, rubber, plastic and leather vehicle surfaces, inside and out. Its anti-static formula repels dust and protects against harmful UV rays while providing a warm glossy sheen and professional detailing results.

How We Tested It

After digging out a pack of soft microfiber towels, I got to work seeing what the Ultimate Shine could do. I polished EVERY piece of vinyl, rubber, plastic and leather I could find on my 2016 Nissan pickup. Like a kid in a candy store, I polished tires, the dashboard, the center counsel, molded door panels, seat belt buckles, even the small plastic bits in the front bumper and near the grill.

Product Review

I found that because it’s an aerosol, the Ultimate Shine sprays on in light coats no matter how heavy-handed you are with it. It took multiple coats to build up any sort of glossy shine to my dashboard and molded door panels. But once shining, they stayed looking great for more than a week.

Same with my tires. It took multiple coats of Ultimate Shine but left them looking great, better than any tire shining product I can remember.

The best feature of Dry Shine Ultimate Shine? Its sweet and distinct citrusy-soda smell. Ever since I tried this product, I’ve gotten compliments on the smell from everyone who’s ridden in my newly cleaned vehicle.

The downside of this product is that it’s not meant to clean plastic and rubber surfaces like other automotive interior protective products. Dry Shine Ultimate Shine goes on so light and dry it will polish and shine right over a dried-on drop of coffee in your cup holder, rather than remove it.

What Other Reviewers Are Saying

“Leaves a nice smooth finish on my classic truck and new Mustang,” reviewer Scott Bracken writes on the Dry Shine USA web site. “Both are kept clean, and I prefer not to use water on them. This is the best aerosol product out there.”

On The Home Depot web site, five-star reviewer 4Wheeling Chick writes: “I have been using this cleaner on my UTV for three years and I absolutely love it. It shines up the plastic and interior of my machine like no other cleaner can! I also use it on my tires and wheels and makes it pop again like brand new. I highly recommend it.”

Final Verdict

If you already keep your vehicle clean and polished and you’re looking for a product to provide that extra bump of freshness and long-lasting shine, Dry Shine Ultimate Shine is the product for you. Its easy application, refreshing scent and enduring shine will be welcome addition to your garage or cleaning cabinet.

Pros

• Nice shine;
• Long lasting;
• Great on tires;
• Pleasing scent.

Cons

• Light spray volume;
• No cleaning properties.

Where to Buy

Dry Shine Ultimate Shine is available at The Home Depot and AutoZone.

Buy Now!

Magnetic Toolbox Labels

Tired of trying to guess which toolbox drawer contained the tool I was looking for, I bought magnetic business cards at an office supply store. I peeled the film off the front, stuck a piece of card stock on top of it (old business cards work great) and labeled each drawer. — Laura Vogel.

Buying a Carport Kit

If you don’t have a garage or would rather use it for storage, consider a carport. These simple structures protect your vehicle from rain, hail, bird droppings and harmful UV rays, and keep you and your passengers from getting soaked during storms.

Carport kits are available in a range of sizes and designs. Take these factors into consideration to ensure you pick the right one for your situation:

• Size: The carport must be long enough to cover your vehicle and wide enough to pull in and out of easily. Factor in the space you’ll need for opening the doors, and for keeping dry in rain or snow when you’re loading and unloading your car or trunk. If you plan on permanently anchoring your carport to your driveway, make sure its support legs won’t overhang the concrete you’re drilling into.
  
• Skill level required for assembly: While all carport kits are meant to be DIY, some are easier to assemble than others. If you’re mounting it to concrete, you’ll need to know how to use a power drill. Some carports may require you to cut the support beams to length. Honestly consider your DIY skill level and review online installation instructions to make sure you can do the job effectively and safely.
• Roof material: The roof of your carport kit will be soft (canvas or polyethylene plastic), metal or polycarbonate plastic. Soft roofs are lightweight, easy to assemble and generally cheaper, although they lack the strength and protection of metal or hard plastic. Metal roofs (aluminum or steel) are heavy and require more effort to install, but protect against falling trees branches and heavy snowfalls. Polycarbonate plastic roofs are translucent so they let some light through. If they’re shatter-resistant, they should hold up well against falling debris and snow.
• Roof design: Gabled-roof options are peaked, making it harder for leaves, pine cones or branches to stay up there. They also require less cleaning and maintenance than flat-roofed models. If you live in a wet climate, consider one with gutters to direct rainwater and reduce erosion and foundation damage.
• Anchoring options: Safely secure your carport to the ground, especially if you live in an area with high winds. Anchoring your carport directly into concrete is the most secure option, so make sure the kit includes all the necessary hardware. Carports can also be anchored to grass and gravel with long auger anchors or spikes, but only if prevailing winds are generally light. Review the anchoring options of your carport before purchasing, and pay attention to any “wind load” ratings that you can compare to your local weather.
• Cost: Your options run from a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars. Generally, the more you spend, the more protection you’re providing for your vehicle. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, rain and wind, a higher-end model could be worth the investment. If all you’re looking for is a basic cover for your vehicle and don’t have extreme weather to worry about, you can get away with a cheaper option.
• Zoning: Make sure that you can legally place your carport on your property. Some areas have structural zoning rules that forbid it, or restrictions on how close or far it can be from your home. Some homeowner associations have restrictions and codes as well.
• Insurance: It depends on your provider and specific insurance plan, but carports can sometimes be added to your homeowner’s insurance policy. Also, carports connected to your home are sometimes automatically covered. Contact your carrier and provide them with the specifics for a better idea of your options.

“It gets heavy use, has a lot of moving parts and can be expensive to replace,” says Randy Swigert of Tri City Garage Doors in Greeley, Colorado. “Depending on your market, a basic 16- x 7-ft. non-insulated door with installation runs about $2,000, and an insulated door the same size is around $2,400.”

At those prices, it’s imperative to do everything you can to keep your garage door in tip-top shape. Here are eight simple things to properly maintain your garage door.

Limit Use

Many homeowners with an attached garage enter and exit their home almost exclusively through the garage door. If that’s you, break that habit.

“Go through your house doors more often,” says Dave Krzyzak, of Palm Valley Garage Doors in Goodyear, Arizona. “I tell customers to use their house key, and some of them smile and say, ‘What’s a house key?’

“The garage door typically has five to 10 up-down cycles a day. At 10 cycles daily, you may have to replace the springs every 2-1/2 years. But if it’s two cycles a day, spring replacement may be every seven or eight years.”

Schedule Inspections

“People tend to overlook their garage door until there is a major problem that’s costly to fix,” says Krzyzak. “They don’t think twice about scheduling an oil change for their car, and they should do the same for their garage door.”

Perform an inspection twice a year to stay on top of issues with panels, hinges, pulleys, rollers, cables and springs. It’s also helpful to periodically book an inspection with a garage door specialist. It costs about $70 per door.

Clear Tracks and Tighten Hardware

Remove rust and debris from the tracks on both sides of the garage door. Check brackets holding the tracks to the wall and ceiling, plus fasteners securing the garage door opener unit. Door vibration can loosen hardware so use a socket wrench to tighten loose bolts.

“With garage doors, you shouldn’t touch anything that requires special tools,” says Krzyzak. “Also, I see customers who have fiddled with red nuts and bolts on garage doors. Some of them end up in a hospital because the red is a danger warning.”

Lubricate

Keep rollers and other moving parts lubricated, which reduces stress on rollers and the door opener. Twice a year, apply a spray lubricant on the rollers and hinges, then wipe off excess.

“Dust collects and builds up on parts, creating noise,” says Krzyzak. “The original version of WD-40 breaks down that gunk and prevents rust and corrosion. In my 20 years in the industry, I have found WD-40 works best.”

Test the Door Balance

Springs balance the door so it opens and closes smoothly. An unbalanced garage door makes the opener work harder, shortening its lifespan.

Here’s how to test balance: Close the garage door and pull the release handle, which disengages the automatic opener. Then manually lift the door until it’s about halfway open. “The door should not go up or down more than a foot, and then remain in place without help,” says Swigert.

If it creeps up or down, the door is not balanced or the springs are worn. To repair, call a professional.

Test the Auto Reverse

This safety feature forces the garage door to quickly reverse if it detects an obstacle, like a car, animal or child. It’s activated by a pressure sensor or photocells on each side of the door.

Test your auto reverse monthly by placing a 1-1/2-inch block on the floor under the door. The door should reverse within two seconds after striking the block. To test the photoelectric system sensors, which are mounted four to six inches above the floor on each side of the garage door frame, start your door downward and move your leg in the door’s path. The door should reverse and move up.

If the auto reverse fails, disconnect the door opener and call a pro to fix it. Older garage door openers without this basic feature — now mandated by building code in many areas — should be replaced.

Replace Weatherstripping

The rubber weatherstripping keeps out cold, water and debris. Sold at hardware and big-box home improvement stores, it has a flange that slides into a groove in the bottom of the garage door.

Weatherstripping for wood garage doors is usually nailed in place. If this bottom weatherstripping is torn, replace it. Reattach loose weatherstripping along the sides of the door, or replace it if badly worn or damaged.

Clean and Paint

Protect and preserve your garage door, which often takes a beating from the sun and the weather. Sand, prime and paint rust spots on steel garage doors. Wash fiberglass doors with an all-purpose cleaner. For wood doors subject to warping and water damage, remove chipped and peeling paint before sanding and painting.

“Here in Arizona’s sun and heat, you have to regularly treat garage doors,” says Krzyzak. “You may install a new high-end, $10,000 cedar overlay door, and within six months without treatment it can look like it’s 15 years old.”

Growing up, I fondly recall working with my uncle Mike in his basement workshop. Together, we (mostly he) built lots of small stuff like bird houses, tackle boxes and picture frames.

Years later, when I left apartment living behind and bought a home, I was excited to have a garage and get back to building these sorts of things on my own. The first tool I purchased was a portable table saw. Had this DeWalt Job Site Table Saw been around, it would have been the one! The compact size, combined with the rip capacity and included stand, make this tool stand out against the rest.

I tested this product and like it a lot. Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, if you’re in the market for a compact table saw, I’m confident you’ll like it, too.

What is the DeWalt Job Site Table Saw?

Jobsite table saws — often called compact, benchtop, or portable — are the smaller and easier-to-haul cousin of stationary contractor or cabinet saws. Portable table saws are ideal for anyone who wants to rip boards or sheet stock on the fly or ata jobsite.

This DeWalt saw (model No. DWE7491RS) features robust a 15-amp motor, a cast aluminum table and a full size 5/8-in arbor which accepts standard 10-inch saw blades. The reliable, accurate rack and pinion fence system allows you to rip boards up to three inches thick and 32-1/2-in. wide, a best-in-class rip capacity.

The sturdy stand with wheels took a few minutes to assemble — a piece of cake. The saw comes with a 24-tooth saw blade, miter gauge, push stick, and blade guard assembly. And anyone running the machine inside a garage or jobsite will appreciate the 2-1/2-in. dust collection port.

How We Tested It

I look for maneuverability, power and precision in a jobsite table saw. To test it, I carried the saw up and down a flight of stairs and in and out of the bed of my truck a few times.

I needed at least 50 cuts to get a feel for the saw’s overall power and accuracy, so I worked through the scrap pile in the corner of my garage. I ripped down 2×6 studs; a variety of plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and melamine; small chunks of birch and oak; and even a cutoff of a 4×4 fence post.

Performance Review

This table saw is great. The 15-amp motor easily cut through all the lumber and wood products I could feed into it. But the highlight was the rack and pinion fence system. Its accuracy, durability and ease of use make it ideal for any new homeowner or general contractor.

The innovative, tool free, riving knife release lever makes switching between the riving knife and blade guard assembly fast and easy. The included stand is smooth and maneuverable, and breaks down or sets up in seconds.

Value

An old adage says you should buy the nicest tool you can afford.  If this DeWalt Job Site Table Saw falls within your budget, it might be the nicest one for you. The potent power, extensive list of features and included stand make this tool a fantastic value even at the lofty price.

Reliability and Durability

DeWalt has been making durable and dependable high-quality tools for almost a hundred years. This is no exception.

This beefy unit, with its the steel frame and legs, cast aluminum table and the 15-amp electric motor, weighs in at nearly 100-lbs. That adds to the saw’s stability while in use — a plus — though it makes it more difficult to lug around.

But I’ll take stability over portability any day. On several occasions I’ve witnessed a lightweight jobsite table saw wobble while someone fed a long deck board or sheet of plywood into it.  Not only is this dangerous, it ruins the accuracy of your cut, which will have to be made again.

Ease of Use

The DeWalt Job Site Table Saw is extremely user-friendly. From its dial-driven rack and pinion fence system to its tool-free lever for switching between the writhing knife and a blade guard assembly, this saw is full of features that make for a straightforward user experience.

Though not ideal to dead lift because of its heft, the saw handles much like a hand truck when upright, easily navigating stairs or uneven terrain. It can easily be set up or broken down by a single user.

In general, while table saws can be a valuable part of your tool collection, they can also be dangerous. Be sure to read the owner’s manual and understand proper operation.

Why You Should Buy This

If you’re in the market for a jobsite table saw, take a hard look at this DeWalt.  The quality, performance and lengthy list of features will benefit you whether you’re a woodworking newbie, DIY fanatic or seasoned contracting professional. DeWalt also backs its craftsmanship with a three-year warranty.

Where to Buy the DeWalt Job Site Table Saw

It’s available at both Lowe’s, Home Depot, and you can get it on Amazon too.

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Buying a Garage Heater

If you live in a cold climate, installing the right garage heater can transform your garage from icebox cold to a comfortable DIY refuge.

Whether you’re trying to keep the garage toasty-warm or merely prevent stored items from freezing, let heat output be your guide. Heat output is measured in British thermal units (Btus); choose a unit sized for your garage. Sizing can be complicated, but this overview article on HVAC sizing is a good starting point.

In addition, factor in the following conditions:

• Garage size determines the overall heating power required, as well as whether you’ll need a blower on the heater.
• Garage use. Will you be spending long hours at a workbench, or do you only need enough warmth to prevent the vehicle batteries from dying?
• Garage finish level. Is the garage fully insulated with drywall installed? Or is it uninsulated and drafty?
• Power source. Garage heaters may be powered by propane, kerosene, natural gas or electricity (120V and 240V).
• Cost is more than the number on the price tag. Factor in fuel, installation and maintenance.
• Energy efficiency will largely determine the operating cost of the furnace.
• Sound/noise level can be a bigger factor than you might guess, especially for attached garages. How loud is the heater, and how often does it kick on?
• Installation. Garage heaters range from small mobile units to wall- or ceiling-mounted units fed by natural gas lines. Consider whether you’re comfortable with installing a garage heater on your own. If not, figure installation costs into your overall budget.
• Safety is the most important consideration. Is your garage filled with flammable material and wood dust? Is it so cramped you’ll be bumping into a heater that can be tipped over? Do kids or pets play there? Most heaters are safe if used properly, but consider the right fit for your situation.

While even the best garage heaters can certainly be valuable during a harsh winter, they come with drawbacks that should be considered before you purchase one. Here’s everything you should know about garage heaters before you install one for a garage makeover.

How Much Do Garage Heaters Cost?

That depends on the type of garage heater you want. Electric garage heaters are the least expensive to purchase and install. Some high-end electric garage heaters run well over $1,000, but you’ll more typically find them from $150 to around $500.  Propane and natural gas garage heaters start at around $400 and can cost as much as $2,000.

Installation Costs

Installation costs will vary based on where you live. If you’re an experienced DIYer, you can probably install an electric garage heater yourself. But unless you’re comfortable with detailed electrical work, it’s probably best to hire a pro. Professional installation will take about two hours. So if your electrician charges $100 per hour, the installation will cost about $200.

DIYers shouldn’t try to install a propane or natural gas heater. Working with gas lines is dangerous without proper training, and could result in serious injuries and property damage if not handled correctly. According to Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List, professional installation of a gas-powered heater will cost from $500 to $800, depending on the complexity of the project.

Operational Costs

This depends on the type of heater and the size of the garage. Although gas garage heaters are more expensive to purchase and install, they’re less expensive to operate. Running an electric gas heater for an extended period can be pricey, so factor that in before making a purchase.

Pros of Garage Heaters

• Heating a garage adds another room to your house as a hang-out space, sports den or workshop.
• If you use your unheated garage as a workshop, it can be tough to do much during the winter. A heater can transform your garage into a functioning year-round workshop.
• Keeping your vehicles in a heated garage means no warming them up before you get in, saving fuel.
• A warm garage can lengthen your vehicle’s battery life and performance. Plus, if your car needs a jump during the winter, you’ll be much happier doing it in a heated garage.

Cons of Garage Heaters

• Gas-powered garage heaters can be loud.
• A poorly-insulated garage will not retain heat efficiently. The cost of insulating a garage before adding a heater might be prohibitive.

Bike Security Best Practices

On average, nearly 200,000 bicycles are reported stolen each year. Don’t let yours be next. A little extra care, along with the locks and solutions recommended below, can help ensure yours stays safe.

• Pick a smart lock spot. Ideally it will be anchored to the ground and hard to tamper with.
• Don’t count on cameras or crowds. The former don’t typically help once the thief has succeeded, and the latter can actually help detract attention from a theft-in-progress.
• Don’t forget the frame. Secure the frame, not just the front or rear wheel. Many bikes have quick-release levers attaching the wheel to the frame, allowing a thief to swipe the bike with a flick of the thumb.
• Lock high. As high up on the bike as you can. If the cable, chain or U-lock is on the ground, it’s easier for a prepared thief to use an angle grinder or bolt cutters, with the ground as extra leverage.

Wire Shelving In the Garage

Wall-mounted shelves are one of the easiest small garage storage ideas. Maximize your garage storage space quickly and easily with simple and inexpensive shelves, baskets, and hooks. These garage storage racks will only take you one morning to set up.

Types of Insulation To Buy

There are two types of garage door insulation kits well-suited for a DIY garage insulation project. An R-8 vinyl-faced fiberglass batting kit provides a relatively high R-value. It takes two kits to insulate a typical 16-ft. wide garage door.

Alternatively, you can buy precut R-4 expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel foam. Just cut each panel to length and bend and snap it into the horizontal rails on your door. However, at R-4 per inch, EPS has the lowest R-value. If you live in a moderate climate, that may be enough and could be cheap insulation for a garage.

If you’re willing to do a lot of precise cutting, you can achieve a higher R-value, up to R-9.8 with 1-1/2-in.- thick foil-faced fire-rated extruded polystyrene (XPS). Unfaced, non–fire rated XPS rigid foam should not be used for insulated garage doors. It’s extremely flammable and when ablaze, yields toxic fumes.

Next, buy enough doorstop vinyl weather stripping to seal the top and sides of your garage door. You’ll also need a new vinyl bottom seal to fit your existing track, or buy a new track if yours is damaged.

Measure, Mark and Install the Retainer Pins

• Measure to find the spot 12-in. from each edge of the panel and midway between the horizontal rails.
• Mark the location. Then peel off the adhesive backing paper and press the retainer pin base onto the panel.
• Install two retainer pins in each panel.

25 Things You Need to Know About Insulation

One alternative garage door that is steadily growing in popularity is glass. Glass garage doors offer a sleek, sophisticated look that can be a perfect complement to a lot of modern styles of architecture — but they’re not for everybody. Here’s everything you need to know about glass garage doors, including how much they cost, why they’re a great choice for some homeowners, and a few drawbacks.

How Much Do Glass Garage Doors Cost?

According to HomeAdvisor, glass garage doors average about $1,500, but prices can range from $1,000 to $4,800. That’s expensive, considering standard garage doors rarely cost more than $1,000. The price you pay depends on how many special features like insulated or frosted glass you want.

Garage Door Opener and Installation Costs

Consider the capability of your garage door opener. Glass garage doors are heavier than standard ones and might require an upgrade to your garage door opener to lift them. Purchasing a new opener could easily set you back an additional $200 to $500. Another consideration is the cost of installation, which varies by location, ranging from $700 to $1,500.

What Are the Benefits?

Curb Appeal

On the right house, a glass garage door can look really good. It can instantly elevate a home’s curb appeal, adding a sense of uniqueness and style to the front of a house.

Of course, just because they’re in style doesn’t mean they’re automatically a great fit for every home. A glass garage door could easily look out of place on some older homes.

If you’re looking to install a glass garage door, be sure you’re doing it because it makes sense stylistically and not just because it’s trendy. Otherwise, what might have been a great way to draw attention to your home could turn into an eyesore for everyone in the neighborhood.

Easier Maintenance (No Painting)

Over time, the paint job on standard garage doors deteriorates. Fixing this usually requires one or two coats of fresh paint every few years, an afternoon’s work if you DIY it. Glass garage doors don’t require this maintenance. Instead, you just clean the glass every few months with soap and water — much easier than busting out your painting gear.

Natural Lighting

The inside of a garage can be a dark, dingy place. Glass garage doors allow natural light into your garage, creating a much more pleasant environment. If your garage is warmer and brighter, chances are you’ll be more likely to utilize it.

Are Glass Garage Doors Insulated?

Because they’re typically hollow, standard garage doors can be filled with insulation. That’s not an option for glass garage doors, which are usually uninsulated and can be a major weak point in a home’s thermal efficiency.

It’s possible to buy glass garage doors with insulated glass that will improve the efficiency, although not as much as true insulation would. Keep in mind that you’ll pay significantly more for an insulated glass garage door.

To complement our open floor plan and 15-ft ceiling, we also installed a Genie model 6170 wall mount garage door opener.

What is the Genie Wall Mount Garage Door Opener?

The Genie model 6170 wall mount garage door opener is ideal for this application at the Getaway. Its compact and fully enclosed motor mounts on the wall to either side of the garage door track. Because it attaches directly to the garage door’s spring tube, there’s no need for a traditional rail and powerhead hanging from our ceiling.

How We Tested It

In the part of Wisconsin where we built the Getaway, the summers are hot and the winters even colder. On warm summer days, we’d open the door in the morning and close it every night. Pretty standard operation. Sometimes we opened and closed it several times. We have no doubt the opener will provide many years of service.

Performance Review

The elimination of the overhead rail really opened up the space in our Getaway cabin. In traditional applications that space can be used for more storage, or a simple, cleaner look.

The Genie 6170 was simple to install, but less experienced DIYers may want to hire a professional. The Genie 6170 performed as well as any other garage door opener that we’ve used, but it’s extremely quiet — a nice addition to the serene surroundings at our cabin. We also really liked the additional features and accessories.

Accessories

This Genie opener includes a wireless wall console, Bluetooth LED light fixture and door lock.

Technology

The Aladdin Connect smart garage feature connects to your home’s WiFi, enabling you to monitor the garage door from your smart device. Integrated with the Intellicode Access security system, it helps stop would-be burglars from entering. It’s also compatible with Homelink and Car2U.

Battery backup

Another great feature is the battery backup, making it possible to get in and out of your garage during a power outage.

Other great features

Genie offers a 15-year limited warranty on the 24V motor. It quietly opens with speeds up to 7-1/2-inches per second. The Slack Cable detection ensuring safe door travel coupled with the GenieSense monitoring and diagnostic technology makes it one of the safest garage door openers on the market.

At more than $600, it’s on the spendier side of garage door openers. But for our space, it was ideal. The additional features, quiet operation and ease of use sealed the deal for us.

Why You Should Buy This

If you don’t have a lot of space for an opener, or if you’re searching for a cleaner look or storage space above your garage door, the Genie wall mount garage door opener is for you. The added connectivity, phone app and dead-quiet operation all make this product worth its price tag.

Intermediate DIYers should be able to install this themselves, and qualified pros will have no problem. Genie offers a wealth of DIY product support through videos, instruction and live troubleshooting with experts ready to help with installation.

Where to Buy the Genie Wall Mount Garage Door Opener

You can buy this opener at most home improvement outlets or online.

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Declutter Your Garage

The primary job of a garage is, of course, to keep cars out of the elements. But it also provides space for lots of other items and activities. Storage for tools, seasonal décor and extra household supplies probably come to mind first. Depending on the size and layout, however, some garages also contain a workshop, workout studio or home office.

Unfortunately, garages are also prone to clutter. According to a 2019 survey by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing, 43.7 percent of respondents consider their garage the most disorganized storage area in their home. Not only that, in another survey, 25 percent of homeowners reported their garage is so overstuffed with, well, stuff that it couldn’t accommodate a single car.

Is this inevitable? Not at all! The key is to change your mindset about the garage. If you think of it as a clutter catch-all, it’s bound to become a mess, if it isn’t already.

Instead, try the following:

• Commit to storing only things that belong in the garage in the garage. Think of it like this: You wouldn’t store books in the refrigerator, so why keep a heap of old magazines in the garage?
• Designate a corner or specific bin as an “exit zone.” If you need to get rid of something but can’t do it at that moment, put it in the exit zone. Plan to remove everything from the exit zone at least once a month.
• Keep things neat and tidy by grouping like items together. Sports equipment here, tools over there, and the remnants of your 2020 toilet paper hoard on an easily accessible shelf.
• Finally, spend a day (or a whole weekend, if needed) tossing those random items you don’t need that are taking up valuable space. Here’s a list of things you should not store in a garage.

Not sure what you should eliminate? There are a few sources of clutter common to many garages. Here are some of the items to get out of your garage, ASAP!

Meet the builder: Jay Cork, an associate editor at Family Handyman, is an inventor at heart.

Lighting Design

Inspired by the inlaid lighting design of the countertop, I echoed that shape in the ceiling islands. Each island has five spotlights that connect to 110-volt service. Hidden inside are low-voltage LED strips for indirect accent lighting. Accent lighting for the room is used sparingly but effectively. LED light strips hidden along each of the walls perfectly compliment the ceiling islands.

Make a Drawing

• A sketch is my most important tool for designing a lighting project. It helps me conceptualize the design and gets me to the next step — the math.

Do the Math

• To figure the power draw, I multiplied the total length (91 ft.) by the wattage per foot (5.1). The result: 464 watts.
• I chose to double up. Two 400-watt, 24-volt power supplies means I’ll have plenty of power now, and when I add more lights down the road.

Buy your Power Cable

• A lighting project like this requires running power cable. Always order extra. If I think I need 100 feet, I’ll order 140.

Here’s the official answer: Unless you have “storage trusses” specifically engineered for extra weight, you shouldn’t store anything in them. They’re designed to support your roof, not your junk.

But if you ask engineers what they do in their own garages, you’ll get a different answer. The horizontal bottom chords of most garage trusses are designed to carry the weight of drywall and insulation. So if your ceiling is unfinished, you have some excess carrying capacity up there: 5 lbs. per sq. ft. is a safe estimate. That means you could lay a 2 x 4-ft. scrap of plywood over the chords and set about 40 lbs. of stuff on it. Make sure items are spaced so that the weight is evenly distributed over the chords.

This goes for manufactured roof trusses–the kind assembled with metal “gussets.” If you have traditional site-built roof framing, your storage capacity depends on the design of the framing.

Finally, make sure stored items are securely locked in place. As demonstrated by the dent in my pickup’s hood, vibrations from the garage door opener can cause items to shimmy around and eventually crash down onto your car–or you.

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Bikes

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the American Pickers on the History Channel, travel from barn to outbuilding across the United States looking for secondhand treasures to buy and resell. In their new book, American Pickers Guide to Picking (Hyperion, $24.99), the two offer a list of money-fetching brands to look for. Are any of these in your attic or garage? If so, find an appraiser at the American Society of Appraisers (appraisers.org).

Bikes: Columbia, Elgin, Gormully & Jeffery, Orient, Star, Victor/Victoria,Schwinn

Above: Green Schwinn Bicycle

Steel Storage Rack

This three-shelf rack from Edsal will hold up to 2,000 pounds on each shelf and the shelves can be adjusted. Use just one industrial storage rack in the workshop or use several for organization in a larger space. They aren’t necessarily industrial-strength, but you can also consider these 12 heavy-duty garage storage racks to help you get organized.

Buy it now on Amazon.

Pegboard Garage Storage Wall

If you’re looking for versatile garage storage solutions, a wall pegboard is the perfect organization system because it’s easy to reconfigure as needed—just pull out the pegs and insert them elsewhere. You can move a shelf in seconds or create an entirely new arrangement to store things like paint brushes, tape and lightweight tchotchkes.

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Don’t Skip a Cost/Benefit Analysis

Garage remodels are expensive. But it’s a mistake to assume that any modifications you make will translate into an increase in home value.

Remodeling Magazine found that home renovation projects in general averaged a 66 percent return on investment (ROI) in 2020. The financial return on your garage, specifically, will largely depend on whether you incorporate features that most homebuyers desire.

The top two investments that pay off: Multipurpose functionality, such as additional living space, a workshop or a gym; and a new garage door, which enhances curb appeal. The latter has the potential to net you a 94.5 percent ROI.

Note: Don’t forgetting to factor in the cost of building permits for any electrical, plumbing, ventilation, heating and cooling, or framing modifications you make. The necessary permits are especially important if you’re planning to create living space, especially if you are making any structural changes to the load-bearing exterior walls.

Work done to the wall between an attached garage and the main home may also require a permit because this shared wall (sometimes called a “firewall” or “fire separation wall”) is designed to prevent a garage fire from spreading to the rest of the home.

Determine Your Heating Needs

How difficult will it be to warm your garage in the heart of winter? How easy is it to get cheap heat in your garage? Consider how cold it gets in your part of the world, the square footage of your space and if you have sufficient insulation. Heat output is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. To get to that number you’re going to need to measure your space and think about how warm you need it to be. After you get that number you’re ready to shop for a unit!

You can’t scrub oil and grease stains away. The trick is to draw them up out of the concrete with trisodium phosphate (or a TSP substitute), water and an absorbent material.

Patience is the key. Old, long-neglected stains may require two or three applications for complete removal. And even then, some stains might still show, or the freshly cleaned area might look slightly different from the surrounding concrete.

Mix Up an Absorbent Solution

• Pour 1 ounce of trisodium phosphate (or TSP substitute) and a cup of water into a small bucket and mix.
• Add about a cup of absorbent material and mix to make a creamy paste.
  • Pro tip: Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

We thought Amazon Prime Day might not happen this year, so we rejoiced when the company announced Oct. 13-14 as the new promotional timeframe.

For many of us, our garage is our sanctuary, the place we feel the most productive, industrious and creative. Why wouldn’t we use Prime Day’s incredible deals to upgrade the favorite spot in our homes? They say a cluttered space is a cluttered mind, and these nine products can alleviate those jumbled piles of miscellany you’ve been meaning to take care of.

Note: All products are available now but discounts will be offered on select products throughout Amazon Prime Day (Oct. 13-14).