It never fails, you’re in the middle of a project and you don’t have tools needed to complete it. Here are just a few improvised ideas that may get you over the hump.

  • When saw horses aren’t available but you’ve got a stepladder around, try resting your work under a ladder rung on one side and on top of a rung on the other side. The resulting vice is ideal for making cuts on narrow lumber.
  • For plywood cuts try laying the ladder on its side, but make sure your cuts don’t go through the ladder legs.
  • Working on the side hinges or lockset on a door usually requires a second person to hold the door upon edge, but a clamp may make an equally good helper. Attach a large C-clamp or bar clamp to each end of the door (facing opposite directions) and you’ve created a door stand.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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