D.I.Y. CATEGORIES

McLendons.com, as a division of McLendon Hardware, Inc., recognizes that some do-it-yourself projects are more complex and difficult than others and may require greater knowledge and more experience than the reader of this material possesses.

With this is in mind, all information presented is intended to serve as a first step to assist with a project. We do not and will not take any responsibility for the particular results of the above referenced project, nor will we assume any liability for personal injury or damage that may result from the information presented.

We strongly suggest that professional help be consulted if the above project is beyond the comfort or experience level of the reader. As with any project, please also make sure all local building codes are followed and permits are obtained.

Installing a Peephole

A simple procedure for a simple, yet effective, home security project.

Installing Wall Shelving

While there are many styles of shelving to choose from, a simple shelf can be made from a pair of brackets and wooden platform. The simple procedures detailed here are applicable to installing nearly all varieties of wall hanging shelves.

Lock Bumping

We often rely on deadbolts and other locks as our sole means of defense to protect our homes and property. While most people know that this has always been, at best, a deterrent, it has been of some comfort to know that a great deal of either skill or force would be required to violate our security. This has held true until recently as a practice called "lock bumping" has provided criminals with a fast and often undetectable way to open most common locks.

Make a Spinning Tire Swing

There is a certain charm to tying a rope around an old tire, hanging it from a tree and swinging back and forth. However, no kid has this in mind when they ask to have a tire swing. They want the kind where they can spin in circles until they are nauseous. With the right hardware and a little time, children throughout your neighborhood will soon be complaining of tummy aches.

Make A Tubular Fireplace Grate

Open fireplaces are terribly inefficient. A great deal of the heat is wasted as it travels up the chimney. Fireplace inserts and other fireplace improvements are fairly expensive, though, raising the question of whether the improvement in performance is worth the cost. A tubular fireplace grate is an inexpensive alternative that will keep you warm while you mull it over.

Masonry Anchor Guide

Fastening material to concrete or other masonry can be daunting. There are a wide variety of anchors to choose from, each suited to one or more of the numerous types of masonry used in construction. Knowing the limitations of each kind of masonry anchor is vital for success.

Oiling a Door Hinge

A squeaky hinge is a simple fix most of the time.

Repairing Loose Drawer Handles

The handle, or pull, of a drawer is subject to a great deal of abuse. Over time, the handle begins to pull out of the drawer face, at first becoming loose and sloppy and eventually falling out if not repaired.

Screwdriver & Screw Buying Guide

There is a lot to know about screws and screwdrivers, ranging from head type to thread pitch. Knowing the advantages of each variation will make for higher quality projects with greater ease.

Silence a Squeaking Office Chair

A persistent squeak, creak or groan from an office chair can start to wear on the nerves. Fixing it for the short term is a cinch. Fixing it for the long term can get a little messy.

Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners

Prevent screw pop outs, board splitting and composite mushrooming with Tiger Claw deck fasteners, making your deck more beautiful in the process.

Tightening Loose Hinges

Through normal wear and tear or out of the ordinary abuse, the operation of a cabinet or door hinge can be impaired as the mounting screws work loose of the surface into which they are driven. There can be a couple fixes for this, but even the most complicated is a cinch.

Using a Tap & Die

Cutting threads has, for many people, become an obsolete skill - or so they think until they need to have some cut. Being able to choose the size pitch of a screw or the placement of a hole can both open up a world of possibilities for original projects and, potentially, keep an otherwise useful piece of equipment out of the trash heap.