The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

First Aid For The Ailing Houses

Hold a saw by grasping the handle with the right hand, with the index finger extending alongside the handle. Start the saw with an upward cut; do not start with a downward stroke, which may break off teeth in a hard piece of wood. Draw the saw slowly upward a number of times until the cut is deep enough to start the cut. Do this easily or the saw will jump out of the groove made and splinter the work on each side of the cut.

Rest the wood against a solid surface; sawhorses are best for this. Cut to the waste side of the marking line, and hold the saw at about 45 degrees to the face of the work. Use long strokes, and do not put pressure on the saw. Let the weight of the blade do the cutting. Do not put pressure on the upstroke.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

For the home owner unfamiliar with tools, the neighborhood hardware or building-supply dealer can give expert advice on the types of tools and their use. It is beyond the scope of this book to describe and explain all of the tools suggested for the tool box, and since aid is available in choosing the proper tool for the job, only these suggestions are offered:

Tools are available in every type and quality. Be sure the tools you buy are the best, for a good tool will withstand much use and abuse before giving up the fight. A cheap tool, on the other hand, will more than likely give an inadequate result, even when new and in good condition, and will be a handicap when it is worn. A good tool is always worth the extra money necessary for its purchase. One method of buying a good tool is to depend upon the advice of your tool or hardware dealer. Another is to buy the brand names you have come to recognize as indicating quality.

ELECTRIC DRILLS

The 1/4-inch electric drill is probably the first (and most frequently used) power tool the home owner purchases. It is also an exceedingly versatile tool. It not only drills, but can sand, polish, rout, grind, drive screws (with a speed reducer), and even trim the hedge. With a pneumatic bit attachment, it can drill holes in masonry, quickly and easily.

Light-duty drills are suitable for intermittent light drilling, polishing, and sanding. They are not satisfactory for use with many attachments because they overheat under loads.

Standard-duty drills handle continuous work with average loads.

Heavy-duty drills will take continuous heavy loads.

The manufacturer's reputation is often the best guide to the accuracy of the rating of the drill, for each maker's rat ings vary widely from the others.