Must-Have Tool: Power Screwdriver

One of the most useful tools a handy homeowner can have is a cordless (battery) screwdriver.  It has numerous applications and is particularly useful for doing a lot of electrical and appliance work.  Many screws on fixtures, receptacles and switches are an inch long or more and take dozens of turns to tighten or remove each screw.  This power driver makes short work of all that turning.

Same thing for working on appliances where you have many sheet metal screws that must be removed to get inside.  If you have ever assembled furniture or a tool or toy (Some Assembly Required), you probably wish you had a power driver.  Hanging window blinds and driving mounting screws in walls also begs for a cordless screwdriver, as does installing a ceiling fan (especially the blade screws).  If you work on cars they come in handy as well since you often have to remove many screws to get inside certain compartments.  Almost anywhere you need to turn a screw, a power screwdriver

Refrigerate Your Batteries

Here’s a helpful tip for prolonging your common household battery life: store them in the refrigerator.

Batteries such as AAA, AA, C, D, 9V and coin cells are all electro-chemical reactors.  Basic chemistry teaches us that their energy levels are proportional to temperature.  So while your spare batteries are sitting around waiting to be used, keep them in the fridge.  The lower temperature will reduce the self-discharge characteristic, meaning they will be fresher (have more charge) when you finally use them.