Tool Box: Cordless Drill

Last fall I decided that it was time for me to start building my own power tool collection.  My wonderful dad spent a day over the Thanksgiving holiday driving around with me in search of the perfect drill.

After inspecting about 30 options, I ended up with the Dewalt 9.6 volt cordless drill.  Though it's a lower voltage, it is a capable, quality tool--so much more than a glorified screwdriver.  It's not as heavy as it's higher voltage counterparts, and it has a nice balanced feel.  Of course it doesn't hurt that it's one of the better looking models.

Basics Use:
1.) Insert a bit into the chuck and tighten it.  (Depending on the model of drill you own, you may have a keyed or keyless chuck.)

2.) Hold the drill perpendicular to the surface of your work material, place the tip of the bit on the material and slowly depress the trigger.

3.) Maintain steady pressure on the trigger and drill while both drilling hole and backing the drill out.

Common Drill Bit Types:
1.) Twist Bit: most common bit type, used for drilling holes up to 1/2-inch

2.) Brad Point Bit: characterized by a center point which initially keeps the bit centered

3.) Spade Bit: a flat bit used to cut holes up to an inch and a half in diameter

How-To: Stickin' it to my Ugly Metal Doors

For the past two years, I have tried desperately to cover the plain, flush metal doors in my apartment.  Using magnets, photographs and posters, all I was able to accomplish was high school locker chic.  Inspired by some vintage stile and rail doors that I saw at a thrift store recently, I set out to use implied architectural detail to add personality to my entries.

Step-by-Step

1.) Measure the overall dimensions of your door.  Based on the size of your door, decide how many panels you want.  Check out manufacturer websites for design inspiration.  Draw and dimension your plan on graph paper.

2.) Clean your door with a mild soap and water solution to remove any dust or dirt.  Allow to dry.  Use a pencil and straight edge to mark off your design.  

3.) Cut and apply strips of white electrical tape that are slightly longer than the panel markings for your design.

4.) Use an Xacto knife and straight edge to cut off the excess lengths of tape.

*Tip1: Electrical tape will stretch when pulled off of a roll.  Allow the tape to relax to its original length before applying it to your door.

*Tip 2: Be sure to place tape consistently on either the inside or outside of your measurements.

*This method was tested on a metal door with a semi-gloss paint finish.

A Blog is Born

After much consideration and encouragement, I'm happy to introduce you to my bouncing baby blog: DI genY--henceforth to be known as DIgY.  It is my hope that this blog will be informative and inspirational to the entry level and experienced millennial DIYer alike.  Keep an eye out for things to come!

PS  If there is a certain topic that you would like to see covered, leave me a comment!