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If splitting is a problem when you're nailing, try these tips. One trick is to blunt the end of the nail before driving it. The blunt end will tear, rather than split wood. You can also predrill nail holes, or nail the board in place first then cut the ends to fit later. Another way is to first dip the nail into beeswax or paraffin.

When you repair a damaged porch floor, be sure to support the roof while you work. Remove existing posts and then nail two 2"x6" to a make a 4"x6" beam. Support the beam with a 2"x4" post and nail in place. Measure two 2"x4"'s to the legnth you need and nail them together at the tip. Prop under the other end of the beam and spread the legs on a base footing until the roof is supported. Attach a cross bar and toenail the base.

To achieve a Victorian look on an interior wall, try a beadboard wainscot. You can buy beadboard at your local lumberyard. Here are some things to keep in mind when installing it yourself. Run your baseboard first to avoid forming grooves for dust to collect in. Use a drill and a jigsaw to cut holes for outlets. Fit each board together snugly, then nail with two and a half inch finish nails. Angle the bottom nail into the tongue of each board. Face nail the top, and cap it with a molding over the rough edges.

This wooden-handled hammer may look strong enough to pull any nail, but because the grain of the wood is wekaer in this direction, you can actually break the handle if you pull straight back too hard. Here are a couple of tips on pulling nails. Once you get the nail partly drawn, slip a piece of scrap wood under the head of the hammer for better leverage, or try pulling the handle to the side for a better angle on the nail.

Here's how to install window casings. After the window stool and apron are in place, start with the top casing and nail with brads. Glue the joints of the side casings and tack nail the miters. Pipe clamp the molding to get a tight fit (on the joints). Finish nailing the casing with brads to the premarked reveal line. Then use finish nails to secure the casing to the studs.

Here are some basic things to remember when building your own deck. Attach the joist hangers 16 inches apart on center to the side rails. Assemble all floor joists and side rails before nailing. Then, nail all at once, using galvanizd nails. Overhang the first floor board by half an inch using galvanized finish nails. If you have an enclosed deck or a screened porch you can use tongue and groove flooring.

Here's how to trim out an elegant door molding. Custom millwork is available in a variety of historical profiles. Miter the face frame at 45 degrees first, then cut it to length. Miter the header and back cut a little, then cut off the bead for a good fit. Miter the backbend at 45 degrees as well and nail.