Small changes can make everyday woodworking tools easier to use and store. Sometimes the best solution doesn't require modifying the tool at all—just finding a simple way to work with what you already have.
These three Woodsmith reader-submitted tips cover getting a better grip on clamp handles, getting more use from steel wool, and creating convenient wall storage for table saw miter gauges.
1. Get a Better Grip When Tightening Woodworking Clamps
Smooth wooden clamp handles can be difficult to grip, especially when you need a little extra tightening force during a glue-up. Emanuel Ringel of Ambler, Pennsylvania, has seen plenty of solutions that involve modifying the clamp handle, but he takes a simpler approach.
When Emanuel needs some extra grip, he slips on a pair of rubber-coated work gloves.
The rubber coating provides additional traction on the smooth wood handle without requiring tape, rubber tubing, or a permanent modification to the clamp.
When the glue-up is finished, the clamps remain unchanged and the gloves go back to their regular shop duties.
Woodsmith Tip: More grip doesn't necessarily mean a joint needs more clamping pressure. Tighten the clamps enough to close the joint securely without overtightening and potentially bowing the workpiece or forcing excessive glue from the joint.
Shop tip submitted by Emanuel Ringel, Ambler, Pennsylvania.
2. Clean and Reuse Steel Wool
Steel wool is useful for finishing and a variety of other shop tasks, but used pads can quickly rust if they're stored while contaminated or damp.
Pete Wohlars of Dothan, Alabama, gets more use from his steel wool by cleaning used pads with mineral spirits. He blots them dry and, once ready for storage, places them in a plastic sandwich bag along with some spare silica gel.
The dry storage environment helps protect the steel wool from the moisture that contributes to rust, allowing Pete to reuse a pad several times instead of throwing it away after one job.
Woodsmith Tip: Mineral spirits and materials contaminated with finishing products require careful handling. Follow the solvent and finish manufacturers' instructions for ventilation, drying, storage, and disposal. Don't seal steel wool or other materials in a plastic bag while they're still wet with solvent.
Shop tip submitted by Pete Wohlars, Dothan, Alabama.
3. Make a Wall-Mounted Miter Gauge Holder
Keeping several table saw miter gauges handy can create a storage problem. Logan Ward of Mesa, Arizona, came up with a compact solution using aluminum tubing mounted to the wall.
The tubing creates a simple support for the miter gauge, keeping it off the bench but still within easy reach.
Logan cuts one end of the aluminum tube at 45°, making the stored miter gauge easier to grab. A single screw secures the holder to the wall.
The result is a compact storage system that can be repeated for multiple miter gauges or other compatible table saw accessories.
Woodsmith Tip: Position the holder where the miter gauge can't be accidentally knocked off, and make sure the mounting screw is anchored securely enough to support the weight of the gauge.
Shop tip submitted by Logan Ward, Mesa, Arizona.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Woodworking Shop
These three tips make better use of tools and materials already around the workshop. Rubber-coated gloves provide extra traction on clamp handles, careful cleaning and dry storage can extend the useful life of steel wool, and a short piece of aluminum tubing provides convenient wall storage for a table saw miter gauge.
Each is a straightforward solution to a common shop frustration.
