Some of the most annoying workshop problems are also the easiest to solve. A clogged glue bottle can slow down an assembly, while loose pegboard hooks have a habit of coming off the wall along with the tool you're trying to grab.
These two Woodsmith reader-submitted tips offer simple fixes for both problems.
1. Prevent a Wood Glue Bottle Cap from Clogging
Dried glue has a way of building up inside the cap of a wood glue bottle. Eventually, the opening becomes clogged and dispensing a controlled bead of glue becomes difficult.
Thomas Melillo of La Mirada, California, discovered an unexpected replacement cap that solved the problem: the cap from a French's mustard bottle.
The cap fits the glue bottle, and the small plastic nib inside seals the dispensing opening when the cap is closed. This helps keep glue from drying in the opening and clogging the bottle between uses.
It's a simple way to repurpose a common container cap and keep a frequently used bottle of wood glue ready for the next project.
Woodsmith Tip: Before reusing any food-container cap in the shop, wash and dry it thoroughly. Clearly identify the glue bottle and keep shop chemicals and adhesives away from food-storage areas.
Shop tip submitted by Thomas Melillo, La Mirada, California.
2. Keep Pegboard Hooks from Falling Out
Pegboard makes it easy to rearrange tools and shop accessories, but loose hooks can be frustrating. Sometimes pulling a tool from the wall also pulls the pegboard hook out of its holes.
Michael Rumsey of March Air Reserve Base, California, uses a small dab of hot-melt glue to improve the fit.
Before installing a hook, Michael places a little hot-melt glue near the top of the hook and then inserts it into the pegboard. The added material helps hold the hook in place so it's less likely to come loose when he removes a tool.
Because the solution requires only a small amount of glue, it's an inexpensive way to improve an existing pegboard storage system.
Woodsmith Tip: Don't overdo the hot glue. A small amount is all that's needed to improve the fit while still making it possible to reorganize the pegboard later.
Shop tip submitted by Michael Rumsey, March Air Reserve Base, California.
Simple Fixes for Common Workshop Frustrations
Neither of these woodworking tips requires a special jig or expensive accessory. A repurposed mustard cap helps keep a wood glue bottle ready to use, while a dab of hot-melt glue helps prevent pegboard hooks from pulling free.
They're good examples of how a small shop improvement can eliminate a recurring annoyance.
