You don't always need a new tool to make a job easier in the shop. Sometimes the answer is an old tape measure, an empty bench dog hole, or an idea borrowed from your kids.
These two Woodsmith Quick Tips offer creative ways to keep a measuring tool close at hand and simplify glue application when working with small parts.
1. Make a Wrist-Mounted Ruler from an Old Tape Measure
I got the idea for this tip while looking at one of my daughter's snap bracelets. Its curved metal strip wraps around your wrist with a quick snap—and it reminded me of the springy steel blade in a tape measure.
That got me thinking: Why not make a ruler I could wear in the shop?
I cut an approximately 8" section from an old tape measure. The curved steel strip has enough spring to wrap around my wrist, creating a simple snap-on ruler.
Now I have a measuring tool close at hand whenever I need to check a small dimension or make a quick layout mark. And, of course, it's a daring new fashion accessory.
Woodsmith Tip: Cut tape measure steel can have very sharp edges and corners. Carefully round and smooth the ends, and cover any exposed edges before wearing it. Keep the ruler away from rotating machinery and other equipment where it could catch.
Shop tip submitted by John Doyle, Ankeny, Iowa.
2. Turn a Workbench Dog Hole into a Small Glue Station
Applying glue to small woodworking parts can be a little awkward. You may need only a small amount of glue, but squeezing it directly from the bottle makes it easy to apply too much.
While working on a small glue-up, Logan Wittmer of Runnells, Iowa, found a clever new use for the dog holes in his workbench.
Instead of setting his glue bottle cap on the bench, he placed it in a dog hole. The hole holds the cap upright, turning it into a convenient little glue reservoir.
Logan then uses a wooden skewer to pick up and apply small amounts of glue exactly where they're needed.
The cap stays in place, the glue is easy to reach, and the skewer gives him better control when working on small joints or delicate parts.
Woodsmith Tip: Use a clean cap that fits securely in the dog hole. If you're concerned about glue dripping onto your bench, place a small piece of protective material beneath the work area.
Shop tip submitted by Logan Wittmer, Runnells, Iowa.
Small Shop Ideas That Come in Handy
An old tape measure can become a convenient wrist ruler, and a workbench dog hole can double as a holder for a small glue reservoir. Neither idea requires an elaborate jig or expensive materials.
They're simple examples of finding new uses for familiar items—and making everyday woodworking a little more convenient.
