Seven common household tools that can serve a new purpose

If you have a toolbox that's been collecting dust in your garage, now may be the perfect time to pull it out! Even if you're not planning to do any home reno projects, they can still be of use in other ways. Wondering how? Home & Design expert Ramsin Khachi shared all you need to know about how common household tools can be used in alternative ways!

COMBINATION SQUARE

A combination square has many hidden features that you may not know about. It can seem as though it's just an ordinary tool that marks a straight line perpendicular to the edge of a board but you can actually use the built-in bubble level for smaller jobs. For example, it can be used a depth gauge or a way to mark a continuous line around a post for an accurate cut. You can even use a combination square to re-calibrate your saw!

JIGSAW

If you happen to own a jigsaw with coping blades, you can use it to cut your trim on a 45 degree miter, mark the edge of the profile and then use the fine blade to cut the edge profile. You will then have one wood piece that will connect nicely to an adjacent wood piece.

PLIERS

Though pliers are used mainly used to hold things, you can also use them to pull a fish line and cut wires. If you own a plier with scew holes you can use it to properly cut screws short.The edge ribbing is great for gripping materials while the expanded ribbed area is good for grabbing bolts and nuts. You can even use the handle area to grip large jar lids without damanging them.

PIECES OF WOOD

Tired of drilling crooked holes? Having spare wood around the house can often seem useless, but not anymore! Cut two blocks (approximately 1" x 2" x 4"), put them together with one piece just slightly ahead of the other. Add a few screws to hold them in place and use the inside corner as a clean guide for your drill bit! Going forward, you will always drill straight holes.

DRILLS

You may not have heard this before but keeping an inexpensive and cordless drill in your car trunk can really come in handy for flat tires! Most car jacks have a loop handle that can be spun to raise the car. By attaching the drill to the end of the crank rod you can jack up your car with ease.

NAIL POLISH

If you take a look into your toolbox, you'll notice that some of your tools have important markings stamped in white on them. These markings can wear off over time, however, if you rub white nailpolish or latex paint onto the areas you will be left with new legible markings.

MAGNETIC PICK UP STICK

Finding nails under the surface of drywall can seem like an impossible task, but using a magnetic pick up stick can help mark the center of your stud for you.