Here are a few tips that every do it yourselfer can use to keep their workbench and their tools in good shape.

First of all keep one or two relatively thick pieces of lumber close by. That way you can put one between the workbench surface and whatever it is you are drilling or sawing into.

A thick piece of lumber will shield your worktable from unnecessary damage just in case you drill or cut too far.

Also always keep a couple of scrap pieces of carpet close by for your back, feet, floor and tools. You can put one on the floor to protect it from any stains or spills that might happen. Also you can stand on it to protect your back and feet from aches and strains. Take another piece of carpet and lay it on your workbench for your tools. This will protect the tools from getting dented and scratched from continually picking them up and setting them down while you are using them. With a little prevention, your workbench and your tools will stay looking good for a long time.

Here are some more workshop tips we found for you to keep you working hard!

A file is a great sharpening tool when you are in a jam. You can use it to sharpen your square drive bit when the bit starts to spin and not grip screws tight as you like. For example, when your square drive bit starts acting up file the end of the bit off a little and it should tighten the grip it has on the screw.

You can also use a metal file to sharpen your chisel. Just make sure you have a good strong grip on the file and you file with hard even strokes. You have to be careful not to pressure the file too much on one side or the other or else the chisel will become uneven and won’t work as well.

You know it can be pretty difficult to keep the blade of your razor knife sharp when you are cutting through wallpaper that is wet with glue.
Use a razor knife that has breakaway blades. They cost around one to two dollars at your local hardware store or home center. You break a tiny blade off every time you make a cut. When you break the blade, you’ll need a towel or a rag in which to wrap the blade to protect your eyes. Then turn the knife over and at an angle put pressure to pop that blade off. Then each new cut will be the sharpest. You can use razor knives to cut wallpaper or wall board. You can even use them to cut cardboard. If you use the regular razor knife, be sure to change the blade often. Or make it easy on yourself, use the breakaway blades.

Sharp razor knives can also get into tight spots that larger tools can't.
They can come in handy when installing plastic laminate. They can also be used to make the final score when cutting up close to the wall.

If you are ever in a jam and can’t find your carpenter’s chisel you can try using a heavy 1 1/2" painters putty knife style, scraper as a temporary chisel. It can become a dual tool, a combination chisel and scraping tool.

You may also want to try using a 7 or 9 degree dovetail router bit when mirror cutting laminate and seaming two pieces together. It will help keep glue and other particles away from the top of the seam. Some installers like to back bevel the seam edge with a file, but this does it with the bit instead.

We hope these tips will help you in your workshop with all of your projects.