Want to feel better about yourself and life? Try changing your own tires. I’ve found that this common seasonal chore for people living in places that get winter brings all these benefits and more. After falling out of favour for…
A number of years ago, some Toronto relatives of mine experienced an extended power outage over Christmas, and like many people in their area of the city they ended up being forced to move into a hotel during the holiday…
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains to handy DIY homeowners how to make oiling exterior wood easy and effective.
For those of us living in cold climates, one of the most annoying (and mysterious) problems happens when rooftop plumbing vent pipes get plugged with frost. This is called “ice capping” and the longer the cold spells you get in…
There’s a valuable opportunity out there for more than a few people, but it’s going to waste. This opportunity is presented by the thousands of small, under-populated towns and villages in the world, and the chances these places offer for…
Gluing boards edge-to-edge to make wider pieces is an essential woodworking skill. Learn these three tips for getting this job done right.
Watch and learn why auto-darkening welding helmets have caught on, with both amateur and professional welders. They let you see clearly before welding, but they also darken instantly as soon as the welding begins. See actual darkening in action in…
Question: How can I stop my garage door from freezing to the concrete floor when it gets really cold? I live in northern Manitoba and I have this problem when it gets colder than -50ºC some mornings. Sometimes the door…
Watch this detailed video tutorial to learn the basics of using a wood splitter safely and productively. I think you’ll find this useful, especially if you want to build your personal self reliance and reduce your heating bills.
The first part of the 1980s left me feeling desperate. That’s what happened when, after four years of methodical searching, I was giving up hope of ever finding the kind of rural place I wanted to live in. I’d grown up…
If you’re a woodworker and you have trouble cutting precise mitre joints, then the 15 minute video tutorial above is for you. It’ll show you all the tricks behind great results you can be proud of. Even if you don’t…
If you care about optimizing your health and energy level, you’ve probably come to realize that little lifestyle practices can sometimes deliver big health benefits over time. The energy level and pizzaz of a person in their 70s or 80s,…