Bob Beacham
Verified
As seen in:
Bob Vila,
Field & Stream,
Medium,
MSN,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN Singapore,
Yahoo Life,
Aol,
New York Daily News,
Yahoo Finance,
Chicago Tribune,
Flipboard
and
Just a quiet corner of the connected world for random thoughts and comments. Please excuse an inclination towards occasional pomposity.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Bob Beacham
Quickly sharpen your chainsaw blade efficiently with a portable Amazon find
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. If you take your chainsaw to a shop to have it sharpened, that shop will almost certainly use a machine. You can get similar powered devices for doing the job at home. They're fast and efficient, but they're also expensive, and you can't take them with you out into the yard or field.
Quickly Sharpen Your Chainsaw Blade Efficiently With A Portable Amazon Find
If you take your chainsaw to a shop to have it sharpened, that shop will almost certainly use a machine. You can get similar powered devices for doing the job at home. They're fast and efficient, but they're also expensive, and you can't take them with you out into the yard or field. Professionals will often carry a basic round file to quickly sharpen the cutting edges and get back to work — and that's where the Tarist 6-Piece Chainsaw File Set comes in.
She Transforms Wood Boards And Shavings Into A Functional Beehive With An Impressive DIY Original
Wild bees are incredibly important as pollinators. They are vital to the growth of fruit and vegetables, not just in our yards but on commercial farms across the country. Unfortunately, their habitat is continually under threat, and their numbers are in decline. Putting a beehive in your garden can give them somewhere safe to live and will bring beneficial bees to your garden. Over on YouTube, the Craft Dock channel shows how to build one.
The Best Electric Fireplace Inserts of 2026 Original
Photo: Amazon We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Convenient, charming, and cozy, electric fireplace inserts are not just energy-efficient—they’re also a breeze to install. As alternatives to traditional fireplaces, these popular electric room heaters have a range of user-friendly features such as adjustable flame brightness, programmable timers, and built-in thermostats.
Quickly Sharpen Your Chainsaw Blade With An Affordable Amazon Kit That's Easy To Use Original
There's one element of using a chainsaw safely that is sometimes overlooked: keeping the chain sharp. It's easy to think you can carry on for a few more minutes with a chain that's become a bit blunt — especially if you are far enough from your workshop that going back to sharpen it would be inconvenient. But you'll have to push the machine harder to compensate for the blunted chain and might end up slipping as a result.
Don't Toss Old Beer Bottles – Turn Them Into A One-Of-A-Kind Concrete Coffee Table Original
So you've had friends visit to christen the patio revamp idea you just completed or to watch the game, and you enjoyed a few beverages together. You could put the empty beer bottles out for recycling, but what if you could do something creative with them instead? Over on Facebook, Deep's CRAFT shows us how to turn them into a one-of-a-kind concrete and glass coffee table. You will need an old cardboard box, a craft knife, painter's tape, a bag of concrete mix, some old beer bottles, and a trowel.
Man Uses Old Wood Pallets To Build Convertible Furniture With An Impressive DIY Original
If you're keen to save money and avoid waste, and you like a bit of basic woodworking, then recycling old wood pallets is a great idea. Over on YouTube, there's a channel called Creative Pallet Ideas that shows you how to do precisely that. In one impressive DIY, he builds a piece of convertible furniture that transforms in moments from a bench into a day bed. Let's take a closer look. There is no sound or description on the video, but it looks like you'll need two or three pallets.
No More Manual Lawn Aerators: There's A Tool Specifically For Your Zero-Turn Mower Original
Over time, the soil under your lawn gets compacted, making it difficult for air, water, and important nutrients to get to the grass roots. The lawn can become patchy, and weeds and moss will move in. An aerator is a device designed to solve such problems, and is one of the essential tools for healthy green grass. Many aerators are manual, from spiked overshoes to large rollers. They can be effective, but they're hard work, especially if you have large acreage.
How Long Does Opened Fertilizer Last?
Your garden soil needs a complex mixture of nutrients and minerals to provide what flowers and vegetables need for healthy growth. Although nature does its best, sometimes she needs a helping hand, and while it's possible to make a variety of DIY fertilizer teas to nourish your garden, store-bought alternatives are usually a carefully balanced option you know you can rely on.
He Transforms Old Brick Stairs With Stone Aggregate For A Sleek Upgrade Original
Bricks offer tremendous durability. There are examples of brick-built houses across the country that have stood for centuries. Even when it starts to look a bit tired, cleaning exterior brickwork can be almost effortless. When it comes to stairs, though, it's a bit different story; the impact of weather and foot traffic can eventually take its toll.
Man Turns Old Toolbox Into A Stunning Overhead Garage Light With An Impressive DIY
There are lots of ideas to light up a garage, depending on your budget, but we doubt you'll find anything more appropriate or more likely to bring a smile to your face than the overhead light Dean Duplantis created from an old metal toolbox. He shared the steps in a YouTube how-to video. Also, technically, it's a light for the bathroom in Duplantis' shop.
Man Turns Old Toolbox Into A Stunning Overhead Garage Light With An Impressive DIY
There are lots of ideas to light up a garage, depending on your budget, but we doubt you'll find anything more appropriate or more likely to bring a smile to your face than the overhead light Dean Duplantis created from an old metal toolbox. He shared the steps in a YouTube how-to video. Also, technically, it's a light for the bathroom in Duplantis' shop.
Goodbye Traditional Paper Towel Holders: Man DIYs Rustic Alternative With Horseshoes Original
There must be a paper towel holder in just about every home in the country. Traditional models are usually either fixed to the wall and hold the roll horizontally or are free-standing and hold it vertically. Over on YouTube, Tony Higgo takes a unique approach, creating a rustic DIY alternative using horseshoes. He has an extensive set of metalworking tools and equipment, and there aren't many shortcuts or substitutes for this project.
Give A Plain Retaining Wall A Masonry Finish That's Less Expensive Original
Retaining walls offer a variety of landscaping solutions. For example, they can be relatively low when creating terraces on a sloping plot. At the other end of the spectrum, you might use a substantial retaining wall to protect your landscape. One of the most affordable and popular materials for retaining walls is concrete blocks, and, when installed correctly, they could last a lifetime. The issue for many people with concrete blocks is that they are a bit plain.
Why You May Want To Reconsider Resetting Your DeWalt Batteries
DeWalt has a terrific reputation for the quality and durability of its equipment. In fact, it's rated as the most reliable power tool brand, according to user reviews. However, even DeWalt batteries will degrade eventually. As they age, they may not charge fully, or they will drain more quickly than before. Eventually, they won't power your tools at all.
The Best Energy-Efficient Space Heaters of 2026, Tested and Reviewed Original
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › When the weather turns chilly, the best energy-efficient space heaters offer a convenient and cost-effective way to improve home and office comfort. With so many models out there, it’s not always easy to tell which are worth buying. We tested 13 energy-efficient space heaters to see which ones really came out on top.
Turn Yard Scraps Into DIY Mulch And Compost With A Solution From Harbor Freight Original
Mulch can be invaluable for weed suppression and moisture retention in garden beds and borders. Making your own DIY compost, meanwhile, can improve soil condition and feed your flowers and vegetables.
How To Get Rid Of A Brown Recluse That Allows You To Keep Your Distance
Generally speaking, spiders get a bad rap. Of the more than 3,700 different kinds in the U.S., there are only a handful you need to be wary of, so normally you shouldn't kill spiders in your home. However, there are always exceptions, and the venomous brown recluse is one of them. Trying to whack one of these spiders with a broom or a fly swatter can keep you at arm's length, but the brown recluse is surprisingly fast on its feet. The safest course of action could be to use an insecticide spray.
How To Get Rid Of A Brown Recluse That Allows You To Keep Your Distance
Generally speaking, spiders get a bad rap. Of the more than 3,700 different kinds in the U.S., there are only a handful you need to be wary of, so normally you shouldn't kill spiders in your home. However, there are always exceptions, and the venomous brown recluse is one of them. Trying to whack one of these spiders with a broom or a fly swatter can keep you at arm's length, but the brown recluse is surprisingly fast on its feet. The safest course of action could be to use an insecticide spray.
How To Unclog Your Ryobi Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a great tool to have around the home. Cleaning the car, driveway, and fencing are common uses for them, but there are at least a dozen things you can clean with a pressure washer for dazzling results. Budget-friendly brand Ryobi offers a number of these devices, and although usually reliable, blockages can occasionally be a problem. This usually results in a lack of pressure at the nozzle or even no water at all.
How To Unclog Your Ryobi Pressure Washer
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. A pressure washer is a great tool to have around the home. Cleaning the car, driveway, and fencing are common uses for them, but there are at least a dozen things you can clean with a pressure washer for dazzling results. Budget-friendly brand Ryobi offers a number of these devices, and although usually reliable, blockages can occasionally be a problem. This usually results in a lack of pressure at the nozzle or even no water at all.
Bye Plastic Birdbaths: DIY A More Durable Solution With Concrete
Habitat loss means our native birds are having an increasingly tough time, but you can easily support them by attracting birds to your garden with food, plus water to drink and bathe in. Plastic bird baths are a budget-friendly option, but they don't stand up well to the sun's damaging UV rays or to harsh winters. Concrete, on the other hand, has proven durability and can last decades in all weathers.
Bye Plastic Birdbaths: DIY A More Durable Solution With Concrete
Habitat loss means our native birds are having an increasingly tough time, but you can easily support them by attracting birds to your garden with food, plus water to drink and bathe in. Plastic bird baths are a budget-friendly option, but they don't stand up well to the sun's damaging UV rays or to harsh winters. Concrete, on the other hand, has proven durability and can last decades in all weathers.
Ditch Concrete Blocks: The Long-Lasting Alternative For Retaining Walls With Superior Strength Original
There probably isn't a more budget-friendly way to build a retaining wall to protect your landscape than using some form of concrete blocks. Unfortunately, unless you coat the wall with some kind of textured finish or cover it in cladding (which adds to both cost and time), they aren't really very attractive. There is a better-looking, longer-lasting, and stronger alternative that is becoming increasingly popular: basalt boulders.
Stop Tossing Old Lawn Mower Blades: Turn Them Into A Helpful Garden Tool Original
Even with frequent use, a lawn mower blade should last several years. Regular sharpening will be necessary, and there are plenty of tools that let you sharpen lawn mower blades safely. Eventually it will wear down, though, and need replacing. When it does, rather than tossing the old lawn mower blade, you can turn it into a helpful garden tool that looks a lot like a machete. Over on YouTube, Average Iowa Guy shows us how.
Ditch The Ladder: Remove Gutter Debris With An Easy-To-Use Tool From Amazon Original
Cleaning out roof gutters isn't a chore that most people look forward to, but neglecting the gutters could do more harm than you might think. Typically, you'll need a ladder to get up there, but not everyone is comfortable with working at those heights, and if the ground around the house is on a slope, it can actually be quite dangerous. There is an easy-to-use solution that claims to remove debris while allowing you to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Build A Fence Without Any Digging With A Clever Amazon Product Original
If you check out any list of tips for building the perfect fence, you'll almost invariably come across instructions for how big and how deep to dig each post hole and how to add concrete to make sure they are secure. It's good advice, but it's a lot of work. The LADECH No-Dig 4x4 Ground Spike Post Anchor, available from Amazon, is a clever solution that claims to be much quicker and easier. So let's take a closer look.
Keep Grass From Sticking To Your Lawn Mower With A Find From Tractor Supply Original
Even if you only mow the lawn when it's dry, the grass still contains enough moisture that it soon sticks to the underside of the machine. Cleaning the deck when you're done is one of the simple steps that helps prevent mower damage, but it's not a chore most of us look forward to. Fortunately, there's an efficient alternative that can help you eliminate this tedious task from your lawn mower maintenance to-do list: Majic Easy Slip Graphite Spray, which is available at Tractor Supply for $10.99.
DIY A Solar Powered Stone Fountain For Your Yard With A Few Simple Supplies
If you want to refresh your backyard landscaping on a budget, a DIY fountain can be a delightful addition to your yard or garden. Attractive water features don't have to be difficult to make or install; on Instagram, user birdsong.design posted a video showing us an example that needs just a few simple, low-cost supplies. The easy-to-follow method makes building a solar-powered stone fountain a DIY project that can be achieved in a weekend.
Protect Your Lawn Mower With A Waterproof Find From Amazon Original
One important consideration when buying the best lawn mower for your yard is where you'll keep it. You certainly don't want to leave a valuable piece of machinery out in all weather. But you may not have room in the garage, and finding space for a shed in today's compact backyards can be challenging. One space-saving option is the waterproof Himal Outdoors Push Lawn Mower Cover from Amazon, currently on sale at $19.99. This lawn mower cover has two layers.
Are Plant-Specific Fertilizers Really Worth Buying?
It's understandable that people who are relatively new to gardening can sometimes get confused when it comes to choosing fertilizers. You might think that all-purpose fertilizer would have everything covered, but then there are plant-specific formulas for roses, tomatoes, your lawn, and more. It seems every time you look, there's another solution targeting a particular flower, fruit, or vegetable. Are these specialist plant foods actually worth buying? Much depends on what you are trying to achieve.
The Best Welders for Beginners, Tested by Experts
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › We tested several welders for beginners to find out which ones make learning to weld easier, safer, and less frustrating. After researching more than 20 welders, we selected five for our lineup and tested the top three in our shops. While all the welders you’ll find here are good picks for beginners, we found a favorite—the Forney Easy Weld.
Give Bees A Place To Stay For Fall And Winter With This Hanging Hotel Find
Keen gardeners will appreciate all the hard work that bees do. They pollinate flowers, fruit, and vegetables, giving you beautiful displays and lots of produce to harvest. You might be surprised to know that there are actually ten types of bees you'll want in your yard, and some native species are actually more productive than the better-known honey bee. When it comes to fall and winter, some bees gather to keep warm while others hibernate.
Give Bees A Place To Stay For Fall And Winter With This Hanging Hotel Find
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Keen gardeners will appreciate all the hard work that bees do. They pollinate flowers, fruit, and vegetables, giving you beautiful displays and lots of produce to harvest. You might be surprised to know that there are actually ten types of bees you'll want in your yard, and some native species are actually more productive than the better-known honey bee. When it comes to fall and winter, some bees gather to keep warm while others hibernate.
The Mineral-Rich Herb You Should Think Twice About Before Adding To Your Garden
Herbs are a fascinating group of plants. There's evidence of their use by cave dwellers over 60,000 years ago and written proof on ancient Egyptian scrolls. Most people know of their use in medicine and cooking, but there are also a whole bunch of herbs that you should plant in your garden to naturally enrich the soil. Some people think common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) should be among them, but it's worth investigating further before adding it to your veggie patch.
The Best Whole-House Humidifiers of 2026, Picks by Experts Original
Photo: BobVila.com Team We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › When a large portion of your home suffers from dry air, a whole-house humidifier can remedy the problem. Unlike single-room humidifiers, which moisturize the air in small spaces, whole-house systems provide a single, convenient source of balanced humidity.
Forget The Basic Hand Saw: Trade It In For A More Durable Tool You Can Find On Amazon
Many DIY enthusiasts and home woodworkers start out with a basic hand saw, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, they do have their drawbacks. If you buy a hand saw for wood, you'll need a different one for metal: a hacksaw. Hacksaw blades cost pennies, so they're a throwaway item, but a basic hand saw for wood has a fixed blade. There is a way to sharpen a hand saw like that, but most just replace it, which is a waste.
Forget The Basic Hand Saw: Trade It In For A More Durable Tool You Can Find On Amazon
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Many DIY enthusiasts and home woodworkers start out with a basic hand saw, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, they do have their drawbacks. If you buy a hand saw for wood, you'll need a different one for metal: a hacksaw. Hacksaw blades cost pennies, so they're a throwaway item, but a basic hand saw for wood has a fixed blade. There is a way to sharpen a hand saw like that, but most just replace it, which is a waste.
He Makes Building A Relaxing Garden Swing With Wood Pallets Look Easy
There are a number of things to think about when choosing a garden swing for your space and the options that are available in stores. However, there's something tremendously satisfying about making your own, and over on YouTube, the Woodworking Skill channel builds one with wood pallets that not only looks easy, but it can be very affordable, too. You can make this garden swing with a minimum of tools. You'll need a drill driver and some kind of saw.
He Makes Building A Relaxing Garden Swing With Wood Pallets Look Easy
There are a number of things to think about when choosing a garden swing for your space and the options that are available in stores. However, there's something tremendously satisfying about making your own, and over on YouTube, the Woodworking Skill channel builds one with wood pallets that not only looks easy, but it can be very affordable, too. You can make this garden swing with a minimum of tools. You'll need a drill driver and some kind of saw.
Make The Switch To Hanging Bird Baths With This Solar Amazon Find Original
There are lots of ways to attract birds to your garden so that you can benefit from their color and song. As a bonus, they may also help with pest control. In return, you give them easy access to food and water. The latter is important both for drinking and bathing. When it comes to bird baths, there is plenty of choice, and for something slightly more unusual than a traditional stone version, the Metal Hanging Solar Bird Bath Fountain available from Amazon is worth considering.
The DIY System That Brings Immediate Shade To Your Backyard
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It can be lovely to sit out in the sunshine, but there comes a point when most of us seek some nice, cool shade. Tarps and umbrellas are great around the patio, although many have to come down if the weather turns nasty. They don't provide a lot of privacy either. The Pylex Deck Sunblind System is simple yet remarkably effective. It is affordable, flexible, can go up fast, and introduces controllable shade to any part of your backyard.
The Best Gutter Sealants of 2026, Tested by Experts Original
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for BobVila.com We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › During installation, rain gutter end caps and seams are coated with a flexible gutter sealant designed to withstand hot and cold weather and moderate impacts. However, the gutters themselves are subject to all kinds of harsh conditions, which, combined with aging, could inevitably cause them to leak.
How To Trap Bugs With A Chemical That's Already In Your Garage Original
Things like ants and fruit flies are among a host of bugs you don't want living in your house. Commercial traps and sprays are one way to deal with them, but apart from the cost, there are concerns about their toxicity and the way they impact the quality of the air you breathe. There is a chemical that you might already have in your garage that can be a useful alternative: antifreeze. Let's take a look at how it works and a couple of things you'll probably want to avoid.
Is Switching To A Heat Pump Worth The Cost? Here's What We Found
As winter approaches, many people's thoughts will turn to how high their heating bill could be through the cold spell. According to Resources, a publication dedicated to the environment and energy, prices have risen noticeably since 2019. So households are increasingly looking into different ways to find savings. Heat pumps offer an alternative to traditional furnaces and boilers.
With This Home Depot Tool, You Can Skip The Hassle Of A Traditional Level Original
Most experienced DIYers will tell you that you need a level for everything from fitting a shelf to laying a garden path. It's one of the tools that every homeowner should have. While it's hard to argue that they are wrong, traditional levels do have their disadvantages. Short ones aren't very accurate. Long ones are cumbersome. Over at Home Depot, there's an interesting alternative, the Klein Tools Digital Angle Gauge and Digital Leveler.
The Best Portable Table Saws of 2026, Tested and Reviewed Original
Photo: Mark Clement for BobVila.com We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Table saws are a baseline necessity in many homes and professional workshops. Portable models are the go-to tool for everything from deck building to DIY tasks, from remodeling to woodworking, and from trimming a house to home repairs.
Protect Your Patio From Intruders With A Find From Amazon That Clips Onto Your Deck Original
According to data collected by the FBI, burglary figures have been declining steadily for years, but sadly over 1 million burglaries still occurred in 2019, costing residents an average of $2,661 each. Intruders typically prefer to sneak through the shadows, but outdoor lighting won't always deter criminals, especially if it's constantly on. You wouldn't want the place to look like a sports stadium all night anyway.
Ditch Big & Pricey Lawn Aerators For A Simple Solution From Home Depot That Stores Easily
Aerating your lawn (making little holes across it) is a vital annual task to loosen up the surface and allow air, water, and minerals to reach down to the roots of the grass. It's one of the simple habits of people who keep their lawns lush and well-manicured. There are all kinds of aerators on the market, some of them costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That's a lot of money to spend on something you'll probably only need once a year, especially if you have a modest-sized lawn.
Ditch Big & Pricey Lawn Aerators For A Simple Solution From Home Depot That Stores Easily
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Aerating your lawn (making little holes across it) is a vital annual task to loosen up the surface and allow air, water, and minerals to reach down to the roots of the grass. It's one of the simple habits of people who keep their lawns lush and well-manicured. There are all kinds of aerators on the market, some of them costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Bob
Contact Bob, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack