Rob Johnstone
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Articles by Rob Johnstone
Easily Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades With An Affordable 3-Piece Amazon Find Original
Garden Landscaping Lawn Mowers & Tools Tokariev Dmytro/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Most of us want our lawns to look their best: lush, dark green, and nicely mowed. But with time and use, lawnmower blades can dull and begin cutting unevenly and less efficiently. Needing to push the mower with extra effort and the lawn looking patchy after mowing are signs that it's time to sharpen your mower blades.
Easily Repair Cracks In Asphalt Driveways With A Simple Amazon Find
Home Improvement Repair Exterior Home Repair Lajst/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Asphalt driveways are so popular because asphalt is relatively affordable, durable, has a non-slip surface, and is considered attractive. A well-cared-for asphalt driveway will last for at least 15 years but often 20 years or more. Asphalt maintenance is based on keeping the surface sealed and avoiding deep gouges and cracks.
Easily Repair Cracks In Asphalt Driveways With A Simple Amazon Find
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Asphalt driveways are so popular because asphalt is relatively affordable, durable, has a non-slip surface, and is considered attractive. A well-cared-for asphalt driveway will last for at least 15 years but often 20 years or more. Asphalt maintenance is based on keeping the surface sealed and avoiding deep gouges and cracks.
Forget The Bench Grinder: Sharpen Drill Bits Using A Tool You Already Have Original
Home Improvement Zoey106/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. As many of us know, keeping your twist drill bits sharp makes your DIY life so much easier, but sharpening them may be a bit frustrating. (Bad pun, sorry!) But if you own a Dremel tool (as many of us do), you have a way to make that task easier.
Put Down The Gel And Paint: Update Plain Cabinets With An Oil Solution Original
Home Improvement Remodel Kitchens Spxchrome/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Ever since people started building things from wood, they have been coloring it and applying protective coatings to enhance its usefulness, durability, and looks. Through my over 40 years as a professional woodworker, applying a finish — be it oil, gel, paint, or stain — has become a specific area of my expertise.
Skip The Bench Grinder: The Lowe's Find For Sharpening Your Dull Garden Shears Original
Garden Garden Tools & Supplies Andrey Abryutin/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover Garden shears are a surprisingly large category of beginner garden tools. They range from small, flower-cutting specialties to very large loppers. They share a few commonalities, one being that they need to be razor-sharp to do their jobs well. If you are a dedicated gardener, you may be less than comfortable with the idea of sharpening your own shears than pruning your pear tree.
Dump Expensive Bench Grinders: The $10 Lowe's Find That Easily Sharpens Landscape Tools Original
Garden Landscaping Lawn Mowers & Tools Difydave/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover Gardening is a tremendously popular hobby loved by millions of people. There are many variants of what we call gardening, but all of them use specific tools, and the list of garden tools is long. However, when you use a tool, it will get dull ... so what's a gardener to do? Send the tools off to be sharpened? Pretend that they are not dull? How about sharpening them yourself?
Dump Expensive Bench Grinders: The $10 Lowe's Find That Easily Sharpens Landscape Tools
3 hours ago One of Australia's most famous stops along the Great Ocean Road has a new visitor center. The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre at the Twelve Apostles opens on October 16. According to Regional Development Victoria, the building has a 230-seat cafe, kiosk, gallery, visitor information, restrooms and …
Does Vinegar Really Double As An Instant Bed Bug Killer?
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Just the thought of bed bugs is enough to frighten even the bravest person. These little bloodsucking pests are so tiny that it's hard to see them; they're terribly difficult to get rid of once they're established and are just plain gross. The idea of them creeping out of their hiding places and feeding on you as you sleep is disturbing. A question may then come to mind: Is there an effective, homemade way to get rid of them?
The Tried And True Way To Kill Weeds Growing In Gravel When All Else Fails
When weeds keep sprouting through your gravel no matter what you spray or pull, this extreme method eliminates them completely without chemicals. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Weeds. Spray 'em, stomp 'em, or mow them — yet somehow, you still have weeds! Gallons of ink have been spilled and trillions of pixels have been expended teaching us how to get rid of weeds for good, yet they keep coming back.
Easily Fill Potholes In Asphalt Driveways With A Crack-Resistant Lowe's Find
Home Improvement Repair Exterior Home Repair Miriam Doerr Martin Frommherz/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover The ubiquitous asphalt driveway is so popular because it does the job and does it well. Asphalt stands up to everyday use, is a non-slip surface, and washes clean easily, and for those of us in northern climes, its dark color encourages snow melt.
Easily Fill Potholes In Asphalt Driveways With A Crack-Resistant Lowe's Find
The ubiquitous asphalt driveway is so popular because it does the job and does it well. Asphalt stands up to everyday use, is a non-slip surface, and washes clean easily, and for those of us in northern climes, its dark color encourages snow melt. While these driveways don't require a significant amount of maintenance, you'll eventually have to address common asphalt repairs like cracks, pitting, or potholes to keep the overall structure strong and usable.
Forget Sandpaper: Remove Paint And More With An Easy-To-Use Lowe's Find
Home Improvement Home Improvement Hacks Sorapop Udomsri/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover Removing paint from wood or other surfaces can be quite frustrating, especially if there are intricate or small details where the paint stubbornly refuses to let go. And if you're removing paint from paneling, it can feel downright impossible.
Forget Sandpaper: Remove Paint And More With An Easy-To-Use Lowe's Find
Removing paint from wood or other surfaces can be quite frustrating, especially if there are intricate or small details where the paint stubbornly refuses to let go. And if you're removing paint from paneling, it can feel downright impossible. Regardless of your sanding technique, sandpaper won't reach the nooks and crannies, and chemical strippers are nasty and to be avoided whenever possible. The good news is that Lowe's is selling the Dremel Max-life 2-piece silicone abrasive set.
Is October too late to aerate a lawn?
As spring arrives many of us have visions of a lush, green lawn. But what if that emerging spring grass would have benefited from some attention way back last fall? Homeowners often are confused as to when to aerate their lawns. The answer to this question depends on the type of grass you have growing in your yard. Typically, fall is a great time to aerate cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
Don't Cut Back Hostas Too Soon — Here's The Best Time For Lush Spring Growth
Hostas are lovely, easy-to-grow perennial plants that make so many yards look fresh and beautiful. They are both stunning in their variety but curiously nearly invisible due to their ubiquity. One of their shining characteristics is that they grow well in shaded areas. For those of us who grow just a few hostas or have large, verdant patches of them gracing our yards, the question of when and how to prune their leaves is important to address.
Forget Hot-Pour Crack Fillers: Repair Asphalt Driveways With A Self-Leveling Amazon Find Original
Home Improvement Repair Exterior Home Repair Mariia Vitkovska/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Asphalt is one of the most common materials for driveways because it works so well and is generally affordable. However, while it is a low-maintenance and weed-resistant driveway alternative, as well as being durable and long-lasting, there are a few downsides to asphalt driveways.
Is October Too Late To Aerate A Lawn?
Garden Landscaping Lawn Zbynek Pospisil/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover As spring arrives many of us have visions of a lush, green lawn. But what if that emerging spring grass would have benefited from some attention way back last fall? Homeowners often are confused as to when to aerate their lawns. The answer to this question depends on the type of grass you have growing in your yard.
Skip Traditional Bench Grinders: Amazon Has A More Compact Solution For Small Spaces
Home Improvement Appliances Amazon Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Bench grinders are kind of like a quiet blue-collar cousin, not showy or flashy, but when you need to get something done, they are there in a pinch. Grinders do scores of tasks and are particularly popular when you need to sharpen common homeowner tools like chisels, knives, drill bits, and gouges. Their polishing wheel smooths and shins metal and plastic with ease.
Skip Traditional Bench Grinders: Amazon Has A More Compact Solution For Small Spaces
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Bench grinders are kind of like a quiet blue-collar cousin, not showy or flashy, but when you need to get something done, they are there in a pinch. Grinders do scores of tasks and are particularly popular when you need to sharpen common homeowner tools like chisels, knives, drill bits, and gouges. Their polishing wheel smooths and shins metal and plastic with ease.
The Affordable Solution That Prevents Weeds From Sprouting Through Gravel
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Keeping weeds under control is one of those Sisyphean tasks that plague us in our modern world. Aligned against much larger world problems, it is a tiny consideration, but when you look at weeds poking through your gravel, it is still a true annoyance, and you want to avoid mistakes when killing them.
Brighten Up Yellowed Whites On Laundry Day With A Clever Medicine Hack
White fabric can yellow and generally take on a dingy look after it's been laundered only a few times. A common question is how to bring discolored white laundry back to life so we don't have to get rid of it. There is a hack for that which just may surprise you: Alka-Seltzer. To the dubious readers with a cynically raised eyebrow, there is a scientific reason that the tablets you use to settle your stomach will spruce up your whites.
Avoid Disaster When Selecting Wood 2x4s: The Twisted Problem Of Big Box Lumber
DIY woodworking projects are among the most practical and satisfying home improvement efforts to be found. As a professional woodworker, I've helped countless people successfully make shelves, step stools, cabinets, storage boxes, shoe racks, and so much more. Before you start cutting and joining for your project, the first task is to procure the lumber you will be using. Buying lumber can be intimidating for many folks, mostly because they are unsure how to judge the quality of the wood.
Why Your Bench Grinder Turns Tool Edges Blue Original
Home Improvement Appliances Appliance Repair Fine Woodworking/YouTube Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover Bench grinders are the bomb-diggity when you need to sharpen something like a knife, chisel, or a lawnmower blade. Sharpening with a bench grinder is a concept that's easy to grasp, too. Grind away sufficient metal to reform the original sharp edge, and you're all set.
The Unexpected Household Staple That Doubles As A Powerful Weed Killer
"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered," is a quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. That may be true, but until those virtues come to the fore, we will continue to consider weeds as backyard enemy number one. Getting rid of those weeds is a problem with many possible solutions; the question being which is best for you. You may shy away from industrial herbicides, especially if you have kids or pets. One possible household chemical that folks often overlook is borax.
The Fastest Fix For A Slow-Draining Sink Is Already In Your Kitchen Cabinet
Baking soda and vinegar can be used together to effectively unclog drains by creating a chemical reaction that breaks down obstructions. Baking soda, an alkaline substance, and vinegar, an acidic substance, work individually to break down clogs in drains by attacking them at a molecular level. Regularly using baking soda and vinegar in drains can help prevent clogs from building up and keep drains running smoothly. Why do they seem to always happen at a tremendously inconvenient time?
The Kitchen Ingredient That Makes Removing Water Stains From Wood Furniture A Breeze
If there's one thing that can ruin your beautiful wood coffee table, it's a white ring from a water stain. But, an easy fix may be closer than you think. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Water stains, the white-looking discolorations on wooden furniture, are fairly common. They are caused by water penetrating the finish (the film coat) applied to nearly all of our wooden furniture, and creating voids in the finish.
The Best Way To Keep Mice Out Of Your Home - And Most People Don't Do It
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Many of us look forward to fall and its cooler temperatures and seasonal delights like fresh apples and pumpkin spice lattes. You know who does not like cooler temperatures? Mice. As the weather gets colder mice will seek warmth, like the inside of your home.
Want A Dark Green Lawn Fast? This Simple Fix Works Wonders
For many homeowners, a thick dark green lawn is their balm of Gilead, bringing peace and a wholesome feeling of goodwill to their lives. But woe to them should their lawn thin and yellow, a catastrophe of biblical proportions. How can a lawn fade from verdant to pale green? Is it a curse that needs to be countered? Nope, as usual, it's a science thing. Healthy lawns need the right environment to thrive.
Woodworkers: Stop Limiting Your Potential & Embrace The Glories Of CNC Routers
As a professional woodworker, I am both frustrated and confused by the vast number of woodworkers who refuse to accept CNC routers into their workshop. To some, the CNC narrative takes on the nature of John Henry: The battle of man against machine, of technology replacing our labor and skills. For them, perhaps, the idea of using a computer in their sacred woodshop feels invasive.
The 5 Best Ways To Keep Gravel Locked In Place
Gravel driveways and gravel patios have proven their value and durability for years uncounted. Some have been in use for over 100 years. In addition to that ultra-practical characteristic, they can also be beautiful. But one concern folks who are inexperienced with gravel use may have is that the gravel might spread and make a mess. It is just a collection of small rocks after all. How would you keep them from spreading and going where you'd prefer they did not?
To Avoid Patchy Grass In The Spring, This Is When You Should Overseed Your Lawn
Our lawns can bring us such pleasure. Lush, healthy green expanses of grass are beautiful to behold, feel wonderful to our bare feet, and keep weeds at a minimum. But keeping our yards lush and green (or getting that way in the first place) can sometimes be a frustrating task. Appropriately watering, fertilizing, and mowing are the basic steps that will lead to success.
What Does Vinegar Do To Untreated Wood?
Woodworking is an ancient craft, and vinegar has been intentionally made for perhaps 7,000 years. But people, who developed both, are pretty much the same through the ages. Today's online influencers seem to share the same questions as the ancients: Where do we come from? Why am I here? Why am I so soft in the middle when the rest of my life is so hard? And what happens when I put vinegar on something? So the question of what vinegar does to untreated wood was bound to come up.
Skip Fancy Cleaners — Revive Dirty Stovetop Grates With This Common Pantry Staple
Those of us who cook with gas stoves know they provide the ultimate in heat control, even heating, and generally make cooking much easier. The benefits of cooking with gas are many, but there are a few downsides. One of them is the build-up of food and grime on the stovetop grates — and making your grimy stove grates sparkle can be an unexpectedly difficult challenge. There are scores of commercially produced cleaners with ingredients that you need to be a scientist to pronounce.
Why you should think twice before putting white clothes in your dryer
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What Does Vinegar Do To Untreated Wood? Original
Experts Rob Johnstone/Static Media Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover Woodworking is an ancient craft, and vinegar has been intentionally made for perhaps 7,000 years. But people, who developed both, are pretty much the same through the ages. Today's online influencers seem to share the same questions as the ancients: Where do we come from? Why am I here? Why am I so soft in the middle when the rest of my life is so hard? And what happens when I put vinegar on something?
Why You Should Think Twice Before Putting White Clothes In Your Dryer
Rob Johnstone Fri, September 11, 2026 at 4:25 PM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google wedmoments.stock/Shutterstock Machine drying white clothes at high temperatures can lead to yellowing and loss of vibrancy. Drying white clothes outside on a line in the sun can help prevent discoloration and keep them looking bright.
Easily Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades With The Help Of A Versatile Walmart Find
Garden Landscaping Lawn Mowers & Tools Tokariev Dmytro/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Lawn mower blades take a lot of abuse, so they need to be sharpened regularly. But sharpening your own lawn mower blades at home, while not out of reach, can be a bit challenging. Making it much easier is the SporGain Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener — although its name is a bit of misnomer.
Easily Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades With The Help Of A Versatile Walmart Find
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Lawn mower blades take a lot of abuse, so they need to be sharpened regularly. But sharpening your own lawn mower blades at home, while not out of reach, can be a bit challenging. Making it much easier is the SporGain Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener — although its name is a bit of misnomer. This tool does not do the actual sharpening of the lawn mower blade, but it does make it easier.
Why I Would Never Have Wooden Countertops In My Kitchen (Even As A Master Woodworker)
"Dad, should I choose maple or beech hardwood for my countertop?" was the question my daughter asked me several years ago. "Neither," was my reply. She then listened dutifully as I explained why wooden countertops, especially in a kitchen, are such a bad idea. But of course, she naturally followed with, "So, which wood should I choose?" Defeated, I answered: "Maple." Experts are rarely respected so close to home.
Smooth Wood Surfaces With An Item You Already Have (Hint: It's Not Sandpaper)
Woodworking is an old craft. As a professional woodworker, I have regularly learned techniques from the past that are not only practical but also very sound. Like in other crafts, the technique you use to achieve a certain result is not as important as achieving your goal. Recently, I was shown a video of a woodworker using brown paper from a typical brown paper bag to smooth the final coat of finish on a tabletop. This is an old-fashioned trick, but "Does this really work?" was the question.
Forget Traditional Asphalt Driveways: This Recycled Material Is Budget-Friendly & Durable Original
Home Improvement Repair Exterior Home Repair Jhorrocks/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Installing a new driveway or replacing an existing one can be a significant upgrade to your home property. But one major aspect of a new driveway is its cost. The ubiquitous asphalt driveway is moderately priced within the world of traditional driveway material options, but it's not cheap.
Make Your Burnt Pots And Pans Sparkle Again With An Unexpected Household Staple
Epsom salt can be used to effectively clean burnt residue from pots and pans without damaging them. The neutral pH and abrasive nature of Epsom salt make it a perfect solution for removing scorched food from cookware. Simply combine Epsom salt with dish soap, scrub the burnt surface, and wash the cookware as usual to restore it to its original state. Kitchens can be the location of some of our most grandiose successes and unfortunate failures.
5 Common Things To Avoid Cleaning With Vinegar At All Costs
Vinegar is a super cleaning solution that is versatile, inexpensive, and safe for kids and pets. But you need to know how to use vinegar as a cleaning agent. The reason it is an effective cleaner is that it contains acetic acid. Mix vinegar with water, and you have an effective, homemade cleaning solution that is non-toxic and yet effective against bacteria. It's safer for the environment than many commercial cleaners, but that is not to say that it is harmless on all surfaces.
Smooth Wood Surfaces With An Item You Already Have (Hint: It's Not Sandpaper)
Experts Mtreasure/Getty Images Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover Woodworking is an old craft. As a professional woodworker, I have regularly learned techniques from the past that are not only practical but also very sound. Like in other crafts, the technique you use to achieve a certain result is not as important as achieving your goal. Recently, I was shown a video of a woodworker using brown paper from a typical brown paper bag to smooth the final coat of finish on a tabletop.
Smooth Wood Surfaces With An Item You Already Have (Hint: It's Not Sandpaper)
Woodworking is an old craft. As a professional woodworker, I have regularly learned techniques from the past that are not only practical but also very sound. Like in other crafts, the technique you use to achieve a certain result is not as important as achieving your goal. Recently, I was shown a video of a woodworker using brown paper from a typical brown paper bag to smooth the final coat of finish on a tabletop. This is an old-fashioned trick, but "Does this really work?" was the question.
Why I Would Never Have Wooden Countertops In My Kitchen (Even As A Master Woodworker)
Home Improvement Remodel Kitchens iPoguz/Shutterstock Add Hunker on Google: Google Discover "Dad, should I choose maple or beech hardwood for my countertop?" was the question my daughter asked me several years ago. "Neither," was my reply. She then listened dutifully as I explained why wooden countertops, especially in a kitchen, are such a bad idea.
Why I Would Never Have Wooden Countertops In My Kitchen (Even As A Master Woodworker)
"Dad, should I choose maple or beech hardwood for my countertop?" was the question my daughter asked me several years ago. "Neither," was my reply. She then listened dutifully as I explained why wooden countertops, especially in a kitchen, are such a bad idea. But of course, she naturally followed with, "So, which wood should I choose?" Defeated, I answered: "Maple." Experts are rarely respected so close to home.
The Best Gravel For A Long-Lasting Patio: What You Need To Know
Beautiful interior spaces enrich our lives, adding comfort and a peaceful environment for our families. But adding life to the outside spaces around our homes is a way to expand that nurturing environment — with beautiful yards and especially patios. Patios can be constructed from concrete in many types and styles. Pavers, bricks, and flagstones are common materials as well. One patio material that may not be top of mind for many of us in this country is gravel.
Read This Before You Remove A Tree Stump From Your Yard
Cutting down a tree can be a lot of work. Adding to the labor-intensive task is the question of what to do with the tree's stump? Really, how many of us know how to remove a tree stump? Do you even want to? It is possible to turn a stump into a planter, removing sufficient material from the core of the stump and replacing it with potting soil. A combination of vining plants and flowers can turn an ugly stump into a beautiful addition to your yard.
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