DIY Life

Steel wool is great for many DIY projects. It comes in different grades for different applications (#00, #1, #2), and in many cases it's much better than sandpaper. But as great as it is, in some cases there's a much better product -- bronze wool!

Why is it better? For one thing, it doesn't rust like steel will; this is an important consideration on any project that involves moisture. For the same reason, you can store it longer in a humid environment. Consider these applications:

• Gun maintenance: It'll take off minor rust, but not the bluing.
• Any boat maintenance: it doesn't rust, so it won't discolor wood -- like that expensive teak.
• More suggestions after the break....

As a matter of convenience, I don't always carry a purse. In the event I have to run an errand or go somewhere where all I need is some cash, my driver's license, and maybe my check card, I'll forgo the bulky bag and just put essential items in my pockets, clasped together with a money clip.

I didn't know that I could make the magnetic strip on my check card unreadable if I also put my cell phone in the same pocket. Rather than put everything in different pockets, I always keep them together, but now I want to keep them separated with a magnetic money clip made by Scott Amron.

For a mere $12, you can purchase a pre-made magnetic money clip, or for $9, Scott will send the materials for you to assemble your own money clip. The kit contains two circular steel plates, sealer, and a thin neodymium disc magnet.

While I think that the kit is a great way for those who have no time or patience to make their own magnetic money clip, I am sure that DIY'ers will want to gather the materials to make the easily crafted clip themselves, me included. The clip would also make a great gift!

[via: Boing Boing]

Got no tools? Need somewhere to hang your photos, notes, calendar, etc.? Not allowed or unwilling to put holes in your wall with push pins? Don't fret because I've got a fast, slick way to make your own magnetic, wall-mounted bulletin board using no tools!

Ingredients:

- Thin sheet steel purchased from the local home center's duct work aisle (for larger pieces) or roofing aisle (Ask for tin shingles- they are not actually tin nor are they shingles, but then a monkey wrench has nothing to do with fixing simians either).

- Spray adhesive- Choose wisely here. 3M makes 3 commonly stocked strengths 45, 77, and 90. 45 is the lightest strength and the best chance of being able to be pulled off the wall with little to no damage. Use 90 and removal will require a wrecking ball.

-Spray paint- Get a primer for metal and a top coat. I recommend using product labeled as "appliance" enamel. This stuff can take a beating without showing it, but the colors are limited. Choose which ever color you need/ want, but make sure it is a semi gloss or hi gloss as the finish on these is more durable than matte finishes.

- Molding- This is an optional extra, but can really put a polish to the project.

During our kitchen renovation last year, I drooled over glossy magazine pics of sleek stainless steel backsplashes. Yes, stainless looks fabulous, but a real-deal stainless backsplash was out of the question for budgetary reasons. Here's how I got the look without the expense: I found a magnetic noticeboard at Ikea that does the job admirably. Total cost: about $5. The one I got is made of thin, rolled steel painted a glossy grey that blends in nicely with our stainless steel kitchen appliances.

The particular one I used is no longer available, but Ikea does have one called IMPERATIV that's a very reasonable $18 for a 30 x 24-inch-sheet or $20 for a 37 x 15-inch-sheet. The Container Store has one that's 15 x 21-inches for $34.99. Can you say: Very Thrifty?! Okay, okay, so it's not as good as a real stainless backsplash cut for a custom fit. But it's affordable, easy to clean and durable. Best of all, you can install it all on your own, assuming you're confident drilling holes. Voila! No installation fees required.

Polaroid film. Old, antiquated and still so doggone cool. No matter how many mega-pixels your fancy new digital camera has there is still something so intriguing about that snap-cachink-whaaa sound and the "instant" photos a Polaroid camera produces. But what do you do with the film cartridge after you take all the photos? How can you recycle it and make something super cool?

Amy over at Craft Chi has saved the Polaroid day with a very cool solution. Make yourself a magnetic pen holder for your fridge or any other magnet friendly surface. Amy shows you how to disassemble your cartridge and re-purpose it into a very cool looking way to store your pens in the easy step by step tutorial. Check it out and then snap-cachink-whaaa your way to empty cartridge bliss.