(None of these TV shows feature power tools being used for violence)

10. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: You will probably not learn how to renovate your own home in 7 days, but you may catch the spirit of giving and selflessness in this ironic spin off of a show that emphasized vanity through extreme surgical procedures that often took participants away from their families for months in preparation for “the reveal.”

9. Home Improvement (Every Episode): A fictional TV family, with a DIY Dad, comically demonstrates what NOT to do in your workshop.

8. Dream House: From finding the land to installing the kitchen sink, this show takes you through each step of building your home.

7. Don’t Sweat It: A show that tackles the projects you never seem to finish.

6. Hammer Heads: Three builders come to your home to complete substantial projects in a weekend. Episodes include creating backyard retreats, installing a pool cabana, and creating private spaces for kids sharing one room.

5. The New Yankee Workshop: Norm Abram teaches you master woodworking skills.

4. This Old House: Classic show that introduces old school homes to modern conveniences.

3. Take Home Handyman: A great show that really takes you through the steps of using your power tools, instead of simply showing you the finished product.

2. Toolbelt Diva: Host Norma Vally guides DIY beginners through projects using tools that you are likely to already own.

1. Cool Tools: A cutting edge look at power tools to come and awesome innovations on those we know and trust.

Top 10 Generator Safety Tips:

10. Your generator is for outdoor use only.

9. Use a battery powered carbon monoxide detector when running your generator.

8. Keep your operating and instruction manual in a place that is safe and easy to find. You may want to consider keeping your manual with your generator. if you do not have the generator manual, you may be able to find one for your model on our site or you may check with the manufacturer.

7. Always use fresh gasoline (less than 30 days old). If you have gas in your generator and will not be using it for 30 days or more, add a fuel stabilizer to your gas.

6. Not just any extension cord will do: Make sure you have an extension cord that is grounded and rated for the capacity you need.

5. Avoid coiling your extension cords. A coiled cord will get hot and likely cause burns.

4. Keep a record of your generator’s maintenance.

3. Be aware of your generator’s surroundings. Combustible materials MUST be kept away from your generator. DO NOT store cloths, shop towels, or anything that can burn near your generator. Combustible materials + your running generator = FIRE!

2. Your generator MUST NOT be plugged directly into your home outlet. Follow the instructions in your manual or consult a qualified electrician.

1. Replace worn out or broken generator parts immediately. eReplacementParts.com carries generator replacement parts for the following models:

• Black and Decker
• DeVilbiss
• DeWALT
• Hitachi
• Makita
• Milwaukee
• Porter Cable

9. Cordless Screwdriver

8. Palm Sander

7. Nail Gun

6. Portable Air Compressor

5. Self-Propelling Lawnmower (one that will bag or mulch your grass clippings)

4. Grass Trimmer (for those areas your lawnmower may not reach; great for weeds too)

3. Wet/Dry Vacuum

2. Laser Level

1. Multi-Tool (Dremel and Fein are easy to find)

Give Your Power Tools a Check-Up!

10. Inspect each power tool’s power cord for cracks. If you find that you need to replace a power cord, our article will walk you through the process: Replacing Bad, Cut, or Damaged Power Cords on Your Power Tools

Replacement power cords are available at eReplacementParts.com

9. Check each power tool for missing screws. Screws hold your power tools together. Replacing a missing screw is easy once you have the right part. Missing screws can be ordered by going to eReplacementParts.com, and entering the Model Number of your tool.

8. If you have a generator, give it a test run. Hurricane season is upon us, so now is the perfect time to make sure your generator performs to your satisfaction.

7. Recycle your old batteries. Check out our Cordless Power Tool Battery Disposal and Recycling article for information.

6. If your power tool is working less frequently than it used to, you may need to replace the switch. eReplacementParts.com carries replacement switches at great prices!

5. For each power tool that you own, find the Model Number, Type, and Serial Number that is specific to that tool. Either write them down in a notebook for quick and easy reference, or type them into a computer program. This project will save you time when you need to find a replacement part or an accessory for any of your power tools.

4. If you have not already done so, sharpen your lawn mower blade.

3. Buy new line for your weed whacking tools.

2. If your tools use oil, now is a good time to check the oil and change it if you need to.

1. Make sure that your saw blades are in good repair and ready for summer!

Friday’s Top 10 Home and Garden Project Ideas

10. Install energy saving light bulbs in your home and work space.

9. Pressure wash your deck or patio.

8. Replace old outlet covers with new ones to match your paint.

7. Install a rain water collection system for your lawn and garden.

6. Put a new finish on your kitchen cabinets.

5. Pull weeds from your garden and walkway paths.

4. Install new cabinet hardware in your bathroom.

3. Aerate your lawn.

2. Install a dust management system in your home work shop.

1. Research plants that are native to your area to plant in your yard.

10. Replace your furnace filters.

9. Give your air conditioner or swamp cooler a check-up before the summer heat hits.

8. Spruce up your home with replacement water faucets.

7. Replace or repair window screens that may have been damaged by harsh winter weather.

6. Build a new planter box for your garden.

5. Trim your trees.

4. Build a wall cabinet for the cool television you received last Christmas.

3. Install an ecologically friendly “natural swimming pool.”

2. Give your power tools a check-up.

1. Following your power tool check-up, be sure to replace any parts that are damaged or impeding the function of your power tools! You will need them for all of the projects you want to do! Of course you may find your parts and accessories at eReplacementParts.com!

Friday’s Top 10

We hope you enjoy this new feature of our blog! Every Friday, eReplacementParts.com will post a Top 10 list to help get you started on your weekend and to give you ideas for the future!  From seasonal projects to reasons to use a drill, we hope you will find something that inspires you to break out those power tools and have fun! Please let us know what you think and feel free to share your ideas and comments.