Amy Duncan, Lisa Hilderbrand and Beth Evans-Ramos founders of the Salvage Studio, promote their philosophy of repurposing in a new book, “The Salvage Studio.”
Here’s an excerpt gleaning 10 useful tools from the 199 pages of project ideas in this lusciously illustrated book.
Lineman’s pliers: These have a larger “nose” than needle-nose pliers, providing more area to grab, hold and grip. They are great for pulling stubborn nails out of wood or closing up an S hook.
Sewing seam gauge: This small sewing tool is perfect for measuring in small increments. With the adjustable slide, you can accurately measure distances without a second thought — was that 1 3/8 or 1 7/8?
Small ball-peen hammer: The smaller shape and lighter heft are ideal when working in tight spots, such as when flattering brass brads on paper projects. The small, rounded head also provides an easy way to give that “hammered” look to metal projects.
Multipurpose rotary tools: Tools such as the Dremel are wonderful creatures. They pack the wallop of the bigger tools (electric drill, power sander) but are so much easier to use, and their small size makes them ideal for small hands. The metal cutting disc is especially handy. This attachment makes short work of trimming screws that are too long, removing rusty links, or disassembling any metal piece for reconstruction into a new project.
Rubber mallet: Useful for encouraging objects to go in the direction you want without leaving dent marks.
Phone books: Most can be divided into several sections to make very functional work surfaces for drilling and pounding.
Round-nose pliers: Good for bending wire and beautiful loops and swoops without marring the wire or leaving irregular, harsh edges.
Metal hand punch: Our favorite one resembles a heavy-duty paper punch and comes with seven punch sizes from Harbor Freight Tools, a national chain. Costing less than $20, this tool is easy to use and punches through heavy pieces of metal, leaving a clean hole. We fondly refer to ours as “Big Earl.”
Good scissors: This is the pair you hide from your friends and family members. You don’t want anyone cutting duct tape with these! Buying good scissors is like buying knives for the kitchen — any knife will cut most things, but your favorite cuts everything. Have a separate pair for fabric or ribbon that is not used for paper. Cutting paper dulls the blade, and dull scissors will fray fabric and ribbon ends when you cut them.
Cordless drill: Spend a little extra to get one with decent power and an extra battery pack. Don’t wait until you’re in your 50s (like Beth) to discover power tools!
“The Salvage Studio”
Inside “The Salvage Studio”
The book, which lists at $21.95, is available at online book retailers and at the Salvage Studio in at 650 Edmonds Way, Edmonds
425-330-5425 Find a list of workshops at www.thesalvagestudio.com.
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