Skil Zone Podcasts

Use Your Skil

Skil Zone Podcasts

Does your DIY project have you stumped?
Is there an easier way to get the results you desire?
Need advice figuring out the right tool for the job?

Our DIY expert and Skil Zone Podcast host, Shane Fuller, is here to help! Each week Shane will select a question or two submitted by his listeners to be answered in this podcast. Listeners whose questions are selected will receive a 7.2V Lithium Ion Power Wrench absolutely free!

So send in your your most pressing how-to questions and tune into each episode. Shane is sure to include plenty of his own great tips and advice and deliver it in his captivating, yet easy to understand style.

We guarantee you’ll learn something interesting in every episode!

NOTE: If your question is of a more customer service nature ("Where can I buy a tool, accessory, or part?" or "I have tool that isn't working."), please contact Skil Customer Service directly at 1-877-SKIL-999 (1-877-754-5999) or email Customer Service for the fastest possible response.

SkilZone_22.mp3
   - Which type of miter saw do I need to cut crown molding? I've had 2
     recommendations from 2 different people. I'm confused!
   - I am framing the walls for a shed and want them to be 8'. I found boards
     in two different sizes at Lowe's. One is 8' but the 2x4 studs are shorter than
     8'. Which should I use?
   - My garbage disposal is jammed. Do I have to replace it or can it be
     repaired?

SkilZone_21.mp3
   - I am cutting plywood and can't remember if I should cut it with the good side
     up or down.
   - Should I be concerned about bacteria in my butcherblock countertop?
   - Where should the featherboard on my tablesaw be positioned in relation to
     the blade?

SkilZone_20.mp3
   - The shut off valves in my bathroom sink are frozen open. I'm afraid if I try to
     shut it off something will break. What should I do?
   - The water pipes to my washer bang when the the washer finishes filling up.
     How can I stop the banging?
   - What is the best drill bit to use for stainless steel?

SkilZone_19.mp3
   - What can I use to drill a hole through a switchplate cover? Everything I've
     used is breaking the brittle switchplate material.
   - Should I use a power washer on my deck? I've read conflicting opinions.
   - I am making a kitchen island with a butcher block top but I do not plan on
     using it for cutting. What is the best finish to use to protect the wood?

SkilZone_18.mp3
   - Is there an easy way to get old glazing out of windows? Is there something
     better to replace glazing than window putty?
   - What are the right speed settings to use on my reciprocating saw?
   - There are so many types and grits of sandpaper. How do I know what to use?

SkilZone_17.mp3
   - What is the best sealer to use on fresh lumber?
   - Do you have any suggestions on how I can finish off the rough edges of the
     oak plywood bookcase?
   - I need to texture an entire room of drywall. What should I buy?

SkilZone_16.mp3
  - How do I prevent wood from warping?
   - What do I need to route a circular hole?
   - Can I use MDF to build cabinets? I'm concerned about screws and nails
     holding or glue warping the edges.

SkilZone_15.mp3
   - Can I cut formica with the blade on my Skil tablesaw?
   - Is Western Cypress a good substitute for Northern White Cedar for canoe
     building and repair?
   - How can I match the stain on my new pine furniture with my existing
     pine furniture?

SkilZone_14.mp3
- As a female with limited upper body strength, are there power tools made
   specifically for women? which power tools do you recommend I start with?
- My daughter's sliding door was installed upside down. Is it possible to
   remove the door and reinstall it and use the same parts?
- What is the best way to make rip cuts on 4x8 sheet goods in a small shop? I
   don't have enough room for a tablesaw.

SkilZone_13.mp3
- How do I select the right clutch setting on my Skil Drill/Driver?
- How do I get rid of the annoying squeak in my stairs?
- I received a Skil plunge router as a gift. What bits are the most useful
and most often used?

SkilZone_12.mp3
   - Are belt sanders difficult or dangerous to use as compared to palm sanders?
   - Should the grain curve up or down on deck boards, or does it matter?
   - Do I need to remove all the adhesive when replacing a vinyl floor?

SkilZone_11.mp3
- What's the best way to fasten ring shank nails or staples?
- How do I remove wallpaper from a plaster wall without damaging the wall
- How do I design a more functional computer work center?

SkilZone10.mp3
- I just had back surgery and need to use an exercise bike. Can I use the
   Power Wrench to assemble the bike?
- How many teeth should a sliding miter saw blade have versus a non-sliding
   saw?
- What is the best method for constructing cabinets?

SkilZone_9.mp3
- What's the best way to cut 2" off of a hollow core door?
- When is a pilot hole needed and what size hole do I make?
Download pilot hole size chart.
- What is the best way to set up a compound miter saw to cut crown molding?

SkilZone_8.mp3
- Name that Skilsaw: View photos of a viewer's vintage Model 67 Skilsaw.
- What jigsaw blade should I use for cutting laminate?
- What do I do with old dead tool batteries?

SkilZone_7.mp3
- Can a DIYer replace a sliding patio door with a french door?
- How can I repair my Skil router?
- What type of oil should I use in my Skilsaw wormdrive?

SkilZone_6.mp3
- What's the best way to cut a circle?
- How do I fix a door that won't stay shut?
- When do I use a 1/4" or 1/2" shaft router bit?

SkilZone_5.mp3
- Does lumber keep the same moisture content?
- What is the best way to mount shelves in a tall cabinet?
- How do I know when to use a spade, an auger or other bit?

SkilZone_4.mp3
- Am I using the right sized drill?
- Which is better, NiCd or Lithium Ion?

SkilZone_3.mp3
- Bits & Blades: When to upgrade, change and care for bits and blades.

SkilZone_2.mp3
- Circular Saws, Skilsaw Then and Now: how to choose the right saw & make
clean, accurate cuts.

SkilZone_1.mp3
- Miter Saws: How to Choose and Use
Download accompanying illustrations .pdf for viewing during podcast.