5 DIY Home Products You Didn't Know Existed

Through my years of DIY Home Improvement projects I've come across different products that I feel need to be shared. Here are my top 5 products you didn't know you needed, or maybe didn't even know existed!
Buy Econet's Bulldog here: www.econetshop.com/products/b...
Follow me on Tiktok: / welcome2thewoods
Instagram: / welcometothewoodsblog

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Buy Econet's Bulldog here & protect your home from water damage! www.econetshop.com/products/bulldog-valve-robot.html?

[@DennisMathias]

Seriously the best DIY product ever..is KZbin. I have learned so much.

[@JosephHernandez-lk7bu]

The stud tool is awesome really good idea I'm getting one

[@michaelmeans9187]

"Magical repair putty" is the best description I have ever heard to describe Bondo. Products that I use in a pinch: 1. Fast setting mud. Available in 5, 20, 45, 90 minute. 2. Big Stick impact resistant flexible mud set corner bead. If you trace a weird profile (where drywall meets stone), or the return side is less than 1inch, I use Big Stick corner bead. You can trace a profile on it, and it cuts like butter with tin snips. On short side returns (less than 3/4"), I glue it using PL Premium construction adhesive on the short side, and I mud it with 45 minute mud on the long side. Other wise, I mud them (usually with 90 minute mud). 3. Bondo - the "Magical repair Putty" Broken or missing trim, no problem, make a mold from Bondo with Bondo and scraps of wood held together with super glue. Wax paper (raid your pantry for this item) is your layer of separation. Make your mold first, make your repair second. Always keeping a fresh piece of wax paper in between what you don't want your Bondo to stick to. 4. Super glue. Sometimes you just need a quick adhesion. 5. 3M Blue painters tape 1.88 wide. Put down some blue painters tape first and draw all your lay out lines and holes and center marks on the blue tape. Cut or drill right through the tape. Peel back tape to reveal a surface with minimal tear out while cutting/drilling and no pencil or sharpie marker marks on your walls, ceilings, floors. 6. Primer. Water based primer, shellac based primer, oil based primer. Choose your primer wisely. Shellac based primers stick to everything and everything sticks to shellac. I use this when I am painting over top of oil based paints, stains, varnishes, and polyurethanes. Oil based primers prevent bleed through better than anything else. I used oil based primer in my coal cellar of my 96 year old house. It was the only primer that prevented the coal soot from bleeding through. Water based primers have lower VOC's, and easy clean up. No solvents required. 7. Shark Bite pipe fittings. In these old houses, sometimes pipes leak or worse yet burst on a cold day. Unfortunately the shut off valve is 100+ years old and stuck open and you can't shut the water off to stop the leak or the burst pipe from flooding the house. No problem. Find a clean straight section of pipe between the leak and the water meter, cut the pipe (yes, it will be actively flooding the house at this point), slide on your Sharkbite 1/4 turn ball valve (while in the open position), and once the Shark Bite fitting is seated, you can close the valve stopping the leak. At this point you should probably call a plumber, the water company, and a flood/fire restoration specialist depending on the level of water damage/flooding in your house. If your not sure about what I am describing above, call a plumber. 8. Expanding foam gun. Instead of buying the one time use expanding foam spray cans with the plastic nozzle, right next to it on the shelf is a gun with a long barrel that helps you reach into tight spots better. It use a different canister, but it is all the same product line. I only purchase window and door minimal expanding foam. It works for 95% of what I need it to do. Expanding foam can also be used as adhesive to glue boards together. With some bathtubs, you can set them in expanding foam instead of mortar, or you can foam in around the areas that didn't turn out so well with the mortar. You can fill gaps in drywall/plaster with foam (let it set up overnight), then you can trim it back and mud and tape directly over expanding foam with the All Purpose drywall mud in the five gallon bucket with the green lid. 9. Don't have any All Purpose drywall mud? Ad a healthy squirt of yellow carpenters glue (I like TiteBond II) to your fast setting drywall mud. Mix the glue with the water first until all the glue is dissolved and mixed well with the water, and your fast setting powder second and mix like you normally would. 10. I buy the really old cake batter mixers from the 1970's with the flat metal beaters at flea markets, garage sales, etc. It's the only way I can mix a full pan of 5 minute mud and get it on the wall before it sets up. Warning: the mixer reduces the working time of the mud drastically. 90 minute mud acts like 20 minute mud. 45 minute mud acts more like 5 minute mud. 5 minute mud acts more like 1 minute mud. 11. The Stanley 47-099 chalk line doubles as a plumb bob because the bottom of the case comes to a point. Great on those days when you need to travel light. 12. Blue chalk line chalk can be used to tint drywall mud, primer or paint. A little goes a long way. It is great for the second coat on drywall mud touch ups because it hides the white from the first coat, and as long as you go back to white for your third coat, you only need to tint your mud for the second coat. A little bit of blue chalk line chalk in your Kilz 2 primer helps hide bold colors from previous paint jobs. 13. Purchase a brand new empty chalk line reel (I recommend the Stanley 47-099 as stated above) and fill it with talcum powder or baby powder. You can now snap a chalk line on carpet that vacuums up with no harm done to the carpet. Great for laying out interior walls in an already finished space. I have lots more tips and tricks if you are interested, but those are my most frequently used tips and tricks for interior residential renovation projects. Feel free to reach out to me, maybe I will even make a KZbin video about it.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Damn! Thank you for all the great advice, you SHOULD make a video about it!

[@RatherPeyton]

So glad I happened upon this comment -- so much great information! Thanks for sharing!!

[@tinekejoldersma]

I love your enthusiasm about all. Your sponsor has an awesome tool invention there.

[@lindaroyal8161]

Its always good to get honest reviews from a trusted friend. The stud placement tool, great idea, surprised I dont see more diyers and home renovation channels using it. The moisture meter, great idea/suggestion, all homes should have something for this purpose. TY

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

I found the Stud Buddy to be a more accurate and reliable stud finder than the more expensive versions that light up when they sense the added density of a stud behind the drywall. The Stud Buddy is a simple magnet that you move around over your wall, and when it moves over a drywall screw or nail, it will “grab” at it, telling you there is a stud there. I added a two foot length of brass plumbers chain to mine (brass of course being non-magnetic), which hangs down like a plumb line from the Stud Buddy, essentially transferring the mark of the middle of the stud down to where I might be shooting a trim nail, or screwing a bracket on the wall.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Yes! A magnetic stud finder is so helpful! Smart idea to hang it from a chain so you can probably even detect in plaster and lathe walls pretty accurately

[@vodiak]

3:48 If you want the Bondo to set slower you can add less of the catalyst to it. Some things like epoxy need an exact ratio, but Bondo is basically polyester resin and talc. You can also add additional polyester resin (sold as "Fiberglass resin" under the Bondo name) to thin it out a bit. Store it somewhere cool like your basement. It will slow down how fast it sets up in the can (even without adding any catalyst it will set eventually), and will set set slower if it's cool when you mix it up.

[@calfee62]

Great suggestions and I'll check out the laser measure. A laser level is another fantastic tool. I installed a Bulldog shutoff in my finished basement, but _after_ the water heater burst and destroyed the carpeting and some drywall. Be sure to annually inspect your water heater!

[@Rogerthatidea]

What Melissa has going for her that most men don’t is artistic skill and aptitude. My wife is an artist and she imagines how things can be more aesthetic where I am clueless. Of course, I get to do most of the work, she has no interest in how to do things. Our engineer daughter does, however.

[@Shmancyfancy536]

I’m a dude with good taste that also builds. Pinterest will do wonders in that area

[@mrpbright]

Hey there! One of my favorite youtube channels! Been watching you get better and better for years ( from the beginning i think). Just thought id post a comment as a licensed Plumber to add a couple notes to your vid. First, The plumbing code used by most states (international plumbing code) so far does not mention these devices but will, i believe, one day soon require them. The NEC (electrical code) now requires a whole house surge protector (maybe a good vid idea?) and these water monitor/ shutoff devices serve as a similar inexpensive protection for the home. Some of these devices also monitor flow rate (usage) and can alert to water use issues (internal toilet bypass leak) and head off a large bill. Thanks for being the Gold standard I use for all "new to diy" type videos and the prettiest girl on the internet!

[@riggsron]

I didn't realize it but I have followed you for most of your journey. I think someone else has said that YOU are the DIY find he enjoys the most. I think he is right. Everyone watching your videos is luckier than they know.

[@gunnarlarson8586]

You're wonderful at explaining these kinds of practical advice and instruction.

[@user-xu4ng5ho8x]

After retiring a couple of years ago I started buying a few power tools to do diy projects around the house and for family members. After watching you use your oscillating tool I went out and bought one. Its the most versatile tool ever! Makes me look like a genius! Thanks for all you do!🍻

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Haha love that for you! 🙌🏻

[@user-xu4ng5ho8x]

Almost forgot about the Kreg jig. I'm terrible at toenailing. I had seen those before but I thought it was mainly for fancy cabintry work until I saw you using one. My wife was tired of me crushing my fingers trying to toenail so I purchased the small one to give it a try and man what a finger saver! lol We enjoy watching your videos. Now I dont have to watch HGTV every night! lol You have inspired my wife to help me with diy projects! Thanks again and keep up the great work! 🍻

[@redscortgt93]

I see “Welcome to the Woods” I click like. I love the Bosch laser measure, super useful. If I did a lot of framing the stud spacer would be nice too.

[@Brian0686]

cool video the last product was cool and i didn't even think about sealing in moisture (learn something new everyday)

[@tonybastien3692]

Thank you all the products seem very good.

[@ariamcsrm1902]

Wow it makes me want to tackle house improvements ! Thank you

[@scott31312]

Thank you beautiful ! I have been framing since the 70s . I have never seen this. Thank you.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

An oscillating tool (I have a 12v cordless Milwaukee) is super handy. It's not something I use all the time, but when I need it, boy, it's indispensable.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Totally!

[@jhold7553]

What i found to change my diy life was Melissa ha. Seriously I would say having the right tool instead of trying to do everything the cheap way. Spend the money and save the headache

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Totally! Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference.

[@edaker4684]

Probably some of the best placements for those Bulldog sencers would be around the water heater and the washing machine since they're notorious for causing flood damage when they get old.

[@87Rado]

A friend gave me one of the Bosch laser tape measure's, that he found in the house he purchased. He didn't know what it was or how to use it. It's a great tool for measuring room sizes, and is very accurate.

[@ronm6585]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Otty00]

I live in a log home and have had terrible problems with Carpenter Bees. I finally discovered on KZbin a product that keeps them away. It is a fake hornets nest that you hang on each side of the house. Because the Carpenter Bees are afraid of Hornets they will stay away. Since putting them up I have 0 Carpenter Bees when I used to have dozens buzzing around all of the time. They can be purchased from Amazon, I recommend the waterproof plastic ones.

[@billysmether6237]

Wow cool stuff I did not know about (stud spacer and shut off motor)!!! You can also find Bondo (Auto Body Filler) in the automotive department. Same stuff.

[@jamesglover9668]

Thank you!

[@The_Shadow_Returns]

I'll definitely check that bulldog

[@cejkwo100]

I have the bulldog and would highly recommend it.

[@jamesjhead6774]

I have to get one of those stud masters.

[@rmd9032]

Super!!!

[@jebinite]

That is not steel, from the item description, “the Stud Master is 100% solid cast aluminum.”

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I saw that when I linked it and realized I misspoke. It’s very heavy duty so I made an incorrect assumption it was steel. I apologize!

[@jebinite]

Don't apologize, total nitpicker here. Unfinished iron would rust quickly and it would be very heavy. It's probably good to good on little meaningless things to drum up the participation and feed the algorithm :)

[@BobRighi]

Durham's water putty. Use it like Bondo...it works.

[@anthony01571]

OUTSTANDING ; o ......

[@garyhenderson9303]

The most important product for my DIY projects is KZbin.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Ooo me too hahaha

[@garyhenderson9303]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog It is not just the showing how to do things, but also the sharing of design ideas of what to do or what is possible, also allowing me to judge in advance better if it is something I can do myself, plus always great when you get to see what can go wrong to.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Your homeowner insurance company might reduce your annual premium by $50 or so if you install one of those leak detectors / shutoffs.

[@Fancifulflyfisherman]

For you specifically, the number one accessory tool I would recommend are shoes!😂 I’m not even recommending a particular shoe, any shoe will do. The number of times I’ve cringed watching you work in bare or sock feet just waiting for you to drop something awful on your foot! Enjoy all your content. Thanks for all the tips.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Yeah, I knew shoes existed but I don’t think I have any. 😉

[@adamn6712]

Please calm down

[@Fancifulflyfisherman]

@@adamn6712 it was meant for a laugh mate, sorry you took it wrong.

[@noshsreqd]

Support for team barefoot here, I'm one of those people too, if the weather is warm the shoes are off, 30 years of barefoot living doing all sorts of work and projects, even trips to Home Depot, no regrets. Shoe mongers may cringe and throw rules at us but our strong, healthy feet will prevail!👣👍

[@hissonshinegirl]

@@noshsreqd Mee too barefoot girl. But because of no support I got planters fasciitis in my 60’s Bummer!

[@robertjames-life4768]

Nice video, you’ve really become more comfortable talking to a camera. Well done.

[@chrisc8520]

First comment ever: goodby lag bolts, hello Timberlock. After sheering multiple 1/2 and 3/4” lag bolts building a tree house, I discovered Timberlock fasteners. They will not sheer. Ever.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I will have to check Timberlock fasteners out!

[@samme5513]

👍

[@kelsey809]

😊👍

[@farmcat3198]

DIY Thirst Trap.

[@christophergordon5567]

You can build one out wood

[@AD-hr4is]

Pretty, inteligent and white straight teeth. All of those products i knew about for years. Show me something i dont know that's why i looked at this video. Im an inquisitive person that likes knowledge. Thank you.

[@BenYouCrazy]

why this audio works only on the left side of my headphone ?

[@deborahthatsme]

audio didn't work for me! :9

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Oh no! I’m sorry - I think my mic cord had a defect so it only recorded the L channel. If you really want to watch this video just use a different device it should work.

[@rdublu8374]

its a GUN show! nice!

[@RatherPeyton]

Why is the audio L channel only?

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

I have no idea! Does the audio sound weird on this video? I processed it the same as all my others…

[@vodiak]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog It doesn't sound "weird" but it's only in the left channel. Try checking it with headphones and it will be obvious.

[@RatherPeyton]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog It's still totally watchable!! I only mentioned it because I thought it might be a problem with my AVR setup on my desktop computer, but after troubleshooting and finding it was only on this vid I thought it worth mentioning. I'm getting a little static from the R channel, but no audio from it, only from the L channel. Is there a chance you might have rendered in mono/1-channel and YT just pushes that single channel stream to the L channel? Like I said though, still totally watchable and I'm assuming most people watching may not notice it anyways depending on what audio setup/device they're watching from. Really enjoy your content -- thanks for putting out quality videos! :)

[@markbernier8434]

a deck wrench.

[@larslan1975]

Cool video,but only came in mono,I listen on my earphones

[@reinhard8053]

The laser tape measure is nothing new but a standard tool. Here you get it regularily even from Aldi or Lidl.

[@user-ma7ri7na7p]

👍🏻🔥😍🤍💙❤️

[@leloup1956]

:)

[@mimosveta]

no products to recommend come to mind, but I'd definitely be staying away from usa made and other cancer causing items, you already named two in this video...

[@durangodave]

This may sound strange but i mean well. Thank you for being a lady. In so many ways in todays world girls in todays challenging arena forget they are also ladies. You are talented and wise but you are also classy and dress nicely and even shave your arm pits. I know that sounds strange but alot of DIY girls dont shave. I like that you do DIY but also show that you are also a lady, i respect that 😁

[@viannguy]

wtf dude

[@durangodave]

@@viannguy i feel i was pretty clear. She is classy and different.