Hi! I’m Blair Gilbert, a.k.a.
MR. HARDWARE
As a third-generation hardware store owner, licensed builder, and finish carpenter, my mission is to help you “do it right the first time!” On this site, I share expert home and yard DIY advice in over 250 articles and videos. Feel free to dive in!
Latest Articles
- Remove Grit on Sanding Belts, Pads – Eraser Adds Life to Save a Buck (4/27/2026)
Clean Sanding Paper, Disk & Belt with Eraser Tool to Clear Grit Build-up.
For a disc sander: hold it at the lower front quadrant of the disc.
For a belt sander: hold it against the moving belt. For a palm sander: press it around the vibrating surface.
Apply light, steady pressure, don’t bog the motor.
Move the Stick Slowly Across the Surface Let the eraser rubber pull away the debris.
Repeat until most buildup is gone and the grit feels sharp again.
The eraser will pull off small clumps of filings, glue, and sawdust.
More New Articles
- Prevent Garbage Disposal Clogs (4/6/2026) - 3 Simple steps for using your garbage disposal. https://youtu.be/qrKd5Bv2iMs ...read more
- Make a Stronger PVC Cross Brace & Rib Connector – Don’t Cut (3/16/2026) - PVC Stronger Cross Brace & Rib Connection Support - a Tee is Weaker. https://youtu.be/XKZjMO9Qndo In PVC structures, a simple T-connection where a rib meets a cross brace is naturally a weak, wobbly point… ...read more
- Robertson, Canadian Bit on Electric Circuit Breakers for Pro Safety (2/23/2026) - The Robertson bit, or a Canadian, is square bit screws are generally considered to be faster and more secure to use than Philips screws in circuit breaker wiring applications. https://youtu.be/rt5a1Fxar90 This is because… ...read more
- Oil is Best Household Lubricant, the Cheapest (2/2/2026) - Oil is a Better Lubricant & Lasts Longer than Spray Alternatives. https://youtu.be/el-2T6topqQ 1. Composition & Purpose Oils (like machine oil, motor oil, or 3-in-One) are designed specifically to lubricate—they stay wet, coat surfaces,… ...read more
- Easy Wallpaper Seam Fix for Curling Glue Repair (1/12/2026) - Repairing wallpaper seams that have lifted due to adhesive failure takes time. https://youtu.be/C9JfKKuvMFc Repair with this fix: 1. Get the seam wet with hot water to the curled, rolled, separated wallpaper. It soaks… ...read more