How to Nail and Hold Boards Together at the Same Time

Use superglue to hold the pieces together.

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An extra hand sure would help when you're working alone in an awkward position -- up a ladder, say, or down on your hands and knees. But here's a fast, practical solution that some experts use: Keep a tube of woodworker's superglue, sold in woodworking shops and hardware stores, handy in your pocket or tool belt. When you need to nail or screw two pieces of wood together and can't hold both pieces at the same time, dab a little of the superglue between them, hold them in place until the glue dries (a matter of seconds), and then drive your nail in. Make sure you use fast-setting superglue, whose main ingredient is cyanoarylate. This trick can also work for plastic, metal, and other materials. It's the best solution -- hands down.

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One month into Marine Corps training in San Diego, Calif., we were preparing for a ten-mile march in 100-degree weather when a jeep drove up with a large radio in the back. "Who knows anything about radios?" our drill instructor asked. Several hands went up, and anticipating a ride in the jeep, recruits began listing their credentials. Everything from a degree in communications to a part-time job in a repair shop was declared. The DI listened to all the contenders, then pointed to the most qualified. "You," he barked. "Carry the radio."

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