Timothy Dahl
DIY Editor
Timothy is a lifelong DIY enthusiast who is fixated on smart home tech, beautiful tools, and wrenching on his FJ62 Land Cruiser. He’s the DIY editor at Popular Mechanics and also the founder of the home improvement site, Charles & Hudson, the Webby-nominated family site, Built by Kids, and Tool Crave. When not working, you’ll find him on his board or bike enjoying the LA weather with his family and friends. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
The Best Car Tools You Need to Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance
These cost-saving essentials will come in handy for years to come.
How to Remove Wallpaper
It's an arduous job, but anyone can do it.
DIY Air Conditioners to Keep You Cool
Build yourself one of these homemade ACs to fend off that summer heat.
How to Clean Your BBQ Grill
A well-kept grill is safer, looks great, and simply just works better.
The Best Outdoor Gas Grills to Fire Up at Your Next Cookout
Cook your way through summer with one of these grills, from portable single-burners to a 900-square inch behemoth.
How To Build an Easy DIY Fog Machine For Halloween
Scare the trick-or-treaters with one of these home-built fog machines.
How to Pack a Cooler the Right Way
Keep those cold ones colder longer.
How to Build Your Own Garage Shelves
These DIY shelves are the perfect solution for some extra storage.
How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower in 9 Easy Steps
If you want your mower to start up in the spring, follow this guide before you stow it away.
10 Tips for Hanging Halloween Decorations
Set up your house with the scariest (and safest) Halloween decor with these guidelines.
How to Paint Metal
Sometimes a rattle-can paint job is the best option.
How to Take Apart a Pallet in Less Than 5 Minutes
Repurposing pallet wood is a great way to offset the rising cost of lumber.
How to Install a Window Air Conditioner
Here's how to choose and install a window AC unit like a pro.
How to Repair Your Lawn Mower
Take good care of your trusty machine, and it will take good care of you.
The Best Two-Way Radios, From Ham and CB to Increasingly Popular GMRS
Stay safe and connected when cell service cuts out.
The 10 Best Leaf Vacuums for Yard Cleanup
After you pile up lawn debris, turn it into garden mulch with one of these.
How to Build a French Cleat Shelf
French cleats are magical in their strength and simplicity. Here's how to make these amazing joints.
9 Tech Gifts That'll Step Up Dad's Home Office
Make sure his WFH setup is up-to-speed.
7 Essential Tools You Need To Get Your Truck Unstuck
Stuck in sand, snow, or mud? These tools will help.
The 5 Best Home Security Cameras
These DIY home security cameras can be installed in minutes and provide all-day monitoring.
How to Jumpstart a Car
It's never too late to learn.
How to Know Your HVAC System Is Running at Top Performance
Be on the lookout for strange smells and utility bill spikes, among other things.
Why Baseboard Heaters Are So Common in Old Homes
Forced air isn't the only way to heat a home.
The 5 Best Pellet Grills and Smokers
These easy-to-use pellet grills will turn you into a BBQ pitmaster overnight.
The 5 Best Leaf Vacuums for Any Yard
Use one of these top leaf vacuums to collect leaves without creating a mess.
5 Best Gas Grills for Summer BBQs
Get ready for grilling season with these new propane grills.
The 5 Best Space Heaters for Cold Months
These portable heaters do more than just warm up a drafty room—they look good doing it, too.
How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Prevent your pipes from bursting.
The Best Accessories to Help Improve Your Mac's Performance
Don't worry about buying a new computer.
The 5 Best Insect Repellents to Ward Off Nasty Bugs
Put a stop to bug bites.
Why Won't My Dishwasher Drain?
Usually, you can blame the new garbage disposal.
How to Plant an Indoor Herb Garden
Herbs like basil and sage add a blast of flavor to any meal. If you want to get started growing your own, here's what you need to know.