I use my Husky Tools ratchet straps for a DIY furniture repair

Husky Tools ratchet straps were the perfect item for fixing a nagging household problem: Wiggly furniture. Check out the DeWalt stuff too!

Note: We partnered with The Home Depot to produce this blog. The information, how-to and tool advice are 100% MyFixitUpLife. Please see links to the tools used in this project to research or buy below. Now let’s hit it.

The doweled and screwed bases for the velvety love seats we sit on daily had gotten all wiggly and jiggly. Having assembled these bases myself, I knew the corners would be hard to snug back up. I could never really get them perfect in the first place. So…

…Instead of using a maze of bar clamps, it occurred to me that a uniform squeeze would work better, but how? Of course: Husky Tools ratchet straps.

The straps are rated for 500-pounds. We probably needed 490-pounds less than that maximum capacity here. The rubber overmolds on the handles are beefy compared to other ratchet straps I’ve used and the release handle is easy to reach and engage. Nice.

By the way, ratchet straps are typically used to tie down loads in or on a truck. I do it a different way using a sailor’s knots and Everbilt 3/8-inch polypropylene rope. Watch video: How to tie a bowline knot.

I reached into the tool bin for a tool I rarely use any more—a cordless drill/driver with a clutch no less—but I’m glad the DeWalt DCD771 was on-hand. The DCD771 comes in a kit with two 20-volt max slim pack batteries, a charger and the DCF885 cordless impact driver.

I love drill that come with impact drivers!

Also on-hand was DeWalt’s best-ever T-Handle Set. I have used Big Yellow’s T-Handle Set for all kinds of projects and I can tell you now, it is superb. It’s in large part due to how long the driver tips are. They’re perfect for doing all kinds of things like removing or installing sinks, door knobs, woodworking assemblies, putting together furniture and a million other things (read the full tool review here).

However, there were 16-screws in this and I wanted to make sure to apply the same force to each one. So I got the bit from the T-Handle kit and chucked it in the drill—try that with an L-shaped Allen key.

These furniture fasteners are not always the best and I really wanted to be sure I didn’t strip one out. The drill/driver delivered. Some jobs require speed and power. Others, finesse.

I love doing projects like this. They’re annoying and easy to put off—especially when you’re not sure how you’re going to do it. But when a solution comes to bear and progress is made, it makes me happy.

Tool up! Links below:

DeWalt Drill/Driver – Impact Driver Kit

Husky Tools 1-inch Ratchet Straps 4-Pack

DeWalt 31-piece T-Handle Set

Mark

A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

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