HOME HARDWARE INTRODUCTION

This book is designed to give the average person a comprehensive, detailed look at what is commonly available in hardware stores. At the same time it serves as a buying guide information that will help determine what piece of hardware is best for a particular job. In other words, you are not only told what is there, but also what is best. In addition, there is abundant advice on how to use the items.

The book is not intended as a complete guide to how to use hardware yourself. Rather, the information is more along the lines, though not exclusively, of insiders tips -- very handy hints rather than all the steps necessary to do the job. For example, an aluminum sheet can be cut with snips, but snips tend to bend it. A better technique is to score it and fold it back and forth at the score line-it will sever cleanly.

In many cases, detailed how-to instructions are on the package. There are also numerous how-to books available at the library, and dealers can help. We like to think, though, that much of what you will read in this book is not available on packages, or even in other books.

Four categories of hardware are covered: General, Electrical, Plumbing and Miscellaneous. This last category is a potpourri of things that may not be, in the strictest sense, hardware, but that cry out for inclusion.

Most of what is included here are standard, everyday things -- nails, screws, bolts, and so forth-but there are a few truly amazing items, such as gimp tacks and lead wool.