Whether you're a DIY novice or have been getting your hands dirty for decades, there's no doubt that any DIY or home improvement project requires tools, like the old hammer, screwdriver, and wrench. So, it's essential to fill up your toolbox and tool belt with all the tools you could possibly need to bring your projects to life. But do you really need to buy every type of tool out there is there, and spend big bucks at the home improvement store? Read on to learn some ingenious tool hacks that would make you get so much more out of the tools you already own, in ways you never thought possible.

Use a Drill to Dig the Hard Ground

The winter months are a great time to do DIY projects inside the house, but sometimes you have no choice but to work outside, too. It can be extremely challenging to work in the winter months due to the weather conditions and the frozen nature of the ground. But if you're looking for a tool to help you dig into the hard ground when a shovel just won't cut it, why not use your drill instead?

This tool is designed to be able to drill through hard materials such as wood or brick, which means that it's perfect for drilling into hard or frozen ground during these months.

Use a Rake to Mix Concrete

Concrete is one of the most useful materials in the construction world, but there's no doubt that it's pretty difficult to rake. You need to make sure the consistency and water content is spot on, which is why most professionals use a shovel or a hoe to mix it properly. But if you don't have these extra tools at your disposal, you could head into your garden shed and whip out your rake instead!

Mixing concrete with a rake is super easy and one of the best ways to ensure that the concrete powder and the water are all mixed together. Before too long, you'll have the paste you're looking for.

Use a Paint Stick to Make a Woodworking File

Although it doesn't look like other tools in a toolbox, sandpaper is one of the best things that any DIY lover could have in their arsenal. This stuff is great for buffing wood and finishing off projects, but have you ever been in a situation where you need to sand a hard-to-reach area? Well, one of the best ways to get into those nooks and crannies is to make your own DIY woodworking file.

To make this, stick some sandpaper around a paint stir stick. Then you need to hold onto the handle, slide it into these hard-to-reach areas, and sand it as you would any other area.

Use Tie-Down Straps for Clamping

Whether you're a DIY master or whether you're just looking to make a few home improvements, it's always a good idea to know how to clamp boxes. After all, these things can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing and can make a great addition to any home. But what happens if you don't have a clamping tool to keep the edges together when you're coupling the edges? Well, don't worry about that.

Instead of shelling out on an expensive clamping tool, you could utilize a ratchet tie-down strap instead. This should keep all of the pieces together until you're ready to secure them properly.

Use a Flat Pry Bar to Lift Doors

If you've ever tried to lift an internal door, you'll know they're much heavier than they look. Because of this, it's always a good idea to use tools to your advantage! And one of the best tools to use for this job is a flat pry bar. This tool is designed to remove nails and floorboards, but it can work wonders when you want to remove a door, as it fits perfectly underneath.

The design of the pry bar also means that you can put your foot on the end for extra force, and you can even put something underneath the bar if you need some extra help to remove it.

Use a Wrench for Stubborn Bolts

They say that a bad workman blames his tools, but that common phrase doesn't take into account the price of these tools! Sometimes you have to make do with what you have rather than shell out for brand-new and expensive tools, and a wrench is definitely one of the most versatile tools you could have in your toolbox. Especially if you're a newbie to the DIY world and find that you have to remove bolts quite often.

Although a spanner would be the perfect tool for this job, a pipe wrench can work just as well if you don't have one. With its impressive grip, you'll even be able to remove the most stubborn of bolts with ease.

Use a Sneaker to Clean Your Sandpaper

It's easy to assume that your sneakers should stay on your feet and stay in their comfortable lane. But it turns out that these shoes can come in handy if you're looking for a way to clean your sandpaper after a long day of DIY. After all, there's nothing more annoying than going to start your project to realize that your sandpaper is dirty and worn. But a sneaker can help with that.

Instead of throwing away old sandpaper, give it a new lease of life by holding the rubber sole of a sneaker up against the sandpaper with the machine on. It'll be good as new in seconds.