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12 Wacky Painting Tools You Never Thought You'd Need: DIY Guy

Amateurs have been picking up paint brushes and reinventing their rooms since before "DIY" gained acronym status. And why not? Painting (specifically interior painting) offers a huge aesthetic payoff while saving you a buck: According to Gene and Katie Hamilton, the home-improvement experts at Do-It-Yourself or Not, it costs on average about $240 to hire a pro to prep and paint a 12 x 14-ft room, compared to $90 if you go it alone. So take the money you saved by skipping the pro and splurge on a few of the dozen tools shown here. They're fun, unusual and by no means essential—but, admit it, new tools are the reason you got into this whole DIY thing in the first place.

Published on: September 26, 2008

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Can Claw

Can Claw

There are times when it's easier to use a brush and paint directly from a paint can, for tasks such as painting window trim or touching up walls, or when the can is only partially filled. However, the trouble with this method is that the wire handle is uncomfortable to hold, and it gets in the way when dipping the brush into the paint.

The Can Claw ($8) solves both problems. This ergonomically designed—and rather funky-looking—product snaps onto the paint can and is held in place by the can's wire handle. The Claw's curved, contoured handle arches above the can's rim, creating a large, comfortable grip that, according to the manufacturer, helps reduce muscle fatigue and wrist strain. And just as importantly, the Claw's handle is well out of the way for easy brush dipping.

CLICK FOR MORE: Top 12 Wacky Painting Tools

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Can Claw
Can Claw
Quick Painter Edge Painter
Quick Painter Edge Painter
Wonder Bucket
Wonder Bucket
Quickey-Stickey Door Hinge Mask
Quickey-Stickey Door Hinge Mask
Elite Window Brush
Elite Window Brush
Twist-N-Reach Pole
Twist-N-Reach Pole
Mini-Koter Long-Handle Roller
Mini-Koter Long-Handle Roller
Allway Tools Extension Brush Holder
Allway Tools Extension Brush Holder
Warner 100X Carbide Paint Scrapers
Warner 100X Carbide Paint Scrapers
Foam Corner Roller
Foam Corner Roller
Glass Mask
Glass Mask
Pipe Painter
Pipe Painter


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