Everyday skills
How to tie a four-in-hand knot
Tie a four-in-hand necktie knot with six illustrated steps. Learn which loop to use, how to adjust the length, and why the knot is slightly asymmetric.
About 5 minutes
A little know-how goes a long way
Big questions.
Small, doable
steps.
From patching a wall to a better bowl of rice. Find your next “oh, that’s how” moment.
Small kitchen wins
Rice, without the guesswork.
A question is a good place to start
7970 answers. Room for your next question.
Search 53 topics, from a phone that will not cooperate to a skill you have always wanted to learn.
A good place to start
Your next little victory.
Home & cleaning
How to patch small holes in drywall
Fill nail holes and shallow dents with spackle, smooth the repair, and prepare it for paint without making the patch stand out.
20–30 minutes of work, plus drying
Home & cleaning
How to change a light bulb in a table lamp
Replace an ordinary screw-in light bulb safely, match its base and wattage, and know when a damaged socket needs repair.
5–10 minutes, plus cooling
Home & cleaning
How to use a multimeter: test an AA battery
Learn COM and V sockets, select DC volts, and take a simple AA battery reading without using the current input or household wiring.
About 10 minutes
Understand the tradeoffs
Which one fits your plans?
Compare your options before you buy, with clear illustrations and practical checks.
Side-by-side comparison
Paintbrush vs roller: which tool fits the job?
Compare brushes, full-size rollers and mini rollers by surface, access and finish. Build a painting kit that fits the job without buying every tool.
See the tradeoffs
Side-by-side comparison
8×32 vs 8×42 binoculars: which should you choose?
Compare compact and full-size birdwatching binoculars by size, low-light viewing, field of view and comfort before you buy.
See the tradeoffs
Side-by-side comparison
Seed-starting mix vs potting mix: what should you buy?
Compare seed-starting mix and container potting mix by texture, fertilizer content and intended use. Read the label before buying another bag.
See the tradeoffs
Side-by-side comparison
Fabric scissors vs rotary cutter: which belongs in your sewing kit?
Compare fabric scissors and rotary cutters by cutting task, workspace and control. Understand the mat, ruler and safety features before buying a kit.
See the tradeoffs
Know what you need. Follow the steps. Take it from there.
Our approachFollow your curiosity
Something useful in every corner.
01Tech & devices
Make your devices a little less mysterious.
How to take a screenshot on a MacHow to take a screenshot on Windows 11How to clear Safari’s cache on an iPhoneHow do I combine PDFs on a Mac?All 18 tech guides02Home & cleaning
Small jobs that make your space work better.
How to clean everyday household surfacesHow to organize a drawer so it stays usefulHow do I clean a microwave safely?How to read laundry symbols on clothing labelsAll 54 home guides03Food & cooking
Get comfortable with the everyday kitchen basics.
How to cook basmati rice in a saucepanHow to store and reheat leftovers safelyHow to boil eggs: a simple hard-boiled methodHow to measure flour accurately, with or without a scaleAll 60 cooking guides04Everyday skills
Useful little skills to keep in your back pocket.
How to tie a four-in-hand knotHow to pack a carry-on bag for a short tripHow to address an envelope for US mailHow to wrap a gift box with neat cornersAll 19 everyday guides05Plants & gardening
Grow a little confidence, one leaf at a time.
How to repot a houseplant without choosing a pot that is too bigHow often should I water my houseplants?How to grow basil in a potHow to clean dusty houseplant leavesAll 27 garden guides06Learn something new
Start a new skill with one small, useful exercise.
How to learn touch typing without staring at the keyboardHow to learn Excel formulas with one small practice sheetHow to learn chess: the board, the pieces, and your first practice gameHow to learn crochet: make your first chainAll 22 learning guides