Iron Out Those Dents

Here’s a classic tip that everyone should know: It’s not hard to make a dent in wood, but fortunately it’s not hard to get one out, either. All you need is a household iron and a damp clamp. Put a couple of drops of water onto the dent and let it soak for a minute. Then lay the damp cloth over the dent and press the hot iron over it. The water in and around the dent is heated to steam which quickly swells the wood fibers back to their original shape. Don’t over do it with the iron. Once you see the steam, remove the iron and cloth and give the fibers a little time to swell. If the dent isn’t completely gone after the first try, repeat the process. A little light sanding completes the repair.

— Dave Munkittrick