Here are 10 skills every homeowner should master. You don't need to run out and learn them all immediately, of course. But you'll appreciate them -- and save yourself lots of money.

You can tackle most with simple hand tools, either items you own or those you can buy for $10 or less. The only power tool here is a variable speed drill.

1

REPLACE A DOOR LOCK. If you buy an existing house, you might want to replace the exterior locks. On the inside of the door, remove the two long bolts holding the front and back of the lock together; remove the front and back of the lock. On the edge of the door, remove the screws holding latch in place, and pull the latch out.

To replace, just add new hardware in reverse order.

Door hardware needs tightening and lubricating over the years, so understanding how it works will pay off in more than extra security.

Tips: Before buying new hardware, check the "backset," or the distance from the edge of door to center of the hole for the deadbolt or doorknob. Replacement hardware will need to match; some locksets are adjustable, and accommodate the two standard backsets. Also, the helpful guy at the home center or hardware store can key all locks alike.

2

CHANGE FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONING FILTERS. Nothing difficult about this. Be sure you know where all the filters are -- on air returns or at the air handler -- and how to change them.

Tips: Make a note of filter sizes and keep the information handy. (You want to be sure you have the right size before you climb the tall stepladder.) Also, learn how to clear the pipe that carries condensation from the air handler during the cooling season. The pipes can get clogged with mold and algae -- and the water can back up and start dripping from your ceiling. If your air handler is in the attic or a utility room, it should have two drains: one from the unit, and the other from the safety pan under the unit.

3

LEARN THE LOCATION OF THE MAIN WATER CUTOFF. It's probably in a utility room or closet, but could be at a water tank or near the meter. You don't want to go looking for it after a pipe bursts.

Tips: Familiarize yourself with other cutoffs, too: Don't forget the dishwasher and icemaker, for instance. And learn how to turn off the gas in an emergency: Gas valves, indoors or at the meter, are open when parallel to the line and closed when perpendicular.

4

FIND A STUD IN WALL. You'll want to locate studs any time you're hanging a heavy object, or installing molding or cabinets. Most homeowners know the tap-tap-tap routine; you'll get a hollow sound between studs, a solid thunk on the stud. (Most of the time.) The centers of the studs are 16 inches apart -- so if you find one you can usually locate the others pretty easily.

Tips: Look for the heads of finishing nails near the top edge of the baseboard. Those nails will be in studs. Or hold a flashlight against the wall, shining the light parallel to the wall. Turn the flashlight slowly to sweep the wall with light. You'll be able to spot the patches over drywall nail heads or screw heads that aren't visible otherwise.

5 CHOOSE THE ANCHOR. For spaces between studs, you'll want to use hollow-wall anchors to mount towel bars, drapery rods and the like on walls. The most important rule is to match the anchor to the weight of the item you're mounting. From weakest to strongest, anchors are plastic expansion anchors, threaded drywall anchors (Zip-It), winged plastic anchors, molly bolts or sleeve-type anchors, and toggle bolts.

When installing anchors, you can make small holes in drywall with an awl or sharp nail, but you should use a drill for larger holes.

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