The Fix

North 40

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The Fix—the show where we talk tools that work in the real world. Whether you’re on a jobsite running crews or in your garage tackling a weekend project, we’re here to help you do what you do smarter and faster with confidence.

Jun 4

Fix Your Lawn!

Your lawn doesn’t have to be perfect… it just has to be HEALTHY. If your yard is full of dandelions, clover, bare patches, or mixed grass types — this is the simple, realistic lawn game plan for people with full-time jobs (and zero interest in spending every weekend outside).In this episode of The Fix, we sit down with Maria Garvey (Master Gardener + lawn & garden pro) to break down exactly how to:✅ Decide whether to revive your lawn OR start over ✅ Kill weeds without destroying your grass plan ✅ Dethatch the right way (and why it matters) ✅ Use a simple fertilizer timeline that actually works ✅ Overseed bare spots so weeds can’t come back ✅ Mow smarter (and stop stressing your lawn out)
May 28

A Hydraulic Impact Driver?

The Milwaukee M18 SURGE hydraulic impact driver vs. the standard impact Driver - what’s the real difference, and is the quieter “fluid” hydraulic drive worth the extra $20? In this episode of The Fix, Tucker and Travis run both tools side-by-side driving everything from 3" screws to big lags, plus a quick decibel check so you can HEAR (and see) the difference.Quick Takes:• SURGE = quieter, smoother hydraulic/fluid drive with less metal-on-metal • Standard impact = slightly faster on paper + includes a sheet metal/self-tapping mode • Price gap: about $20 (SURGE ~$199 bare tool vs. standard impact ~$179 bare tool)• Real-world driving? Pretty even—noise + use case is the deciding factor Tools featured:• Milwaukee M18 SURGE (fluid drive) • Milwaukee standard impact driver
May 7

Drywall Patch Like A Pro with Those Drywall Chicks

Ever patch drywall and end up with a crack, blister, or a patch that still shows after paint? In this episode of The Fix, Tucker & Travis team up with Britt and Ash from Luly Drywall (aka the “Drywall Chicks”) to walk through a pro drywall patch method using 20-minute hot mud + ultrathin mesh—with the kind of real-jobsite tips that save you time and a ton of sanding. 1✅ Learn why prefill matters (and why taping over empty space cracks)✅ Get the right hot mud consistency and mixing method✅ See how to embed mesh cleanly without pulling it off the wall✅ Bonus: stilt/bucket walking + jobsite talk from the pros 1
Apr 30

How to trim a door correctly

Ever start a “simple” project… and it turns into drywall work, shim trimming, and figuring it out as you go? Same. In this episode of The Fix, Tucker and Travis head to Travis’s house to install matching 2.25" clamshell door trim - but there’s a gap big enough to derail the whole plan. So we show you how to patch the gap with drywall & joint compound, then install door trim the right way with a clean 1/8" reveal, tight miters, and a pro-looking finish. What you’ll learn in this video:• How to prep a door opening when the drywall doesn’t meet the jamb • Trimming shims flush using an oscillating tool • Adding backing blocks so your drywall patch has something solid to grab • Cutting a drywall strip (score & snap) and rasping for a perfect fit • Mud & tape basics to help prevent cracking • Setting your reveal and cutting trim miters without overcomplicating measurements • Using 18ga brad nails (short for the jamb, long to catch studs) • Final steps: fill nail holes, caulk gaps, touch up paint
Apr 30

Can Milwaukee Make The Cut?

We took Milwaukee’s 20" Battery Chainsaw out to a working ranch in Augusta, Montana and put it to the test the right way - real trees, real cuts, real feedback. In this episode of The Fix, Tucker and Travis team up with Dylan (our local Milwaukee rep) to break down the features and power modes, then hand the saw to Anthony - someone who uses a chainsaw every day - for an honest, pro-level take.Milwaukee says this battery saw delivers power comparable to a 70cc gas saw and roughly twice the torque of a gas competitor/high-voltage competitor—so we wanted to see what that feels like when you’re actually dropping and bucking trees. What we cover:• Key features like aggressive bucking spikes and high-visibility felling lines • Standard vs Peak power modes (runtime vs max output) • Pro user feedback on power, maneuverability, and “bog down” resistance • Battery/runtime observations & charging options (dual-bay rapid charger & Supercharger numbers) • Vibration/comfort notes compared to traditional gas saws
Apr 30

Teaching A First Timer To Weld

Learn to weld in one episode! Tucker and Travis teach their friend Taylor the fundamentals of flux core welding while repairing a trailer with the portable Lincoln 90i FC. We cover PPE, surface prep, machine setup, dialing voltage, and beginner bead techniques (circles, half moons, zigzags)—then put it all to work in the field. In this hands-on tutorial, you’ll see:• What welding is and why it’s so useful for real repairs (farm, ranch, trailer, and shop). • How the Lincoln 90i FC works (gasless flux core, wire feed, ground clamp) and how to load the wire. • Essential PPE: auto darkening helmets, FR welding jackets, gloves, face shields for grinding. • Surface prep (grind out old welds, remove spatter) and attaching a solid ground. • Settings & technique: voltage = heat, test beads, watch the puddle, control with small motions. • Field practicality: runs on a standard 120V outlet and flux core is less sensitive to wind.
Mar 12

The Made-In-Montana drill bits

A behind the scenes tour of Rocky Mountain Twist (home of Montana Brand Tools) reveals a quality obsessed, patent driven team behind innovations like the magnetic screw guide, quick change connectors, hex shank bits, and vacuum brazed diamond drills - plus custom tooling for industries as tough as aerospace.
Mar 2

Why Milwaukee’s Packout System Has Pros (and DIYers) Hooked

We're talking about one of Milwaukee's best products: The Packout. We'll "unpack" why they are so unique, useful, and reliable and we'll show you some of the best products under the Packout line. Whether it's organizing your work truck, your garage, or your job trailer, Packouts are one of the best solutions! See why in this episode of The Fix.
Mar 2

10 Essential Tools for Every Household

What are the basic most essential tools that everyone should have in their house? Whether you're a pro DIYer that does your own repairs or someone who is just getting started and wanting to learn, this episode will give you a list of essentials that you'll need close at hand all the time. It might serve a reminder for those of us that are already years deep in DIY fixes of the tools we need to keep close at hand.
Mar 2

Two Must‑Have Tools That Do (Almost) Everything

What's the tool that you always rely on? The one that you always need in your tool pouch, toolbox, or tool bucket? What's that most diverse tool that we think that we all need to have around? In episode 2 of The Fix, Travis and Tucker unpack what their go-to tool is and why it's so important.
Mar 2

Can a cordless miter saw hold up in a professional environment?

Does a cordless - battery operated - compound miter saw really hold up in a professional contractor environment? In episode 1 of The Fix, we talk with Jake Freund who demoed the saw on a brand-new stick build here in Montana. We were surprised how well the DeWalt 20V compound miter saw did! Welcome to The Fix! We're here to talk about all things related to tools - whether it's at your home, or your jobsite. Whether you're a professional or a DIYer, we're talking about the tools, tips, and tricks that will help you works smarter and faster.

11 Episodes

The Fix—the show where we talk tools that work in the real world. Whether you’re on a jobsite running crews or in your garage tackling a weekend project, we’re here to help you do what you do smarter and faster with confidence.

Creator

North 40
Years Active

2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© North 40
Show Website

The Fix