Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
The most dangerous do-it-yourself projects are not defined by how difficult they look. They are the jobs where one mistake can cause a fall, electrocution, fire, toxic exposure, crushing injury, explosion, or structural collapse. Large-tree removal, load-bearing wall changes, gas-line work, hazardous-material abatement, roofing, excavation, electrical wiring, chimney repairs, ladder jobs, septic work, steam-heat repairs, automotive repairs, and pesticide use all belong in that category.
The sequence below follows the editorial list published by Bob Vila, updated August 25, 2023. It is not a measured safety ranking or a substitute for local code, utility instructions, emergency services, or licensed-trade advice. Use it as a stop-and-check screen: when the consequences are severe or the hazard cannot be seen, pause the project and get qualified help.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to use this list
Risk changes with the building, weather, equipment, materials, worker experience, and local requirements. A small, controlled task is not equivalent to a large or deteriorated one. The list is therefore an editorial sequence, not a comparison with numerical odds. The practical question is whether you can identify every source of energy, support the work reliably, control exposure, and recover safely if something fails.
Several projects also overlap. A painting job can become hazardous-material abatement when old coatings contain lead, and a simple exterior touch-up can become a ladder or roof operation. Treat the highest-consequence part of the job as the deciding factor.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
At-a-glance risk screen
| Project | Main danger identified in the source | Safer boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Large-tree work | Falls, falling limbs, unpredictable movement, hidden decay | Use a qualified tree professional for large pruning or removal |
| Knocking down walls | Collapse when a load-bearing wall lacks proper support | Have an architect or engineer assess the structure |
| Gas-line repair | Fire, explosion, or carbon-monoxide hazards from leaks or poor installation | Contact the gas company or emergency services at the first sign of a leak |
| Hazardous-material removal | Lead and asbestos exposure plus regulated disposal | Use specialists trained for handling and abatement |
| Roofing | Falls from roofs or ladders; slippery, degraded shingles | Stop when footing, edge protection, or weather is uncertain |
| Excavation and sitework | Striking buried natural-gas or electrical utilities | Have underground utilities located before digging |
| Electrical wiring | Shock and fire; feed legs can remain energized | Use a qualified electrician when power status or wiring is uncertain |
| Chimney repairs | Roof falls; gases or fire escaping through a poor repair | Use a competent chimney or building professional |
| Ladder projects | Falls during lights, gutters, windows, pruning, or bulb changes | Choose a safer method or professional when the setup is unstable |
| Septic clogs | Methane and danger from entering or disturbing the system | Call a septic professional; do not enter the system |
| Steam-heat repairs | Scalding hot water or steam, especially around old boilers | Use a heating professional and proper shutdown procedures |
| Automotive repairs | Fatal crushing risk if a jack fails or a stand slips | Do not work beneath a vehicle without dependable support |
| Pest extermination | Pesticide or fogger exposure; stinging-insect injuries | Use trained pest professionals for hazardous infestations |
The 13 projects that deserve a professional boundary
1. Large-tree work
Large branches can fall unpredictably, and a tree may move in ways that are not obvious from the ground. A fall is only one failure mode: concealed decay can weaken a limb, trunk, or anchoring point while the tree still appears sound. Pruning or removing a large tree also puts people and property in the path of uncontrolled movement.
For large-tree pruning or removal, the sensible handoff is a qualified tree professional. A homeowner can identify the scope and keep people away from the work zone, but should not treat a chainsaw, rope, or ladder as a substitute for specialized assessment and equipment.
2. Knocking down walls
A wall that looks ordinary may carry floor, roof, or lateral loads. Removing a load-bearing wall without temporary and permanent support can leave the home structurally unsound or trigger a collapse. The danger may not appear until another load shifts, making a partial demolition particularly deceptive.
Consult an architect or engineer before removing or substantially opening a wall. Their job is to establish what the wall supports and what support must replace it; cosmetic clues alone cannot answer that question.
3. Gas-line repair
A leak or poor installation can produce fire, explosion, or carbon-monoxide hazards. Those consequences are immediate and can affect occupants who are nowhere near the repair. The source advises contacting the gas company or emergency services at the first sign of a leak rather than attempting a repair.
A carbon-monoxide detector should be tested as part of household safety, but an alarm does not make gas-line DIY safe and does not replace professional diagnosis. For a suspected leak, follow the instructions of the gas utility or emergency operator and do not improvise a test or repair.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
4. Hazardous-material removal and abatement
Removing old paint or building material can release lead or asbestos. The risk is not limited to the person holding the tool: dust and fibers can spread through a home, and disposal may be regulated. Painting projects deserve a pause when coatings or substrate age and condition are uncertain.
Specialists have the training, containment approach, protective equipment, and disposal procedures these materials require. Do not turn scraping, sanding, demolition, or cleanup into an informal abatement project.
5. Roofing work
Roofs combine height, edges, changing surfaces, and weather exposure. Ladders can shift, shingles can become slippery or degraded, and a small loss of footing can become a serious fall. Carrying materials and working near an edge further reduce the margin for recovery.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If the roof surface, ladder position, weather, or footing is not consistently secure, stop and arrange qualified help. A ground-level inspection can identify a leak, but it cannot make an unsafe roof access setup safe.
6. Excavation and sitework
Digging can strike buried natural-gas or electrical utilities that are invisible from the surface. The resulting release, fire, explosion, or electrical event can injure the operator and people nearby and can interrupt essential services.
Have underground utilities located before digging, even for a project that appears shallow or close to an existing structure. Treat the marked locations and any uncertainty about them as a reason to change the plan, not as an invitation to dig carefully.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
7. Electrical wiring
Electrical work can cause shock or fire, and switching off breakers does not by itself prove that every conductor is safe. The source specifically warns that power can remain at the feed legs even when breakers are off. Misidentified circuits, damaged insulation, and incorrect connections add failure paths that may appear only after the work is complete.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When you cannot positively establish the circuit, the feed, and the required local rules, use a qualified electrician. Do not treat a dark fixture or a tripped breaker as proof that the entire work area is de-energized.
8. Chimney repairs
Chimney work adds roof-fall exposure to a system that carries smoke and combustion gases. A poor repair can allow dangerous gases or fire to escape into the home, even if the exterior patch looks finished.
Use a competent chimney or building professional when the work affects the flue, liner, masonry integrity, or roof access. The cost of an inspection is small compared with discovering a hidden path for heat or combustion products after the chimney is back in service.
9. Projects involving ladders
“Ladder projects” include holiday lights, gutters, windows, tree pruning, and changing a light bulb. They are easy to underestimate because each individual task sounds routine. Uneven ground, overreaching, a damaged ladder, a wet surface, or carrying a tool while climbing can turn a short job into a fall.
Bob Vila reported about 45,000 ladder-fall injuries across 2019 and 2020, attributing the figure to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022. That is a historical, two-year total as reported by that article, not a current annual rate or a prediction for your household. If the ladder cannot be placed and used with a stable margin, use a ground-based method or hire someone equipped for the height.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
10. Septic clogs
Septic systems can contain methane, and entering or disturbing them creates a danger that is not visible from the surface. A clog may tempt a homeowner to open a tank, lean into an access point, or use improvised equipment, but the atmosphere and structure can become life-threatening.
Call a septic professional rather than entering or reaching into the system. Keep other people away from an open or damaged access point until qualified help arrives.
11. Steam-heat repairs
Steam and hot water can scald instantly. Old boilers and improper shutdown procedures increase the chance that pressure or heat remains when a homeowner assumes the system is safe to open.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUse a heating professional for repairs that involve the boiler, pressurized piping, or controls. Do not begin by loosening a fitting or opening a component simply because the burner is no longer running; the stored heat and pressure are part of the hazard.
12. Automotive repairs
Working beneath a vehicle supported off the ground can become fatal if a jack fails or a stand slips. Tight working spaces limit movement, and highly torqued fasteners can cause sudden tool or body movement even when the vehicle appears stable.
Bob Vila reported an estimate of nearly 5,000 injuries per year attributed to jack failure, citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the late 1990s. It is an older estimate with no current incidence claim attached to it. Never treat a jack as a person-support system; if dependable support cannot be established, use a professional repair facility.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
13. Pest extermination
Improper pesticide or fogger use can harm people, pets, and ecosystems. Stinging insects add a separate injury hazard, especially when an infestation is concealed in a wall, roof space, or other location that cannot be approached safely.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Read the product directions and local requirements for any permitted minor use, but hand off hazardous infestations, unknown chemicals, and stinging-insect nests to a trained pest professional. More product or a stronger application is not a safer treatment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A practical go-or-stop decision
Before starting a project, ask these questions in order:
- Could one failure be catastrophic? Falls, collapse, electrocution, explosion, toxic exposure, crushing, and uncontrolled fire all justify a higher threshold for professional help.
- Is the hazard hidden? Concealed decay, load paths, buried utilities, energized feed legs, combustion gases, and septic atmospheres cannot be judged reliably by appearance alone.
- Does the work require specialized support or containment? Structural shoring, tree rigging, hazardous-material containment, vehicle support, and boiler shutdown are not improvised safeguards.
- Can you stop and recover if conditions change? Wind, rain, a shifting ladder, a damaged conductor, a smell of gas, or unexpected pressure should end the task before someone is exposed.
- Is a local permit, utility procedure, or licensed trade involved? Contact the relevant utility, emergency service, regulator, or licensed professional rather than relying on a general internet checklist.
When a project becomes an emergency
Stop work and move to professional or emergency help when you smell gas, suspect carbon monoxide, see smoke or fire, discover an unstable wall or tree, expose damaged electrical wiring, fall or suffer an impact, or encounter an unknown chemical or confined-space atmosphere. Do not re-enter or resume the area until the responsible utility, emergency service, or qualified trade says it is safe.
The exact response depends on location and jurisdiction. Local emergency operators and utilities can give instructions that account for the building, weather, infrastructure, and applicable rules; this article cannot replace those directions.
Recommended Free Tools
What this means for painting and home maintenance
Painting is often described as low risk, but the surrounding conditions determine the real hazard. Old coatings may require lead-aware or asbestos-aware abatement rather than ordinary preparation. Exterior work may become a ladder or roof operation. A chimney, boiler, electrical circuit, or gas appliance can be part of the surface being repaired or the area being accessed.
Define the boundary before buying supplies: ordinary cosmetic work is one category, while disturbing unknown coatings, opening a wall, accessing a roof, or working near combustion and electrical systems is another. If the task crosses that boundary, bring in the trade or specialist whose training matches the hazard.
Evidence and limits
The 13 hazards and the two historical figures in this article come from Cody Calamaio and Tom Scalisi’s Bob Vila roundup, updated August 25, 2023. That article is a secondary editorial source, not an official safety ranking or a jurisdiction-specific code guide. The ladder figure is reported as about 45,000 injuries across 2019–2020 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the vehicle figure as nearly 5,000 injuries per year from a late-1990s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate. Neither should be read as a current annual rate without checking the underlying agency material.
Bottom line
Do-it-yourself work stops making sense when the failure mode is a collapse, fall, fire, explosion, electrocution, toxic exposure, or crushing injury. Use the list to identify that boundary early, then call the utility, emergency service, engineer, or licensed specialist who can control the hazard rather than improvising a more dangerous repair.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
