Whether it's to save money or just because you love that do-it-yourself feeling of accomplishment, we all love to make stuff. Here are our most popular DIY projects of 2010.


Photo remixed from an original by Matt Katzenberger


You might like OS X, but not want to buy a Mac for any number of reasons: they're too expensive, they don't allow for enough customization, or you just plain love building a computer. Luckily, building a custom PC and installing Mac OS X on it has never been easier, and we've got a nice video walkthrough of the whole process.

It used to be that turning your iPod touch into an iPhone required jailbreaking and quite a few compromises along the way. If you've got a fourth generation iPod touch, though, all you need are a few simple apps and maybe a bit of extra hardware to turn it into a near-clone of the iPhone.



As with all technology, after some time, all routers just become outdated, slow, and it's time to upgrade. But as with everything else, you don't need to throw it away—with the same software you used to turn it from a $60 router into a $600 router, you can turn that old router into a Wi-Fi repeater that extends your signal anywhere you need it.



We love to sing the praises of the endlessly versatile binder clip, but you guys really took to this particular hack. With just a few large binder clips, you can maximize your fridge space for beer (or, you know, Coca-Cola if you're of the under-21 persuasion).


Whether it's time for your weekly underground techno rave, or you're just looking for a fun weekend science project, you can't go wrong with making your own glow sticks. It isn't the most cost effective method of obtaining them, but it's a pretty neat project if you're into chemistry.


Everyone has that time in their life when they're forced to deal with a small rodent infestation. Thankfully, when that day comes, you don't need to waste time searching for the perfect mouse trap—you can just grab an old toilet paper tube and a snack for your mousey foe. Then, just let gravity do its job.



If you find you've got more USB devices that need charging on-the-go and fewer cigarette lighters, you can dig around in your car's dashboard and find some unused electricity just waiting to charge your gadgets. Furthermore, depending on your car, you might actually double your number of outlets—so if you still need that cigarette lighter, it can live in harmony with your iPod on the road, no problem.


It doesn't matter how evil your intentions may or may not be, lockpicking can be pretty fun. Plus, you'll learn a lot in the process—both about how locks work and how you can better protect yourself from those with evil in their hearts.


We love technology, but sometimes pen and paper are just the best tools at your disposal. College is no exception to that rule, and instead of compromising on the utensils you use, you can make your own personalized, customized notebook for optimal studying.



If you cringe at the idea of ripping apart your iPod (even in the valiant name of repair), you can check out how easy it is. With just a $22 mail order kit, you (or a crafty, geeky 10-year old, even) can fix a broken iPhone screen in no time.


The summer of 2010 was one of the hottest we've had in a while, and everyone was looking for ways to effectively beat the heat. One of our most popular posts on the subject contained five simple things you can do in your own home to cool off, whether it be creating a makeshift air conditioner or just making sure you don't generate any extra heat through your daily chores.


Home theater PCs are one of our favorite geek projects here at Lifehacker, but if the rest of your household isn't big on the geekery, you don't need a big PC cluttering up your living room. With some tough IKEA furniture and a the will to do some woodwork, you can hide your home theater PC inside the entertainment center with no problem.



Everyone could use some extra survival skills stored away in their brain, and our most popular this year was a primer on knots (specifically, the ever-useful Bowline knot). With a bit of practice, you can learn to tie this knot in under ten seconds with your eyes closed, and use it to sturdy up many a household hack.


If you're sick of the noisy TVs in bars, restaurants, or in your neighbors apartment, you can build a very tiny TV-B-Gone clone for quite cheap. With just a coin cell battery and a few miscellaneous electronics, you'll be able to shut off nearly any TV who's path you cross—just make sure be stealth about it before you get yourself in trouble with the bartender.


One of the defining moments of 2010 technology-wise was Apple's release of the long-fabled iPad. We took the opportunity to quickly round up seven great iPad stands that you can make on-the-cheap—whether out of Lego, wood, or your cat.


With the announcement of the iPad (and the exclusion of an official stylus), many took the opportunity to make their own styli for the now-popular large touchscreen device. The most popular model required some anti-static socks, though we've featured many, many other variations too.



As Android devices became more popular in 2010 (along with their built-in turn-by-turn navigation), many cried out for an easier way to mount their smartphone in their car. Luckily, it's pretty easy to mod your old GPS mount for your smartphone by adding a hard case built for your phone.


And there you have it-one year of our best DIY projects in one fell swoop. Have a favorite that isn't winning any popularity contests? Let's hear about it in the comments. And if you're still hungry for DIY, take a gander at the most popular how-to guides of 2009 and 2008.