Give and Get Advice

Tips of the Day

• "Don't leave cans of gasoline sitting around in yard tools during winter, because the fuel will absorb water, which makes motors run rough. Funnel whatever's left into your car's tank, then buy fresh gas come springtime."
  — Craig Murray, owner, Liffco Power Equipment, Mineola, NY – 11/09/2009
• "Deep drawers wider than your biggest roasting pan—36 inches—can hold pots and plates and help reduce the number of wall cabinets in a small kitchen."
  — Susan Smart, kitchen designer and homeowner – 11/06/2009
• "If you plan to use a salvaged door inside, preserve its stripped wood finish by sealing it with paste wax, such as Briwax, in a light-brown color. Just be sure to first smooth the door's surface with fine-grit sandpaper."
  — Kelly Wilkerson, The Bank Architectural Antiques, New Orleans – 11/05/2009
• "When I'm toting extra batteries to the job site in my tool bag or belt, I cover the contacts with electrical tape to prevent them from shorting out on a nail or other piece of metal."
  — Norm Abram, TOH Master Carpenter – 11/04/2009
• "Instead of throwing away burned-down candle stubs, I rub them against the threads of long screws. The lubrication makes driving the screws a lot easier."
  — Ed Leggoe, Medford Lakes, New Jersey – 11/03/2009

Your Old House

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