BAND TOGETHER TO STOP SLIP-UPS

If you have trouble gripping a slippery screwdriver when using it on a tough project, wrap the handle with a few rubber bands. Stretch and pull the bands out and loop them over the handle as many times as you can without breaking them.

The rubber bands will give your sweaty hands a little bit of help so you can get the job over and done with a little faster.

You also might find the rubber-band method helpful to use on some of your other tools, such as hammers, pliers, chisels, some yard tools and countless other slippery handles. It's worth a shot!

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Dear Al & Kelly: I have a pump-up sprayer that I use in my garden. It used to clog up a lot from debris in the tank or in my water. I was always having to remove the tip end and clean it out. I corrected the problem by cutting the hose near the middle point and installing an inexpensive gasoline filter that I bought at an automotive parts store. The in-line filter works great. It doesn't seem to trap any of the spray, because I can see through it, but I do see lots of little particles of dirt and debris that surely would have caused me to have to stop and clean out the tip again. If you have this problem, you should try my solution. — D.R.

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A SUPER HINT — If you don't have a chalk line, you can make one by running a piece of chalk back and forth over a string. Then stretch the string and pop it like the real thing to make your mark.

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Dear Al: I planted some new grass this fall to fill in some areas that had washed out with all of the rain we had this summer. I don't have a spreader because I really didn't think I would have to be planting grass and didn't want to go buy one for just a few small areas. What I did to make sure the grass was sown more evenly was to put the fine seed in an empty spice shaker. Then I just shook out the seed onto the soil like I was seasoning my stew. It came in real even and looks fine now. — The family chef

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Q: My concrete porch has a crack running right down the middle of it. I want to repair it but don't know what products to use. The crack is only about 1/8 of an inch wide, but is right in the middle of the floor so it is noticeable. What would you guys recommend? — T.H.

A: We recommend you patch it as soon as possible so the crack doesn't grow bigger. The easiest way is with a patching compound that comes in a cartridge for use with a caulking gun. The stuff has some elasticity, so as the two sections move around, the caulk expands and contracts, too.

There are also patching compounds in powder form to which you add water. The caulk-type product is easier to use.

Just follow the instructions and you'll do fine.

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Dear Carrells: I noticed that I was missing more than I was hitting when I started building my backyard shed. I looked at my hammer and discovered that the face had gotten chipped somehow. The face was a little rounded off too. I didn't know if it would work but I tried to use a metal file to flatten it back. Sure enough it solved my problem, and me and my hammer finished the job, which looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself. — P.L.

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SHOP TALK — With all the electronics in the average home these days, a whole-house surge protector is a good idea. The Primax is one that can be placed on your main electrical panel to protect all your valuable appliances.

The unit can handle up to 12 large surges before it will need to be replaced, and it will let you know when it's time for a replacement by means of an audible alarm.

The five-year warranty is one of the best in the industry, at $10,000.

If you've ever had to replace your television or microwave because of a power spike, then you know that you need something like this.

For more information on the Primax protector, visit the manufacturer's Web site at http://www.panamax.com.

Got a question or a handy tip? Send it to The Super Handyman, in care of this newspaper. Those of general interest will be used in future columns.

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