Super Handyman: Repair your screens before spring rolls around

By Al Carrell and Kelly Carrell

If your screens have holes or tears in them, pay attention, because we are fixin’ to tell you how to make repairs.

Tears or small holes can be sewn up with clear fishing line and a large-eye needle.

If the tear or hole is too large for a simple sewing fix, you might try putting a patch over it. Find a scrap of matching screen wire, and sew that into place. If you do not wish to sew it on, you can glue it on with silicone adhesive. They make a peel-and-stick patch that is even easier to use. Check your hardware store for this product.

If the screen is beyond any of these remedies, then consider replacing it. It’s possible to remove the old screen material from the frame and install new and save some money. Take down the old screen, and use a putty knife to start prying up the rubber spline that runs around the inside of the frame and holds the screen material in place. Pull out the old screen. Cut the replacement screen a couple of inches larger than the frame. Use spring clamps to hold the screen in place over the frame, then push the screen edges into the trough of the frame. Push the rubber spline into the frame to hold the screen tightly and smoothly in place. There is a special tool, called a splining tool, to do this. It takes a little practice and some muscle, but you can master it. If you make a mistake, pull out the screen and start over.

Consider using solar screening material if you need some extra protection from the sun in some windows. Now you can get fresh air and nothing extra!

Garden-hose scrap can really save your hands

Carrying a bucket of water, gravel or any number of other heavy materials can be a strain on your hand. One tried-and-true way to cut down on the load you feel in your hand is to add a layer of protection between you and that metal handle. Slip a section of old garden hose around the handle to take some of the strain off your hand. Cut a short section, a tad wider than your hand, and slit it down the side. Then slide it onto the metal handle, grab the bucket and get back to work. Your hand will thank you later, or even immediately!

Handyman’s wind chime lets you get creative and protects your garden

Get creative and protect your garden from birds at the same time. You can make a handyman’s one-of-a-kind decorative wind chime for your garden that will move in the wind and spook the birds. Use a wooden ruler for the top piece. Drill a series of holes through the ruler, placed about 2 inches apart. Tie a variety of bright, shiny hardware items to lengths of fishing line attached to the ruler. You can use nuts, washers, hinges, clamps, eye hooks and other items. Now attach a piece of wire in two places along the top of the ruler and hang it in your garden. It will move around in the wind and clank to keep even the bravest birds at bay!

Super hints

Ÿ To smooth caulking with your finger, dip your finger in some dishwashing liquid first. The soap will prevent your fingers from picking up extra caulk along the way, and you will get the smooth, professional look you are going for.

Ÿ Some faucets are clearly marked with “hot” and “cold,” or have colors on the handles. But some don’t. If you have kids and want to protect them from being burned by too-hot water, use colored nail polish to show them which is which. There are bottles of both red and blue nail polish available.

Ÿ Save time and cleanup on drywall repairs by doing some “pre-finishing.” Before it dries, smooth off the mud with a sponge. When it does dry, you’ll need to do less of the messy sanding.

Q. I have some black mold on an outdoor shower that we use with our pool. I don’t want to use anything that will damage the plants in the area but would like to get rid of the mold. Can you suggest something?

A. I would cover the plants and use a half-bleach-half-water mixture on the mold. Once you get rid of it, use a water sealer like Thompson’s Water Seal to prevent moisture from getting into the surface. Also add some ventilation and/or sunshine if you can.

Q. You would be proud of us. We replaced the wax ring on our toilet and saved a bundle by doing it ourselves. I just have one question. The new bolts that hold the base in place stick up high, and the old caps won’t fit on them. What can we do to make this look better?

A. First of all, great job! We are proud of you and happy that you are embracing these challenges. It really can be a lot of fun when you succeed. Just use a hacksaw to trim them off, and then the old caps will fit on just fine. Hold the bolt in place with pliers while you make the cut.

Q. I don’t know if I have a problem with my water or my water heater. I started draining it to get rid of the sediment, and there was a lot. I repeated it again the following month, and again, it had a lot of sediment in the tank. Do you have any suggestions? Would a water softener help?

A. There are several water filters that might work. We certainly would recommend checking into these first, as they may be less expensive. We also would suggest contacting your water-supply company to see if it knows of any common problems. Also, check with your neighbors. You may find that a water softener would be your best bet. It ultimately will be your call. But you should check your options first.

Reader tips

Ÿ Our home is a few years old now, and we are starting to make some repairs to our dirty and scratched-up walls. We have several cans of paint that I have been trying to match up with the original colors we used. I never dreamed there were so many shades of beige! I have found that I will not be able to match them back up as easily as I had thought. I have to buy new paint for most of the rooms. This time I will mark these new containers with the locations where they were used. I’m sure it will save me time down the road.

Ÿ We have a new baby! I’m learning how much work it all is, but am loving every minute of it. I found out that diapers are great for picking up all sorts of other messes around the house. I spilled some milk, and no, I didn’t cry, but grabbed a diaper and threw it over the mess. It sucked the whole thing up in just a few seconds. They really do hold their weight in liquids! Anyway, I thought this info might come in handy for other dads and DIY’ers.

Ÿ We have finally gotten rid of the squirrels that have plagued us for the past few years. Last fall, we covered up their entry hole and put wood over it, followed by wire. When we saw them chewing on the wire, we mixed up some more “deterrent.” We mixed chili powder with petroleum jelly and smeared this on the wire. They stopped chewing immediately, and haven’t come back. It’s been four months, and no squirrels. We plan to re-treat, just in case.

Ÿ I hate trying to pry the lid off a can of paint once it’s been opened and used. It always sticks, and it’s so hard to deal with. I found a solution to that problem. I clean the rim of the can really well first and then give it a shot of WD-40 before sealing the lid up again. This prevents the horrible sticking and makes it easy to open up again.

Ÿ I hate working on my garage floor when it gets cold outside. Even though I save a lot of money changing my own oil and things like that, I still don’t like to do it during the wintertime. A blanket won’t work because I can’t slide around like I need to. I have tried cardboard and like it. It still slides around when I need it to, and adds some insulation against the cold. Maybe this tip will help other guys in the same predicament as me.

Shop talk

Ÿ Wood floors are meant to last a long time, but if yours are starting to look dull, dirty or just haven’t been cleaned in a while, check out Minwax Hardwood Floor Cleaner. It’s made for regular hardwoods, laminates and pre-finished flooring. It’s easy to apply with a cloth or mop, and can be used as often as you wish. It’s the best way to clean these surfaces to remove grease, wax and dirt, and won’t leave a residue behind. It also can be used on tables and cabinets. Check it out at your hardware store or home center, or at www.minwax.com.

Ÿ Scotchlite Reflective Material is a super material that is being used in many types of clothing, shoes and other products. It makes you highly visible in daytime as well as after dark. When you buy clothes for running, cycling, walking and many other activities, check the label for Scotchlite. You also can find a wide array of work clothes with this built-in safety material. If you are interested in finding out more about the product and its many uses, visit www.3m.com.

Ÿ Vinegar is one of those everyday, household products that we all have in our homes. It has tons of uses in the home as well as in the shop and even outdoors. It’s really inexpensive and can save you money, in many cases. We have put together a list of some of our favorite, tried-and-true uses for the stuff. You also can get this information, as well as a lot of other interesting tips, on our website at www.thesuperhandyman.com. We hope to hear from you soon.

Ÿ Write to Al and Kelly Carrell in care of the Daily Herald, P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006 or visit the Carrells’ website at thesuperhandyman.com.

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