Around the house 11/17/04

In the garden: Cleaning garden tools

Now that the ground temperature is dropping, along with leaves from the trees, it's time to think about cleaning and storing your garden tools. Here are some useful tips: Make a protective sheath for a shovel by cutting a piece of rubber tubing lengthwise and slipping it over the edge of the shovel blade. The sheath also makes for safe transport of shovels. Use a wire brush to remove dirt from hand tools or shovels. Remove rust with steel wool or a light sandpaper. Spray any metal parts with a lubricant oil spray to discourage rust. File edges on tools to sharpen them. Be sure to file in one direction only. Apply linseed oil to wooden handles of tools. Smooth any rough surfaces with sandpaper before applying the oil. After linseed oil dries, you can paint the handles bright colors to make them easier to find in the garden.

-- www.hgtv.com

In the kitchen: Stuff the turkey, not the drain

Here's a not-so-festive thought: The holiday season may be a busy time for plumbers because turkey bones, grease, peels and scraps find their way down the kitchen drain and become the leading cause of clogged pipes. Here are some tips to help avoid a drain or pipe disaster during the holiday season: n Don't put turkey skin or bones, celery stalks, shrimp peels or onion peels down the garbage disposal. n Avoid pouring grease into the drain. n Throw large quantities of scraps in the trash, not the sink. n Wipe out greasy pans and plates with a paper towel before washing. n Rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. n Run hot water into the garbage disposal when using it. n Keep a plunger handy to clear clogged drains or pipes. n If the kitchen sink is backing up, call a qualified plumber before the holiday dinner to find out why.

-- Tips from Mr. Rooter.

Around the house: Sprucing up the kitchen

Want to spruce up the kitchen with new cabinets? Today, lots of folks are taking on this do-it-yourself project. Home centers are stocking up on all sorts of cabinets and parts, making things easier for you. First, find the highest place on your floor; it's your starting point. Then, everything else needs to be "shimmed up" to equal that height. Set corner cabinets first; then work out from there. Hang upper cabinets before lower ones. Never use regular wood screws for hanging, or your stuff will wind up on the kitchen floor. Use special construction screws instead.

-- From wire reports