I have found more neat ideas at the National Hardware Show through the years. One of those products is used to get rid of squeaky floors or squeaky steps. This product works great where the squeaks are covered by a rug that is upstairs and with this product you don’t have to take the rug up to get rid of the squeaks. And the name of the product is called “Squeek No More”. It comes with a tool that you attach to your drill, and then the nails that go thru the carpet, the sub floor and attach to the joist underneath. That’s why the floor squeaks, a nail that has come loose rubs up and down with the plywood when you step on it. So the Squeek No More nails screw down into the plywood and then the floor joists and the tool will help you break off the nail below the carpet. Bingo no more squeaks, and no nail that you see. It’s easy ! Squeek No More is at your local hardware store.

Now to the e-mail…

Question: I have an old rocking chair that has loose spindles, and arms- I mean real loose. Will I have to take it all apart and glue it back together? I want to make sure that this is the last time I do this, so I want to do it right.
Answer: Boy do I have good news for you. First you don’t have to take the chair apart to repair it. The product you have to use is Wonder Lock Em which is a glue, that works better than any other. It comes with a needle nose attachment so that you can get down into the joints of the chair. It will make the wood swell and then all the parts will be tight again. Now to take care of the finish of the chair, just apply Restore A Finish(by Howards) to the old finish that is the same color and it will look like new. Then use a product called Feed and Wax to provide protection. Now all this might take 15 minutes- not bad! I like to use the Howard products because the refinishers like to use them.

Question: I look forward to reading your column and have a question for you. We have fig ivy growing in the places around our stucco home and after removing it by hand the roots are imbedded into the stucco and are very hard to remove. Help!
Answer: The first job is of course using a wire brush to remove the roots. Then paint with a latex acrylic paint like Coronado Crylicote. Its thick and will cover up imperfections in the outside walls. It will last 20 years on stucco. Make sure and use 2 coats.

Question: I put on a flannel cloth on my table to protect it and now the pad is stuck to the finish on the table. I have tried to pull it off, but it leaves a residue. How do I remove the junk left on the table? I know it will take a lot of elbow grease, but I am willing if it is possible.
Answer: Hey this is not as hard as it seems. Get some 4/0 steel wool (it’s super fine)and Restore A Finish the color of the table. Clean the table with the steel wool and Restore A Finish. After cleaning the table top, use Feed and Wax to protect it and give you a nice sheen. Feed and Wax can be used on cabinets, paneling, and furniture. And any hardware store(or antique mall) will have both products.

Question: I have noticed that you recommend Jomax for cleaning mildew off brick, what about stucco? Will it harm the stucco?
Answer: Jomax will take the mildew off of any outside surface. You might need to use a stiff brush because stucco is so textured.

Question: I have an aerobic septic system. I get rings in the toilets and I can not remove them entirely. I read in one of your articles in a section of the Houston Chronicle about Delete Germ- will it harm my septic system?
Answer: We have been using Delete Germ for over 30 years in septic systems – it cleans great and doesn’t bother your septic. By the way, the best product is a farily new product called One Flush and it does a better job than any other for maintaining a healthy septic systerm

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.