When I see products at the National Hardware Show that I know will help you, it’s because I know it will help me.    I have a questionable back; it goes out when it feels like it.  So I am always looking for things that will make jobs easier.  Usually it’s such a simple idea that I am kicking myself because I didn’t think of it first.  The “Back Saver Grip” is that item.  It installs on any long handled tool like a shovel, hoe, or even your fishing rod for the coast.  It’s a handle that you install easily so that you don’t have to bend over to use the shovel.  I don’t know about you but I would pay 12 bucks to save my back and make my job easier.  One “Back Saver Grip” can be installed on one tool taken off and then you can put it on another in just seconds.  So you don’t need more than one.  It’s tough enough for any job.  It won a award at the National Hardware Show, and now you know about it too.  It was a great hardware show so there will be more to come in the next weeks.

Now to the emails…..

Question:  Our family took a trip and was away for 2 days.  When we came back home the bathroom was flooded.  Our one piece toilet had a crack in the tank and it leaked out all over the bathroom.  Can we fix the crack?  What do we use?  I don’t want to replace the toilet unless I have to. 
Answer:  This is an easy one.  Get a tube a “Plumbers Goop” and put it on the inside of the tank.  “Plumbers Goop” works for a lot more things.  You can use it on the house slippers to give them a little traction or on your tennis shoes when they start to come apart.  Plumbers Goop is one of those items that you just need around the house. 

Question:  The house is starting to move around I guess because small cracks are showing up here and there on the walls.  I hope the answer to this problem is easier than what the neighbors suggested.  They said that it would need to be taped, floated, and retextured.  That sounds like $$$ to me.    
Answer:    That is what we used to do.  Now we just fill the crack with Dap Dry Dex spackling that goes on pink and then dries white when it’s ready for sanding.  After the spackling then use Good Bye Cracks that comes in an aerosol that you spray on.   It allows you to finish the job in a few minutes instead of 3 or 4 days.  Not a lot of $$$ involved in this!

Question:  We had some folks over for a party and a few days later I noticed some white rings on top of the dining room table.   How do we get rid of those?  Tell me we don’t have to refinish.
Answer:  Not a problem, there is a product that is called Jasco White Ring Remover.  It will take the white ring away in 2 seconds by just wiping the cloth over the white ring. It always amazing to me and it works every time. 

Question:  I remember you writing about a toilet tank flapper that is adjustable and can make a 3.5 or 5 gallon toilet use only a 1.5 gallon of water and still flush good.
Answer:  The name of that flapper is called the Frugal Flush Flapper and it will save many gallons on your water bill and it fits on the toilet just like your other flapper so it’s easy to install.

Question:  I have about a ¼ crack that goes around my door.  I know I should weather strip that, but do I have to use nails?  They make so many different kinds of weather strip, how do I chose the right one?
Answer:  The name of the weather strip is V Flex.  It’s made by MD.  You can use it on windows and doors and you don’t need nails, only a pair of scissors.  This weather strip was tested and can last up to a million door openings and closings. 

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.happyhandyman.com.