NEW CARPET

• Check for quality before buying. Check the twist. Tightly twisted carpet has less bulk, is more durable and is less likely to fray. Examine the tightness of the weave. The best carpets have more rows per inch, making them more durable and crush-resistant. Tightness is indicated by the distance between fibers. Check the depth of the pile and weight of yarn. The deeper the pile, or longer the fibers, the softer the carpet. But there must be a tight weave for these piles to stand up. Compare yarn weight between selections.

• Other considerations include underlayment. For best results, use a good rubber padding under your carpet.

• As a final, pre-purchase test on a roll of carpet, rub the surface hard with a paper towel to make sure the dye has set. Color should not come off and you shouldn't buy it if it does. Otherwise, that color will track through your home.

• For do-it-yourself installation, look to our carpet-laying supplies.

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USING A CAULK GUN

• Cut off the tip of the nozzle on a caulk tube (cartridge) at a 45-degree angle. Place the tube in the gun and rotate it until the cut nozzle tip faces down. Then tighten the ratchet, locking the tube in position. Puncture the diaphragm by sticking a thin, sharp object down the nozzle.

• Prepare the surface to be caulked. Remove dust and debris. The caulk tube will have additional surface preparation instructions.

• Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle, squeeze the trigger and push the bead along the seam. Release the trigger and the ratchet just prior to the end of the bead.

• Then tool, or shape, the caulk. If the caulk isn't toxic, you can use a finger dipped in water with dishwashing detergent. The detergent keeps the caulk from sticking to your skin for a smooth caulk line.

• Before storing a used tube of caulk, cap the nozzle to prevent drying.

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DO-IT-YOURSELF AUTO REPAIR

• If you're mechanically inclined, you can save plenty of money maintaining and servicing your automobiles yourself by renting the tools and equipment you need.

• Rental tools are available for both exterior and interior car care. Car polishers do wonders for your paint finish. And even jobs like engine overhauls are easier with an engine hoist, or a floor or transmission jack.

• Other common auto rental tools include a timing light, compression gauge, torque wrenches, air compressors and battery chargers.

• Our rental staff takes pride in knowing how to use each and every tool we rent. So, don't hesitate to ask for advice.

• As with all projects, be sure you can hndle the complexity of the work before you get in too deep. Start small, with things like oil changes and minor tune-ups and determine if you have a knack for things automotive. Then you can work towards the major projects.

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REMOVING WALLPAPER

• For multiple layers and stubborn papers, rent a wallpaper steamer. The trick to removing wallpaper is to soften the glue, and that's exactly what a steamer does so well, so quickly. But for smaller or simpler remvong jobs...

• Use a sponge to apply warm water to the wallpaper, soaking it thoroughly.

• Use a scraper to determine if the glue is softened. You can tell because the paper will simply peel away from the surface. If not, you'll need to give the water more time to work.

• Pull a portion of the paper away to reveal bare wall. Then re-soak the next section, concentrating on the bare ripped edge for better penetration.

• Sandpaper can then be used to remove leftover paper and smooth the surface. As a final cleanup measure, use a spray cleaner to remove the residual glue.

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CHAIN SAW SAFETY

• Wear protective gear including a hard hat, eye and ear protection and heavy-duty gloves. For large jobs, protect your legs with chain saw chaps.

• The best way to start a cold chain saw is to put it on the ground, kneel beside the unit with the blade pointing away, bracing the handle with your foot.

• Keep a firm grip at all times and stop if you're tired. Watch out for binding and "kick back." Make sure the automatic oiler is working (if it has one).

• Never cut with the back tip of the guide bar or a disastrous kick back may occur.

• Don't operate alone in isolated areas. Don't cut above chest height. Always remember that felling a tree is unpredictable and, if in doubt, let a pro handle it.

• Never walk with a running chain saw.

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USING AN ELECTRIC DRILL

• If you're looking to buy a drill, first get one with a variable speed reversing motor and a 3/8-inch chuck.

• Use clamps to hold your work in place as you drill.

• For protection, unplug the drill when changing bits and wwar eye protection, especially when drilling metal or masonry.

• For heavy-duty drilling, consider renting a hammer drill. For best results when drilling concrete with a standard drill, start with a smaller bit and work up to a larger one.

• To prevent your bit from tearing up the "back side" of your wood when drilling through, clamp a piece of scrap to the side or else drill just until the tip shows through and then finish drilling from the opposite side.

• Start your hole by dimpling or denting the surface with an awl or punch.

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HOME SAFETY WHILE YOU'RE AWAY

• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house.

• Have your mail and newspaper delivery held.

• Put timers on lights and televisions and set them to come on at random.

• Invest in exterior security lighting - lights that are triggered when motion is detected.

• The important thing, obviously, is to make your home look lived in. So don't forget the little things, like hiring the lawn mowed.

• Consider investing in a home security system. Window stickers or lawn signs declaring your home protected by a system can even deter would-be burglars.

• Don't let shrubs provide cover at windows. Keep them trimmed back.

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FOURTH OF JULY BARBECUE

• Begin with a patriotic theme: flags; stars and stripes; red, white and blue, etc. Choose (or create) invitiations that retain your theme. For tableware, use paper plates and napkins in the traditional colors. For centerpieces, arrange sprays of hydrangea, bachelor buttons, red shasta daisies or carnations, white daisies, or baby's breath combined with flags, stars or streamers in baskets.

• Encourage guests to dress with a patriotic flair, not necessarily in costume, but red, white and blue. Provide name tags for everyone so that it's easier to meet and greet new friends. Play your patriotic music tapes - Sousa Marches, "Grand Canyon Suite," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," etc.

• For food and drink, consider traditional summertime fare including grilled hamburgers and brats, a watermelon boat filled with fresh fruit, savory baked beans, fresh summer vegetables, corn on the cob, lemondade and ice tea. For appetizers: bowls of fresh popcorn and peanuts in the shell. And for dessert: strawberry, blueberry and vanilla ice creams or sorbets accompanied by brownies; star cookies or cupcakes decorated with red, white and blue sprinkles, flags and frostings. Note a potluck works well for this event too!