Q–My hobby is working with and repairing antiques and I need to cut an oval shaped piece of glass to fit in an old picture frame, as well as a circular piece to fit in a clock face.
I do not have any power tools–just the usual assortment of hand tools.
Is this something I can do myself using just a regular glass cutter?
A–You will need a top quality glass cutter, preferably one with a carbide wheel.
Clean the glass thoroughly and draw the outline of the shape to be cut on the glass, using a marking pencil and a wood or cardboard pattern to form the circle or oval.
Place the glass on a flat surface padded with several layers of newspaper, then dip the cutting wheel of the glass cutter into kerosene.
Score the glass around the circular or oval pattern marked on the glass, holding the cutter between the forefinger and index finger while gripping with the thumb.
Move it along with steady pressure in one direction to create a tearing sound.
Then use the cutter to score additional marks radiating out from this outline to the edges. Turn the glass over and tap along the score marks with the blunt end of the cutter, causing the glass to crack along those marks.
You can then carefully break away the scrap pieces with flat-jaw pliers.
Q–Our kitchen was originally painted with an oil-base semi-gloss enamel, but we painted over this with a latex semi-gloss paint about a year ago.
This paint tends to chip and flake off when nicked, so we plan to repaint again.
What should we do to prevent this happening next time?
A–The last coat of paint is not bonding properly to the old paint.
This could be because the old paint was still glossy when you painted over it, or because the old surface was not clean.
Your only sure cure now is to remove all of the paint down to the bare surface, using a chemical paint remover.
Then start from scratch by applying a first coat of a stain-killing sealer before finishing with two coats of the paint of your choice.
Q–The stairs in my front hall make a squeaking noise when stepped on. How can I correct this before I put down carpet on these steps?
A–Stair squeaks are usually caused by loose treads (steps) that move slightly when stepped on.
They need to be fastened down more securely–usually by driving screws down through the tread so they go into the top of the riser under that tread.
Make certain you drill pilot holes for the screws first, and be sure the screws go into the top of the riser.
Countersink the head of each screw slightly below the surface, then fill the hole that remains with a matching colored wood.
Q–We want to empty a large fish tank that is built into our family room wall because we no longer have any tropical fish.
The tank is too large and heavy to lift and there is only a small opening at the top through which I can reach.
Other than dipping the water out with a small jar or cup, or buying some kind of portable pump, can you suggest a faster or easier way to empty this tank?
A–Use a piece of flexible rubber or plastic hose to siphon the water out.
Start the siphoning action by first filling the hose with water. This can be done by pinching one end closed and then pouring water in through the other end until the hose is full.
Insert the open end of this filled hose into the tank and push this end down to the bottom of the tank while continuing to hold the other end closed.
Allow this outside end to hang down into a pail or bucket that is placed lower than the bottom of the tank, then release this end and allow the water in the hose to flow out into the bucket.
The water will then continue to flow out of the tank and into the bucket — until the water level inside the tank falls below the end of the hose that is inside the tank.
———-
Write to Bernard Gladstone in care of Your Place, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. .
