I don’t even wait for my push broom to break before I strengthen it. When it’s brand new, I screw the base of a triangle of 1/4-in. or 3/8-in. plywood to the top of the broom head, and the top of the triangle to the handle. This gusset keeps the broom together longer, and the added weight helps it sweep better.
—Michael Sweem, Downey, CA
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #24
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Affordable IR Camera
This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Handy Heat Gun
This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
