Mix together enough water glass and iron filings to make a thick paste. Apply this to the cracks or holes, and heat gradually almost to a red heat. This substance will bear a white heat, although of course one would rarely have occasion to test it to this degree. The water glass and iron filings can be bought at a druggist’s.
Cement for China.
Dissolve one ounce of powdered gum-arabic in a gill of boiling water. Stir enough plaster of Paris into the liquid to make it the consistency of thick cream. Use immediately.
Another Rule.—Powder quicklime and stir it into the white of an egg, making rather a thick paste. Coat the broken edges lightly with this, and tie the pieces together.
How to Fasten Handles of Knives and Forks.
Mix together two ounces of powdered rosin, one ounce of powdered sulphur, and one ounce of iron filings. Keep these in a box, and, when a knife or fork becomes loosened from the handle, fill the opening in the handle with the powdered mixture. Heat the tang of the instrument and press it into the handle. Should it not go in to the hilt, heat again, and the second attempt will be successful.
Do not pack the powder into the opening. Should the powder blaze up when the heated metal is inserted, blow out the flame. Be careful to turn the fork-tines or knife-blade around until in the right position, before the filling becomes hard.
Value of a Drop of Oil.
Every housekeeper knows how annoying it is to have the hinges of the doors squeak, and the locks and bolts refuse to move unless great force be used. Many do not realize that a few drops of oil will, as a rule, remedy these annoyances. First spread a newspaper on that part of the floor over which the hinges swing. Now, with the sewing-machine oil can, oil the hinges thoroughly, and then swing the door back and forth until it moves without noise. Wipe the hinges, but let the paper remain for a few hours, to guard against the possible dripping of oil. For locks and bolts, protect the floor in the same manner. Oil them thoroughly, working them until they will move with ease. The egg-beater and the ice-cream freezer should be oiled frequently in the same manner.