Nails, or spikes, may be driven into hard wood without causing them to buckle by applying a coating of vaseline, beeswax, and rosin, mixed in equal portions. A convenient method of applying the mixture is to bore a hole in the end of the hammer handle and fill it with the material. The nails may be pressed into the hole to coat them.—O. Root, Lorain, Ohio.
Porch Gate Folds into Hollow Pillar
The porch is a convenient play spot for the children, but must be properly safeguarded to prevent not uncommon accidents and injury by falls. The folding gate shown in the sketch provides substantial barrier to the head of the stairs, and may be quickly folded out of the way. It is hardly noticeable when set in the side of the pillar, and does not mar the finish or general effect of the latter.
The Gate is Folded When Not in Use and is Concealed in the Hollow Porch Pillar
The gate is made of strips of band iron, although wood may be used. The strips are fastened with bolts, or rivets, and the forward end is fitted to the section of the pillar, which forms the cover for the recess in which the gate is housed. The cover is hooked to the opposite pillar when the gate is opened. Any suitable height may be chosen for the gate, but, for the purpose suggested, 24 to 30 in. is satisfactory. The device may be adapted to a variety of other uses by providing a box or chamber for the collapsed gate, when no hollow recess is otherwise available.
A Homemade Book Holder
Nails Driven in a Board and Bent in the Shape of Screw Hooks to Hold a Book
A piece of board and four finishing nails furnished me with the necessary materials to construct a book-holding apparatus when in a hurry. Each nail, being driven through the board, could be turned to release, and pulled out far enough to accommodate a thicker book. In fact the device was adjustable.