TOOLS & MATERIALS

Quick and easy problem solvers.

Solve common problems or finish chores quickly with handy devices.

1. POCKET FRAME

Make a small bath or laundry room more accessible with the 1500SC Pocket Door Frame. It features a soft-close dampener and steel-wrapped split studs, doorstop, and door guides. An easy-to-install kit for a 30" x 80" door costs $189.93. Johnson Hardware, (800) 837-5664, johnsonhardware.com

2. NO TRIPPING

Port the full-size NXT cordless wet/dry vacuum with no restrictions on movement or the need for an electrical outlet. Powered by two 18v batteries, this vac has a run time of about one hour. It has a QuikLock filter and accepts high-efficiency dust bags; $99. RIDGID, (800) 474-3443, ridgid.com

3. UNDERWATER REPAIR

Repair holes and cracks in the porcelain on sinks and tubs with WaterWeld, which works even under water. The easy-to-use, two-part epoxy plugs and seals leaks, too. After curing, it can be drilled, filed, sanded, and painted. Cures to offwhite; $8. J-B Weld, (903) 885-7696, jbweld.com

4. PORCELAIN TOUCHUP

Are you looking for just the right tone to touch up chips and scratches on a vintage range or sink? Porc-A-Fix comes in hundreds of colors matched to major kitchen and bath porcelain fixtures from back in the day; $12.95 and up. Historic Houseparts, (585) 325-2329, historichouseparts.com

5. COMPACT BENCH

Made from European beech, the Sjöberg apartment workbench is solidly held together with lag bolts. It measures a compact 42 ¾ " long x 19 ¾ " x 1" thick, with a 2 ¾ " skirt. Easy to knock down, it comes with two vises, both 14" long with clamping capacities; $649. Lee Valley Tools, (800) 267-8767, leevalley.com