The Morning Herald from Hagerstown, Maryland • Page 14

THE MORNING HERALD, HAGERSTOWN, MD, frldiy, Auguit II, 'S i Here're answers Changing faucet washers an easy job for home queries By ANDY LANG be sure to follow the ir If you happen to have one of the modern single-lever faucets in your kitchen or bathroom, you don't have to worry abmil a i washers, because it doesn't have one. But the very large majority of houses still have the ordinary compression faucets, with separate hot and cold water taps. That means tho washer in each faucet eventually wears down and needs replacing. The days are gene when you could get a washer changed for a dollar err two. In fact, regardless of the charge, it's Deeds; difficult even to get a plumber for such a small job.

And there's no reason to do so. Changing a faucet washer is within the capability anyone. The first step is to turn off (lie water leading to ths fauccl. Most faucets have cutoff valves underneath Hie sink, one for (he hot walcr one for tho cold, Turning the valve clockwise shuts off the water. If you have a very old sink with no such visible valves, the water to the lino must be shut olf or, it you don't know where it is (you should), the valve must ho close at the point where the water line enters the house.

Afler opening the (faucet handle all the way, the stem can he lifted out or screwed out. Where there is a nut near the handle, it should be loosened with a wrench after covering it with adhesive tape to prevent scratches. At the bottom of the stem will find a chewed-up washer held in place by a screw. Remove it. If the screw is so hanged up thai you ean't get it out with a screwdriver, grip the top of it with pliers and turn it counterclockwise.

Replace the washer with one of the same size and put back everything in the reverse order in which it was removed. Once in a great while tho faucet will continue to drip after the washer has been replaced. When this occurs, it usually means that the scat of the faucet--the part tho washer rests on--is uneven and in need of smoothing. P'or this you will need an inexpensive faucet seat dresser, which will come attached to a card that tells you how to use it. The scat dresser takes the place of steel wool or a file, either of which would ho difficult to fit into the faucet opening.

Should you have to take the faucet apart again in order to use a seat dresser, remember that you again must turn off the water before the disassembling operation. By ANDY LANG AP Several years ago took (Patching plaster, concrete and stucco, and fixing balky doors and windows, a among the 35 do-it-yourself projects in Andy Lang's help- a "Practical Home licpairs," available by sending Jl to this newspaper in care of Box 5, Teaneck, N.J. 07666.) The following deeds were processed by the Clerk of Court's Office recently: Wilford J. Dean and Virgie A. to David C.

liitlingcr and Margaret A. liitlingcr, land on Salem Avenue. Paul E. Cordoll and Betty Beryle Cordcll In Allen D. Magaha a Teresa A Magaha, land nnd improvements on N.

Mulberry Street. Earlc T. Andrews to Jesse H. McCnskcr, laud and improvements nn lioad. Kirby J.

Krousc and Anna M. Krousc In a M. Vaughn a Belly i a Vaughn, land and improve- on N. AntieUm Street. Robert K.

Anderson and Clova J. Anderson to Samuel Charles Lang, land nnd improvements on Bower Avenue. Aldus L. Martin and Mary 11. a i to Jack K.

Peters and S. i Peters, land and improvements on Cherry Tree Drive. Russell Steever and Mamie 1.. Stccvcr to John Perrott Kr. and Clara L.

Perrott, land on Virginia Avenue. Ronald P. Johnston and Rose M. Johnston to Albert R. Miller and Doris E.

Miller, land and improvements on N. Mulberry Street. R. Eugene Gunder and Joanne L. Gunder to Vcrnon H.

Jones and Eva K. Jones, land and improvements on Maryland Avenue. Herman L. Gaver to Edwin E. Hess and GcorRo ft.

Lylcs, land in Election District No. 10. Thurman C. Lindscy and Harrictlc B. I.indscy to Edda P.

Turco, land on Oak Hill Avcimc. Earl J. Robinson and Rose Shoemaker Robinson to Daniel O. Harmon and a V. Harmon, laud and improvements on Yarrowshnrg Road.

The Potomac Edison Co. to The Bock Oil Co. of a a land and improvements on W. Lee Street. Samuel J.

Kcaton and Hilda M. Kcaton to Russell G. Eversole and Frances B. Eversole, land and improvements on Key Circle. William H.

Reams and L. Reams to Robert H. Rollins II and Jacqueline A. Rollins, land and improvements on Jlonroc Road. Mullendore a Cecile M.

Mullendore Waiter E. McClain a Pauline W. McClain, land on Donnybrook Drive. Walter R. Bowman and Gladys L.

Bowman to Helen M. Starr, land and improvements on Park Road. Edward C. Kline and Earl C. Kline to Elvin M.

liege and Dorothy M. llcgc. land and improvements on S. Potomac Street. Charles a i a Kathleen A.

Martin Clarence Y. T'retz and T.ela I. Fretz, land on Paradise Drive. Welly J. Lealherman and Emily M.

I.eatbcrman to Robert Francis Shivcs III nnd Susnn Jane Shivcs, land on Timber Ridge Road No. 1. Homeowners Foundation of Washington County, to Charles L. Scbleigh Jr. and Juliana S.

Schleigb, land and improvements east of Funkstown. Elwood Charles House and Evelyn Irene House to David I.ec Jones and Charlcen M. Jones, laud and improvements in Zittlcslown. David R. Mellott and June L.

Mellolt to Jauct C. Jones, land and improvements in Orchard Hills. John E. Ciinfield and Hilda M. Canficld to Joseph Robert Si'hccrer and Mary Angela Sdiecrer, land on Spickler Road.

ealional Properties Associates to Lucicn Uhlrich and Marguerite O. Uhlrich, land on Overlook Drive. Edgar L. Sultou to Robert L. Hiirtle and Judith Ann Ilartle, Innd and improvements on the Hagcrstown- Sharpsburg Highway.

Cecil Travcr to Samuel Theron Shank, land and improvements in Williamsport. James B. Nugent and Lois Ann Nugent to David It. Mcllott and June L. Mclloll, land and improvements on Reid Road.

Homeowners Foundation of Washington County Inc. to Franklin E. Harlman and Beverly A. a a land and improvements east of Funkstown. Lacy Simmons and Esther May Simmons lo George Leon Baker Jr.

and Evelyn E. Baker, land and improvements on N. Prospect Street. Robert K. Parks and Ann Parks to Milton K.

Johnson Jr. and Alma J. Johnson, land and improvements on Resli Road. J. Waller Hnrshman nnd Thelma M.

Harsliman to Richard Eugene Pciffer and Judy Elaine Pciffer, land on Itnvrc Road. FOR A SMALL FAMILY, this compact ranch offers living with all the comforts a larger house affords. If not required, the small bedrooms could be used as a den, sewing room, etc The combination recreation room-dining room has sliding doors lo the terrace and is so close to the kitchen the kitchen doesn't need a rear entrance. However, a service entrance is provided at the side with stairway lo the basement immediately adjacent. Storage space is provided in the garage, which also has an entrance to the house.

Plan HA736Y, with 1,105 square feet of living space, was designed by Herman H. York, 90-04 161st Jamaica, N. Y. 11132. He may be written to about the plan.

James E. Criswcll and Julia F. Criswcll lo Edgar 1,. Sutlon and Barbara L. Sulton, land and improvements on Indian Cottage Road.

Sheldon P. Lawson to James M. Arkins and Janet M. Arkins, lard and improvements on Green Valley Drive. Laura E.

B. Rudy to William McGeory SpaiiRlcr Elsie i a Spongier, land in Ml. Aetna. Deeds Inc. to Milton J.

Russ Sr. and a K. Russ, Innd and improvements on Jefferson Street. Gabriclle S. Connor to Gale Cook and Catherine I.

Cook, land on N. Potomac Street. Leo H. Cronisc and Ardcll J. Crouise to Gerald F.

and Shirley E. land in Election District No. fi. Gary W. Scllman and Linda J.

Scllman to Dana Vcn- i i i laud in Election District No. 12. Take care in buying gift tools By ANDY LANG AP Newifejturei The clement of surprise Ihat many gift givers cherish may have Its advantages under cert a i circumstances--bill not when it comes to choosing an electric tool for a present. Thousands of wives will give their husbands power tools as Christmas presents this year. 11io.sc who make their choices nn the basis of what they think their husbands want or need will discover, in most cases, that the machines are exchanged or seldom used.

There are several ways In i Ihc gifts can he given. One is via a gift certificate from a store which slocks fl wide variety of power tnnls. Another is lo ask the advice nt a friend or relative i whom Ihc husband discusses home re pairs and projects. Best of all, tell your husband what you have in mind and let him make his own choice. If none of these fits in with your plans, then at least make your purchase with the understanding that it can be exchanged if it isn't exactly what your husband wanted.

Most stores will be happy to deal with you on lhal basis. Choosing a power tool merely because your husband doesn'l have the specific one you have your eye on is unwise. He may not have purchased it himself simply because he nas no real use for il. The key to the prop, cr selection of an electric machine lies primarily in the kind of work usually done ny the potential user. When a person docs jobs Involving heavy-duty curves and straight cuts, a handsaw is excellent.

But light-duty curves and straight cuts are well handled by a i a And when it is necessary lhal Ihe tool be brought to the work, a porlablc jigsaw or saber saw is the answer. several layers of varnish off some old furniture, using regular varnish remover. The result was pretty good, but it was one of the messiest jobs I ever did. Someone has told me that it is possible to take off old varnish with a propane torch, Is this possible? It is possible, but if not done by a professional, there is a definite fire hazard, When it Is done, the propane torch is use'd with a special burner tip called a flame spreader. Another way to burn off an old finish is with one of the elecfric tools that does hoi have an open flame.

Despite your experienc, using a varnish remover is the safest way to remove an old finish. Some of the removers are the wash-off type, permitting the old varnish to be washed off rather than scraped off after it has been softened.l Several applications may be necessary if there are three or four coats of varnish on the fur- be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on precautions to observe as well as how the surface should treated after the old finish is gome. Q. Can you tell me what the words "5-pound cut" rrtean on the label of a botlle of shellac? Also, what's the technique of using shellac? means that there five pounds of resin to one gallon af denatured alcohol. This must be reduced further bcfora using by mixing with additional alcohol.

For the beginner, it is best to use 5-pound cut shellac in a 50-50 mixture with additional denatured alcohol. If the shellac is cut," use marked "4-pound mixture of about 60 per cent shellac la 40 per cent alcohol. After you have used, shellac a few times, you will begin to form your own opinion of how much alcohol should be added to the shellac. Shellac should be flowed on vith the grain of the wood. ince it dries very quickly, don't go hack over areas already dene.

About four hours niturc. Whatever type you use, should elapse between coats. WE'LL GIVE YOU MORE ROOM Your search for a new home should slarl where the money is. It's what we know that can open the door lo, unexpected opportunities for you. We know houses from (op lo bottom.

We know it they have what it lakes to make a home. We know what circumstances are the best for you to borrow money. Thai's why our home loans are called smart money, too. SAVINGS AND LOANASSOCIAHOtf 122-128 W. Washington Street Hagerstown, Maryland Virginia Avenue Branch at Halfway Boulevard To keep from getting gel rid of poison ivy plants Permits The following building were applied for recently at the Washington County apartment of Building and Permits.

Building permits are for those structures costing more Ilian $1,000 or those located outside of nicorporatcd towns. Dennis E. Eichclberger of Sharpsburg, dwelling on Mills Road, $24,000. Mary Williams of HI. 4, demolish house on Ml.

Tabor Road. Smithsburg, mobile home on Red Hen lioad near Pennsylvania line. Phillip G. llarshman of Smithsburg, swimming pool on Commanehe Drive, D. Taylor, split-level dwelling on Sharpsburg Pike, $24,000.

Donald W. Bishop of Big Spring, rhobile home on Charles Mill Road. Perry L. Hendcrsliot of Rt. 2, dwelling on Spickler Road, $28,000.

Edward Marlz of Boonsboro, mobile home on private line near Park Hall Road. Ida and Wilbert Kerns of Hancock, mobile home on Hoffman Road. R. Dctrow of Rt. 1, mobile home on Mt, Aetna Road.

a T. Gladliill of 35 Scott Hill Drive, dwelling on Jeffrey Drive, $30,000. Appalachian Tun, one-room addition to kitchen on U.S. 40, $12.000. Waller L.

a i of Williamsporl, molulc home on Neck Road. Herman llatficld of 23 N. Cleveland mobile home on Jefferson Boulevard. The following intent to build permits were applied for rc- cenlly al the Washington County Departmenl of Building and Permits. Intent to build permits are for those structures cosling less than $1,000 or those located inside incorporated towns, They are also for farm buildings.

a Presbyterian ChurcK of Hancock, Sunday school building in Hancock, $41,690. Darwin T. Mills of Hancock, one-room addition to home on Center Strccl in Hancock, $GOO. diaries Angle Smithsburg, a storage shed on Ollawa Drive in Smilhsburg, $500. D.

K. Marker of Rl. 5, loafing barn and silo on Rt. 418, $13,000. Millie K.

Moals of Falrplay, enlarge and cncloso porch en Sharpsburg Pike, By EARL ARONSON AP Newsfeatures Some lucky gardeners (and others) aren'l affected by poison ivy. Others get a mild reaction and some suffer very much from the itching. The best way lo prevent poison ivy poisoning is lo get rid of the plants. They can be a problem as late as fall. To identify the pesky plant, look for a cluster of tlirce leaves arranged alternately on Hie stem.

The dark green, waxy leaves bright red and yellow in fall. Waxy white berries remain on the stem through winter. The best advice comes from L. Williams Jr. of Purdue University who says: "If it's leaves three, lei it be." You can be affected by poison ivy by contacl with leaves, broken stems, smoke from burning the plants or animals that have touched it.

Except by using chemicals, it isn't easy lo get rid of poison ivy. You've got to get all the root or it wilt rcln.ru. To eradicate il, spray Am- male, silvex or amino triazolc on plant leaves during the growing season but don't permit the spray to drift onto shrubs, trees or crops. Thoroughly wet tin plants with the chemical, when there ii no wind. Or during the dormant season mix one pint of silvex with three gallons of fuel oil and apply on tne vines.

At such lime other garden planls or flowers are less likely to be hurt. If garden planls arc close by, apply the herbicide i a small sponge attached to a wooden handle 01 paintbrush. Tlic chemical will spread, even to the roots. Expect to make several applications, since plar.ts may reappear the following year. Spray the a a escaped the first application when new leaves appear.

It may be possible soon to control thalcb, a major lawn problem, with i i a materials. But Michigan State University turf expert David P. Martin says more research is needed. He told the A i a Society of Agronomy in New York City that thus far the best way to get rid of thatch is with a tiraeconsuming mechanical dethatching pro cess. IF IT'S TOO LATE TO GET THAT NEW HOME BUILT THIS YEAR, NO NEED TO WORRY It's Never Too Late To Have Colony House Interiors Modernize Your Present Home With complete, onC'Stop service now available tn Hagerstown, there no reason to postpone any longer that planned Interior modcmlzallon.

Act today, and a rtecor that you will proudly display for friends and relatives can be ready for trie upcoming Indoor entertaining season. COLONY HOUSE INTERIORS offers you all that It needed to modernize a single room, or nil of your rooms; layout service, color coordination advice, selection of fine cabinetry, fixtures, Installed appliances, and floor coverings and assignment of careful, skilled a (o accomplish the job (o your exact Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 nonn, and evenings by a i Modornliatlon means enhanced family living enjoyment today, and Increased property values for tomorrow. 1835 Pennsylvania Higtritown, Md.

Til.phon. 797-9100 Ready to build? We're Ready to lend If you've found just the right combinalion of building plans, contractor and lot we're ready to lend you Ihe money to start construction. Or maybe the house of your dreams is already a realily. Either way, you'll appreciate our competitive home loan rales and the way we custom-lit a loan to your needs. If you're ready fo build or talk to one of our home loan specialists.

Soon. See Your Realtor FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS LOAN ASSOCIATION 100 W. Washington St. 739-1001.