HANDY HINTS

CLEVER SOLUTIONS FROM OUR READERS

PORTABLE ROLLER STAND

Ripping a long board on a small portable table saw can be downright dangerous without extra support. If you don't have a helper to control the board, clamp a paint roller with a short-nap sleeve to a sawhorse as a temporary roller stand. Tighten the clamp firmly to prevent slipping.

It can be used with other tools, too. As you move this setup to different tools, simply adjust the roller height as needed.

WILLIAM A. GOLDBACH

PLASTIC BAG DISPENSER

Storing and reusing plastic bags is easy if you make a dispenser from a 2-liter soda bottle. Cut off the top and bottom with a razor knife, trimming any jagged edges so you don't tear the bags when you pull them out. Then screw the dispenser to a cabinet door or closet wall (or attach it with hook-and-loop tape).

CAROL SCHRUM

NYLON SCRUBBER

Put your car-washing sponge inside a pair of old pantyhose for a nonabrasive, paint-friendly scrubber. The threads act like thousands of little scrapers to rub off insects and gunk with every swipe.

MANUEL RODRIGUEZ