Short Extension Cords
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
I have just returned from vacation and have some great questions that came while I was gone, and I want to share them with you. But first I want to tell you about something that your hardware store has, but I bet you have never noticed it. In the extension cord area you will find short extension cords. Usually they are about 8 inches in length with a 3 prong plug and connector. I remember the first time I saw these cords and I went over to the electrical buyer in the store and asked why did we need 8” cords? He kind of smiled at me and explained that they were great for extending your outlets. Let me explain.
Let’s say you have a power strip with 5 outlets available. Have you tried plugging 5 devices into that power strip? Usually the most you can fit on that strip is 3 devices because the plugs sit sideways. But if you plug the short extensions in first, you can fit all five plugs into the power strip. I use my short extension cords in my covered front porch outlet. During Christmas, my outdoor decorations will not fit into that outlet because it has a door to keep it weatherproof. But I can plug the short extension cords into the outlet first and the extra 8 inches of the cord will allow me to plug into that outlet with no problem.
I know this seems like a little thing, but it has helped me a lot, hoping it will help you too.
And I am so excited, in 2025 I am going to the National Hardware Show and will be able to go to the Do It Best show also. For the last two years, they have overlapped one another, but not next year.
Now to that full email…..
Question: I have an over- spray problem. Not an over- spray of spray paint but of hair spray. I have hard wood floors, and I am wondering what would be safe to use. I am scared to put anything on these floors because I worry that I will harm the finish.
Answer: I laughed at your question because I have the same problem. I try to remember to keep a rug under my feet or stand in the shower, but I must forget most of the time because I get this dull film that will build up in the bathroom where I have bamboo flooring. Now bamboo is impervious to water, but hair spray is another thing. So the product that I use is Quick Shine Deep Cleaner. It will remove old wax from wood floors so it will remove hairspray. I like to use a Scotch Brite sponge to scrub the area using the Deep Cleaner and then I just rinse off the cleaner and then towel dry the area. Don’t worry about using water on the floor, you are just rinsing. After the floor is dry I will put another coat of Quick Shine Floor Finish for added protection.
Question: I have cultured marble bathroom counter tops in my bathroom. After a visit from a relative I noticed a terrible stain in the sink of my guest bath. I have tried several things, but nothing seems to budge the stain. Can I paint it? Can I bleach it? Do I have to replace it?
Answer: You can paint it, but you will have to paint the entire countertop because the sink and countertop are all one piece. Do NOT bleach it. The bleach will etch the man made top and then you really will have to replace it. Try Bring It On, it’s an oxygenated bleach cleaning product safe for man-made surfaces. Apply the product and give it a scrub and then let it haze over and dry. After it’s dry, use a soft towel or rag and buff out the product. If the stain fades, repeat the process. I wish you luck.
Question: I saw a mouse in our shed. I don’t want to put out a trap, however, my wife says they have to go. So what would you recommend, trap or poison?
Answer: Neither use Morgan’s Repellent. Place about 3 feet off the floor, don’t block the exits and they will leave immediately. I promise. It’s the best repellent on the market.