In the world of wood-handled tools there are two golden rules. You have to learn how to care for them and you have to learn how to keep them. First, to prolong the life of a wooden handle on a hammer or any other tool, apply a thin coat of linseed oil, lemon oil or even olive oil from time to time. Let it soak in for an hour or two, until it feels dry to the touch. To keep from losing a wood-handled tool, put your brand on it as cattlemen do. Only, in this case, paint your initials on it in an out-of-the-way place with finger nail polish; and don’t let it dry. Instead, set a match to the wet polish and let it burn itself away. You’ll wind up with a permanent charred brand on the handle that’ll say "it’s yours and it’ll stay." And that's the On The House tip for today.