"Tricks of the trade." The cliche refers to the timesaving shortcuts that a seasoned tradesman develops over time.

But skill is only part of the equation. Having the proper tool can help to make a task significantly easier and produce more professional results.

Tools are to serious home improvers what toys are to children. It's not uncommon to find an array of unusual and interesting tools proudly displayed in their workshop, shed or garage. They are regarded as trophies, merit badges or stripes on a full dress uniform.

A new tool and gadget catalog, "Improvements Quick & Clever Problem Solvers," is chock full of those things you never thought existed but which can make odd jobs around the house quicker, easier and sometimes even safer.

"Improvements" is not the only source for many standard items, but it contains some unusual ones not typically found at the local hardware store or home improvement center. The color catalog is free for the asking and products, which can be ordered by phone, are delivered by mail. A few of the "nifty gadgets" you might need to make that tough task just a tad easier:

The water leak alarm can help with early detection of what could end up being a disastrous leak. The device ($17.99) consists of a sensor connected to a battery-operated alarm. When placed around a water heater, clothes washer or even a kid's bathtub, the device alerts you of unwanted water, preventing flood damage.

The electronic probe thermometer is the barbecue chef's dream come true. This gadget takes the guesswork out of barbecuing. Simply stick the electronic probe thermometer into your food and it instantly reads and displays the inner temperature. It sells for $19.99.

The hands-free head lamp is a flashlight with an elastic headband that can be strapped to your forehead, for those two-handed jobs like fixing a leaking pipe under the kitchen sink or making repairs in the attic. The item may seem a bit pricey at $29.99, but can be a lot less expensive than hiring a helper to hold the flashlight.

Ever work around delicate finishes like fancy faucets or furniture that could easily be damaged by the abrasive jaws of a pair of pliers? Standard operating procedure when using pliers around decorative finishes like a faucet, for example, is to protect the finish by placing a soft piece of cloth between the jaws of the pliers and the vulnerable finish. This is done to avoid marring the finish. Unfortunately, more often than not, the pliers tear through the cloth leaving the fine finish permanently damaged.

The No-Mar soft-jaw pliers ($24.99) have soft-resin jaw faces (square and round) that give you a powerful grip without marring your fittings. The pliers are spring loaded and have cushioned grips.

Before the invention of the Blade Buster, changing the blade on a rotary lawnmower was a difficult and dangerous undertaking. The Blade Buster is a clamp which locks the mower blade securely into place for easy removal and replacement. The investment of $12.99 is modest considering the improved safety. (To order a copy of the catalog, call 1-800-642-2112.)