We recently reported on several finds at the 59th Annual National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Nev. Here are some more.

A Solder Substitute

Soldering copper water pipe is difficult at best. Most of the folks we know would prefer to use threaded connections, or glued plastic.

Unfortunately, plastic pipe is unreliable and threaded galvanized iron pipe eventually rusts. And that's why home repairers are still looking for an alternative to all three. Well, we finally found one. No kidding. And it couldn't be simpler.

Would you believe "glued" copper? They call it "bonded." Really the best pipe type using the easiest connecting technique.

Clean the fitting and the pipe, wipe on the bonding compound, push the parts together and in no time the connections is as solid as a rock. Wow!

Inventor Miles Jackson tells us that his new bonding compound holds better than solder, "as long as the connection is properly cleaned." We know that this one is going to be trouble for some. There are those who simply don't understand the word "clean." Those who do shouldn't have any trouble at all.

Truth is there has never been any kind of glue that stuck to a dirty surface. So Jackson's product is no different in that regard. In any event, we feel that this is one product that will change the plumbing industry.

For more information on Just-For-Copper "solderless bonding" you can contact Jackson Industries, Inc. by phone at (978) 897-5662 or check out their Web site at www.justforcopper.com.

Paint For Plastic That Works?

If you know anything about spray paint you know the name Krylon. It was the brand we watched our mom use when we were kids. Mom loved to spray things gold. The light fixture in our bedroom was gold. Picture frames all throughout the house were gold. Even our Christmas decorations were gold.

But the one thing that mom couldn't do was get paint to stick on plastic. In fact, until lately no one has had a product that would stick to plastic. However, the folks at Krylon Paint Co. seem to think that they have come up with the answer. Paint in a spray can that will stick to plastic.

We haven't tried it yet, but we intend to make the plunge this summer -- we have patio furniture that is screaming for attention.

If you want more info on paint made specifically for plastic you can contact Sherwin Williams by calling 800 4KRYLON or hook up with them on the Net at www.krylon.com. The product is call Fusion.

Killing two Birds With One Stone -- So To Speak

We know folks who love the idea of edging their housewalk with brick or stone. And, we know others who love path lighting because it makes getting from here to there safer when each step of the way is more clearly visible.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a brick edging material that had built-in lighting so that you could kill both birds with one "brick"? Yep, you already know the answer. We found it. We discovered a new product just out on the market -- plastic brick edging material that has built-in lighting. This one is really cool. The interlocking plastic bricks need no mortar and can be installed in sweeping curves.

For more information on this product contact Argee Corp. at (619)449-5050.