Q. You referred to a removable solar window film on your radio program that can be removed and reapplied to reduce solar heat. Can you tell me more about it?

A. The solar protection film that is added to windows is a very cost effective way of reducing heat (and light as well, if you like) in the summer and is certainly removable and replaceable, but not as simply as you might think.

What we meant by removable was that after the material had deteriorated from use (two to 10 years), it could be removed and then replaced (or not replaced). Removal is easier to do now than it once has been in the past. The window film industry is only about 25 years young, and we're just now seeing products that aren't so susceptible to scratching and deterioration and techniques have been developed that can be relied upon to remove the film without damage to the glass onto which it is affixed.

Window films are made of acetate (plastic sheeting) and aluminum particles. The sun will eventually discolor and break down the plastic and aluminum to a point where the film is no longer effective and where it looks bad as well (it discolors, splits and peels). Hence, removability is very important.

Small fine crack? Big large surface? Here's how to glue 'em all — better!

Got a long, fine crack in a piece of wood that you want to glue? To avoid having to spread it farther apart to get glue into the crack (and thus risk having it split even more), just pull unwaxed dental floss through a dab of glue, then through the crack to transfer the glue. When enough is in place, clamp it and let it dry.

To evenly apply glue to large surfaces, cut a piece of one-inch diameter foam pipe insulation and slip it onto a four-inch paint roller frame. Then roll it on smoothly and evenly where needed. When you're through, simply toss the insulation.

With no muss, no fuss, and little expense, you too can be the undisputed king of gluing.