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Using a shovel to dig is the standard method. Of course, it's smart to sharpen the blade to make digging easier, and you should wear gloves to protect your hands.

And something you can do to help make it easier on your feet is to add some cushioning to the top of the blade, where your foot presses down.

This area is usually thin metal and, when you're working a lot, can cause pain in the arch of your foot. If you cut a scrap of garden hose to sit on top of this thin part of the blade, slit it down the side and slide it over the area, you will give your foot a break!

It's easy, and when your "dogs start barking," you'll know they are saying "thank you."

Dear Carrells: Whenever I get a new appliance or tool, I always send in the warranty or go online and register it.

It might seem like a hassle, but I have had several instances of the tools being recalled.

It's also a great way to get more information about the tools and any new accessories they come out with. It's worth it for a lot of reasons.

-- C.R.

A SUPER HINT -- Store hardware in zipper-top bags. Your nails, screws and other items will be securely locked up, and you can put several bags into one large bin box. It's easy to sort through them to get just what you need, because you can see what's inside each one without opening it!

Dear Al: I've learned how to get a smoother edge when cutting through some woods.

I used to get a lot of splintering when I was sawing, especially on plywood, but I found that by covering the cutting line with masking tape, it eliminates the splintering.

I think the tape keeps the wood fibers intact as you move across them.

Another good thing about using tape is that it's easier to mark your cutting lines on the tape because they don't have to be removed from the wood after you have cut it.

-- R.G.

Q: I just painted my bathroom, and now I am seeing marks on my walls.

The stains were from a leaky shower, and I covered them completely with the paint. What went wrong?

-- H.B.

A: You have to seal a water stain with primer, or it almost always will bleed through.

Primer is usually required for a good paint job anyway. You should go back, primer and seal with Kilz or some other good-quality primer, and then repaint.

Dear Kelly: I've had the worst luck with potted plants on my deck. The squirrels keep digging in the pots and ruining them.

I found that if I put a layer of rocks over the top of the soil, the squirrels won't dig in them as much.

I guess they don't like moving the heavy rocks. It also keeps my deck cleaner, because dirt used to splash out of the pots when it rained or when I watered them. Rocks are good!

-- F.B.

SHOPTALK -- We've been testing the Neuton rechargeable lawn mower, and it's super!

The rechargeable battery gives you plenty of power and running time to mow about 15,000 square feet of lawn and, since there's no gas or oil needed, you don't have to worry about the smell, the contamination or the emissions that pollute the air.

You will be doing your part for the environment too. There are two models to choose from. To learn more, visit www.neutonpower.com and check it out.

* Got a question or a handy tip? Visit our Web site at www.thesuperhandyman.com. Those of general interest will be used in future columns.