Time to pull out the "honey-do" list. Chances are you're one of the many who plan to take advantage of summer weekends to complete household repairs before the days grow shorter and cooler. According to a June 2007 "Better Homes & Gardens" Online Reader Panel Survey, nearly one-third of respondents reported they will delay or not carry out a home repair project due to lack of product knowledge. Of the more than 2,000 survey respondents, only 11 percent said they felt they were very knowledgeable about home repairs when it came to selecting the right adhesive, often a project necessity.

To navigate the adhesive world, try these novel suggestions when tackling common do-it-yourself home improvement projects:

Perfect Projects for Polyurethane
Polyurethane glue is the ultimate household adhesive. A polyurethane glue, such as Ultimate Glue, is the best fix for a permanent, strong, waterproof bond. It adheres to any substrate, requires no mixing and is sandable, paintable and stainable.

Secure the Shaky Stuff
Repair wobbly tables or chairs with wood glue. Simply remove all old glue from the affected areas with sandpaper or steel wool. Spread an ample amount of Carpenter's Wood Glue and use a wood clamp or tourniquet to apply pressure on the joint for 30 minutes. Allow the piece to dry overnight. Certain variations of wood glue even contain real wood for better finishing and staining results.

All-Purpose All Around
An all-purpose glue is a must-have for the kitchen, den, workshop and garage. Use hardware-strength white glue for crafts and light home repair. It's ideal for fixing a bird feeder or flower pot.

Instant Improvements
For quick fixes around the house use an instant glue, also known as a cyanoacrylate. With little to no set time necessary, products such as Instant Krazy Glue can quickly repair household décor and items like door and cabinet handles. Look for an instant glue with a surface-appropriate applicator.

Fix Flaws with Fillers
Wood fillers correct any wood surface imperfections and are usually available in a range of colors for various environments. Fillers are ideal for repairing holes, dents, scratches and defects on wood, wallboard, molding or painted surfaces. For indoor or outdoor projects, look for a stainable wood filler that is easy to sand.

Caulk the Cracks
On a home's exterior, cracks can typically form around window and door frames and joints. Use a durable, easy to squeeze caulk on a clean joint to seal cracks and help keep dirt, moisture and sound out of the home. In a home's interior, cracks can often form in the bathroom. To make a bathroom repair, start by scraping out old grout or caulk then wipe away soap scum with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. Lay a bead of caulk along the joint for an easy repair.

Alternatives for the Busy and the Beginner
According to the "Better Homes & Gardens" Online Reader Panel Survey, respondents identified bathroom (55 percent), wood (47 percent) and drywall (46 percent) as some of the most common household repairs in which they have used adhesive. When it comes to these tasks, try an all-in-one, time-saving approach like Elmer's new DIY Repair Kits. The kits are available in Bathroom, Drywall, Wallpaper, Renter's, Wood, Tub & Shower and All-Purpose variations. They come equipped with all the products and directions necessary to complete a repair and even include the gloves for clean-up.

Source : ARA