Trick of the Trade: Get a Grip

Here's a simple tip that will help you get a grip (literally) on your wood flooring mallet. Spreading pine tar—the same thing baseball players use on bats—on your mallet handle will help you hold onto it, even when your hands are sweaty. The pine tar can be bought at any sporting goods store. Don't have any handy? Rubbing the handle with wax candles also does the trick.

Thanks to Gus Fermanian at Middletown, N.Y.-based Gus Fermanian Hardwood Floors, for his tip.