As the garden hose gets a little old, and begins to swell, it soon gets out of commission altogether if not attended to. A simple way to mend it is to wrap the hose with ordinary twine, which will make it last a few more seasons. As it is no easy matter to wind this cord by hand and get it even and under uniform tension, the writer has for many years used the simple contrivance shown in the accompanying illustration.

'It consists of an ordinary tin can with a lid. into which is put the ball of twine, In the center of the bottom make a small hole, through which pass the loose end of the cord. Thence let it run down the side of the can through a tension device and to the hose. To the cover of the can is soldered a small piece of tin, bent to a right angle and forming a guide for the hose. The tension device consists of a short piece of metal, with its upper end bent outward, forming a fulcrum for a short spring-compressed lever. The latter at its lower end has a small hole therein through which the cord is passed. A short stove bolt serves to regulate the/tension on the lever. It will be observed that the cord is pressed against the can by the lever. The whole device is now soldered to the tin can.

Fig. 305 - Device for wrapping garden hose.

In use, the can is turned around the hose, and with the tension properly adjusted, the twine will wind around the hose very closely, and will feed the can forward automatically. It will make the hose slightly smaller, and thus close all the small punctures, through which the water percolates, between the several layers of the canvas. By giving the cord a coat or two of some waterproofing, it will be found that the hose will last as long again; besides it will stand a great deal more pressure than before.

How To Repair A Leak In The Garden Hose

To repair a leak in the garden hose obtain from a dentist a piece of the soft rubber which he uses in making artificial teeth. A piece large enough to cover the leak freely will be sufficient. Place this over the leak and bind it firmly in place with adhesive tape, being sure that the rubber is completely covered by the tape. Over this wrap twisted linen twine, commencing well below the leak and wrapping closely about the hose to a point beyond, so as to reinforce the hose where it may be weak. This makes a water-tight patch; one that will stand heavy pressure and give good service.