Dip your pushsticks to stymie slippage

Most pushsticks, whether home- or factory-made, tend to slip on wood surfaces. To stop that, dip the tips of your pushsticks in liquid tool-handle coating, such as Plasti Dip (plastidip.com, 800-969-5432). I usually build up several light coats, quickly shaking off the excess material each time. On broad surfaces like pushblocks, I also rough up the face and brush on several coats.I like to dip the handles, too, for a softer, firmer grip. Using a bright color makes it easier to find a pushstick in the clutter of the shop.—Pete Johnson, Edgerton, Wis.