Abstract: Tape and method to mask a structure. The tape includes a base layer having length, width, outside surface, inside surface, and top edge spaced from bottom edge. A first portion of the width of the inside surface includes a first tacky adhesive layer connected to the inside surface and located adjacent the top edge. A second portion of the width of the inside surface includes a second tacky adhesive layer connected to the inside surface and located adjacent the bottom edge. At least a portion of the base layer includes a water impermeable area that prevents water adjacent the outside surface from reaching the inside surface by passing through the base layer. And, a third portion of the width of the inside surface of the base layer includes a non-tacky area located between the first tacky adhesive layer and the second tacky adhesive layer.

Abstract: A tool and method for applying a texture material to a surface is provided. The tool comprises a body having a flat surface for mating to a smooth surface, such as a repaired portion of drywall. The body is formed of a rigid plastic material, that is optionally transparent, to enable to tool to be reused indefinitely, and has a multiplicity of spatially positioned openings disposed therethrough. Each of the openings has a predetermined configuration and position on the tool, for providing a pattern substantially matching the appearance of existing textured surface adjacent to the smooth surface. The invented method includes first affixing the tool to the smooth area of the surface, then applying a texture material to the smooth surface through the openings in the tool for forming a newly textured area that substantially matches the appearance of the existing adjacent textured surface.

Abstract: A tool and method for applying a texture material to a surface is provided. The tool comprises a body having a flat surface for mating to a smooth surface, such as a repaired portion of drywall. The body is formed of a rigid plastic material, that is optionally transparent, to enable to tool to be reused indefinitely, and has a multiplicity of spatially positioned openings disposed therethrough. Each of the openings has a predetermined configuration and position on the tool, for providing a pattern substantially matching the appearance of existing textured surface adjacent to the smooth surface. The invented method includes first affixing the tool to the smooth area of the surface, then applying a texture material to the smooth surface through the openings in the tool for forming a newly textured area that substantially matches the appearance of the existing adjacent textured surface.

Abstract: An electrical box locating device is formed from a single piece of metallic material. The locating device has a forwardly extending fastening portion which is functionally adapted to be received within a threaded receptacle mounting hole of a typical electrical box. Rearwardly of the fastening portion is a drive portion which allows the device to be driven into the mounting hole and securely held within it. Rearwardly of the drive portion of the device is a drywall penetrating portion which extends outwardly of the electrical box and which is functionally adapted to penetrate and extend through a sheet of drywall when such is placed over the electrical box. The fastening portion, the drive portion and the penetrating portion of the device are made from a single piece of material and integrally formed in the preferred embodiment of the invention.