Duct tape and bailing wire have long been the go-to products to fix just about anything. But there is another product on the market that is likely to give these old standards a run for their money: FiberFix.

FiberFix is a water-activated resin-soaked cloth. When used properly, this flexible tape will set up like steel, sealing whatever ails you beneath it.

Step 1: Choose FiberFix to repair broken tool handles, leaky pipes, broken furniture, sports equipment or just about anything else that tape can be wrapped around. FiberFix is heat and cold resistant, waterproof, paintable and sandable. It is a permanent patch that is nearly impossible to remove.

Step 2: Protect your hands with the disposable gloves that come with each package of FiberFix. If resin comes in contact with skin, wash it off immediately with an acetone-soaked rag. Dried resin is nearly impossible to remove. Handle FiberFix with care.

Step 3: Lightly sand and clean the area to be fixed. FiberFix does best with dry, slightly rough areas, but it can be used on smooth or wet surfaces, too.

Step 4: Fill a shallow pan with potable water. Submerge the roll of FiberFix in the water for 10 to 15 seconds. Remove the roll and squeeze it to remove excess moisture.

Step 5: Begin in the center of the broken piece and wrap the FiberFix around it. The key to a successful repair job is tightly wrapping the area with FiberFix, overlapping each section of tape as you go.

Step 6: Continue to wrap, overlapping each section, until the patch extends 4 inches on either side of the break. There should be a minimum of five layers of tape over the broken area. For plumbing pipes, a minimum of eight layers is recommended.

Step 7: Once the tape has been wrapped around the broken area, rub the entire area with a gloved hand to spread the resin evenly over the patch.

Step 8: Help FiberFix to cure by wrapping the patch with the vinyl strip that is included with the packaging. Wait 5 minutes and remove the vinyl strip. For plumbing-type patches, the strip may be left in place to improve performance. FiberFix typically cures within 15 minutes. It is great for emergency repairs, but should never be used for medical purposes.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.