Use a pair of rubber gloves that can grip the snake as you work with it. The snake can get very slippery and it can get messy very quickly, so the grips on the gloves will help you hold onto the snake. 

When unclogging a toilet, turn off the water to the tank so you do not accidentally flush it and overflow the bowl. To shut off the water to the toilet, just find the valve that is either next to the bowl or behind it and turn it to the right until it is tight.

Using the end of the snake, insert it into the toilet drain or pipe. Feed the wire gently into the pipe and slowly turn the crank to help push the snake further into the line. Keep cranking until you get the snake to advance into the line. Adding some water can help the snake if it seems to not be advancing, but keep in mind that the crank will be more difficult once you reach the clog. 

Wiggle the snake back and forth while gently pushing it to help relieve the blockage. If you see a lot of soot on the line, clean off the snake head and repeat this process until the pipe is cleared.