Hello, I just had a running toilet and decided I would try to fix it myself, just before I remembered I had fix it yourself books. Because the toilet was running, I decided to try and clean off the rubber flapper(or tank ball not to be confused with float ball). I now realized that the running of the toilet has stopped, but when I pull the flush handle nothing happens. What would be my next step in trying to fix this

Open the link below and it will show you how to connect the chain to the flush arm and the flapper, Thanks.

John

Replace The Toilet Fill Valve, Flush Valve Or Flapper | Plumbing Projects | Reader's Digest

Sounds like your flapper linkage needs adjusting.(see image)
With the flapper seated the linkage wants to have 1/4" of play. Too much play and the flapper doesn't get pulled back enough giving you a short flush. Too tight and it lets water seep past the flapper. I adjust the chain by the link and if it needs fine tuning, I bend the flush lever rod a bit until I have the desired play in the linkage. One more thing about a flapper. you will see where the old flapper hooks onto the base of the white overflow tube. On a older type with no hooks the flapper has a ring that slips down over the overflow tube to the seat,(see image). If your tank has hooks, take a sharp knife or scissors and cut the neoprene ring off on the marks provided and hook the flapper on the hooks. Leaving the ring on will interfere with the flush. The water level in your tank should be 3/8 to 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube when the tank's filled. And the little tube wants to run from the ballcock and connect to the white overflow tube.. Good luck, Tom