Tricks of the trade

[Mgderf]

There are countless little tricks of the trades that people learn or discover over time.

When I was very young, my dad taught me how to fix a loose wood screw, like a hinge screw in a door.
Simply pull the screw and fill the hole as full as you can with toothpicks. Break or cut them off flush.
Replace the screw and you're done.

Over time, I've found small lengths of heavy weed-eater line ( talking .105" diam) works just as well, if not better than toothpicks.
Pack the hole full and trim flush. Replace screw.
I've taken to keeping scrap chunks of trimmer line in my tool box for just such occasions.

I've not had a screw back out after this treatment, even on the heaviest of doors.


What tricks would you care to share?

 

[pilotof727s]

I've used that toothpick trick several times. How about using a ratchet strap to put a new tire on a rim?

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

On your 5-gallon gas cans install a valve stem (without the valve guts) at the opposite end from the spout and no more glug-glug-glug.

 

[Mgderf]

Drill a hole through two 5 gallon bucket lids.
put your spare saw blades up to 12" between the bucket lids and bolt them together through the arbor holes.

Keeps blades from being damaged, and hands from being cut, but still provides quick, easy access.

 

[Mgderf]

I've used that toothpick trick several times. How about using a ratchet strap to put a new tire on a rim?

Yep, easiest way I know to set the bead on a new tire.

 

[lrdudley]

Want a nail to hold in concrete. Drill a hole for the nail, drop some strands of copper wire in the hole, then drive the nail in. Never have had a nail back out when using this trick.

 

[TB1999]

Never get high on your own supply. I've got 9 more if anyone is interested.

 

[patience0830]

I've used that toothpick trick several times. How about using a ratchet strap to put a new tire on a rim?

Ratchet strap works for sure. We always used some wood glue with our toothpicks.


Bury the tractor up to the hubs in the mud? Chain a 4x4 to the rear wheels under the frame and put it in low. Should pop up like a cork. May need to disconnect the implement and retrieve it with a chain but getting the tractor out is more than half the battle.

 

[churchmouse]

Fill the stripped hole with tooth picks and Elmers. Rock solid repair.

Ahrg....scooped by 1 minute

 

[Mgderf]

Have a drain somewhere in your house that's not used often?
Does it sometimes stink?
A lot of times the trap will dry out from evaporation after long periods of non-use, allowing sewer gases to enter the living space.

You can just add water, but it will dry out again.
Instead of water, pour a cup or two of RV antifreeze down the drain.

It will not evaporate nearly as fast as water. It's cheap and easy to use.
It will simply wash down the drain when the drain is next used.

 

[churchmouse]

Have a drain somewhere in your house that's not used often?
Does it sometimes stink?
A lot of times the trap will dry out from evaporation after long periods of non-use, allowing sewer gases to enter the living space.

You can just add water, but it will dry out again.
Instead of water, pour a cup or two of RV antifreeze down the drain.

It will not evaporate nearly as fast as water. It's cheap and easy to use.
It will simply wash down the drain when the drain is next used.

Or vegetable oil.

 

[bwframe]

Romex copper home wiring has lots and lots of uses. Either broken down to individual wires or used whole.

- As a screw or nail to hole shim as stated above.
- Makes great roof/ladder rack "tie downs."
- Forms into great vehicle interior hooks for hanging items from clothes hanger hooks and grab handles.

 

[Dirtebiker]

Lacquer thinner is great for cleaning up oil spots on concrete. Pour on the spot, wipe up with dry rag or paper towels, repeat if needed, thinner flashes off (evaporates) very quickly.

 

[Dirtebiker]

To get a clean line between two paint colors:
set the edge of the tape with a flexible putty knife,
seal the tape edge with the first color (any bleed through will be that color)
as soon as that paint sets, cut in your second color,
perfectly sharp line.
very effective on plywood, concrete block, stucco, etc.

 

[Dirtebiker]

Ihavent tried this one yet, but for small tires like wheel barrows, hand trucks, lawn mowers, etc..
permenently fill leaking tires with expanding insulation foam. No more leak, ever.

 

[Vigilant]

Whole hams are great for reconditioning old prostitutes, stick in ham, pull out bone!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

To get a clean line between two paint colors:
set the edge of the tape with a flexible putty knife,
seal the tape edge with the first color (any bleed through will be that color)
as soon as that paint sets, cut in your second color,
perfectly sharp line.
very effective on plywood, concrete block, stucco, etc.

I actually saw this method for the first time when the building where I used to work was being painted on the outside. I had to ask the painter what he was doing because at first glance it seems really strange to be painting the color you're trying to "protect" on the opposite edge of the tape. Made perfect sense when he explained it!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Whole hams are great for reconditioning old prostitutes, stick in ham, pull out bone!

Tricks of the tricks trade?

 

[edwea]

Yep, easiest way I know to set the bead on a new tire.

Not as easy or as fun as using starting fluid and a lighter!

 

[churchmouse]

Not as easy or as fun as using starting fluid and a lighter!

Off road trick we used to use. Did it on the truck one time. Exciting.