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#Post#: 444--------------------------------------------------
Homebody Handy Hints
By: AGelbert Date: November 24, 2013, 11:27 pm
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13 Surprising Uses for Dental Floss Around the House.
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1. Fix a Noisy Faucet. Can’t stand that noisy faucet? For a
quick fix, tie floss around the spout so that it hangs down into
the sink. Instead of nosily plopping on the bowl of the sink,
the water will just crawl down the floss.
2. Hang Pictures. Sturdy dental floss is a great alternative to
regular string or wire when it comes to hanging pictures.
3. Remove Stuck-On Photos. Don’t risk damaging your priceless
photos. To remove photos that are stuck into albums, use a piece
of floss to slowly coax them out.
4. Prevent Rope From Fraying. This is an old Boy Scout’s trick:
to “whip” a rope, or prevent it from fraying, tightly loop the
floss around the rope. Detailed instructions can be found here.
5. Give Plants Some Support. Climbing plants often need a little
support. That’s where dental floss comes in — it’s a great
material for tying plants to a trellis.
Earlier: Making European-Style Butter at Home is Surprisingly
Easy
Food.
6. Slice Cake, Cheesecake and Cinnamon Rolls. Cut your cakes
with magazine photo-perfect precision by using an unwaxed and
unflavored piece of floss.
7. Precisely Slice Soft Cheese.
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Believe it or
not, floss is often better at slicing soft cheese than a fancy
cheese knife.
8. Lift Cookies off a Baking Tray. To transfer your still-warm
cookies to a plate without them crumbling, carefully work a
piece of floss under the cookie and painlessly lift them off.
9. Use as Kitchen Twine. Unflavored and unwaxed dental floss is
a perfectly fine replacement for kitchen twine.
See Also: 4 Ways to Extend the Life of Green Onions
Fashion.
10. Re-String Broken Jewelry. Because it’s just so sturdy,
dental floss is a really great substitute for jewelry string or
wire.
11. Sew Better. Floss is a much sturdier fiber than thread is.
So, if you really want your button to stay firmly in place, a
little floss will really do the trick. It’s not just buttons,
either, floss can easily repair tents, backpacks, and other
heavy-duty outdoor stuff. [img width=60
height=50]
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/>
12. Fix a Broken Umbrella. Don’t throw out that broken umbrella
— fix it with floss! You don’t even need to sew anything (though
that certainly would help) to fix it: simply tying the metal
spines and the material together will work well, too.
13. Remove a Too-Tight Ring. It got on your finger, but how are
you going to get it off?! Well, one good method is to tightly
wrap your finger in floss, and then slip the ring right off.
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Read more:
HTML http://www.care2.com/greenliving/13-surprising-uses-for-dental-floss.html#ixzz2lWrTY400
#Post#: 517--------------------------------------------------
Re: Homebody Handy Hints
By: Surly1 Date: December 8, 2013, 11:11 am
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Extraordinary. Learned a lot from this article.
LOVE this stuff.
#Post#: 520--------------------------------------------------
Re: Homebody Handy Hints
By: AGelbert Date: December 8, 2013, 2:00 pm
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Thanks. I learned a lot too. I particularly liked the "floss to
get a ring off" trick. It had never occurred to me.
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#Post#: 557--------------------------------------------------
Re: Homebody Handy Hints
By: AGelbert Date: December 16, 2013, 2:47 pm
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Solar space heater
HTML http://www.youtube.com/watch??v=NPAv0JgQOn0&feature=player_embedded
Home water distiller cheap
HTML http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTW7BS7tV8k&feature=player_embedded<br
/>
#Post#: 640--------------------------------------------------
8 Ways NOT to Use Vinegar
By: AGelbert Date: December 30, 2013, 2:29 pm
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[quote]Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid
(CH3COOH) and water. The acetic acid is produced by the
fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria.[/quote]
[quote]Distilled vinegar
The term "distilled vinegar" is something of a misnomer, because
it is not produced by the distillation of vinegar, but rather,
by the fermentation of distilled alcohol. The fermentate is then
diluted to produce a colorless solution of about 5% to 8% acetic
acid in water, with a pH of about 2.4.
This is variously known as distilled spirit or "virgin" vinegar,
or white vinegar, and is used for medicinal, laboratory, and
cleaning purposes, as well as in cooking, baking, meat
preservation, and pickling.
The most common starting material in some regions, because of
its low cost, is malt. In the United States, corn (maize) is the
usual starting ingredient for most distilled vinegars, such as
the Heinz brand.
[/quote]
HTML http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar
8 Ways Not to Use Vinegar 8)
By Adam Verwymeren, Networx
Common household vinegar is one of those wonder products that
people are always discovering new uses for. Whether you want to
drive away dandruff, eradicate mildew, or keep bugs at bay,
vinegar has been proposed as a solution to just about every
problem under the sun.
But while it has a number of uses, vinegar isn’t always the
solution, and on occasion it can be downright dangerous. Here
are the top 8 ways not to put this miracle substance to work in
your home.
1. While vinegar is good at cleaning many things, you shouldn’t
confuse it with soap. Alkaline cleaners like dish detergent are
ideally suited for lifting grease, whereas vinegar will have
little effect on it. If you have a greasy cleaning job, reach
for regular soap and leave the vinegar on the shelf.
2. You should never use vinegar on waxed surfaces. The vinegar
will only strip the wax off, dulling the sheen on your nicely
shined car. However, vinegar is a great option if you’re looking
to remove an old coat of wax before you put down a fresh layer
of polish.
3. Do not use vinegar on marble countertops or other stoneware,
as it can cause the stone to pit and corrode, according to the
Marble Institute.
4. Your smartphone and laptop monitor probably have a thin layer
of oleophobic coating that limits fingerprints and smudges.
Acidic vinegar can strip this off, so you should never use it to
clean sensitive screens.
5. Cast iron and aluminum are reactive surfaces. If you want to
use vinegar to clean pots and pans, use it exclusively on
stainless steel and enameled cast iron cookware.
6. While both bleach and vinegar are powerful cleaning agents,
when mixed together they make a powerful chemical weapon.
Chlorine gas, the stuff used to clear the trenches in World War
I, results when bleach is mixed with an acidic substance, so
never mix them together.
7. While vinegar can be useful as an insecticide, you shouldn’t
spray it directly on bug-infested plants as it can damage them.
However, you can use vinegar’s plant-killing effect to your
advantage by using it as a weed killer, as suggested by several
people on Hometalk.
8. If you’re the victim of an egging, do not try to dissolve the
remnants of this prank away with vinegar. Vinegar will cause the
proteins in the egg to coagulate, creating a gluey substance
that is even more impossible to clean up, says Popular
Mechanics.
I also feel obligated to say that although vinegar is touted as
a great way to remove mildew and mold, like bleach it only kills
surface mold. Most mold problems are deeper than what you see on
the surface, and your best bet is to kill them at their source
(which is usually leaks and rotting drywall).
Related:
23 Ingenious Uses for White Vinegar
We Tested It: Cleaning the House with Toothpaste
30 Things in Your House That Could Explode
HTML http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-ways-not-to-use-vinegar.html#ixzz2ozS2oIWi
Agelbert NOTE: Organic vinegar is normally made from apples, not
corn. Considering that corn stock for vinegar is GMO corn, it is
something to think about... :)
[img width=210
height=220]
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#Post#: 982--------------------------------------------------
Tips for Sharpening Yard Tools
By: AGelbert Date: April 28, 2014, 2:34 pm
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Tips for Sharpening Yard Tools
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Jenny Stanley
Editor
Agelbert NOTE: PICTURES AT LINK
Still can’t part with that rusty old shovel you’ve had since
1970? Or how about that hand-me-down garden trowel that’s more
like a workout aid than a planting tool? And let’s not forget
those squeaky shears that give you blisters.
The good news is you don’t have to get rid of those
crusty-but-trusty tools: You can restore them to their former
glory with the following tried-and-true sharpening tactics.
Presharpening prep
First you must get rid of dirt, grime and rust on the surface
of tools before you can do any sharpening. Steel wool works
great for this step. If you don’t have any on hand, try using a
wadded piece of aluminum foil, a wire brush or a rotary tool
with a wire-bristle attachment. Use a solvent to remove any
lingering traces of rust.
Don’t forget about safety gear. Sparks can fly when you’re
grinding metal, so wear eye and ear protection and
flame-resistant clothing. Note that gloves are not recommended
when using rotary tools or grinding wheels because they can get
caught in the fast-moving parts.
File away
Most single-bevel outdoor hand tools, such as classic and
border shovels, trowels, spades, etc., can be sharpened with a
flat bastard-cut mill file. (You can find this standard file at
most hardware stores.)
Start by securing the tool to the work surface using clamps or a
vise; the edge to be sharpened should be facing up. Press the
file down and away from you along the digging edge in one steady
motion. Use both hands on the file to help maintain a consistent
angle (photo below). Pick up the file and continue sharpening in
this same direction until a clean metal edge appears along the
entire bevel. To prevent the file from clogging, dip it in water
frequently. This will also help to cool and lubricate the tool
you are sharpening. Gently sand off any burrs using medium-grit
sandpaper.
The bevel on most diggers can be found along the back edge. To
allow a longer filing motion, use scrap wood to prop up the tool
you are sharpening.
For tools that work best with finely sharpened blades (pruners,
shears, etc.), a honing stone or diamond sharpener will help you
achieve more acute angles.
Shear sharpening by the numbers
Scour the blade surface.
Mark the beveled edges; follow the manufacturer’s original
angle, so the shears continue to work properly. The marks will
disappear as you sharpen.
Disassemble the shears. Starting at a high point on the blade,
press a honing stone down and away from you along the beveled
edge. Continue in this motion until you’ve achieved the desired
sharpness. Apply a few drops of mineral oil for lubrication and
quicker results.
High-speed honing
Rotary tools, electric-drill attachments and bench grinders are
speedier alternatives for sharpening outdoor hand tools.
However, if you choose to use any of these high-speed options,
be careful to avoid overshaping or overheating, which can
ultimately weaken metal tools.
Most rotary tools have accessories designed specifically for
cleaning, shaping, sharpening and deburring metal. Be sure to
select one that will give you the most control when working with
each tool. Once you’ve selected the appropriate accessory, clamp
the tool you are sharpening to a work surface, turn on the
rotary tool and gently guide it along the bevel (photo below).
When a clean metal edge appears and you’re satisfied with its
sharpness, remove the burrs and you’re done. Follow this same
process if you’re sharpening with an electric-drill attachment.
Rotary-tool bits quickly grind metal edges sharp. Remember to
hold the rotary tool steady as you sharpen to get a consistent
bevel angle across the edge.
A high-speed grinding wheel (photo below) is useful for
sharpening your most distressed outdoor hand tools, as it
quickly reshapes dull and damaged edges. However, since it is
stationary, it does require a little more skill to hold the tool
you are sharpening at a consistent angle. Also, water must be
applied frequently at the point of friction to avoid
overheating.
When using a grinding wheel, the more pressure you apply, the
faster you sharpen. Check your progress after each pass to avoid
overshaping.
Whether you choose to hone your trusty outdoor tools using hand
files, stones, rotary tools or high-speed grinders, you’ll
surely keep them looking (and working) sharp for many years to
come.
Preserve and protect
After shaving years of wear and tear off of your favorite
outdoor hand tools, keep them shipshape with these additional
maintenance tips:
Clean tools after each use.
Lubricate all moving parts and beveled edges before
storing.
Sand wood handles smooth and apply one or two coats of
weather-resistant finish; replace broken handles.
Store your tools indoors and in a dry area.
What do you think about these tool-sharpening tips? Tell us in
the forum, and then add a few tips of your own.
HTML http://handy.scout.com/story/1392956-tips-for-sharpening-yard-tools?s=154
#Post#: 1014--------------------------------------------------
Re: Homebody Handy Hints
By: AGelbert Date: April 30, 2014, 10:52 pm
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Says the Handyman Club of America:
Trick Question About Ladder Injuries
Here’s the question: What are more than half of all
ladder-related accidents among professionals related to?
That’s easy, you say. The answer is falling!
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Nope. This being a trick question and all, it turns out the
correct answer is strains and sprains caused by repeated
handling of heavy ladders. Moving these monsters can be the
toughest part of your task, but things lighten up a lot with the
new Little Giant Velocity 24-ft. Fiberglass Extension Ladder.
This ladder is lighter than ordinary extension ladders, which
reduces fatigue, improves maneuverability and prevents injuries.
Also:
[img width=640
height=1280]
HTML http://www.homedepot.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOM/HomePage/PLPs/Building_Materials/Content_Pods/Images/ladder-innovative-plp-cp.jpg[/img]
Red “warning” rungs remind you not to climb too high.
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A balance-point sticker shows the best grasp-and-carry point.
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A pulley-rope system placed on the outside of the climbing zone
reduces tripping. [img width=40
height=40]
HTML http://www.clker.com/cliparts/c/8/f/8/11949865511933397169thumbs_up_nathan_eady_01.svg.hi.png[/img]
<br
/> Also, side-mounted pulleys reduce the force required to raise
the fly section by 60 percent. [img width=40
height=40]
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Agelbert NOTE: Interesting info. But I have to ask, are these
"idiot proof" measures going to work? Injuries occur when we
become "idiots" (i.e. distracted). I don't see humans avoiding
being distracted. It just happens. That's why when I do a job,
my wife is watching me work. You see, I have, and always have
had, a tendency to get distracted ("instant idiot" LOL!). So, I
know of what I speak, so to speak. :P I have actually used
ladders like the above made from aluminum to climb quite high
inside bank buildings to (it's NOT what ya think!) apply
reflective film to gigantic windows 12 to 18 feet tall and
several feet across. They are light, worked well except for the
rope being in the center back then and those rotating feet with
the rubber class are what saved my arse a few times ladders
without those tend to slip when the angle isn't right on a floor
inside a building. ??? At the end of the day, your arse is
dragging from moving the ladder around. Less weight (as long as
there is no loss in ladder strength - I DO NOT WANT the rungs
flexing under my feet!) have been welcome. 8) I Worked with
scaffoldings too (easier but those are REALLY HEAVY compared
with ladders). Their advantage is you just set them up once and
roll them to the next giant glass panel until the job is done in
a day or several. Then you take them down. If the job is big
enough, scaffoldings can save time.
[img width=640
height=480]
HTML http://www.solarinsulation.com/img/gallery/commercial/christ-church-large.jpg[/img]
This is a church but ya get the idea... ;)
#Post#: 1040--------------------------------------------------
LOW ENERGY cheap house supplementary lighting (Avoid turning mos
t lights on).
By: AGelbert Date: May 3, 2014, 1:27 pm
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HTML http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiYOw5NsoKY&feature=player_embedded<br
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A great way to light up several areas with only ONE light source
(day OR night!). ;D
BUT, doomers are free to rub sticks together to make light from
fire for their UBERMENSCH, DARWINIAN SURVIVERS OF THE IMMINENT,
HORRIBLE, DASTARDLY BUT "WELL DESERVED" (according to Dumbers -
whoops - I mean Doomers, of course ;D), "ZOMBIE" POPULATION DIE
OFF.
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#Post#: 1041--------------------------------------------------
Moneral Oil versus Water: Light Transmisssion and High Heat Lens
e
By: AGelbert Date: May 3, 2014, 1:49 pm
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Look Ma, no fossil fuels needed for LIGHT OR HEAT! And YEAH, you
CAN (solar fresnel lense or dish concentrator) even make round
glass shapes or hollow (cheaper!) LARGE glass lense shapes to
fill with mineral oil and get 2000 F degrees PLUS as long as the
sun exists. Once you have ONE lense, you can make a million of
them!
But of course, practical reality never stops Doomers in their
quest to rationalize (irrationally) our impending DOOM.
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/>[img width=50
height=30]
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#Post#: 1042--------------------------------------------------
Giant Fresnel Lens Deathray: An Experiment in Optics
By: AGelbert Date: May 3, 2014, 2:00 pm
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Giant Fresnel Lens Deathray: An Experiment in Optics
[quote]
So you don't have access to your own rail gun or military space
laser....but never fear, [color=green]we'll use the 1000
Watts/m2 of free sunlight in your backyard!! But how? ???
....A 13 square foot magnifying glass! ;)
Seriously. A solid glass lens that size would be silly, but
instead we can use a 4 foot wide Fresnel lens. You know, those
clear, flat things with the ridges, you find them on overhead
projectors and rear windows on some buses? The idea is pretty
simple: a Fresnel lens is just a normal curved lens chopped into
thousands of little rings, but just as
effective[/color].[/quote]
[img width=640
height=480]
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HTML http://www.instructables.com/id/Giant-Fresnel-Lens-Deathray-An-Experiment-in-Opti/
Agelbert NOTE: Persons lacking knowledge of light concentration
physics that assume industrial civilization requires fossil
fuels for manufacturing of any and all metal alloys, glass,
plastics, insulation, bricks, fiber optics, reflective film,
mirrors, solar cells, wind turbines or WHATEVER will find the
article depressing.
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