Author Topic: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked  (Read 20716 times)

Online J.A.F.E.

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #45 on: August 25, 2019, 01:42:31 PM »
Denatured alcohol, clear spirits like vodka and VM&P naphtha will all remove permanent marker although on some surfaces it is permanent no matter. Naphtha is also very good at removing adhesive residue or most kinds of pressure sensitive adhesives (except masking tape especially the old tan type) - it'll take the price tags right off - just soak and peel right off..
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #46 on: March 20, 2020, 02:53:33 PM »
Just found another button puller at a pawn shop. Boye' brand, made in Germany. Should be great for reaching through small holes in sheet rock to grab those pesky small thermostat wires!

Offline john k

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #47 on: March 21, 2020, 12:08:42 AM »
That may not be a button tool,with that lever.  Looks like a latch hook tool, made for making rugs , crafts, popular in the 80s.  Looks like it would make a good wire puller

Offline geneg

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #48 on: March 21, 2020, 10:05:27 AM »
Yes, latch hook "tool"  I remember my Wife doing those when we first got married.  Also, I think Boyle is a yarn/floss company.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #49 on: March 21, 2020, 11:17:27 AM »
Yeah, after mentioning it to the Mrs. she informed me it was a latch hook. Still sold:

https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/our-brands/boye/ergonomic-curved-latch-hook-steel/

Offline bonneyman

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #50 on: March 21, 2020, 11:25:08 AM »
Need a rubber plug for something? Try wine "corks"!

Most newer ones are rubber, and come in handy for all sorts of jobs. Found a whole box at a thrift store, so I grabbed a handful. Installed one on the back porch door as a door stop to prevent the door from hitting the brick wall. Works great! And if it eventually wears out, cheap to replace!
Also could work on the end of a walking stick, and vibration reducing shims.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #51 on: March 22, 2020, 07:03:08 PM »
I've recently had to use the ole "sticking toothpicks into a hole in wood that's enlarged so much the screw will no longer grab" trick. I hear stick matches work for this, too.

I really am not much good with wood so any carpenters or furniture tricks would be appreciated.

Offline slip knot

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Re: old timer's tricks, hacks and cobbles that worked
« Reply #52 on: March 22, 2020, 07:29:55 PM »
Chop sticks make pretty good screw hole plugs.