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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: TechMan on February 05, 2013, 09:10:30 PM

Title: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: TechMan on February 05, 2013, 09:10:30 PM
The purpose of this thread is to allow the posting of quick hints and tricks for everybody to use, kind of like LifeHacker.


If you like your ice cream soft, put the container in a freezer bag and no matter when you take it out of the freezer it will be soft.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: RoadKingLarry on February 06, 2013, 01:31:16 AM
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Battle Monkey of Zardoz on February 06, 2013, 02:20:01 AM
When someone says "hold my beer, watch this". RUN

When a woman says "I need some time". It's half a sentence. "Without you" is the other half.

Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: vaskidmark on February 06, 2013, 04:56:54 AM
Squat wide if you keep your spurs on.

Anyone else can open a screw-on jar lid on the first try after you have struggled with it for hours.  Save time and just give it to someone else to open.

stay safe.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: RoadKingLarry on February 06, 2013, 05:05:04 AM
When the kid are around they can get a little messy with the jelly jars. If you spray a little Pam type cooking spray on the ring and around the rim of the jar it will keep the lid from sticking if you don't see it to wipe it off. Also works well on Honey. I buy honey in quart jars from a local beekeeper and the wife is pretty careless about cleaning up drips on the jar and lid so I spray it as well. Makes it easier to clean off later too,
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: lupinus on February 06, 2013, 05:36:48 AM
Anything worth shooting once is likely worth shooting twice.

Don't wiz on the electric fence.

When...in the wild, be careful on leaf selection. It can make or break your day.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Unisaw on February 06, 2013, 10:31:55 AM
Always pee downhill.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Boomhauer on February 06, 2013, 11:03:13 AM
Never, ever fight fair.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: chefman on February 07, 2013, 12:00:28 PM
Be careful what you say, that which is spoken cannot be unspoken. :-X
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Nick1911 on February 07, 2013, 12:17:59 PM
Cash is an excellent method of budgeting.  Go to the ATM, take out some money.  At home, put all your credit cards and debit cards in the safe, take out a fresh $20 bill, put it in your wallet and go about your day.

It introduces real risk.  If you need gas to get home, and spend all of your twenty on lunch out; you're screwed.  This is a feature, not a bug.

Even if you only do this for a few weeks, you'll be amazed at how many daily "needs" are actually "wants".
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Devonai on February 07, 2013, 01:55:43 PM
But I want all the things I want!
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: charby on February 07, 2013, 01:57:33 PM
Even if you only do this for a few weeks, you'll be amazed at how many daily "needs" are actually "wants".

Vending machines with credit card slots are the devil.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: ArfinGreebly on February 07, 2013, 06:10:08 PM
Envelope cash budgeting planning.

All money goes in an envelope, and there is an envelope for each budget item.

When do you want the item?  Divide cost by paydays, deposit increments every payday.

If there's no envelope for an item, there's no spending for the item.  If there's no money in the envelope for an item, you don't buy it.

If your total paycheck won't cover all the envelopes, something gets cut or delayed.

You can substitute juice cans, margarine or yogurt tubs for envelopes; they wear better, but take up a lot more space.  (I used little sherbet tubs during one period.)

You always know where your money is, you always know where it's going.

Want personal "just for me" money?  There's an envelope for that.

There is no "general fund," just as there is no "petty cash."  If you don't plan for it, you don't spend for it.


I have done this three different times in my life.

I always had enough money.  I always managed to keep my car repaired and my bills paid.  And I didn't buy anything impulsively.

I replaced the engine, fenders, paint, and tires on my car using this plan.  I bought new clothes using it.  I fed my family with it.  I bought my computers with it.


There is just nothing quite like not being in debt.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: RoadKingLarry on February 07, 2013, 07:37:26 PM
Quote
There is just nothing quite like not being in debt.

I'll get back to you on that. In 7 weeks!!! =D
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: cambeul41 on February 07, 2013, 07:45:44 PM
Quote
There is just nothing quite like not being in debt.

Very much agreed, and if you really need this much systematization, by all means, use it. But our system is simpler: If you don't need it, don't buy it.

For example, we live in the same house that she contracted for when her salary was half of what it is now, and we were not yet married, -- I lived 300 miles away -- so my income was not part of the affordability calculations.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Perd Hapley on February 07, 2013, 08:05:08 PM
Fresh one I just learned today. If you don't have a toilet spud wrench, a padlock with a moderately long hasp will fill that role surprisingly well.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on February 07, 2013, 08:16:50 PM
Cash is an excellent method of budgeting.  Go to the ATM, take out some money.  At home, put all your credit cards and debit cards in the safe, take out a fresh $20 bill, put it in your wallet and go about your day.

It introduces real risk.  If you need gas to get home, and spend all of your twenty on lunch out; you're screwed.  This is a feature, not a bug.

Even if you only do this for a few weeks, you'll be amazed at how many daily "needs" are actually "wants".

I sorta do this. I reserve my debit card for gas money, checks that have to be checks, and, if I want to make an online perchase. And I only keep enough on it to do those things.

Everything else I do in cash. It's a lot easier to keep track of money, when it's actual money, not numbers written down somewhere.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Jamisjockey on February 07, 2013, 09:58:59 PM
When screwing into wood, a dab of dish soap on the tip eases penetration.  Dries up and doesn't affect holding power.

If you need to drill a hole to a certain depth but no deeper, wrap a piece of tape around the drill bit.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Boomhauer on February 07, 2013, 10:25:21 PM
When screwing into wood, a dab of dish soap on the tip eases penetration.  Dries up and doesn't affect holding power.

I was working in our gift shop putting up some shelving and needed to slick up the screw so I went over to the fancy soap/lotion display and used the $10 a bar soap that was on display. My gift shop cashier was not amused LOL
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Cliffh on February 07, 2013, 11:28:04 PM
When screwing into wood, a dab of dish soap on the tip eases penetration.  Dries up and doesn't affect holding power.

I use wax instead of soap.  Keep a toilet wax ring in the shop for lubing screws, drawers, saw blades and a lot of other things.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: zxcvbob on February 07, 2013, 11:42:25 PM
Nose oil.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: French G. on February 08, 2013, 04:49:58 AM
With wood screws and stripped or oversize holes, whittle a tapered splinter, stick some wood glue on it, pound it in, slice it off, re-screw.

Never trust a monkey with a handgun, no matter how responsible they seem.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: kgbsquirrel on February 08, 2013, 07:24:12 AM
Unwaxed dental floss makes for an outstandingly strong thread when repairing/modifying heavy duty clothing.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Fitz on February 08, 2013, 07:38:50 AM
With wood screws and stripped or oversize holes, whittle a tapered splinter, stick some wood glue on it, pound it in, slice it off, re-screw.

Toothpicks work well. I've repaired several stripped out holes on guitars this way
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: K Frame on February 08, 2013, 07:46:30 AM
Spread a layer of clumping kitty litter on the plastic sheeting before you get rid of that troublesome person. It prevents embarassing leakage as you dispose of the evidence.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: charby on February 08, 2013, 08:28:30 AM
Toothpicks work well. I've repaired several stripped out holes on guitars this way

golf tees also
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Perd Hapley on February 08, 2013, 08:30:00 AM
Spread a layer of clumping kitty litter on the plastic sheeting before you get rid of that troublesome person. It prevents embarassing leakage as you dispose of the evidence.

You really shouldn't use plastic. Bad for the environment.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: kgbsquirrel on February 08, 2013, 08:33:44 AM
You really shouldn't use plastic. Bad for the environment.

And remember, you want lye, not quicklime.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: TechMan on February 08, 2013, 09:11:28 AM
Or a pig farm.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: French G. on February 08, 2013, 12:37:58 PM
Chum grinder if you have a boat, wood chipper if you don't.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: cordex on February 08, 2013, 12:59:09 PM
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.memegenerator.net%2Finstances%2F400x%2F27997415.jpg&hash=29def79c29bf624e0c058177f93aff8e3d9bf722)
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on February 08, 2013, 03:42:17 PM
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.memegenerator.net%2Finstances%2F400x%2F27997415.jpg&hash=29def79c29bf624e0c058177f93aff8e3d9bf722)

 ;/

Use a slicker brush to get pet hair off upholstery or carpeting. Also works on clothing, often better then a sticky roller.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Unisaw on February 08, 2013, 03:51:35 PM
If you need to drive a brass screw, drive a steel one first and then replace it with the brass screw.  This will keep the brass screw from breaking off as you drive it.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BobR on February 08, 2013, 05:11:21 PM
Spread a layer of clumping kitty litter on the plastic sheeting before you get rid of that troublesome person. It prevents embarassing leakage as you dispose of the evidence.

And always, always dig a deep hole!! How many time have you read in the paper that the body was found in a deep grave?  ;)

bob
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: lupinus on February 08, 2013, 05:26:44 PM
When considering a concealed carry weapon, opt for one with minimal exterior "fiddly bits".
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: erictank on February 08, 2013, 05:31:53 PM
With wood screws and stripped or oversize holes, whittle a tapered splinter, stick some wood glue on it, pound it in, slice it off, re-screw.

Never trust a monkey with a handgun, no matter how responsible they seem.

Another way of accomplishing the first tip, if you're at home - stuff however many toothpicks in the hole as are needed to fill it, or a golf tee; add wood glue, let dry. Snap or cut off the protruding piece(s), apply wood screw. Same deal, but no whittling involved. ETA: and I see, reading on in the thread, that others got there first. Oh well.

I've heard that a bunch of sawdust mixed with wood glue can also do the job.

Second tip?  Well, that seems like a good one as-is, to me.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Scout26 on February 08, 2013, 08:44:53 PM
Never fry bacon in the nude.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Gewehr98 on February 08, 2013, 09:48:54 PM
True 'dat, but I think this is ok with respect to kitchen safety: (Elizabeth Shue)

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwebspace.webring.com%2Fpeople%2Fqj%2Fjf_krycek%2Fshue%2Fshue_kitchen.jpg&hash=ee2458827573c67586b5f292f20f0d567a263e65)
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Boomhauer on February 08, 2013, 09:50:53 PM
Never fry bacon in the nude.

This is...painfully true advice.



Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on February 08, 2013, 09:56:22 PM
True 'dat, but I think this is ok with respect to kitchen safety: (Elizabeth Shue)

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwebspace.webring.com%2Fpeople%2Fqj%2Fjf_krycek%2Fshue%2Fshue_kitchen.jpg&hash=ee2458827573c67586b5f292f20f0d567a263e65)

yes, because burning boobs with hot grease doesn't hurt.
 ;/

Sorry, but despite the hawtness of such an image, it is not practical.

(and yes, i've had bacon grease burns on my boobs. Before someone gets smart mouthed, you can chalk my learning curve up to home alone, dirty clothes and too lazy to go get a clean shirt from my room, rather then oh la la reasons)
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Gewehr98 on February 08, 2013, 10:02:31 PM
I can sympathize, BSL.

Wife #1 was a 44D.  She chose to take her new custom 1911A1 to the range, the gun with a long ejector installed.

She was fond of wearing scoop-neck white tank tops and an open shirt for summer attire.

Her first double-tap had her screaming, handing me the gun, and her diving into the Grand Canyon to fish out that hot brass.

Neatest burn marks, I must admit.  IIRC, there were headstamp tattoos. She was a trooper, buttoned up and continued shooting the rest of the session. 

Contrast that with Wife #2, who gages how done bacon is by the sound of the smoke detector.  I bought her one of those splatter screens to minimize carnage, nice guy that I am.   :lol:

 

Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Cliffh on February 08, 2013, 10:06:59 PM
I've tried using white & wood glue mixed with sawdust as a wood filler; didn't work very well.

Instead, I now fill the dent/hole with sawdust and apply a drop or two of thin CA glue.  Requires careful sanding since the patch is usually harder than the surrounding wood.  Haven't tried staining these patches, but paint covers them well.

"When the smoke alarm sounds, dinner's ready"
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on February 08, 2013, 10:09:55 PM
I can sympathize, BSL.

Wife #1 was a 44D.  She chose to take her new custom 1911A1 to the range, the gun with a long ejector installed.

She was fond of wearing scoop-neck white tank tops and an open shirt for summer attire.

Her first double-tap had her screaming, handing me the gun, and her diving into the Grand Canyon to fish out that hot brass.

Neatest burn marks, I must admit.  IIRC, there were headstamp tattoos. She was a trooper, buttoned up and continued shooting the rest of the session.  

Contrast that with Wife #2, who gages how done bacon is by the sound of the smoke detector.  I bought her one of those splatter screens to minimize carnage, nice guy that I am.   :lol:

 



OK, maybe I'm just desenitized to brass burn or I shoot weird, because I've never had an issue with this...

I've gotten burns before, but usually on my arms and neck, and I wear scoop neck tank tops all summer long.

Although, I was thankful that I was wearing a regular tshirt the day I was shooting the PS90, and must remember to cover up if i'm shooting that.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Gewehr98 on February 08, 2013, 10:12:52 PM
Now, for my Heloise bit: Target has a coupon deal for $2.99 for Playtex's new Fresh & Sexy wipes!

http://www.freshandsexy.com/?gclid=CI_PqqmgqLUCFe9aMgodFVAAVA

The ads are, well, sophomoric at best...
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on February 08, 2013, 10:15:23 PM
Now, for my Heloise bit: Target has a coupon deal for $2.99 for Playtex's new Fresh & Sexy wipes!

http://www.freshandsexy.com/?gclid=CI_PqqmgqLUCFe9aMgodFVAAVA

The ads are, well, sophomoric at best...

 :rofl:  :rofl:  :rofl:
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: Gewehr98 on February 08, 2013, 10:16:27 PM
I figured out a long time ago why cowboys wear broad-brimmed hats - quite by accident.

My first Winchester Model 94 was a top-eject in .30-30.  

That hot brass goes straight up, reverses course, then lands squarely on the back of your neck, consistently.   :O

Folks ask me why I wear an old USMC campaign hat on range day.  I say, "Watch!"   ;)

Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: BlueStarLizzard on February 08, 2013, 10:25:03 PM
I figured out a long time ago why cowboys wear broad-brimmed hats - quite by accident.

My first Winchester Model 94 was a top-eject in .30-30.  

That hot brass goes straight up, reverses course, then lands squarely on the back of your neck, consistently.   :O

Folks ask me why I wear an old USMC campaign hat on range day.  I say, "Watch!"   ;)



*chuckle* I tend to be somewhat oblivious of brass ejection snaffuss. It's always a good idea to put me on the far right side of a public range (raining brass on people is my specialty. Blame it on the fact that the fact that the only ranges I've spent much time on with other people involved bolt action .22s), and I usually manage to get hit a few times before I go figure out brass is bouncing off something and coming back at me.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: wmenorr67 on February 08, 2013, 10:30:58 PM
;/

Use a slicker brush to get pet hair off upholstery or carpeting. Also works on clothing, often better then a sticky roller.

Any kind of tape works well also.  Duct tape the best.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: AJ Dual on February 08, 2013, 10:32:09 PM
*chuckle* I tend to be somewhat oblivious of brass ejection snaffuss. It's always a good idea to put me on the far right side of a public range (raining brass on people is my specialty. Blame it on the fact that the fact that the only ranges I've spent much time on with other people involved bolt action .22s), and I usually manage to get hit a few times before I go figure out brass is bouncing off something and coming back at me.

(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg212.imageshack.us%2Fimg212%2F5043%2F1204348080746ho7jq4.gif&hash=90d8267fe4462c84e6d7a3b8d7ad956368ba1465)
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: MillCreek on February 08, 2013, 11:22:26 PM
Now, for my Heloise bit: Target has a coupon deal for $2.99 for Playtex's new Fresh & Sexy wipes!

http://www.freshandsexy.com/?gclid=CI_PqqmgqLUCFe9aMgodFVAAVA

The ads are, well, sophomoric at best...

My quest for stocking stuffers at Christmas has been solved.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: zxcvbob on February 08, 2013, 11:36:56 PM
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg212.imageshack.us%2Fimg212%2F5043%2F1204348080746ho7jq4.gif&hash=90d8267fe4462c84e6d7a3b8d7ad956368ba1465)

That's freakin' hilarious.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: vaskidmark on February 09, 2013, 04:13:55 AM
(https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg212.imageshack.us%2Fimg212%2F5043%2F1204348080746ho7jq4.gif&hash=90d8267fe4462c84e6d7a3b8d7ad956368ba1465)

The Gods Must Be Crazy II, iirc.  http://www.amazon.com/The-Gods-Must-Crazy-Series/dp/B00005JKU7

Great comedy but the dialoge was problematic - it just never clicked for me.

stay safe.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: TechMan on February 09, 2013, 05:30:48 AM
The Gods Must Be Crazy II, iirc.  http://www.amazon.com/The-Gods-Must-Crazy-Series/dp/B00005JKU7

Great comedy but the dialoge was problematic - it just never clicked for me.

stay safe.

I never really got into part 2, but I love the original.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: kgbsquirrel on February 09, 2013, 06:22:03 AM
Pro-tip from gunsmithing school regarding all the toothpick and golf tee suggestions: The nice looking way to do it is to drill out the old mangy hole in the wood, and then fill it using dowel rod of the appropriate diameter. Determine depth of drilled hole, cut off length of dowel slightly longer, sparingly apply wood glue, press into hole and then lightly tap into place with a mallet. Wait for glue to dry, and sand (using a sanding block) to an even finish. Drill new pilot hole for screw.
Title: Re: Helpful Hints and Tricks
Post by: French G. on February 09, 2013, 09:29:04 AM
and here you come with the right way to do things! The nerve! Quick, dirty, and likely to be seen on Red Green is how I like things to get fixed.