Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Duct tape
Wind duct tape around your camping or emergency flashlight/torch, trekking pole, or hiking staff, so that you'll always have some duct tape handy for when you need it.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Knots
The Overhand Knot is an easy one, and is probably the one you're most familiar with. The overhand is used as a temporary stopper to prevent a rope from unravelling or passing through a ring, eye, or pulley. It's also the starting point for other knots, including the reef or square-knot ( link ).
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Zip ties
Zip ties come in a variety of sizes and colours, which you should keep on hand for when you need them.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40
WD-40 literally stands for "Water Displacement". It also contains lubricants and grime-dissolvers. It is used to dry out electrical systems, such as inside distributor caps, and to loosen-up rusted or stuck bolts or hinges.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate)
Less is more. Use the least amount of glue you can get away with, to coat both surfaces, then clamp together and let it dry. Super glue doesn't work well in situations where you need a thick blob of glue, or where there is a gap between the parts to be joined.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
Use to sterilize all sorts of things: like thermometers, benchtops, skin (before an injection).
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
To cut sheets of safety-glass: score the glass with a diamond cutter then pour rubbing alcohol into the furrow and set light with a match - the heat melts the bonded substrate between the two sheets of glass and makes a clean straight break.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Mould: Spray vinegar on the mould, leave for a few minutes, then wipe clean. The vinegar destroys the mould. Mix a solution with 80% vinegar and 20% water.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Ammonia
Warnings:
Never mix with bleach, or you will create highly poisonous chlorine gas, which can kill you.
Best not to use ammonia as a floor cleaner, except when you want to remove wax, as ammonia can damage the floors over time.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Ammonia
Best used for removing grease and wax.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Duct tape
Cutting duct tape with a sharp knife (see image) can stop you from clogging your scissors with glue, but is not as safe as scissors. Duct tape can be torn if necessary.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Heat-shrink tubing
Heat-shrink tubing is normally used to help seal electrical connections or to protect wiring.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Knots
The reef or square knot is simply two overhand knots — one on top of the other — with the second tied in the opposite direction from the first. Used to lash two objects together or to join two ropes. This knot can easily slip if joining two bits of rope of different diameters.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
Hot glue (after it is set) can be removed by using alcohol. It can be applied by dripping it from a stick, or using a pipette.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate)
Super glue is best purchased in multiple single-use tubes, since once a tube or bottle is opened the glue can easily dry up and become unusable.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate)
As a safety precaution, wear safety glasses so you don't accidentally glue your eyelid.
If you do get the glue in your eye, or if you accidentally bond other body parts together, don't panic, because it won't kill you. Don't try to tear the parts apart. Seek medical advice if necessary.
Do gluing in a well ventilated area, and wear a face mask if you do a lot of gluing.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Super glue (cyanoacrylate)
For surfaces that are difficult to bond, a very light spray with misted water on the surface to be joined can help the glue to set.
thesource (378)
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > WD-40
Use to free-up ceased bolts or locks, when you can't insert your key into the lock, or when the lock is not turning freely.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
When you have cracked compact powder make up (blush, bronzer, foundation etc), mash up the compact, add a little methylated spirits and stir. Flatten the product out and let it dry out. It will be as good as new.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Get rid of cooking smells: Let simmer a small pot of vinegar and water solution.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting: Douse with vinegar. It will soothe irritation and relieve itching.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Wine stains: Spots caused by wine can be removed from 100 percent cotton, cotton polyester and permanent press fabrics if done so within 24 hours. To do it, sponge white distilled vinegar directly onto the stain and rub away the spots. Then clean according to the directions on the manufacturer's care tag.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Freshen vegetables: Freshen up slightly wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water and vinegar.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Meat tenderizer: As a tenderizer for tough meat or game, make a marinade in the proportion of half a cup of your favorite vinegar to a cup of heated liquid, such as bouillon; or for steak, you may prefer to a mix of vinegar and oil, rubbed in well and allowed to stand for two hours.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Boiling eggs: When boiling an egg and it's cracked, a little vinegar in the water will keep the white from running out.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Cleaning Vintage Lace: Soak the lace in cold water, rinsing it several times. Next, hand-wash the lace gently with a wool detergent, such as Woolite. If rust spots are a problem, try removing them with a mixture of white vinegar and hot water.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Getting the last drops: When you can't get the last bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, try dribbling a little of your favorite vinegar into it, put the cap on tightly and shake well. You'll be amazed at how much you've been wasting.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Cooking fish: Try soaking fish in vinegar and water before cooking it. It will be sweeter, more tender and hold its shape better. When boiling or poaching fish, a tablespoon of vinegar added to the water will keep it from crumbling so easily.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Freshen baby clothes: The addition of 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to each load of baby clothes during the rinse cycle will naturally break down uric acid and soapy residue leaving the clothes soft and fresh.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Blanket renewal: Cotton and wool blankets become soft, fluffy and free of soap odor if 2 cups of white distilled vinegar are added to the rinse cycle of the wash.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Unclog steam iron: Pour equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow to cool. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Clothes washing magic: Clothes will rinse better if 1 cup of white distilled vinegar is added to the last rinse water. The acid in vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, but strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Keep Flowers Longer: Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar in a 1-quart vase of water. Trim stems and change water every five days.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Pest fighter: A teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for each quart bowl of drinking water helps keep your pet free of fleas and ticks. The ratio of one teaspoon to one quart is for a forty-pound animal.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Pet accident: Test the color fastness of the carpet with white distilled vinegar in an inconspicuous place. Then sprinkle distilled vinegar over the fresh pet accident. Wait a few minutes and sponge from the center outward. Blot up with a dry cloth. This procedure may need to be repeated for stubborn stains.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Paintbrush softener: Soak the paintbrush in hot white distilled vinegar, and then wash out with warm, sudsy water.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Fresh lunch box: It is easy to take out the heavy stale smell often found in lunch boxes. Dampen a piece of fresh bread with white distilled vinegar and leave it in the lunch box overnight.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Cleaning Leather Shoes: Make a solution of one part water to one part white vinegar, and use it sparingly on the shoes. Dip a cloth into the solution, and dab it over the salt-streaked parts of your shoes. May have to repeat the cleaning a few times before all the salt is removed. Salt actually can damage leather, so it's best to clean shoes as quickly as possible. Don't let the salt stains build up.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Ear drops: Combine in equal portion with rubbing alcohol (or methylated spirits) to help control mild ear infections. See your doctor if you suspect the infection is of the inner ear, or if you get no results.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Toenail fungus: Soak toes in a solution of vinegar and water, using 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, 15 minutes per day.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Coloring Easter eggs: Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with each 1/2 cup of hot water, then add food coloring. (Check egg-coloring booklets or food dye box for specific directions.) Vinegar keeps the food dyes bright and prevents streaky, uneven colors.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Soothe a sore throat: Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow. For another great gargle: 1 cup hot water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vinegar, gargle then drink.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Fight dandruff: After shampooing, rinse with a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > White vinegar
Relieve sunburn: Lightly rub white distilled or cider vinegar on skin. Reapply as needed.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
Clean printer heads, VCR heads, CDs and DVDs, jewelry, display cases, mirrors.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
You can use rubbing alcohol to remove permanent marker on plastic, or glass. Be careful of the percentage you are using with plastic. Test an area first. Certain plastics can get gummy.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
Use rubbing alcohol to help dry up a cold sore. Apply when the cold sore apears until it becomes dry and it will shorten the life and begin to fall off. Takes about a week instead of two.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
Due to its volatile nature, it can help to evaporate liquids, and therefore can be used to clean electronics or other devices that become damaged when wet.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
It is used by many musicians who play string instruments, particularly double bass to create a layer of hard skin on finger tips when applied daily.
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Main > Miscellaneous > Useful things > Rubbing alcohol/Methylated spirits
It can be used as a treatment for swimmers ear, or to help clear up mild ear infections - especially when mixed in equal part with white vinegar.
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