# Any other products that warn you against using it the way everyone uses it? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 10, 2008, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593 "2008-12-10T19:07:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Morbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morbo/32/389_2.png) [@Morbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morbo)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/1 "2008-12-10T19:07:26Z")
I have no idea in which forum to place this… As I was using Q-Tips this morning, I noticed that there’s a huge warning on the package: WARNING: Do not use inside ear canal. Yeah, yeah, liability and all that, but what the hell else do you use a Q-Tip for? The **only** reason to use one is to clean your inner ear. Sure, it could be used for other purposes, like swabbing the outer ear or something, but so could a dozen other products. It seems exclusively designed for the inner ear. That got me thinking: aside from obvious abuse (drugs) or naughtiness (vibrator), what are some other products that everyone uses for a specific purpose, but the manufacturer warns against that purpose? I can’t think of any. ---
**Author:** ![ShotgunZen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@ShotgunZen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShotgunZen)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/2 "2008-12-10T19:13:10Z")
I’m not sure about now but about ten years ago all U-Haul trailers had MAX 45 MPH all over them. It was even printed backwards on the front of the fenders so you could read it every time you looked in the rear view mirror, as you are going down I75 at 70. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/3 "2008-12-10T19:31:04Z")
The heaters on the sidelines of the NFL game that I watched on Sunday had big signs that said: Warning, extremely hot, stand at least 4 feet away. The players still huddled up next to them. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/4 "2008-12-10T19:42:16Z")
I use bobby pins to scrape out my ear canal. Then I use the Q-Tip to clean out the bobby pin. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/5 "2008-12-10T19:45:06Z")
> [@Morbo](#): > > The **only** reason to use one is to clean your inner ear. Sure, it could be used for other purposes, like swabbing the outer ear or something, but so could a dozen other products. It seems exclusively designed for the inner ear. So do you go through the eustachian canal with your Q-Tip to get to your inner ear? Yeah, that is a bit dangerous, not to mention you need a long Q-Tip. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/6 "2008-12-10T19:45:41Z")
I know some people use Q-Tips to remove nail polish–or at least manicurists do. (Removing the old before putting on a fresh coat.) ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/7 "2008-12-10T19:46:45Z")
When I saw the thread title, my first thought was Q-Tips. I guess great minds must think alike. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/8 "2008-12-10T19:47:58Z")
Car stands, those mini-ramps that you drive them up onto, or the metal pole stands where you jack the car up, then lower it down onto the stand, all have warnings on them not to place any part of your body under a car supported by them. ---
**Author:** ![Hi\_Neighbor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hi_neighbor/32/494_2.png) [@Hi\_Neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hi_Neighbor)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/9 "2008-12-10T20:04:59Z")
Tylenol says do not exceed two tablets in a six hour period. Yeah right. I remember when MP3s were first coming out before Kazaa and other files haring programs were big. Websites just had links to MP3s that you could download, and had a disclaimer like, “These files should only serve as backups. If you choose to download these files, you MUST already be in possession of the song.” Um, ok. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/10 "2008-12-10T20:05:25Z")
My car’s owner’s manual says something like “do not adjust the radio settings while operating the vehicle.” Basically, “we’re not responsible if you crash your car while changing the radio station.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/11 "2008-12-10T20:16:19Z")
I’m off Q-Tips, because I figured maybe I was pushing as much wax in as was getting swabbed out. ---
**Author:** ![Hi\_Neighbor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hi_neighbor/32/494_2.png) [@Hi\_Neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hi_Neighbor)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/12 "2008-12-10T20:25:56Z")
A lot of gas stations have signs up now that tell you to turn off your cell phones at the pump. I do not follow the instructions of said signs. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/13 "2008-12-10T20:32:12Z")
> [@Hi\_Neighbor](#): > > A lot of gas stations have signs up now that tell you to turn off your cell phones at the pump. I do not follow the instructions of said signs. That doesn’t really fit the OP, though, which isn’t just “what warnings do you ignore?”. A cell phone isn’t designed specifically for use at a gas station pump. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/14 "2008-12-10T20:38:16Z")
Some of my CDs contain warnings not to play them at a loud volume. Some headphones also have the same warning. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/15 "2008-12-10T20:47:30Z")
> [@Hi\_Neighbor](#): > > Tylenol says do not exceed two tablets in a six hour period. Yeah right. > . _Don’t_ fergawdsake!:eek: Catastrophic Liver failure may result! Tylenol is very safe used as directed, quite dangerous otherwise. Note that Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc can sometimes be taken along with Tylenol if you need extra pain relief. Ask your MD. I saw a hammer that stated one should not use it to strike metal objects- like, err, umm- _nails_?:dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/16 "2008-12-10T21:27:41Z")
Opticians always tell you to use this spray and special wipes to clean your glasses. I’ve almost never seen anyone do anything but huff and wipe with the bottom of the shirt. ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/17 "2008-12-10T21:32:38Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > _Don’t_ fergawdsake!:eek: Catastrophic Liver failure may result! Tylenol is very safe used as directed, quite dangerous otherwise. Note that Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc can sometimes be taken along with Tylenol if you need extra pain relief. Ask your MD. > > I saw a hammer that stated one should not use it to strike metal objects- like, err, umm- _nails_?:dubious: IANAD but I know that a couple of times both my father and I were prescribed Tylenol by a doctor and the pharmacist just advised taking 3 regular Tylenol instead of paying $40 for the scrip. It is something people should be very careful of, of course, but it is occasionally prescribed by medical professionals too. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/18 "2008-12-10T21:55:20Z")
Two come to mind. I’ve seen boxes where the handholds are labeled, “For observing contents only.” And an 8’ stepladder with “Do not go higher than this step” on the 4th rung. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Superhero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Superhero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Superhero)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/19 "2008-12-10T21:57:40Z")
> [@Captain\_Carrot](#): > > Opticians always tell you to use this spray and special wipes to clean your glasses. I’ve almost never seen anyone do anything but huff and wipe with the bottom of the shirt. Yeah, I’ve always been a little fascinated by that. They tell you, “Use a soft cloth to clean your lenses. Don’t just use your shirt or a handkerchief.” Which is advice I followed for a while, up until I stopped wearing hairshirts and buying burlap handkerchiefs. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593/20 "2008-12-10T22:01:42Z")
Chain mail probably would be even worse. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-other-products-that-warn-you-against-using-it-the-way-everyone-uses-it/476593.md?page=2)