# I think I should get the Nobel prize for this **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 15, 2018, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856 "2018-02-15T03:33:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/21 "2018-02-15T15:00:49Z")
What you should get a prize for, is the hour-and-a-half set-up time, plus the hour-and-a-half breakdown time. The successful three minute repair is just the pay-off. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/22 "2018-02-15T15:04:28Z")
Wait, they give out Nobels for chain untangling!? ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/23 "2018-02-15T15:28:24Z")
I have some connections on the Nobel prize committee. Which prize do you want, Physics or Peace? ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/24 "2018-02-15T15:38:18Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Of course the guy who waterboarded himself for shits and giggles also owns dental picks. I bet you he also owns a few varieties of duct/gaffers tape, because each have their own use. Is it safe? ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/25 "2018-02-15T15:44:20Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > I do. I also have more than one screwdriver. > > You are the second person who seems to indicate that owning dental picks, or more than one roll of duct tape is excessive, or eccentric in some way. Whereas, in fact, anyone who lacks a set of picks, hemostats, and an appropriate variety of adhesive tapes is simply inadequately prepared for this technological world. > [@](#): > > I’m pretty sure I don’t understand the worldview that finds this odd. I don’t wish to be insulting, but how does one get through life without the very easy to Acquire basic tools and skill set to deal with minor repairs and maintenance? By momentarily suspending snarking at those who possess those tools and skills long enough to beg one with those tools and skills to save them. Or paying someone with those tools and skills, if there’s no one to suck up to for free tech help. N.B.: I said “momentarily suspend snarking” because let’s face it, as soon as the crisis is over, it’s back to “what a weirdo, with all those tools.” People like this are why I rock a “No, I will not fix your computer” coffee mug. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/26 "2018-02-15T15:46:35Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Is it safe? I also possess a couple of Dremel rotary tools with appropriate engraving cutters. I simply lack a sinister background or awareness of a hidden cache of ill-gotten gems. At this time. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/27 "2018-02-15T15:48:45Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > I have some connections on the Nobel prize committee. Which prize do you want, Physics or Peace? Pacifying an upset teenaged daughter? The Peace Prize, undoubtedly. ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/28 "2018-02-15T16:12:59Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > Whereas, in fact, anyone who lacks a set of picks, hemostats, and an appropriate variety of adhesive tapes is simply inadequately prepared for this technological world.By momentarily suspending snarking at those who possess those tools and skills long enough to beg one with those tools and skills to save them. Or paying someone with those tools and skills, if there’s no one to suck up to for free tech help. > > N.B.: I said “momentarily suspend snarking” because let’s face it, as soon as the crisis is over, it’s back to “what a weirdo, with all those tools.” People like this are why I rock a “No, I will not fix your computer” coffee mug. I’m considering starting a thread about a basic toolbox. What to put in it and how to use it. I’d include links, and i’d Try to keep the total cost under $100. This way people could not be totally helpless in the face of adversity, and know that great satisfaction you get from actually fixing something. So far I’d propose: 6 screwdrivers. 3 philips, 3 flat, a large medium and a fine (from deck screws to eyeglass screw size) Vice grips Hammer with extractor Duct tape Utility knife, the kind with snap off blades Flashlight Needle nosed pliers Socket wrench with one universal socket Dental picks Magnifying glass Tape measure Straight edge ruler with bubble float. Calipers Hacksaw Rubber mallet Wire stripper crimped Multimeter Wd40 Liquid wrench A couple boxes of assorted screws, washers, nuts, brads, wire nuts And, of course, a buttplug. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/29 "2018-02-15T17:22:23Z")
I am also the Necklace Detangler at my house. All I need is strong light, and time. For the future: when she takes off the necklace, she should run one side of the chain through a drinking straw (cut to length if necessary) and fasten it on the outside. The chance of tangling is greatly reduced. ---
**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:** [February 15, 2018, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/30 "2018-02-15T18:02:18Z")
I also untangle necklace/bracelet chains. And string, too. I also herd cats, including feral and wild cats. What’s your superpower? ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/31 "2018-02-15T18:26:48Z")
It’s a sad fact that once someone claims he’s accomplished something previously thought impossible, a whole bunch of other people will step in and claim that they did it too. Duckster, Max: I’m not sharing the prize. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/32 "2018-02-15T18:36:32Z")
My mama got my hair unstuck out of the blowdryer this one time. Didn’t hardly do me no permanent damage, [del]neether[/del] [del]ether[/del] at all. As for the toolbox, my husband has ALL THE THINGS. One day he’s going to die and I’ll have all the things, only I won’t know what they are or what to do with them. Except the buttplug. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/33 "2018-02-15T19:18:14Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > I have some connections on the Nobel prize committee. Which prize do you want, Physics or Peace? For recounting this story, and making us all care…Literature! 🙂 (The night of my rehearsal dinner, I wanted to wear one necklace that had gotten tangled. One of my bridesmaids untangled it for me–one of the best wedding gifts I received!) ---
**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:** [February 15, 2018, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/34 "2018-02-15T20:15:45Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > It’s a sad fact that once someone claims he’s accomplished something previously thought impossible, a whole bunch of other people will step in and claim that they did it too. > > Duckster, Max: I’m not sharing the prize. That’s OK. No worries. Your ability is commendable, but as you found, shared by a number of folks. I can feel comfortable knowing I can forward my tangled necklaces/bracelets to you, freeing up my time for other worthy pursuits. But you still cannot herd cats. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/35 "2018-02-15T22:45:04Z")
> [@Scylla](#): > > …pedestal magnifier from my soldering kit and I set it up. I get my dental picks. I put on my hardcore 2X reading glasses. I get you bright work light and clamp it on to my flexible extension. I get a cutting board and put a piece of white paper on it. I put the necklace on the paper. I put the paper cutting board necklace under the magnifier. I focus the light on it. I pick up the dental picks and regard the necklace through my reading glasses and the magnifier… If you can see it, your hands can do it! The trick is getting so you can see it 🙂 Working on models, I use reading glasses, a strong light, and, if necessary, my [Martian War Goggles](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Is0pkflnL._SX466_.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/36 "2018-02-15T22:51:01Z")
I just had no idea what a “dental pick” meant, and had to look it up. Seeing what it is, I’m not sure in what situations it would be useful outside its intended use, since it doesn’t look like it can hold on to anything. As for duct tape, I just own more than one color, for aesthetic reasons. (For example, using the white tape to tape up white items, so the tape doesn’t stand out.) What are the actual different kinds? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/37 "2018-02-15T23:12:39Z")
My kids cal me the “Mom that can”! I am not all that talented but I do know how to do things with a certain doggedness that gets it done. They never seem to be able to do. Plus I have the tools, tape or butt plug, whatever is needed to accomplish the deed. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Grestarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grestarian/32/3227_2.png) [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2018, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/38 "2018-02-15T23:15:51Z")
No, no… > [@Scylla](#): > > “Oh my God, daddy you are amazing!” Says my daughter with genuine awe as I hand her the necklace. THAT – particularly coming from a thirteen-year-old, is worth more than the Nobel prize. By the time my stepkid was 13, she was already saying, “If I could drive myself, I wouldn’t need you grown-ups for ANYTHING!” > [@Scylla](#): > > I’m considering starting a thread about a basic toolbox. What to put in it and how to use it. No, no. I tried this idea about 20 years back. A friend had moved into a new apartment and, after we had helped her relocate and set up furniture, I suggested to a buddy that we buy our mutual friend a “Lady’s Tool Kit” from Sears. It’s a pink or purple plastic case with some screwdrivers, pliers, crescent wrench, hammers, electrical tape, etc. My buddy noticed the gender prefix and said, “Why don’t we just buy her a real tool kit?” “Well, because,” I explained, “You and I combined don’t have one of those. A real tool kit includes an air compressor, impact tools, a table saw, a drill press, a miter box, twenty screwdrivers…” “Okay, okay…” he got the point, “We’ll get her the tiny kit for her birthday.” –G! The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. He who dies with the most toys. Still dies. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2018, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/39 "2018-02-16T01:17:22Z")
I have collected all my tools from my husband and son leaving them out. If I find it and pick it up, it now belongs to me. I have bought the odd pliers or buttplug as needed.😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856/40 "2018-02-16T01:57:17Z")
Well, given how some of the Peace Prize Nobel’s turned out, why not? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-should-get-the-nobel-prize-for-this/808856.md?page=3)