# Neat useful tricks that you think most people are not aware of **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 31, 2013, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959 "2013-01-31T21:35:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/121 "2013-02-03T01:56:18Z")
> [@corkboard](#): > > Something I’ve been doing since I was a teenager working in a deli (almost 30 years ago), but first saw here on the Dope a few years ago- keep a bunch of extra trash bags at the bottom of the can. When the bag is full and you pull it out, there’s another one right there, waiting for you. Beats having to get one out of the storeroom. I keep the whole roll at the bottom of the trash can. > [@DataX](#): > > I close one eye when going to the bathroom at night. It allows me to walk to the bathroom - turn on the light - and then when finished turn the light off. Then I open both eyes - and can go back to bed - with my night vision intact (only works/useful if you have enought ambient light to walk around - which can be very, very, little if you still have your night vision.) > > I thought I was original for thinking of this - then mythbusters did and episode on pirates speculating retaining night vision was one of the reasons for the eye patch. > > You don’t need an eye patch - I’ve been doing this so long it is second nature. Better yet, keep the floor clear, memorize the way to the bathroom and keep the lights out, sit down when you pee, remember not to fall asleep and hit your head on the floor, and then back to bed without ever really waking up fully. ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/122 "2013-02-03T02:21:57Z")
Many years ago, my brother thought of this, and told me to try it. Instead of throwing those last little pieces of soap out, use them. Your next shower or bath, get a new bar of soap and use it, take the other smaller piece with both being wet, and squeeze them together where they both follow the contour of each other. Overnight it will weld together and will be good to go. I guarantee it won’t come apart. Saves a little money, but also helps with waste and the environment. Try it once, you’ll do it from then on. Thank me later. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/123 "2013-02-03T03:46:00Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > \ > Also, I don’t know how much of a ‘‘tip’’ this is, and I’m sure it’s pretty commonly known among athletes, but I recently learned that ice baths are incredibly effective at reducing pain, swelling and long-term damage from a muscle tear/sprain injury or really any muscle aches and pains you might have. It’s as horrible as it sounds - run water as cold as you can, dump in ice cubes, pull on a sweatshirt and sit in a freezing cold tub for 10-15 minutes (not longer, or you could literally die!) Do this as soon as you realize you have injured yourself. It’s an… um… great opportunity for mindfulness. The first time is the hardest; I’ve found that filling it up and then climbing in at once is the best method. But the effect is miraculous - I pretty much did a week’s worth of healing overnight, or at least it felt that way. On a related note, my husband and I insulated the attic of our bungalow a couple of weekends ago, and we were both incredibly sore after that. We went for a lonnnnng walk the next day (three hours), and it worked wonders for helping with our sore, aching muscles (something about working the lactic acid out of the muscles by working them and getting our heart rates up, even though all we wanted to do was lay on the couch and groan). I think I read it here first - shampoo is much thicker than it needs to be, and you’ll get as much cleaning power out of it if you dilute it with water. ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/124 "2013-02-03T06:03:52Z")
> [@razncain](#): > > Many years ago, my brother thought of this, and told me to try it. Instead of throwing those last little pieces of soap out, use them. Your next shower or bath, get a new bar of soap and use it, take the other smaller piece with both being wet, and squeeze them together where they both follow the contour of each other. Overnight it will weld together and will be good to go. I guarantee it won’t come apart. Saves a little money, but also helps with waste and the environment. Try it once, you’ll do it from then on. Thank me later. 🙂 Isn’t this obvious? If people need to be told this, you might as well say you can rinse out shampoo bottles with water and get 1 more wash out of them. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/125 "2013-02-03T07:30:01Z")
I’ve been melding soap bars together forever. I’ve read all sorts of tips that involve saving the bits of soap and chopping them up and pouring boiling water on them and making one bar, and then there’s the ones that want me to sew two washcloths together, with an opening to put the soap bits in. Melding the soap bars is just a lot easier. Also, I’ve been diluting many shampoos for a long, long time. The cheap shampoos are already diluted enough, but most quality shampoos are pretty concentrated, so you might as well dilute them. Generally, if I have an old and a new shampoo bottle of the same type, I’ll pour about a quarter bottle of shampoo into the old bottle, and dilute it in the old bottle. Using hot water will help it dissolve better. Then when the old bottle is empty, I can dilute the new bottle and I’m ready to go. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/126 "2013-02-03T07:43:22Z")
This may be something everybody but me knew. When preparing celery for crudite, cut the celery into 2-3 " lengths, then, put each section between the heels of both hands and press. They will break lengthwise perfectly. It’s much faster than cutting. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/127 "2013-02-03T14:58:47Z")
Take your thumb and pinky and stretch them as far apart from each other as you can. Now measure the distance from tip to tip. (Mine’s 9") You can also measure things that are greater than your hand width by sliding your thumb to pinky then stretching it back out again, then of course just use multiples of your measurement. ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/128 "2013-02-03T15:11:50Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > Take your thumb and pinky and stretch them as far apart from each other as you can. > > Now measure the distance from tip to tip. (Mine’s 9") > > You can also measure things that are greater than your hand width by sliding your thumb to pinky then stretching it back out again, then of course just use multiples of your measurement. I happen to know that the distance from the end of my middle finger to the bottom of my hand (above the wrist) is exactly eight inches. I sometimes measure a piece of furniture or something using my hand this way, and as I do so I’ll give my wife a knowing look. Whereupon, she will roll her eyes. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/129 "2013-02-03T15:26:13Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > People in this sort of thread are often shocked and awed that there are little tabs at each end of the aluminum foil box and you’re supposed to poke them in to keep the roll of foil (or plastic wrap or whatever) from coming out of the box when you pull on it. Some of us are more shocked when the damn things work… ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/130 "2013-02-03T16:48:05Z")
> [@AaronX](#): > > Isn’t this obvious? For me it wasn’t, I never really paid it no mind before, just a bad habit of throwing away the little pieces without giving it any thought. I’m sure many have independently thought of it. But I don’t see many doing it or aware of it, because when I have brought it up, most say they want to try it, while others don’t bother. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/131 "2013-02-03T17:09:26Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > Take your thumb and pinky and stretch them as far apart from each other as you can. > > Now measure the distance from tip to tip. (Mine’s 9") > > You can also measure things that are greater than your hand width by sliding your thumb to pinky then stretching it back out again, then of course just use multiples of your measurement. Mine’s 8". The distance between my first and second joint on my right forefinger is 1", which is also handy to know. ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/132 "2013-02-03T18:12:48Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > To add to stain removal tips: Mechanics’ hand cleaner, such as GoJo or Goop, works wonders on getting grease, ink, adhesives, and other stuff out of clothes. Before you start working on a greasy engine, oil painting etc., use a product called Invisible Glove (Pro-Tek). Follow the directions, especially to rub in well by the cuticles and fingertips. When you’re done with the job, your hands will come out as clean as before you started with a simple soap & hot water washing. ---
**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/133 "2013-02-03T18:37:06Z")
There is the [Doomsday](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomsday_rule)method of determining the day of the week… Simple summary for this year (2013): - Doomsday (day of reckoning) is Thursday - Last day of Feb is Thursday - Last day of Jan is Thursday\* - Apr 4/Jun 6/Aug 8/Oct 10/Dec 12 are Thursdays\*\* - May 9/Sep 5, Jul 11/Nov 7 are Thursdays \*\*\* - others: Jul 4/Halloween/Boxing Day are Thursdays - in leap years Jan 32 (Feb 1 that is) is doomsday. \*\* 4th month/4th day, 6th month/6th day etc \*\*\* these seem to have no pattern, but the phrase “Working 9 to 5 at the 7/11” cements them. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/134 "2013-02-03T19:02:52Z")
If a twist top won’t twist off, turn the bottle/jar over and smack the top on a hard surface. If the bag of chips, etc. won’t open, take a pen and stab it. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2013, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/135 "2013-02-03T19:59:57Z")
I once broke a jar by smacking the lid on a hard surface. Now I tap around the top of the lid with the handle of a butter knife. If you are trying to tread a nut onto a screw without being able to see your hands, turn the nut over the head of the screw going left until you feel a click where the threads meet. You should be able to then turn the nut right and tighten it down. (It also works when you can see your hands, but is a really handy trick when working in a darkroom.) ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/136 "2013-02-04T00:35:01Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > Before you start working on a greasy engine, oil painting etc., use a product called Invisible Glove (Pro-Tek). Follow the directions, especially to rub in well by the cuticles and fingertips. When you’re done with the job, your hands will come out as clean as before you started with a simple soap & hot water washing. The wife’s hand lotion is often effective for this purpose and cheaper. A light coat of Vaseline before starting work is very effective but a lot of people don’t like the way it feels. ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/137 "2013-02-04T00:41:51Z")
> [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](#): > > The wife’s hand lotion is often effective for this purpose and cheaper. A light coat of Vaseline before starting work is very effective but a lot of people don’t like the way it feels. “You’ve never covered yourself with Vaseline? You don’t know what you’re missing. I’ve got it all over. It’s down in my boots. I can feel it squishing in between my toes.” ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/138 "2013-02-04T01:06:28Z")
> [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](#): > > The wife’s hand lotion is often effective for this purpose and cheaper. That’s a good tip, especially if that’s what on hand, but my $6 tube has lasted me for years. On the rare occasions I (or friend or family) need it, I like how absolutely effective it is. I remember how long it took to get embedded dirty grease out of my hands. For someone that needs it every day, cost certainly can be a factor. > [@](#): > > A light coat of Vaseline before starting work is very effective but a lot of people don’t like the way it feels. I’m always recommending Vaseline for chapped lips etc., but I don’t think I want that on my hands when I’m putting great effort to loosen a bolt, need a very tight grip or don’t want Vaseline on my work. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/139 "2013-02-04T01:18:45Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > Before you start working on a greasy engine, oil painting etc., use a product called Invisible Glove (Pro-Tek). Follow the directions, especially to rub in well by the cuticles and fingertips. When you’re done with the job, your hands will come out as clean as before you started with a simple soap & hot water washing. > [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](#): > > The wife’s hand lotion is often effective for this purpose and cheaper. A light coat of Vaseline before starting work is very effective but a lot of people don’t like the way it feels. Best is just to use a coating of waterless hand cleaner, but don’t wipe it off. Then when you go to wash your hands afterwards, they just rinse off clean. Works just like Pro-Tek, but you’re likely to already have some at home. ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959/140 "2013-02-04T01:41:50Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Actually ibuprofen and aspirin are the best thing going for sunburn, believe it or not. They blunt the pain, and they’re anti-inflammatory as well. I swear by Noxema for sunburn. It cools the skin instantly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-useful-tricks-that-you-think-most-people-are-not-aware-of/648959.md?page=8)