# Objects useful for purposes other than what they were made for **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 1, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640 "2016-05-01T22:27:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![stolatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@stolatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stolatt)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/21 "2016-05-02T14:04:53Z")
I use a steak knife to cut weeds out of the cracks in the sidewalk. Coffee filters to line the bottom of grassroots so the soil doesn’t leak out. ---
**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:** [May 2, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/22 "2016-05-02T14:54:16Z")
An unfolded wire hanger is great for unclogging toilets. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/23 "2016-05-02T15:45:12Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I had to go and look up the piece of kit you were referring to, because the [P-38](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_P38) I’m familiar with wasn’t designed with tin opening in mind. Me too, but I was thinking this P38: > **[Davids ISOPON P38 Easy-Sand Body Filler - 250ml | Halfords UK](https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/fillers-and-preparation/davids-isopon-p38-easy-sand-250ml-711663.html)** > > Shop the latest Davids ISOPON P38 Easy Sand polyester filler a chemical paste used for the filling of holes at Halfords UK ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/24 "2016-05-02T15:47:46Z")
Meanwhile, the trusty P-38 can opener [has its own Wikipedia page!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener) ---
**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/25 "2016-05-02T18:12:57Z")
Fabric softener sheets (a fair amount of them) make very good mouse repellants. After years of having mouse problems in our garage, no matter how many times we’d have someone check to make sure everything was sealed, out of desperation I tried this tip I’d read in a magazine. I bought 3 boxes of cheap fabric softener sheets and tucked them into all the areas where we’d found evidence of mice. No more mice. I change the softener sheets out yearly and we haven’t had a mouse problem since. Moth balls also work, but the fab softener sheets smell so much better. I also laud the virtues of the common tableware knife. It doubles as a screw driver, de-ices the old freezer in the garage, scratches that spot on my back that I can never reach when it itches, props open any door that tends to close/lock if you aren’t holding on to it, etc. etc. ---
**Author:** ![WildBlueYonder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ce7236/32.png) [@WildBlueYonder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildBlueYonder)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/26 "2016-05-02T18:18:21Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Meanwhile, the trusty P-38 can opener [has its own Wikipedia page!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener) are they still using them? I still have mine from the 70’s, damn handy tool! ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/27 "2016-05-02T18:56:20Z")
Screwdrivers (especially Craftsmen’s since they can be replaced) for everything from pry bars to ice picks to emergency tent and other stakes to pounding to getting all stabby with. Screwdrivers are the duct tape of the tool world. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/28 "2016-05-02T19:00:14Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > We had a wooden salad bowl set that we never used. Last year I drilled drainage holes in the bottom and planted a variety of lettuces in the large and small bowls. We had an ongoing harvest of salad greens from the salad bowls. I have a big wooden salad serving fork that is the best backscratcher I ever found. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/29 "2016-05-02T19:03:34Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > I have a big wooden salad serving fork that is the best backscratcher I ever found. I absconded with a spare ladle from the kitchen yesterday. I’m using it to fertilize my hops with the horseshit tea I’ve been brewing. It must never be returned to the kitchen. ---
**Author:** ![Don\_t\_Panic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/don_t_panic/32/398_2.png) [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/30 "2016-05-02T19:08:17Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I had to go and look up the piece of kit you were referring to, because the [P-38](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_P38) I’m familiar with wasn’t designed with tin opening in mind. > [@Mangetout](#): > > Me too, but I was thinking this P38: > [http://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-body-repair/fillers-preparation/davids-isopon-p38-easy-sand-250ml](http://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-body-repair/fillers-preparation/davids-isopon-p38-easy-sand-250ml) I was thinking of [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_P-38_Lightning). Which may be good for can opening, but it seems a bit like overkill. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/31 "2016-05-02T19:08:26Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Me too, but I was thinking this P38: > [http://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-body-repair/fillers-preparation/davids-isopon-p38-easy-sand-250ml](http://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-body-repair/fillers-preparation/davids-isopon-p38-easy-sand-250ml) This is what [P-38](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_P-38_Lightning) brings to mind for me. ---
**Author:** ![Nefario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/59ef9b/32.png) [@Nefario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefario)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/32 "2016-05-02T19:41:42Z")
Hemostats - the best grabber tool even made! I use them for… - Mini locking Visegrips - Soldering or De-Soldering wire holders - Soldering heat sinks - Picking the parts you dropped out of obscure locations - Mini nut holders - Needle nose pliers - The best tool for FORMING PAPERCLIPS 😃 - Selective eyebrow tweezers - Knot tiers and unscramblers They are reported to be useful in surgery, too! ---
**Author:** ![Kyrie\_Eleison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kyrie_eleison/32/7682_2.png) [@Kyrie\_Eleison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyrie_Eleison)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/33 "2016-05-02T20:02:16Z")
They’re now sold primarily for zesting and grating cheese, but Microplane graters were originally intended for woodworking. Oyster knives are the ideal tool for removing that annoying membrane from the bone side of slab of ribs before rubbing on the spice blend and BBQing. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/34 "2016-05-02T20:06:53Z")
I’ll chime in with the paper clip fans. So many locks have fallen prey to the humble paperclip. Back when I was doing electronics repair, there was a particular type of CD player with a really common and officially irreparable point of failure. The failure condition actually broke part of the machine’s case, and replacing it would basically mean building a new machine from scrap…which would then break in exactly the same way. It could be fixed with a paperclip. Screwdrivers are unarguably multitools as well. ---
**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:** [May 2, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/35 "2016-05-02T20:23:20Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > I have a big wooden salad serving fork that is the best backscratcher I ever found. I use a short (11") prybar for that. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/36 "2016-05-02T20:44:52Z")
> [@kopek](#): > > Screwdrivers (especially Craftsmen’s since they can be replaced) for everything from pry bars to ice picks to emergency tent and other stakes to pounding to getting all stabby with. Screwdrivers are the duct tape of the tool world. 😃 When I first moved in to my house my dad “helped me out” by using my only flathead screwdriver to scrape the weeds out from between the cracks in my patio. When he was done the screwdriver was still “flat” but no longer square. The edges were all rounded off. So now I have many more flathead screwdrivers, and I keep that one separate just for scraping out weeds. My big re-use is that I have this bent metal hook thing that I think was somehow related to my old multi-head weed trimmer. I got rid of the trimmer many years ago but I kept that tool and taped it to a bamboo stick. I use it for pulling up the chute cover on my lawn tractor as I go through the gate, because the chute is too wide. But I can’t bend over to grab it without the engine cutting off. So I pull it up with the hook-stick thing and hang the stick back on the fence. I’ve been using it for many, many years. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/37 "2016-05-02T20:55:03Z")
If you attach cheese graters to your trousers they stop dogs humping your leg. ---
**Author:** ![Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce7236/32.png) [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/38 "2016-05-02T21:28:18Z")
> [@Nefario](#): > > Hemostats - the best grabber tool even made! I use them for… > > - Mini locking Visegrips > - Soldering or De-Soldering wire holders > - Soldering heat sinks > - Picking the parts you dropped out of obscure locations > - Mini nut holders > - Needle nose pliers > - The best tool for FORMING PAPERCLIPS 😃 > - Selective eyebrow tweezers > - Knot tiers and unscramblers > > They are reported to be useful in surgery, too! Many more. That’s the sucky.part about working in psych or long term care…no more free hemostats that ahem! Wound up at house … ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/39 "2016-05-02T21:34:52Z")
> [@Nefario](#): > > Hemostats - the best grabber tool even made! I use them for… > > - Mini locking Visegrips > - Soldering or De-Soldering wire holders > - Soldering heat sinks > - Picking the parts you dropped out of obscure locations > - Mini nut holders > - Needle nose pliers > - The best tool for FORMING PAPERCLIPS 😃 > - Selective eyebrow tweezers > - Knot tiers and unscramblers > > They are reported to be useful in surgery, too! Good for removing hooks from fish and fishermen as well. ---
**Author:** ![Totenfeier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@Totenfeier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Totenfeier)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640/40 "2016-05-02T21:38:13Z")
I like old-school wooden pencils, and - trust me on this - “America’s Pencil U.S.A. Gold” - get 'em at Walmart - are the bomb. The cap from a Staedtler Triplus Fineliner fits perfectly onto one - you’ve got a sharpened pencil wherever you go! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/objects-useful-for-purposes-other-than-what-they-were-made-for/753640.md?page=3)