# Tell us about a product that you were pleasantly surprised by its usefulness **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 19, 2022, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838 "2022-09-19T16:15:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/161 "2023-01-15T19:53:34Z")
No idea where it was made, but I suspect it was made in China. I’ve used it a few (two, three) times to check the tires. Good luck finding one made in the USA. ---
**Author:** ![slicedalone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slicedalone/32/12515_2.png) [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/162 "2023-01-15T20:03:38Z")
Yeah, I went to Autozone yesterday to find one made in the USA and found nothing but China-made air pumps. I suppose at 30 bucks a pop, I could experiment with different ones but it would be nice to start with one that someone has found reliable. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/163 "2023-01-15T20:16:36Z")
The thing is that lots of things are made in China today. Some are made to high quality standards and some are not. For example, Apple iPhones, Dell and HP notebook and desktop computers and Cisco network switches are all made in China. And yet they’re not (generally) perceived as crap goods. The difference is that the air compressor I bought comes from a brand I’ve never heard of. Amazon product listings are crowded with Chinese brands, some of which have only been around for a year or so. Sometimes the Chinese product looks suspiciously like the same product from a well-known Western brand. Made in the same factory? Made elsewhere but copying the look and feel of the known product? Who knows. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2023, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/164 "2023-01-15T20:35:16Z")
This is the one that I have and I like it a lot so far. I completely filled a friend’s flat with it. A couple of days ago I topped off my four car tires (32 psi) and then my bicycle tires (75 psi). > **[Amazon.com: epauto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator :...](https://www.amazon.com/EPAuto-Portable-Compressor-Digital-Inflator/dp/B07MFBV5NM)** > > Buy epauto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator: Air Compressors & Inflators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/165 "2023-01-16T04:21:38Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > > [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > > > A few months ago I bought a [back scratcher](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018EBNSBO/) for $7. I love this thing! I use it at least once a day. > > Congratulations, you’re now officially old! I have a telescoping back scratcher AND a telescoping shoe horn (both from the dollar store) for double the old person cred. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/166 "2023-01-16T05:05:27Z")
Those backscratchers never seem to do me any good. They’re too dull to scratch properly. I use the closed tips of a pair of sewing scissors instead. Just enough length to get to the difficult spots and nice and scratchy. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/167 "2023-01-16T05:12:19Z")
Try a pair of hemostats! Longer, and they have a right angle turn at the end. ---
**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:** [January 16, 2023, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/168 "2023-01-16T06:28:01Z")
AutoZone has a metal telescoping small hand. I assume it’s to be used as a grabber-slider thingy for mechanics in tight places. (Magnetic as well) Makes the best back scratcher ever. Kinda creepy looking, tho’ ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/169 "2023-01-16T11:41:26Z")
> [@hogarth](#): > > > [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > > > > [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > > > > > A few months ago I bought a [back scratcher](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018EBNSBO/) for $7. I love this thing! I use it at least once a day. > > > > Congratulations, you’re now officially old! > > I have a telescoping back scratcher AND a telescoping shoe horn (both from the dollar store) for double the old person cred. Just be careful you don’t scratch your shoe and horn your back. mmm ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/170 "2023-01-16T14:53:02Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > This is the one that I have and I like it a lot so far. I completely filled a friend’s flat with it. A couple of days ago I topped off my four car tires (32 psi) and then my bicycle tires (75 psi). Maybe I’ll look at it. I’ve had three of those things and not one of them would inflate or top off a tire. I’ve pretty much given up on them. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2023, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/171 "2023-01-16T23:03:39Z")
I found food storage containers that are way better than old school tupperware. The come in different sizes but my link below is the large one. The seal super well and the have these little flip up things that you can use to release the steam when you microwave with them. They are fantastic. > **[Amazon.com: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, Large, 9.6 Cup, Clear...](https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Brilliance-Storage-Container-1991158/dp/B01JCNEJVQ)** > > Shop Rubbermaid at the Amazon Storage & Organization store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Everyday low prices, save up to 50%. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/172 "2023-01-17T00:16:22Z")
Those are nice and we have quite a few, but for the most part we prefer the glass [Snapware](https://a.co/d/1BMsmsv) as they can go right in the microwave or freezer. I have a d Saver vacuum system so we often freeze in the Snapware then remove from the container and vacuum bag for the freezer. Takes up a lot less room. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/173 "2023-01-17T02:05:19Z")
Those look cool. The Rubbermaid ones can also do microwave and freezer. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/174 "2023-01-17T05:07:13Z")
I was not aware of that. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/175 "2023-01-17T10:00:05Z")
I have a basic bamboo one. The ends are satisfyingly sharp and jagged to just the right degree. My kids gave me another one that is far more professionally made, with a hand shaped end, but it is so professionally made, with beautifully finished and rounded and powder coated steel, that it is useless. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/176 "2023-01-17T10:06:16Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The thing is that lots of things are made in China today. Some are made to high quality standards and some are not. My neighbour is an inventor who has his key invention made in China. He has an agent in HK who organises everything. When he asked about quality his agent said “what quality do you want?” and he got exactly that quality. Chinese manufacturing cops a lot of shit for two reasons (a) nationalism (which is understandable) and (b) their willingness to make complete shit, if that is all their customer pays them to make. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/177 "2023-01-17T11:51:03Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > I have a basic bamboo one. The ends are satisfyingly sharp and jagged to just the right degree. Likewise. My Wife bought for me for X-mas years ago. I use it nearly nightly. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/178 "2023-01-17T14:50:37Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > Chinese manufacturing cops a lot of shit for two reasons (a) nationalism (which is understandable) and (b) their willingness to make complete shit, if that is all their customer pays them to make. I have experience with this in optics, rifle scopes particularly. The same factory can make a scope that sells for $300 or one that sells for $1000 depending on what the customer orders. They might even look the same on the outside, but the internals are better on the more expensive model. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/179 "2023-01-17T15:59:37Z")
Retired manufacturing engineer here. Typically for things like this component specs are measured and binned. The top performing ones go to the expensive assemblies and the shitty ones go to the cheap stuff. If there is a very good run, there may be an abundance of good parts and they’ll go to the cheap assemblies to make the shipment. That’s why you’ll occasionally get a cheap product that’s “just as good” and the expensive model. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838/180 "2023-01-17T16:12:34Z")
Went to my local Dollar Tree and could not find any backscratchers. Y’all are making me jealous. Here I am using a fork, or a (capped!) ballpoint pen, like some kind of heathen barbarian peasant. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-us-about-a-product-that-you-were-pleasantly-surprised-by-its-usefulness/971838.md?page=10)