I use one of those small paint can openers when adjusting brakes. Modern trailers typically have “Never-Adjust” brakes, which are harder to access when it’s necessary. The “hook” end of the opener fits exactly on the tab across the adjustment wheel, which must be pulled outward to allow turning.
I lay the opener atop the brake spoon, and can pull the tab out while turning the adjusting wheel with the spoon – all with one hand. (The other holds the flashlight).
Opener:
At my work, in retail, we have lots of these floating around, that some of the shorter people keep in strategic spots for the same reason.
A tip that I heard from more than one landlord/property manager over the years, that I’ve passed on to people renting, is that white toothpaste works well as spackle for nail holes in the wall. Having said that, at one apartment I lived in, when I moved in, they told me I could hang pictures, but when I move out, leave the nails in the walls. It makes it easier for the painters to find the holes.
Thanks! Haven’t been around for a long time and am still getting used to the “new” board!
take your time … no need to rush!
Not quite what the OP meant, but just today this came up.
I have a special purpose tool I made from a ~3’ long ~3/8" dowel. But it was pressed into service to reach behind a tall dresser and sweep something that had fallen behind out to the edge where I could reach it.
Usually I have a dedicated reach-behind-furniture tool made from a wire coat hanger, but my last one got trashed in a move and I haven’t needed to make one yet since the move. And I don’t keep the flimsy wire hangers laying around the house. Next time I pick up drycleaning though …
I don’t think I now own any commercially manufactured tool that I’ve repurposed for something completely different. Sure used to though.