# What Products Have Better Uses Than Their Intended Function? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 14, 2023, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215 "2023-01-14T14:16:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/21 "2023-01-14T18:33:47Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > According to Bored Panda and Reddit, here’s 40 of them: > > [https://www.boredpanda.com/products-better-use-than-intended/](https://www.boredpanda.com/products-better-use-than-intended/) As predicted with this thread - virtually all of those are interesting _alternative_ uses rather than _better_ uses than the intended function; mixed in with a few cases like Viagra where the intended use changed. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/22 "2023-01-14T20:08:36Z")
> [@Dung\_Beetle](#): > > Q-tips? Supposedly they aren’t meant for earwax removal, but _come on_. As long as we’re talking about Bic, the top to a Round Stix pen is perfect for scratchin’ yer ear. You can hit that one spot and make your legs shake! ---
**Author:** ![Dandan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a87d85/32.png) [@Dandan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dandan)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/23 "2023-01-14T20:33:11Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > > [@Dandan](#): > > > > You’d probably stand a better chance of finding a Bic in a pocket among a random group, and beer won’t give you lung cancer, which meets the “better uses” criteria. > > > > Dan > > Hope you didn’t hurt yourself making that stretch. > > mmm I’m pretty flexible, but I don’t quite get your meaning. Dan ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/24 "2023-01-14T21:09:20Z")
These things [![](https://www.super-hobby.pt/zdjecia/7/5/2/2584_rd.jpg) ](https://www.super-hobby.pt/zdjecia/7/5/2/2584_rd.jpg) ---
**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:** [January 14, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/25 "2023-01-14T21:17:47Z")
I have never tried to use conditioner as shaving cream. But I guess it holds water… ---
**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:** [January 14, 2023, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/26 "2023-01-14T21:22:31Z")
I did not know this, but QIROUS^ suggests that only the American formula of Preparation H changed and Canada still has the original. Kind of like Mexican Coke. You folks need any and a friendly SDMB Canuck will send you some for a modest handling fee. 😉 ^ Quick internet Research Of Unverified Sources ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/27 "2023-01-14T21:26:20Z")
I spent most of a summer spray painting bomber beds (road salt hopper/spreaders that go on the back of trucks) and snow plows. I got covered in over spray every day. Regular soaps and cleaners wouldn’t touch it. I took a co-worker’s advice and tried baby oil on it. The oil took the paint right off, and regular soap took off the oil. ---
**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:** [January 14, 2023, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/28 "2023-01-14T21:32:07Z")
In fact, this is news I can use. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/29 "2023-01-14T21:42:41Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > I did not know this, but QIROUS^ … > > ^ Quick internet Research Of Unverified Sources The fact QIROUS can be pronounced about like “curious” is one of the most delicious wordly discoveries of the day, if not year to date. Or did you do that on purpose just for us? ---
**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:** [January 14, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/30 "2023-01-14T21:47:10Z")
Made it up on the spot. Didn’t think about how one might pronounce it - but it works. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/31 "2023-01-14T21:57:12Z")
Q-Tips for sure, I mean, really. Bic lighters are great for fire but for the life of me I can’t open a bottle with one. WD-40 is interesting too. Water Displacement 40. Was originally used for missiles as an anti corrosive. Ok. Now it’s in just about every house a quick lubricant for small parts. Locks, hinges and stuff. Oh, the glue on sticky notes was not originally designed to create a ‘sticky’ note. An entire industry evolved out of that. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/32 "2023-01-14T22:03:15Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > This is not an example. [Yes it is!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ) ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/33 "2023-01-14T22:05:48Z")
Disposable douche makes an excellent skunk odor remover. Seeing that douching is mildly harmful, I’d say it’s a better use. ---
**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:** [January 14, 2023, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/34 "2023-01-14T22:09:39Z")
> [@Ulfreida](#): > > Disposable douche Wait, is there a permanent kind? ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/35 "2023-01-14T22:09:49Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Bic lighters are great for fire but for the life of me I can’t open a bottle with one. This may be a very German thing. Most Germans can open a beer bottle witth one (me too!), but no Spaniard I know can. Russians, OTH, open beer bottles with their teeth, I have seen that. But I am sure _that_ is not a better use than their intended function, so I’ll stop it here. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/36 "2023-01-14T22:14:41Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > > [@Ulfreida](#): > > > > Disposable douche > > Wait, is there a permanent kind? Yeah, that crossed my mind too, but that’s what it says on the box. I think it’s the bag that’s disposable. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/37 "2023-01-14T22:24:50Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > > [@Ulfreida](#): > > > > Disposable douche > > Wait, is there a permanent kind? As I remember, an ordinary douche was a rubber bag and hose and wand setup. You’d fill the bag and hang it up high, often on the shower head, and use it in the tub. But I haven’t seen one of those in a long time. It’s “portable tampons” that have me stumped. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/38 "2023-01-14T22:27:23Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > > [@enipla](#): > > > > Bic lighters are great for fire but for the life of me I can’t open a bottle with one. > > This may be a very German thing. Most Germans can open a beer bottle witth one (me too!), but no Spaniard I know can. Yeah, almost all of my friends can do it (and they’re not _all_ alcoholics…). Once you have the technique down, it’s the easiest thing, and I bet I can open a bottle with a lighter faster than anyone with a regular bottle opener. The bonus is that once you can open a bottle with a lighter, you can open it with almost any other kind of tool, like a screwdriver, a hammer or even another (unopened) bottle. But some people never learn it. I tried to teach the skill to a friend, and instead of opening bottles, she managed to open one or two lighters with the bottle. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/39 "2023-01-14T22:32:08Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > > [@Ulfreida](#): > > > > Disposable douche > > Wait, is there a permanent kind? Must. Not. Make. Political. Jabs. In. IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2023, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215/40 "2023-01-14T22:52:48Z")
I can open a bottle with pretty much anything but a Bic Lighter. Last time was the Airport hotel in DIA. the latch for the bolt on the door worked just fine. Or give me any sturdy piece of steel. Or even a counter top that is sturdy that I don’t want to mar. All you have to do is push, or bang it with the palm of your hand. Bic Lighter, not happening. 🤷‍♂️ I stopped worrying about it since there are tools everywhere. Just have to know how to use them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-products-have-better-uses-than-their-intended-function/978215.md?page=3)