Belt Auction

What's your best home cure or fix?

I'd like to know complicated things and simple solutions that you've personally used many times to great avail. For me- this one comes from my dad, who restores antiques. If a wood screw comes loose and its hole is stripped, cut the heads off of one or two matchsticks, stuff them in the hole, and screw in the screw. No glue needed. I've found that the mini books, like what you get from hotels and whatnot, are the easiest to screw into and usually hold well. So, what's your home cure or fix?

Public Comments

1. hey your dads right but i use tooth picks always have some in the kitchen. had a spot on the wall that would not hold paint I used the wife's hair spray let it dry paint still there . also moving from a rental an need to patch nail holes. grab the tooth past yep plain white tooth past those are my tricks I have more but not going to tell all
2. I find that water stains found on "popcorn" ceilings can be covered with a product called KILZ. This product blends in with most acoustic ceilings and costs only a few bucks!
3. Something very close to that is in my toolbox of tricks! I have found that matchsticks are mostly made of softer woods, however toothpicks are mainly made of hardwoods. Making the toothpick harder and more resistant to breaking. They hold the thread of a screw better too! Less chance of stripping out your repaired screw hole.
4. I've got so many, we would be here all year.
5. Whole, dried bay leaves placed strategically along window sills, door openings, etc. will prevent ants from entering. Baking soda on a wet sponge will remove bugs from the windshield and front of your car easily & without scratching. If you have plaster walls, put a small piece of adhesive tape on the spot where you want to pound in the nail & it will prevent the plaster from cracking. Poke an egg with a small sewing needle before hard-boiling, and the egg will peel with ease. You can remove small scratches from polished furniture by rubbing with a piece of fresh walnut meat. To clean jewelry, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. To clean under refrigerator or range, slip a sock over the end of a yardstick and secure with a rubber band, then sweep under the appliance. All I can think of for now, will be interested in reading other creative ideas!