{"id":45180,"date":"2025-11-21T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/?p=45180"},"modified":"2025-11-20T17:20:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T00:20:11","slug":"gars-tips-tools-issue-206","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/gars-tips-tools-issue-206\/","title":{"rendered":"Gar&#8217;s Tips &#038; Tools &#8211; Issue #206"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1><strong>How to Sand in Tiny Spaces<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_68301\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A7M7EeOBZN8?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of my readers, especially the more hobby-minded and small project makers, likely know about sanding&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/eEDuml7\">rods<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/CxJOYTD\">twigs<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Sanding-Polishing-Sandpaper-Assorted-Beginner\/dp\/B09HZX7RV2\/ref=sr_1_15\">sticks<\/a>, and other&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/1OeEk36\">specialty tools<\/a>&nbsp;designed for small-parts sanding. But sometimes, even these solutions can\u2019t cut it. This&nbsp;<em>Model Car Muse<\/em>&nbsp;video takes a long time to deliver its core idea\u2026 TL;DR: Use the tip of a chop stick or small dowel and circles of sandpaper cut with a hole punch and glued onto it. I am definitely going to make a few of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Push Reel Mowers<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45183\" width=\"446\" height=\"343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars3.jpg 624w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars3-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From the&nbsp;<em>Tools for Possibilities<\/em>&nbsp;newsletter comes this ode to the manual push mower:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Easiest hand mower<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/4seasongreenhouse.com\/brill-razorcut-38-push-reel-mower\">Brill Push Mower<\/a><\/p><p>When I first realized that my housemates were serious about me using a push mower to cut our yard, I was a little skeptical. Eventually I was won over by the environmental benefits and the sense of accomplishment that I received from using a \u201creel mower.\u201d The first mower we purchased is literally called the \u201cPrison reel mower\u201d and I wouldn\u2019t recommend it. The Brill Luxus 38 Reel Mower on the other hand is a sweet piece of engineering. It is very light at 17 pounds, weather resistant, and has variable height ranges. It feels good in your hands and seems very well designed. Now that I use it, I wouldn\u2019t even consider buying a gas or electric powered mower for an average size yard. But let me warn you, using a manual mower is physically much harder, takes more time, and is very difficult if not impossible with tall grass (which means regular mowing). Whether you choose to look at that as an environmentally friendly and money-saving workout or a punishment is up to you. \u2014&nbsp;<em>Patrick Chen<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>My lawn mowing days are long over, but if I was still able-bodied enough, I would definitely spring for one of these. As&nbsp;<strong>Kevin Kelly<\/strong>&nbsp;points out in the comments, dull blades on push mowers is what makes them a chore to use, and sharpening is hard (or expensive). The Brill mower is allegedly designed in such a way that the manufacturer claims it only needs a sharpen every eight years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>TOYS! Tiny Rulers Rule!<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45182\" width=\"207\" height=\"182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars2.jpg 956w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars2-300x265.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars2-768x678.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my favorite moments of tool-love discovery is when I find a tool that\u2019s an instant&nbsp;<em>aha<\/em>&nbsp;and I want to smack my forehead for going so long without understanding its indispensable utility. Enter the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/ti8Ah\">diminutive 6\u201d ruler<\/a>. I love rulers and I have all sorts of them: printer\u2019s ruler, desk rulers, carpenter\u2019s square, machinist\u2019s ruler, sewing gauge, etc. But they\u2019re all at least a foot long. It had never occurred to me to get a 6\u201d ruler until I saw a hobby modeler using one and they pointed out something I understood all too well: Your workbench gets covered in stuff, then you go to, say cut some polystyrene, and you have to move everything out of the way so your 12\u201d or 15\u201d ruler can lay flat on the cutting mat. For small-scale work, the 6-incher solves that beautifully. And, for under $6, you get three. I now have one at each of my workstations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Extension Cord and Power Strip No-Nos<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45181\" width=\"547\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars1.jpg 764w, https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2025\/11\/gars1-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s coming upon that time of the year when the unknowing play electrical-cord fire roulette with their extension cords and power strips. CNet has a service journalism piece on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/keep-these-7-devices-far-away-from-extension-cords-or-power-strips\/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us\">7 devices to keep far away from extension cords and power strips<\/a>. I assume&nbsp;<em>Gar\u2019s Tips &amp; Tools<\/em>&nbsp;readers know these basic extension cord fire hazard scenarios already (space heaters, toaster ovens, microwaves, etc.). But just in case\u2026<br><br>Here\u2019s the TL;DR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c\u2026The big thing to keep in mind regarding extension cords is to never use them with \u2018any appliances whatsoever.\u2019 He also said that your average home extension cords [and by that I assume he means 16- and 14-guage cords -ed] shouldn\u2019t be used for anything above 15 amps (1,800 watts), regardless of where or how the device operates. With power strips and surge protectors, those should only be paired with electronics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Which Adhesive is Best for HDPE Plastic<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_45997\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JJzfSqfxRS4?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this video,&nbsp;<em>Hacks By Dad<\/em>&nbsp;tests 13 different tapes, glues, and epoxies to determine which is the stronger bond between two HDPE bottle caps. The caps were glued together and then subjected to a weight-pulling jig. The top three winners were&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/6vNX5SA\">JB KwikWeld<\/a>&nbsp;(at 20.2 lbs of holding power),&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/vMlgfZ\">Gorilla 5-min Epoxy<\/a>&nbsp;(25.8 lbs.), and\u2026 the winner is:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/raTl\">Dap Rapid Rise<\/a>&nbsp;(at 27.6 lbs). For mounting tape, Duck brand hung on for an impressive 19.8 lbs. before failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>How to Repair Broken Plastic<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_88058\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GQ9ZcmB620c?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=0&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In more plastic makery news: I have always been intrigued by plastic hot staple welding. In this&nbsp;<strong>Chris Notap<\/strong>&nbsp;video, he gives one a go on a split recycling can. If you\u2019re gonna repair anything plastic, your recycling can seems top o\u2019 the list. We have a split in out municipal recycling bin. Maybe I\u2019ll try to hot staple weld it rather than turning it in for a new one.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/poewE\">The kit he used<\/a>&nbsp;is cheap, at $35, and there are ones under $20. Since this is not a high-use tool for most of us, a cheap tool is probably good enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1><strong>Consider a Paid Subscription<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Gar\u2019s Tips &amp; Tools<\/em>&nbsp;is free. But if you&nbsp;<em>really<\/em>&nbsp;like what I\u2019m throwing down and want to support it, please consider a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/subscribe\">paid subscription<\/a>. Same great taste, more cheddar to help keep me in tattoo wash bottles. Plus, I\u2019ll occasionally pick paid subscribers at random and send them little treats, tools, or tip-related treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your support keeps this whole Rube Goldberg contraption lovingly cobbled together and running\u2026smoothly (enough). Thank you!<br><br>Special thanks to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/garstipsandtools.com\/subscribe\">Hero of the Realm<\/a>&nbsp;members:&nbsp;<strong>Jim Coraci, Donobster<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Peter Sugarman<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Will Phillips<\/strong>&nbsp;for your generous support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Access to tools, techniques, and shop tales from the diverse worlds of DIY<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13684,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[2371],"tags":[2372],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45180"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13684"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45180"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45184,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45180\/revisions\/45184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}