Random Cool Tricks

And speaking of preheat cups, why would you put one on a Quick-Lite gas lamp or lantern? Although alcohol preheating (and on export models, kerosene preheating) of the generator is an absolute necessity on kerosene pressure lamps, it isn't necessary on gas lamps of Quick-Lite design. These require only match lighting with one or two wooden matches being necessary to preheat the generator.

That requires patience, a steady hand, and good long matches. In cold or at higher altitudes it will require many matches to get the generator preheated. This is where the preheat cup shines. Just one match to light the alcohol, and the rest of the preheating is done for you. Nice soft start without disturbing the mantles or shade.

I caught this one just at the moment when the first mantle lit off. This lamp had come from Canada, and like many from there, had the preheat cup installed.

 

That's a bar bet that I'd lose... every time.

 

Looks like a great idea until you start noticing little things, like the clear coat peeling at the edges and the sunroof seals leaking.

 

No fuel system? No problem.
--Majicwrench

 

Interview: Artist Walks in Snow All Day to Create Giant Geometric Patterns by Foot

 

Little things... they matter.

 

I watched Korean Marines making bricks out of mud and straw one day at Camp Mujuk. They made bricks in much the same way all day long in temperatures that barely got above freezing.

 

I haven't had any trouble finding my hog ring box since I put one through the lid. It still closed just fine.

 

Trail markers, night sights... or as a trunk escape handle, this is some useful stuff to remember. It carves well, can be punched with a paper punch, and never seems to stop glowing. Poor man's tritium.

I have tested night sights made from one of these handles, and they worked just fine.

 

Looks interesting. Name or link, please

 

That's an emergency trunk release handle. They've been in the trunk of just about every car model since the early 90's.
That one's from a 2016 Chevy Malibu. GM part number 20814017. You could pay $37.88 for a new one, or just snip a piece off the one in your trunk that you didn't know was there.

 

Heh. I haven't owned a car since the 90's, it's been pickups since then and the cars up till then were older. No wonder I had no clue.

 

Pul-a-part has plenty