If you have a rusty wrench or pair of pliers, soak it overnight in a mixture of vinegar and a couple tablespoons of salt. The next day, give it a good polish with a soft abrasive or scouring pad, and the rust is gone.
Remove Rust, and Four More Small-Annoyance Fixes
It's always the little things that make daily life harder. Here are a few tips for making life's minor annoyances less annoying — some of these are unconventional, but that's why you didn't think of them on your own.
Remove Rust From Metal
Don't Throw Away Silica Gel Packets
Throw them into drawers, boxes, instrument cases, and anywhere else you don't want moisture damage.
Blow Your Stickers Away
If a sticker or decal seems stuck to your bumper or window with concrete, try heating it with a hair dryer for one or two minutes. On a completely flat surface like a window, a razor blade will help too.
Fix a Stripped Screw Hole in Wood
Break a wooden matchstick off inside the hole, then screw directly into the matchstick.
Separate Egg Yolks With a Water Bottle
Squeeze an empty plastic water bottle, touch it to the yolk, and release once the yolk has separated from the white.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →