Life Hacks

[Gumby]

Here's a good tip that could come in handy...

I grazed my finger with a very sharp this evening. I barely felt it, but the blood started running, and it didn't look like it was going to heal quickly with a typical BandAid. One minute later the wound was sealed up. How did I do it?

Krazy Glue.

It turns out that one of the first uses for super glue (Krazy Glue) was to seal up wounds in Viet Nam during combat.

From Wikipedia:

CA glue was in veterinary use for mending bone, hide, and tortoise shell by at least the early 1970s. The inventor of cyanoacrylates, Harry Coover, said in 1966 that a CA spray was used in the Vietnam War to retard bleeding in wounded soldiers until they could be brought to a hospital. Butyl cyanoacrylate has been used medically since the 1970s outside the US, but due to its potential to irritate the skin, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not approve its use as a medical adhesive until 1998 with Dermabond. Research has demonstrated the use of cyanoacrylate in wound closure as being safer and more functional than traditional suturing (stitches). The adhesive has demonstrated superior performance in the time required to close a wound, incidence of infection (suture canals through the skin's epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous fat layers introduce extra routes of contamination), and final cosmetic appearance.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate#Uses

I recommend using the Krazy Glue with a brush applicator. It works much better than the squeeze tube of Krazy Glue, and it tends to last longer in the bottle too.

Anyone else have some good life hacks they want to share...(besides the PP) ?

[craigr]

I always carry a tube of super glue in my first aid kit for hiking for such a reason. Also works great for gear repairs.

[MediumTex]

Many cars today have two trip odometers.  Use the second trip odometer as an oil change interval monitor.

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Take defensive driving for the car insurance discount.  It's an easy way to save $100 or so every couple of years.

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The best security is often found in reducing desire for something rather than building a large enough fence to protect it.

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If you participate in an employer-sponsored health FSA program, remember that your entire annual election amount is available on January 1, even if you have not yet contributed anything at all.  If you spend your entire annual election amount (e.g., $5,000) on January 1 and quit your job on January 2, you are not required to pay any of the health FSA dollars back.

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Most everything we do is in pursuit of a certain mental feeling of well being.  The external experiences we have are far less important than we often realize.  No one wants a million dollars--what they want is the feeling they think they will have when they get the million dollars.

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Hospitals are more dangerous places to your health than many people realize.

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A $600 vacuum cleaner will outlast ten $100 vacuum cleaners.

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If you want to buy a juicer that will last longer than you will, buy an Acme Juicerator.

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If you want to buy a good air purifier, look at the Austin Air line.  Their filters last 3-5 years and are very simple to operate (the controls consist of a knob with three speed settings).

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If you want your Member of Congress to pay attention to your letters and calls, contribute $50 to his/her campaign. 

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Anti-depressant medications don't work as well as your doctor thinks they do.

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If something upsets you every time you do it, think about not doing it any more.

[melveyr]

I have found wet-shaving with a double edge safety razor to be infinitely more satisfying than any Mach-whatever-number they are on now. Nothing beats applying real shaving soap with a boars head brush.

Also, each blade costs me 14 cents 

[craigr]

I have found wet-shaving with a double edge safety razor to be infinitely more satisfying than any Mach-whatever-number they are on now. Nothing beats applying real shaving soap with a boars head brush.

Also, each blade costs me 14 cents  ;)

I switched years ago and love it! Even started using a straight razor from time to time. The safety razor blades are dirt cheap and shave better than cartridges.

[KevinW]

FRAM, K&N, and others make washable car air filters which cost about twice what a disposable filter costs, and can be reused about twenty times.

The microfiber cloths sold in the automotive care section cost about 1/10 as much as those sold in the household cleaning section.

For small moves, rent a minivan from a place like Enterprise instead of a moving van from a place like U-Haul.  The daily rate is much lower and you aren't charged by the mile.

Owning a small car and renting a truck whenever you need it is a lot cheaper than owning a pickup truck or SUV.

When traveling sometimes you can book a hotel with a free shuttle service from the airport or train station, instead of paying for a taxi or metro trip to the city center.

With all the TSA hassles, train or bus service can be faster and more convenient than flying short distances.

Use an oil pourer with commodity vegetable oil (e.g. http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Planet-30-O ... 740&sr=8-1 ) instead of compressed spray like PAM, which costlier and involves more packaging.

A coffee press makes better coffee than a drip machine, and is simpler, cheaper, and easier to clean.

Before making any major purchase check the spot price on eBay and amazon.com.
Before making any online purchase check retailmenot.com for a promo code.
Before making a large purchase at a chain store, buy gift cards on eBay at a discount.

A $600 vacuum cleaner will outlast ten $100 vacuum cleaners.

Other durables that work that way: hand tools, leather footwear, luggage, safety razors (already mentioned), knives, fine furniture, and musical instruments.

I switched years ago and love it! Even started using a straight razor from time to time. The safety razor blades are dirt cheap and shave better than cartridges.

Since we're talking wet shaving, I have to link to Badger & Blade: http://badgerandblade.com/

[Gumby]

I have found wet-shaving with a double edge safety razor to be infinitely more satisfying than any Mach-whatever-number they are on now. Nothing beats applying real shaving soap with a boars head brush.

Also, each blade costs me 14 cents  ;)

I switched years ago and love it! Even started using a straight razor from time to time. The safety razor blades are dirt cheap and shave better than cartridges.

Since we're talking wet shaving, I have to link to Badger & Blade: http://badgerandblade.com/

Who knew that this was so popular amongst PP advocates? Thanks for the suggestion. I just ordered a my first DE razor (Merkur Model 180). I have an old shaving mug — passed down from my gr-gr grandfather (circa 1870) — that I never thought I'd ever use. I don't think it's been used since then. Hope I don't drop it.  :-\

[craigr]

I have found wet-shaving with a double edge safety razor to be infinitely more satisfying than any Mach-whatever-number they are on now. Nothing beats applying real shaving soap with a boars head brush.

Also, each blade costs me 14 cents  ;)

I switched years ago and love it! Even started using a straight razor from time to time. The safety razor blades are dirt cheap and shave better than cartridges.

Since we're talking wet shaving, I have to link to Badger & Blade: http://badgerandblade.com/

Who knew that this was so popular amongst PP advocates? Thanks for the suggestion. I just ordered a my first DE razor (Merkur Model 180). I have an old shaving mug — passed down from my gr-gr grandfather (circa 1870) — that I never thought I'd ever use. I don't think it's been used since then. Hope I don't drop it.  :-\

My favorite blades are Derby or Feather brands. Derby's are cheaper and more durable, but Feathers seem to shave a little closer. Each are much cheaper than cartridges by a long shot. You can get sample packs of blades and see which kind you like best. Also be sure to get a good badger hair brush and shaving soap.

[Gumby]

I have found wet-shaving with a double edge safety razor to be infinitely more satisfying than any Mach-whatever-number they are on now. Nothing beats applying real shaving soap with a boars head brush.

Also, each blade costs me 14 cents  ;)

Since we're talking wet shaving, I have to link to Badger & Blade: http://badgerandblade.com/

Who knew that this was so popular amongst PP advocates? Thanks for the suggestion. I just ordered a my first DE razor (Merkur Model 180). I have an old shaving mug — passed down from my gr-gr grandfather (circa 1870) — that I never thought I'd ever use. I don't think it's been used since then. Hope I don't drop it.  :-\

My favorite blades are Derby or Feather brands. Derby's are cheaper and more durable, but Feathers seem to shave a little closer. Each are much cheaper than cartridges by a long shot. You can get sample packs of blades and see which kind you like best. Also be sure to get a good badger hair brush and shaving soap.

Thanks. Someone gave me a new Tweezerman badger brush about 10 years ago — it's still in the original packaging. I ordered Derby's and Merkur blades to start with. I get the feeling that Feathers may be overly aggressive for my face, but once I get the hang of Derby's I may work up to Feathers (maybe as part of a sample pack). I ordered a tube of Proraso cream, a container of Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood cream and a chrome stand that actually holds that brush. Kind of excited to try it all out.

[MediumTex]

Thanks. Someone gave me a new Tweezerman badger brush about 10 years ago — it's still in the original packaging. I ordered Derby's and Merkur blades to start with. I get the feeling that Feathers may be overly aggressive for my face, but once I get the hang of Derby's I may work up to Feathers (maybe as part of a sample pack). I ordered a tube of Proraso cream, a container of Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood cream and a chrome stand that actually holds that brush. Kind of excited to try it all out.

Are you thinking of maybe growing some kind of old-school facial hair to showcase your old-school approach to facial hair management?

The unusual mustache is a trend I would like to see return.  It would be so much more interesting than the tired chin-pubes movement.

Where have you gone Rollie Fingers?



I suppose we do have this fellow, but I don't know if this involves much shaving:

[Gumby]

Thanks. Someone gave me a new Tweezerman badger brush about 10 years ago — it's still in the original packaging. I ordered Derby's and Merkur blades to start with. I get the feeling that Feathers may be overly aggressive for my face, but once I get the hang of Derby's I may work up to Feathers (maybe as part of a sample pack). I ordered a tube of Proraso cream, a container of Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood cream and a chrome stand that actually holds that brush. Kind of excited to try it all out.

Are you thinking of maybe growing some kind of old-school facial hair to showcase your old-school approach to facial hair management?

But, this is how I look now...

[6 Iron]

I wonder how long it takes him to get ready in the morning. When he wakes up, I bet it looks like a couple of ferrets died on his face, but the finished product is awesome.

[MediumTex]

For people who want an outstanding, high-quality, easy to adjust and comfortable desk chair, I recommend the Steelcase Amia.

http://store.steelcase.com/brochures/amia/

I have had this chair for about a year and love it.  Prior to the Amia, I had an Aeron chair, which I had a love/hate relationship with.

I have also sat in many other high-end chairs, but I find the Amia superior to them all, in part because it is so easy to adjust.

The Amia is also cheaper than many of the other high-end chairs it competes with.

It is very surprising to me that so many people who make their living sitting at a desk for many hours each day do not see the value in investing in a high-quality chair.  People who scoff at the idea of spending $600-$800 for a desk chair normally have many items in their garage that they rarely use that cost a lot more.

[Storm]

I'll check out those chairs, MT.

I have noticed that it is worth paying more for certain items, as you have.

For example, I bought a nice piece of Tumi luggage for $400 about 15 years ago.  I am still using it and it has traveled over 250,000 miles and been checked many times.

My wife, on the other hand, convinced me to buy the cheapest luggage available at Sears and it did not even last 1 trip to Asia.  You could buy a $100 luggage set and replace them every trip, or a $400 set (in 1995 dollars) and it might last a lifetime.

I bought a Dyson vacuum for $500 about ten years ago and it still works great.  I have never had to buy a bag, filter, or belt for it, even once, and it still has just as much power and suction as it did the day I bought it.

Likewise, I bought a Cuisinart food processor for $300 a few years ago and it is similarly durable.  You can tell it will last at least 20-25 years because the motor is so heavy - very solid copper windings and magnetic structure.

I will have to look into that chair.

My wife seems to have a nice, frugal nature, which is good in most situations, but in some situations like luggage, vacuum cleaners, and kitchen appliances, cheaper is not always better.

[Coffee]

"I have noticed that it is worth paying more for certain items..."

The problem is: Knowing which items those are?  I try to spend more to get quality items for stuff we use everyday.  But half the time, they don't last any longer than the cheap stuff does.

Not to hijack the thread, so...

Carhart jackets for winter.  Very reasonably priced.  Will last 5-10 years of hard use and keep you very warm.  You can pick up their arctic model for only $120.  Beats winter jackets that are 3X the price, imho.

[stone]

Gumby, I like rock climbing and Krazy glue is a standard way to patch up split fingertips from rock climbing.

Medium Tex, you are clearly a sceptic about medicine. I kind of agree medicine gets overused because people want to "do something" but I think it is important to be balanced about it all. I've refused anti-psychotic medication in the past but I'm very glad I didn't refuse chemotherapy when I had NHL.

[cowboyhat]

Leaving aside LA and San Diego, if you live in a city take the public transportation. It is typically heavily subsidized and over time you will internalize an understanding that not only are you not in control of what happens on your commute, you don't need to be. There are some parallels to PP investing.

[Gumby]

I have found wet-shaving with a double edge safety razor to be infinitely more satisfying than any Mach-whatever-number they are on now. Nothing beats applying real shaving soap with a boars head brush.

Also, each blade costs me 14 cents  ;)

I switched years ago and love it! Even started using a straight razor from time to time. The safety razor blades are dirt cheap and shave better than cartridges.

Just did my first wet shave. My technique still needs work, but holy crap that was a close shave! Wow. Thanks for the tip.

[ZedThou]

This thread made me aware of different shaving techniques for the first time. So I ended up with a new Edwin Jagger, a sampler pack of 22 types of blades, brush, mug, several soaps and creams, etc. I've tried it twice now and definitely need more practice. Maybe very long term I'll save money compared to cartridge blades, but I kind of doubt it. Reminds me of when I got into fly tying, thinking I would save money then too. I've spent more on fly tying materials than a lifetime supply of flies from a shop would have cost.

[craigr]

I absolutely save a serious amount of money with a safety razor and wet shave. I bought my last set of 200 blades three years ago for about 20 bucks. Other than that, I just buy a bar of soap every few months. My straight razor was about 30 bucks at an antique shop that I haggled them on. That was an unnecessary purchase. Just for fun.

[Gumby]

What are everyone's thoughts on shaving soap vs. shaving creams? Seems like there are a lot of opinions on this subject.

[craigr]

Never tried the creams with a wet shave. The soap works so well I never felt the need. When traveling I have a travel brush in a case I take with the razor. I will use soap at my destination to shave. You can even rub the bar of soap on your face first and use the brush to lather it right on your skin if you don't want to use a cup. Or just hold the bar in your hand and use the brush on it that way. Simple.

[melveyr]

Try Tabac shaving soap. It rocks!

[Coffee]

I started using an electric shaver, several years ago.  I got tired of the nicks and styptic and hassle.
I buy a new shaver once every 4-5 years for about $120. And buy replacement heads once every 6-12 months (which cost about $70).

I can shave without thinking about it. No cuts, no bleeding, no mess and no neck-rash.

[Coffee]

Okay-- I'll admit: This thread got me curious: I went to CVS and Walmart today... neither had razors that used razor blades.  Where do you buy the razors?