In this changing, uncertain world, it is hard to stay on top of even basic things and plan for every foreseeable contingency.
Protesters fight against each other in the streets and terrorists attack cities with impunity, so it’s urgent that Americans do everything they can to make sure they and their family are ready for when catastrophe strikes.
Some of course have been reading up on disasters and preparing for them for years, but many are still not ready to even do something as simple as fix and clean their house or belongings in case it hits the fan. Luckily, the advent of the Internet has allowed millions to easily access information about just that.
Indeed, experienced preppers are now able to share their tips and advice with others online, with one even making a list of 14 items that you can’t go without. You will be surprised to learn how handy certain everyday items and tools really can be in maintaining your home and possessions.
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Admittedly, with all the electronics and gadgets we have today, you might be tempted to think that you can just go online if you need to learn how to fix something. But there may come a day when you need to fix something and all your electronics will be out, leaving you with just your good old fashioned tools. Here are some you can’t afford to without:
“1. Duct Tape: No surprise here. It is strong, flexible and waterproof. Cut it to size and shape it anyway you want. Hold stuff together, fix rips, mend broken glass, and even use it as a splint. You can repair vacuum cleaner hoses and catch flies. You can even make yourself up as the Tin Man for Halloween. The possibilities are so endless that there are websites devoted to the stuff. And the bonus? Duct tape comes in all colors as well as small, portable ‘to go’ packs.
2. Elmer’s Glue: It is amazing how useful this classic kiddie glue can be. Use it to glue wood moldings back on to the wall, fix the loose heel or flapping sole of you shoes or to repair tears in the upholstery. Glue together ripped seams or hems in your clothing. Put a coating of Elmer’s on a splinter, let it dry then peel it off. Out comes the splinter.
My favorite? Patch nail holes in the wall by squirting in a bit of glue, waiting for it to dry, then painting over of patched hole. No messy, sticky Spackle to deal with and clean up is with simple soap and water. Elmer’s can be used for so many things that I include a small bottle in my suitcase when I travel.
3. Swiss Army Knife/Pocket Tool: When all else fails, use a compact Swiss army knife. Many come with two types of screwdrivers, a Phillips and a flat head, plus a scissors that is really sharp, a nail file, can opener and yes, even a corkscrew. Lest I forget, a knife blade or two a typically included as well. Use your Swiss army knife to open the mail, open a package, or cut your toenails. Very handy indeed.
3. Zip Ties (also called tie wraps or cable ties): I carry these everywhere, including my handbag, my backpack and my luggage when I travel. What are they? Strong nylon bands with a slotted head at one end. When you wrap the plain end around something, you come full circle and slip it through the slotted head where it locks in to place. Once locked in to place, the item is solidly bound together – only to become unbound when you cut the tie. (This is where your Swiss army knife will come in handy.)
Use the zip ties to hold cables or cords together, bundle kindling or firewood, secure car parts that have come loose, and more. One unconventional use is to wrap a zip tie around the hose bib preventing passers-by from stealing our water. Zip ties come in all lengths and you can piece 4 or 5 together to make a super zip tie. As with the duct tape, they come in a rainbow of colors, but I prefer clear, which is the least expensive.
5. Dental Floss: Remove dental floss from the bathroom and it becomes super-string. You can use it to sew on buttons, substitute for a broken shoelace, make a temporary clothesline, or hang your stuff from a tree while out in the woods. Use it to mend a hole in your backpack by making a floss patch by darning over the hole back and forth until it is covered – just be sure to also carry a large needle with you as well. Dental floss even has a place in the kitchen or on picnics where it can be used to neatly slice a cake or a hunk of cheese. Of course, you can and should use floss to clean your teeth and gums, too.6. WD-40 or other spray lubricant: Have a stuck zipper? Get out the WD-40. Rusty garden tools? Get out the WD-40. Greasy marks on the floor? Yes, get out the WD-40. This stuff is also so popular (like the ubiquitous duct tape) that there are fan clubs and web sites devoted to the stuff. Other uses include fixing sticky drawers, squeaky hinges and surprise! scuffed up leather that needs a quick conditioning. Heck, forget about the scuffs. If your shoes are too tight, spray them with a bit of WD-40 and they will stretch ever so slightly to fit the shape of your foot.
Another good use of WD-40 is to loosen rings that can not be removed from swollen fingers. The same thing applies to with glassware or bowls that are is stuck together. Spray it on and they will become unstuck.
Compressed Air: The first time I purchased compressed air was to clear out the dust bunnies inside my computer chassis, Now I use it for a lot of other things: fan blades, the vents on electronic equipment, dirty keyboards, the head of Survival Husband’s electric shaver, all kinds of stuff. Use it to clean the dust off of lamp shades and to get grime out of the nooks and crannies of collectables or even fancy woodwork. By the way, compressed air is not air at all; it is actually a compressed gas.”
Source: Natural Blaze
