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7 New Uses for a Penny

1. Curtain Straightener
Make an opening in the bottom hem, slide in a penny or two, and sew the hem back up to keep curtains hanging level and stick-straight.

2. Tread Checker
Insert a penny into a groove of a tire with Lincoln’s head pointing into the tire. If the groove covers part of his head, you’re safe to drive; if the head is in full view, it’s time for new wheels. (The distance between the rim of a penny and Lincoln’s head is 1/16 of an inch―the minimum suggested tread depth.)

3. Table Anchor
If you dine out and the table is unsteady, put a coin under the leg to restore balance.

4. Game Token
Misplaced the thimble? No problem. Sub in a cent.

5. Reader Tip: Makeshift Screwdriver
Use a penny to screw open a toy’s battery pack.
Caroline Brant, Collegeville, Pennsylvania

6. Reader Tip: Icebreaker
Hand out pennies at your next gathering and ask each guest to share a story that happened during the year his or her penny was minted. If the coin predates a friend, let the person improvise.
Rachel Harrison Massa, Stamford, Connecticut

7. Reader Tip: Birdbath Cleaner
To ward off algae, toss in a few pre-1982 coins; the high copper content retards growth.
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7 New Uses for an Old CD or Jewel Case

1. Candle Holder
Place a CD under a pillar candle to keep wax from dripping on the table. Bonus: The reflective surface picks up the candlelight for extra ambience.


2. Cookbook Dividers
Cover CDs with pretty contact paper, label the outer edges (SLOW COOKER, DESSERTS), and use them to section off cookbooks for quick reference.


3. Ice Scraper
Too cold to hunt down the real deal? Use a jewel case to clear the frost from your windshield.


4. Invitation
Jot party details on the shiny side of a CD and mail it out in a cushioned envelope. (Expect to pay about a dollar in postage.)


5. Frame
Pop a photo in an open jewel case for an instant desk display.


6. Reader Tip: Coaster
Stick felt to either side of a CD. For an instant conversation-starter (“Wang Chung? Really?”), leave them label-side up.
Tina Harris
Cincinnati, Ohio


7. Reader Tip: Craft Aid
Line the inside of a case with double-sided tape, then use it to keep wayward beads in place.
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8 New Uses for a Tennis Ball

1. Bulb Remover
Use half of a ball (see instructions on how to cut it at bottom) to remove a warm lightbulb from its socket.

2. Comforter Fluffer
Speed up the drying time of bulky bedding by tossing a couple of tennis balls in the load.

3. Arm Weights
Cut small slits into two balls. Fill with pennies or sand, then seal with tape or superglue. Take the weights on your next power walk.

4. Spa Tool
Roll sore feet over tennis balls for a soothing massage.

5. Jar Opener
Conquer lids by using the rubber lining of a cut ball to aid your grip.

6. Makeshift Safe
Cut a slit in a tennis ball, then place valuables (jewelry, cash, etc.) inside. Just keep it far away from Fido.

7. Reader Tip: Floor Guards
Cut an X into four balls and slip the feet of an ironing board inside.
Ruth Amundson, Westby, Wisconsin

8. Reader Tip: Painkiller
Lie down. Place a tied sock containing two balls under the spot where your head and neck meet. Tuck your chin and gently nod your head up and down.

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8 New Uses for a (Clean) Comb

1. Cake Decorator

Immediately after applying frosting, lightly run the teeth over it. (In this case, be sure the comb is new and sanitized.)


2. Carpet Fluffer

Use a comb to brush up stubborn furniture indentations on a rug.


3. Wine Strainer

If cork pieces fall into your bottle of vino, place a fine-toothed comb over the bottle’s mouth to strain out the bits as you pour. (Again, use a new, sanitized comb.)


4. Vacuum Cleaner

Scrape away lint that’s stuck on the vacuum’s roller for more suction.


5. Magic Trick

Turn on the tap to get a smooth stream. Run a comb through clean hair to build static electricity. Bring the comb close to the water without touching it. The stream will curve to the side due to the electrical charge.


6. Sweater Depiller

Gently brush the surface to remove unsightly balls from your knit top.


7. Wall Texturizer

Create a faux finish―straight lines, zigzags, grids―by gliding a comb over freshly painted walls (they should still be wet).


8. Reader Tip: Musical Instrument

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