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Many people don't realize it, but pipe-cleaners are one of the most useful items in the world. This week I will point out just a few of the practically unlimited variety of things you can do with these amazing devices, often regarded as just elementary school art supplies. If I can come up with any pictures I will include them too, especially if they relate to the uses of pipe-cleaners.
If you have any personal favorite uses for pipe-cleaners, pleae let me know and I'll take credit for them.
| Sunday January 10, 1999 | One of my faviorite uses for pipe-cleaners is as hub cleaners. Just make a pipe-cleaner ring or two around your bicycle hub and while you ride it will clean your hubs. This was how I got started with pipe-cleaners. |
| Monday January 11, 1999 | If the velcro loops on your shoes are made of plastic they will probably eventually break. You can replace them temporarily with pipe-cleaner rings. They wear out the velcro, though, so you'll still need to take the shoes to a shoe doctor. |
| Tuesday January 12, 1999 | Jennifer points out that you can use pipe-cleaners to clean pipes (pipes that you smoke). This actually never occured to me. I always thought that they were called pipe-cleaners because they look like miniature versions of the things you use to unclog your drains. |
| Wednesday January 13, 1999 | Cleaning hard to reach places on your bike. For example between your cogs or under the adjuster screws on your front derailleur. |
| Thursday January 14, 1999 | Nathan Ballard says that white pipe-cleaners make great antlers for popsicle-stick reindeer. Popsicle stick reindeer are make out of glued together popsicle sticks, plastic googly eyes, red felt for the nose, and of course pipe-cleaner antlers. For more information on popsicle-stick reindeer contact Nathan. |
| Friday January 15, 1999 | Cable ties. If you've got a big mess of wires behind your TV or computer you can organize them by twising pipe-cleaners around them. |
| Saturday January 16, 1999 | If the belt that drives the beater-bar of your vacum cleaner breaks you can make a makeshift replacement belt out of pipe-cleaners and electrical tape. It won't be as sturdy as the original, though, so when you smell something burning you should stop and give the vacuum a rest. |