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Unsticking Household Items

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1409 -- More Projects »
TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham shares solutions for unsticking household items.

  • If a dresser drawer starts to stick and scrape, hammer a thumbtack into the frame just under the drawer's edge on both sides, or use spray lubricant.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Another way to fix a sticky drawer is to lightly sand the bottom of the drawer with 100-grit sandpaper or wax with a candle stub (figure A). Spray lubricant also works.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Rub a sticky metal zipper with a lead pencil (figure B) to make it run smoothly.

  • If a steel tape measure has gotten a little sticky and doesn't retract as it used to, coat the tape with a little bit of paste wax (figure C). Buff with a soft cloth.

  • Place stuck glasses into the freezer for a few minutes to force them apart.

  • Heat up a sticky label with a hair dryer before attempting to peel off the label. The heat will moisten the adhesive, making the label easier to remove.
    • PHOTO

    Figure D
  • If photos are sticking together, place them in a bowl of lukewarm water (figure D) until they come apart. Dry on a towel or hang on a clothesline.
    • Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1409
    •Creative Games for Kids
    •Homemade Cream Puffs
    •Unsticking Household Items
    •Tip of the Day
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