It’s been a while since we’ve talked about the importance of making-do with whatever resources may be available during a survival situation. In fact, some of the best solutions to common problems can emerge from a little bit of creativity and thinking outside of the box. Here are a few more examples of how re-purposing ordinary items can make life easier to contend with in the field.
Rubber Band Button Hole
If pants shrink, kids start to outgrow them, or your waistline expands, you can add an extra inch or two simply by making a bridge with a rubber band. Feed one end of the rubber band through the button eyelet while holding the other end in your hand. Pull the end coming out of the eyelet up through the one you’re holding until it locks in place. Next, attach the free loop to the button and you’re good to go. Just make sure that you use a rubber band that’s thick enough to prevent it from snapping once it’s attached.
Drill Knife Sharpener
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to sharpen blades or sand down rough spots along narrow edges, some sandpaper and a drill may be all that you need. Cut a strip of sandpaper about ¾ inch wide, and make sure that it’s long enough to wrap around the chuck. Glue it around the chuck, trim off the excess, and let it dry. To sharpen knives, place the drill on its side, pull the trigger, and gently hold the knife above the spinning sandpaper as you slowly move the blade up and down. For sanding, place the chuck over and above the item you are working on before gently lowering it and running it back and forth along the surface.
Clothespin Splicer
Take a blade from a disposable pencil sharpener and screw it into one side of a wooden clothespin. Position it so the edge will slightly-protrude over the hole. Secure the clothespin around the insulated cable or wire, give it a couple of turns, and the material should cut right off. You can also use a razor blade as an alternative.
You can also use an empty stapler for splicing simply by inserting the wire just like you would with pieces of paper. Gently but firmly press down on the stapler while turning the wire at the same time until you end up with a clean cut all around.
Magnetic Tool
You don’t need a magnetized attachment to help keep screws from falling down as you try to position and tighten them. One simple alternative that can be just as effective is to place a small magnetic object above the handle on your screwdriver, at the base of your drill attachment or along the body of an allen wrench to accomplish the same thing.
Bra Facemask
Detach or cut the two cups apart at the center before unhooking the strap from the back that attaches to the cup. Re-attach the strap to the opposite side of the cup, and you now have an improvised facemask. While this may not be strong enough to filter out air pollution, it can help to trap dust and larger particles that we encounter when working on various projects or chores.
Carbiner Carrier
If you have a large carbiner, you can use it as a way to carry multiple bags at one time easier. Just open the latch and slide the handles of the bags over the bottom arm. Secure the latch, wrap your fingers around the top bar of the carbiner, and you’re good to go. Not only will this make it easier to carry multiple bags, but you’ll reduce the chances of tearing the handles as well.
While these may not be the most-brilliant ideas out there, they can be useful when other options aren’t available at the time. Never underestimate the power of the MacGyver effect, and how improvisation can open the door to all kinds of possibilities during a survival situation.
