VelcroThese clever little helpers do jobs much bigger than their size and their price tag. -by Melissa Thomas for This Old House
Wrangle a Stack of Materials
What it is:Self-locking reusable ribbon "tape" (think one-sided Velcro).
Why you need it:
Because it ties together pieces of molding and stacks of lumber without sticking to the surfaces-again and again. Scotch Bundling Wrap, available at 3M.com
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AdapterCut Power to Appliances
What it is:A single-plug adapter with an on-off switch.
Why you need it:
Because your toaster oven shouldn't be a vampire when it's done browning your English muffin. Outlet Switch, available at harrietcarter.com
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Furniture risersSteady a Table
What it is:A set of adjustable feet that can raise furniture ½ inch to 1¼ inches.
Why you need it:
Because the stack of matchbooks just won't stay put underneath your wobbly coffee table. Leveling Trio, available at sciplus.com
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ValveUnstick a Vacuum Seal
What it is:A ball-check valve you can install on your garbage bin to let trapped air escape.
Why you need it:
Because wrestling a full trash bag out of the can shouldn't be such a struggle. Vacuum Release Device , available at sciplus.com
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Soda-bottle hooksOrganize Small Stuff
What it is:A carabiner-type hook that screws on to soda-bottle tops.
Why you need it:
Because Diet Coke empties can hold your hardware: Cut hole in side of bottle, fill with nails, screw on hook, hang in garage. Cinchtite Hooks, available at sciplus.com
