Long after you spent the money on them, gift cards can save you a bundle. Handy TOH reader Bill Tuscano clued us in about all the things he does with his used cards.
1. Use as a Straightedge
Keep a few cards in your workshop for marking cuts on small pieces of trim and other materials.
2. Spot-fix a tile floorWhy dirty a trowel when gluing down a few loose tiles? Instead, snip off one edge of a card with pinking shears to make a zigzag edge, use it to apply the mastic, then toss it
3. Get rid of air bubbles
Rub the edge of a card along a freshly wallpapered surface-especially in corners and around tight spots near windows and doors-to help the paper lie smoothly.
4. Mix and apply glues and puttiesUse a card to mix and apply small batches of patching compound or two-part epoxy, or to work stiff putty until it's elastic enough to apply.
5. Scrape off gunkKeep a few cards on hand in your workshop and kitchen to remove paint drips, stubborn labels, candle wax, and other sticky stuff from smooth surfaces.
For 5 more clever uses, go to thisoldhouse.com
