110 Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things The Family Handyman

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Chisel Pockets

Here’s a nifty way to store chisels, files, carving knives and spade bits. Sew 1- to 1-1/2-in.-wide parallel pockets in a carpenter’s apron (about $3 at a home center). Leave a third of the apron’s width free of pockets so you can roll up the tools in a neat bundle. The apron strings tie the whole thing together, and your cutting tools stay sharp, dry and organized between jobs.

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Handy Bench and Tool Bucket

A 5 gallon bucket with lid comes in handy out in the garden­ and not just for collecting weeds. You can load it up with all your gardening tools and carry them easily from place to place. If it starts to rain, protect the tools with the lid. But according to reader Julie Abbot, here’s the best part — the 5 gallon bucket with lid doubles as a portable stool when you need to rest or do some pruning. The only problem is that the lid can be hard to pry off. Solve that by cutting off all but two of the plastic tabs. The lid will go on and off in a snap. For more clever gardening shortcuts, check out this collection of tips.

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DIY Dog Feeder

Reader Justin Moujoodi found a great way to make a self-filling dog feeder with a couple 5 gallon buckets. With a saber saw, cut the bottom off one bucket to create a serving tray, and cut a food dispensing hole in the food storage bucket (as shown). Cut part of the lip off the bottom of the food storage bucket to flatten it, then use silicone to glue the two pieces together.

NOTE: Don’t build this dog feeder unless your pooch can exercise some self-control.

Check out our collection of clever and unusual ways to make your pet happier, healthier and more comfortable, using things you’ll find around the house.

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