Tag Archives: tips
Develop Film with Coffee and Vitamin C
The photog nuts at weblog Photojojo show off their MacGyver chops, demonstrating how to develop film in a pinch with coffee and vitamin C.
Let’s get it out of the way off the bat: The whole coffee-plus-vitamin-C trick isn’t a replacement for regular developer. The results, however, are distinctive, and if nothing else, it appeals to our love of all things MacGyver.
So provided you’ve got a few common grocery items like instant coffee, vitamin C powder, and a some more specialized goodies like a daylight developing tank, you’re ready to roll. Granted, we’d much prefer a totally grocery-store friendly version, but this one still gets an A for ingenuity.
Find Tire Leaks with a Water-Soap Solution
Suspicious that you’ve got a leak in your tire but not sure. Try this simple tried-and-true tip from the pros. Photo by modenadude.
Blogger Pinny Cohen’s mechanic taught him this painless method for quickly and easily detecting leaks, no special equipment required:
The last time I thought a tire had a hidden leak, he whipped out a spray bottle with a 20/80 mix of liquid soap and water. I was about to tell him “thanks, but I just got a car wash done the other week” when he started spraying the tire. In a small area by the rim, I noticed a neat effect. Bubbles started growing and bursting at a fast rate – a leak!
It’s not a new idea, but it’s one of those clever little tricks that’s always good to know. Got your own simple but clever tricks of your trade? Send an email to tips at lifehacker.com with the subject Tricks of the Trade and we may feature it here.
De-Grease Unwashed Hair with Baby Powder
You’re almost out the door on a no-shower, rush-rush morning when you spot your reflection—and you totally look like you haven’t showered. The quick fix? Take about a teaspoon of baby powder, rub it into your hands or onto a trusted comb, and run it through your hair. This is one of those life hacks I don’t love admitting to thoroughly testing, but it’s saved my hair from looking like I woke up at a frat house on a number of frantic mornings. Good stuff to have around, too, as it can also quiet squeaky floors and shoes and even control ants. Got any other triage tips for no-shower hair? Post ‘em up in the comments. Photo by Abulic Monkey.
