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Questions tagged [substitute-tool]

A tool exists but you don't have it. Use this tag when searching for a substitute for a tool you don't have.

A tool exists but you don't have it.

This tag is specific to a scenario where a known tool exists but is either too expensive or not accessible. How can you work around the seemingly simple task without the tool designed for the job?

Please also tag questions with other relevant tags. For example; , , etc.

201 questions
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Is there any way to kill a fly without a flyswatter?

Fact: Flies move fast. Very fast. That's why you need something that moves even faster – like a fly swatter – to kill a fly. But what if you don't have a flyswatter handy? Then, how can you catch and kill a fly? I have tried whacking them with so…
Scimonster
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What is the best way to open clamshell packaging?

What is the best way to open thick clamshell packaging, like this: I usually use scissors, but it's difficult when the plastic is particularly thick or the item is oddly shaped.
JSW189
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How can I humidify a room without a humidifier?

It's winter, it's cold, and the heat is constantly blasting throughout my house. This is making the air very dry and uncomfortable to breathe, particularly at night when I'm trying to sleep. Are there any decent ways to humidify my bedroom without…
Sterno
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How can I destroy sensitive documents without a paper shredder?

I have some documents that have sensitive information on them, which for obvious reasons I do not want others to get their hands on. How can I destroy these documents so that others cannot read them? I don't have access to a paper shredder, which is…
Dragonrage
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How can I improvise a magnifying glass?

Are there any ways to improvise a magnifying glass with common things you could find at any house? (Or if not, less common things that aren't too rare to find.) For example, in case you have some kind of medicine package and you find yourself trying…
Alfro
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6 answers

I forgot my toothpaste and it is impossible to buy in this situation, are there any substitutes?

During my travel I forgot to bring my toothpaste and I just noticed it in a time where it is impossible to buy toothpaste, are there any other things that I can use assuming that I have my toothbrush, but I don't have toothpaste? Most of the time I…
Cary Bondoc
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How can I eat my bagel when I lack a knife to cut it?

I brought a bagel into the office for breakfast, but the only knife in the office sharp enough to cut bagels has gone missing. I tried to shove it into the toaster anyways, but it was too big. I've got some peanut butter and cream cheese, but no way…
Wipqozn
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How can I get food unstuck from my teeth while at work?

I work in an office environment where I don't have access to toothpicks or floss. I do sometimes remember to bring some to work, and when I have them they're the obvious solution, but often I've run out and forgotten to replace them, or left them in…
Sterno
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How to shred papers/letters without using a shredder machine

I have a lot of letters which I would like to throw away. But for security and privacy reasons I will always tear it with my hands, one by one. It tends to get tiring with the monotonous work. So I bought a paper shredder recently, which allows…
Win.T
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What can be used in place of a mousepad?

When I'm at a desktop computer, there are usually mousepads to use, but sometimes I want to use a mouse with my laptop. Using the mouse directly on the table usually results in a less responsive mouse. A couple sheets of paper makes the mouse…
Justin
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8 answers

Adding a belt hole without a leather punch

I don't want to invest in a leather hole punch, so how could I add an extra hole (or some other solution)?
Broots Waymb
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How can I safely trim my fingernails without a fingernail clipper?

On very rare occasions, I've found myself camping in the middle of the wilderness when I realized that I had forgotten to pack a fingernail clipper. I really hate having long fingernails. Especially when camping, they're harder to keep clean, so I…
GimmeTehRepz
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Is there a way to erase pencil without a standard eraser?

There are times when I am away from home with my sketchpad and I realize I do not have my eraser with me. Are there any quick tricks to erase pencil marks on a paper without ruining the paper, or smearing the other pencil marks? I use a particular…
Phlume
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I lost my closet key, how to open it?

I lost the key to a closet and I need to open it. I don't need for the lock to remain operative after the operation, so I accept "radical" solutions. The key is of this type: I have no experience of, nor tools for lockpicking. Any ideas? Edit: I…
Guillermo Vasconcelos
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How to quickly cool off a room without a fan?

So, it may be the middle of winter in Canada, but my room is always stifling hot due to a few of things. For one, I have two computers (one of which is usually running) and those produce a lot of heat. Another thing is that I haven't found a way to…
JohnBobSmith
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