In the last year since we bought our house, I've twice found myself using pliers to grip in reverse.
Last year, our dishwasher broke. And while I've never been handy, I decided I'd rather figure out how to fix it if I could. Sure enough, I was able to figure out that the plastic sprayer retainer nut had snapped. I grabbed a new one ($5), but then realized that the snapped-off bit was inside another part and couldn't be removed without the snapped-off bit that was essentially a grip (https://i.imgur.com/mcCeufe.jpeg). After trying needle-nose pliers and considering (and rejecting) an exacto blade (too much risk of cutting too much), I used a pair of regular pliers, stuck it in the middle, and opened it as wide as possible. With it braced against the inner part of the ring, I was able to turn the pliers and turn the ring itself, slowly but surely getting it out.
Last night, my wife tripped and knocked over a lamp, and the led bulb broke from its base, leaving the base in the socket (https://i.imgur.com/CbC7u0P.jpeg). And once again, only pliers from the inside (after unplugging the lamp, of course) allowed me to remove the base and make the lamp usable again.
Just a reminder that there are multiple ways to use tools, and that (within reason and safety) you should see about fixing things yourself before hiring outsiders or purchasing new items.
Good advice! If you can't get enough grip, you can add a little adhesive and try it again after it dries, then flake the adhesive off the tool
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Good call! In both these cases, the plastic was soft enough to not need it, but that's a good tip to keep in the back pocket if I need to do this again.
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Great tip. Have used this method several times over the years. Great idea sharing stuff like this here. I think we have a major skills gap. I'm now very thankful for a father that made me help him fix stuff and make stuff. I didn't really enjoy it much at the time but I appreciate it now. Many people have never been taught basic use of hand tools. What is nice now is that anyone can teach themselves now because of the internet and people like you. Here's 100 sats.
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Thanks! I'm definitely not in the top 100 or probably top 500 handiest people here, but that means I'm doing a lot of just-in-time learning. Wouldn't have minded having been taught some of these skills when I was younger. :-)
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Keep sharing. Beginners mind is great. You will appreciate many things that more experienced people will overlook.
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One of those things that sounds odd but really comes in handy at the time when you just need it ;-)
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Cool. That's the right way to live..
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🧠
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