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If there's a problem, there's a solution. Of course, if the issue is very specific, a simple screwdriver probably won't do the trick. Luckily, human ingenuity has more to offer. A lot more. And you can see it all on the subreddit r/SpecializedTools.

It's an interesting corner of the internet, encouraging people to post photos of niche tools, created to make our lives better in situations where nothing else fits quite as well. A real delight to satisfy our curiosity.

#1

This Chair For People Who Love To Sit Cross-Legged

This Chair For People Who Love To Sit Cross-Legged

mtimetraveller Report

Most family garages probably have an assortment of tools and materials that could all be used to make, for example, a basic table for the backyard or even something more complex. The team at Dienamics, a company that specializes in industrial design, toolmaking, and manufacturing, says that tools are the backbone of modern industry and trade. They are essential in almost any construction project. However, we don't often stop to think about the process of making the tools themselves.

Many argue that in prehistoric times, one of the most important eras in our evolution was the utilization of basic tools. The earliest known human-made stone tools date back around 2.6 million years. Crafted and used by homo habilis (sometimes known as "handy man"), these implements marked the first in a series of major toolmaking advances among early human hunter-gatherer societies, lasting from the early Stone Age all the way up until the first modern humans, homo sapiens, made the transition to permanent agricultural settlements around 10,000 years ago. Tools allowed our ancient ancestors to have much more of an effect on the world around them, helping them to survive in more comfort, and achieve more with less.

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As we evolved as a species, so did our tools and our ability to use them. These two elements were essential to the development of infrastructure, which spurred the establishment of trades like carpentry and blacksmithing which relied on an individual mastering the use of a certain tool or trade. While hand tools were once forged out of the natural environment, these trades fine-tuned the creation of their tools using iron, wood and other metals which were heated and remolded.

These days, the process of creating tools is a lot more specific which, according to Dienamics, means there is a uniformity in material, size, and weight of hand tools which wasn't possible before. Now, a hand tool is designed on a computer, taking into account specific measurements and densities which make it both efficient and easy to use.

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#5

Tree Mover

Tree Mover

Pushkatron Report

#6

A Lift To Help This Truck Driver Get In Cab

A Lift To Help This Truck Driver Get In Cab

memezzer Report

#7

Surgical Suture Training Pad

Surgical Suture Training Pad

mud_tug Report

#8

My Smallest And Largest Hex Keys For Working On Large Injection Molding Presses

My Smallest And Largest Hex Keys For Working On Large Injection Molding Presses

switchup Report

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#9

A Norwegian Shoe Drying Machine

A Norwegian Shoe Drying Machine

Sacktimus_Prime Report

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Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In fact, the device sucks the smell from the shoes and spread it all over the neighborhood...

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#10

Snow Clearing Machine For Trucks!

Snow Clearing Machine For Trucks!

screwywabbit Report

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Mazer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s illegal in many states not to clear snow from the roof of a vehicle

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#11

To Test Large Crane Capacity We Use Giant Water Bags... Aka The Balls Of Judgment

To Test Large Crane Capacity We Use Giant Water Bags... Aka The Balls Of Judgment

flgsrockon Report

#12

In Case You Have Never Seen, These Baffle Balls Are Used Inside Water Trucks To Stop The Water From Sloshing Side To Side While Driving

In Case You Have Never Seen, These Baffle Balls Are Used Inside Water Trucks To Stop The Water From Sloshing Side To Side While Driving

NRGpop Report

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#13

During The Australian Bushfires Any Water Source Can Be Used To Fight The Fires

During The Australian Bushfires Any Water Source Can Be Used To Fight The Fires

outdatedopinion Report

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Jo Morris
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw water getting taken from water hazards on a neighbouring golf course during the Canberra Bushfires.

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#14

You Saw My Largest And Smallest Hex Keys. These Are My Largest And Smallest Adjustable Wrenches!

You Saw My Largest And Smallest Hex Keys. These Are My Largest And Smallest Adjustable Wrenches!

switchup Report

#15

This Titanium Coated Butter Knife With Internal Copper Alloy Heat Tubes. It’s Made To Heat Up When Held In Your Hand, So That It Is Easier To Spread Butter

This Titanium Coated Butter Knife With Internal Copper Alloy Heat Tubes. It’s Made To Heat Up When Held In Your Hand, So That It Is Easier To Spread Butter

RampChurch Report

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Serial pacifist
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Titanium coated butter knife with internal copper alloy heat tubes". Really? Just to cut butter? What would you use for bread - a vibranium covered adamantium-made knife with a diamond-cutting laser beam?

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#17

A Street Sign Cleaning Vehicle, Complete With Soap, Water, A Brush And Some Kind Of Reflective Wax (Or Something?). First Time Seeing One In Germany

A Street Sign Cleaning Vehicle, Complete With Soap, Water, A Brush And Some Kind Of Reflective Wax (Or Something?). First Time Seeing One In Germany

ToFFi57 Report

#18

These Specialized Chain Tires That Are Used In The Extreme Heat Of Steel Mills

These Specialized Chain Tires That Are Used In The Extreme Heat Of Steel Mills

AristonD Report

#20

My Buddy Made Me A Label Applicator. Just Passed 8000 Bottles/Labels

My Buddy Made Me A Label Applicator. Just Passed 8000 Bottles/Labels

JeF4y Report

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#22

The Sasumata Is A Pole Weapon Used By The Samurai In Feudal Japan. It's Also Used Today To Safely Wrangle Anyone Posing A Threat To Civilians

The Sasumata Is A Pole Weapon Used By The Samurai In Feudal Japan. It's Also Used Today To Safely Wrangle Anyone Posing A Threat To Civilians

SAmtoogz Report

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NsG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I misread this as "satsuma" and wondered how a small orange fruit could be used in crowd control... My bad.

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#23

New Type Of Parking Enforcement On My Campus Replacing The Boot, Appropriately Named “The Barnacle”

New Type Of Parking Enforcement On My Campus Replacing The Boot, Appropriately Named “The Barnacle”

LiQuiD0v3rkiLL Report

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KJ
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Curious about how its fixed to the windscreen, surely easier to remove?

Mazer
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

700 pounds of pressure pumped into suction cups, has security rings to prevent it being pried off and contains a gps SIM card

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Otter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in a college town. From what I see of student driving, some of them would just stick their heads out the window and go.

Kari Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is my worry, too. I can think of enough self-centered assholes who would still drive like that.

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Pungent Sauce
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Run your defroster on Hot/High for 10-15mins, then use a credit card (or spudger) to break the seal at one of the corners. (Thanks Reddit!)

Carole Reid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should not have to pay to park at a hospital or where you go to school.

AzKhaleesi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"As it turns out, to take off the Barnacle, all you need to do is run your vehicle’s windshield defroster for 15 minutes, and then use a credit card or similar thin piece of plastic to release the suction cup around the edge. Presto! You’re free from fees....Because it has a GPS tracker meant to set off a loud alarm whenever it, or the car it’s attached to, moves, the Barnacle also has a built-in SIM card. One reddit user figured out the SIM card had unlimited data, and hacked it so they could tether their own personal cell phone to its network, giving them unlimited free phone data for several months" Source: https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/students-defeat-new-barnacle-parking-boot-skip-fines-and-get-free-internet

Spork420
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The benefits of a jeep. Just fold down the windshield ;)

François Carré
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The car can still move though. I can just imagine two drunk fools trying to drive away with this, one at the wheel and the other giving directions on the passenger seat.

K. Anderson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friend got a boot off of his car by deflating the tire. He then threw the boot in a lake. He got stopped once they were confused when running his plates. He jus played dumb & they probably assumed it was a computer error. This was over 15 years ago so technology has changed a lot since then. For those who want to say he could get in trouble- He passed away almost 10 years ago so it makes me laugh as it really didn’t matter what he did or didn’t do. It’s all irrelevant once we are gone

John Saunders
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a "friend" do the same thing. I, I mean my friend, kept a bicycle pump in the trunk to inflate sports balls. Pumped up the tire and drove home. Called the city the next day to ask where they wanted me to return the boot. Walked over and put it on the clerks desk. No questions asked - they were glad to not have to send a diver to get it like your example. BTW - get new plates every couple of years or when you get near the 3 ticket boot limit. $2 extra when annual registration comes due here. Then they can't ever match your tag to the list. You are welcome.

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CORLEONE
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just pour some hot water on top of the glass and it will do the work. You are welcome. 😂

John C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1. I'd like to try my hand at getting one of these off. More out of curiosity. 2. If the videos of people trying to drive off with the boot still attached are anything to go by, I don't have a lot of faith that this will stop a determined/desperate driver that just wants to go home after a long day.

AspieGirl88
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s kinda troublesome, though. Someone really stubborn would just get their passenger to help guide them; or else they’d do an “Ace Ventura” move & drive with their head stuck out of the side window! 😅🤷‍♀️

Zaza
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is this a good idea? With the boot nobody can take the car, with this thing stuck to the windshield, but the car otherwise being fully mobile some eejits are going to just drive them and run someone over. This is really one of the stupidest "better" ideas I have ever seen

Palo Sulek
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homer ran away with the boot on...how do you think he would deal with this ? maybe not even notice :)

Littlebooks
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some smart students came up with a way around it. https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/students-defeat-new-barnacle-parking-boot-skip-fines-and-get-free-internet

Alan Green
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's okay. Just need a co-driver like they use in rally driving. "6 left, tightens"

Mamat Khalid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good, cover more than half (sideway) of the screen. Otherwise, people with OpenPilot can still drive it.

elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suspect there are people who would just drive away anyway.

Joanna Drzewieniecki
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always thought campus police at US universities are the most efficient police in the world...grrr

Amanda Hunter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'll need to drive like Ace Ventura, with your head out the window.

Eric Lafleur
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if it works on a cracked windshield, would it hold or would it dammage it more?

Heather Menard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This way they can't dismantle the boot and drive away. You could always break the windshield I guess

Zophra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is kinda scary because I can still see someone attempting to drive with their head out the window.

Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They drill 24 holes in the windshield and they fix it with screws, washers and nuts! Easy to remove, great ideea!

Marco Conti
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How many people drive away with their head out of the window like a choo choo train?

Grant Barke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Id just call a mobile windscreen replacement service and then destroy that stupid thing with extreme prejudice.

MichaelCFreeman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this literally the screenshot from the Wired episode on YT?www.earn96.com

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#24

Bend Rules

Bend Rules

mtimetraveller Report

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Maryse Faucher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got one of those from my dad tool box that I got after his passing. Strangely used it to make the corner when I sew

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#25

Tool That Allows One Man To Move The Whole Train By Hand

Tool That Allows One Man To Move The Whole Train By Hand

aloofloofah Report

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Moodles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'd like every train in the UK is moved like this ALL THE TIME judging by the constant delays

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#26

Barrel-Filling Bridge

Barrel-Filling Bridge

aloofloofah Report

#27

When A Guy Walks Into Your Office With This Thing Asking To Take A Reading. It's Called A Velometer, And Measures The Speed Of Air In A Given Area. He Kindly Allowed Me To Take A Photo

When A Guy Walks Into Your Office With This Thing Asking To Take A Reading. It's Called A Velometer, And Measures The Speed Of Air In A Given Area. He Kindly Allowed Me To Take A Photo

AzayakaCosplay Report

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Becky Samuel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're going to be seeing a lot more of this now that the importance of air flow in disease prevention has become more apparent.

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#28

Nasa Pistol Grip Tool - A Cordless Power Screwdriver/Drill Used By Spacewalking Astronauts To Fix The Hubble Space Telescope And The International Space Station

Nasa Pistol Grip Tool - A Cordless Power Screwdriver/Drill Used By Spacewalking Astronauts To Fix The Hubble Space Telescope And The International Space Station

mikerowave Report

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#29

I Work In A Stem Cell Lab. This Is A Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shipper, Used To Transport Cryopreserved Products Like Stem Cells And Vaccines In -150c

I Work In A Stem Cell Lab. This Is A Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shipper, Used To Transport Cryopreserved Products Like Stem Cells And Vaccines In -150c

hiimkristina Report

#30

Using A Comb To Straighten Air Conditioner Fins

Using A Comb To Straighten Air Conditioner Fins

jefftatro1 Report

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Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, but no matter how many you bring to the job you won't have the right size, they take quite a bit of effort, and don't work on heavily smashed fins. Plus you're probably going to slip and slice your knuckles.

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#31

Stenographer, The Machine The Court Reporters Use To Type Everything That Is Said There

Stenographer, The Machine The Court Reporters Use To Type Everything That Is Said There

mtimetraveller , Mike Gifford Report

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Francis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

can somebody explain me how it works and how the people know what they wrote?

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#32

Spent Shotgun Shell Lawn Sweeper Picker-Upper

Spent Shotgun Shell Lawn Sweeper Picker-Upper

GI-Girl56 Report

#33

Pedestrian Catcher In 1920s

Pedestrian Catcher In 1920s

mtimetraveller Report

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mcborge1
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can just imagine the narration. :D "And look at this hapless chap, we'll soon deal with him."

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#34

They're Childrens' Training Scissors. Like For Pre-Schoolers. The Extra Holes Are So A Grown-Up Can Co-Scissor And Help The Kid

They're Childrens' Training Scissors. Like For Pre-Schoolers. The Extra Holes Are So A Grown-Up Can Co-Scissor And Help The Kid

Mak_101 Report

#35

I'm A Dog Groomer. These Guys Are Chunkers Meant To Specifically "Chunk" Out The Thick Hair

I'm A Dog Groomer. These Guys Are Chunkers Meant To Specifically "Chunk" Out The Thick Hair

daisytrips Report

#36

Insulated Cryo Glove For Handling Very Cold Items (E.g. Liquid Helium). Like An Oven Mitt’s Cold Cousin

Insulated Cryo Glove For Handling Very Cold Items (E.g. Liquid Helium). Like An Oven Mitt’s Cold Cousin

phronimouse Report

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#37

A Tool Used For Straw Roofing. Dutch Word For It Is 'Drijfbord'

A Tool Used For Straw Roofing. Dutch Word For It Is 'Drijfbord'

Moeiekoe Report

#38

For Right Handed, Left Eye Dominant Folks

For Right Handed, Left Eye Dominant Folks

robblokkit Report

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NOLAHusker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if the rest of the world knows that hunting rifles exist in countries other than the US. Wouldn’t know it based on these comments.

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#39

Ladies And Gentlemen, Allow Me To Present A Fabled “The Right Tool”. This Is The Only Tool That Can Be Used To Remove The Oil Filter Housing On A Lamborghini Gallardo

Ladies And Gentlemen, Allow Me To Present A Fabled “The Right Tool”. This Is The Only Tool That Can Be Used To Remove The Oil Filter Housing On A Lamborghini Gallardo

8jac0b88 Report

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Francis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when you're so hyper special that you design a car that comes with its own tools :D

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#40

A Champagne Sabre, For Cutting The Tops Off Champagne Bottles

A Champagne Sabre, For Cutting The Tops Off Champagne Bottles

CitySquirrel202 Report

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#42

A Spray Specifically Designed To Test Smoke Detectors

A Spray Specifically Designed To Test Smoke Detectors

regnerus Report

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M O'Connell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is important because it doesn't leave a residue behind with might affect future operation of the sensor in an emergency.

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#43

This Scale Matches Up Combinations Of Mushrooms That Weigh A Certain Amount For Packaging

This Scale Matches Up Combinations Of Mushrooms That Weigh A Certain Amount For Packaging

dartmaster666 Report

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Lexi Stoffel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In all honesty I have a dirty mind as well, I thought is was something totally different as well.

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#44

Safe Autodialler Cracking A Floor Safe

Safe Autodialler Cracking A Floor Safe

danielnitschke Report

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Phendrena
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to see it in action then this video :::: https://youtu.be/vkk-2QEUvuk :::: from the Lock Picking Lawyer is what you need to watch.

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#45

A "Tree" For Drying Bottles Are The Homebrewing Shop

A "Tree" For Drying Bottles Are The Homebrewing Shop

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#46

This Keyed Switch That I'm Installing In A New School So Kids Can't Turn Lights On And Off

This Keyed Switch That I'm Installing In A New School So Kids Can't Turn Lights On And Off

Cheeeeeeeesse Report

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Moodles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They'll find a way. Particularly now you've shown the key and how it works on t'internet :D

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#47

If You’ve Ever Pulled Carpet By Hand, You’ll Appreciate This

If You’ve Ever Pulled Carpet By Hand, You’ll Appreciate This

s_team7 Report

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A B C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooooh yes I do. Pulling carpet by hand is a workout and a half. Especially for your hands, as you can't quite get a good hold onto the carpet without absolutely CLENCHING your fingers.

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#48

Conveyor Table For More Humanely Vaccinating Lambs

Conveyor Table For More Humanely Vaccinating Lambs

stalwart_rabbit Report

#49

Diamond Core Drilling Machine

Diamond Core Drilling Machine

regian24 Report