Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/153

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��Popular Science Monthly

An Effective Window Lock

N inexpen- sive and effective window lock may be made by the av- erage man with a few tools from a piece of sheet steel. Two steel pieces are cut out according to the design illustrated, and bent to a slight angle, care being taken that both are bent to exactly the same degree. One piece is made about one-quarter of an inch longer than the other, and is bent at right angles, so that the other piece will strike against it, and be prevented from passing. When the window is closed, the device is in operation, and because of the projecting end of the longer piece, the window can- not be opened. The device is released by inserting a screw-driver between the metal strips and bending them in order to disengage the catch.

To Make Small Springs

IN making little springs of small- sized wire take a ma- chine screw and wind the wire tightly around it in the threads. This brings the spring out as closely as most home- made springs need be. A slight pull will stretch it to the desired length. A screw somewhat smaller than the size of spring desired should be used to allow for the resiliency of the wire.

How to Case Harden Iron

MAKE up a paste of powdered prussiate of jxjtash and water. Coat the iron with this paste, and set it aside to dry. Let the forge fire be clear and bright. When the paste is dry upon the iron thrust the iron into the fire until it is cherry red. Keep it at this heat for a few minutes and then take it out. Plunge it into cold water, and it will be found converted into steel at the surface.

����125 Files and Tools from Switch Handles

FIRST procure the required number of switch handles. Remove the usual screw. Into the hole left by the screw, force the tang of the file or other tool.

As most of these switch handles are made of wood, there is a metal ferrule on the end which serves to keep the handle from splitting. This ferrule serves the same purpose when a tool is inserted into the handle. Tools vary in size but different sized handles may be used for different sized tools. If a sup- ply of these handles is kept handy a handle may be fitted to a tool at any time.

A Handle for a Small Bit or Drill

A CONVENIENT handle for small bits, drills or screw drivers which are intended for use with a brace can be quick- ly made from an old spool about 2" long. If the square end of an old or discarded bit is at hand, drive it slightly into the hole in the spool, so as to make the hole square.

After this is done the spool can be placed on nearly any size of l:»it, to hold securclv.

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��An Easily Made Marking Gauge N T O a W

���dowel of wood, about 8" 1 o n g, drive a 1 wire brad \V from one end a n d let the point protrude Vs. Take a rule and lay off sixteenths from the nail. Drill a ^'^ hole through a block of wood 2Vo" X 2i//' x 's". Then slide the block on the dowel. The friction is enough to hold it for marking. P»y tapping the dowel with the block held in the hand, the marking distance can be lengthened or shortened, as may be desired.

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