Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/316

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WO short bolts may often be made to serve as one long one as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, when no long bolts are at hand. The two bolts A and B are coupled together by means of the nut C. When two timbers are to be fastened together as shown in Fig. 2, it may be necessary to drill a recess M in one of the pieces to hold the coupling nut C but often the bolt is used in the manner shown in Fig. 1, where there are two projecting end pieces. In this case it will not be necessary to make room for the nut.

N attachment plug can be converted into a renewable fuse by removing the flexible cord and connecting a length of fuse wire across the terminals. The plug should be inserted in series with the apparatus.

HOSE who have only occasional use for paint brushes find difficulty in caring for them, as it is expensive to buy new brushes for every job. The following will solve the problem:

Procure a dish (a tin can will do) and fill with water high enough to cover the bristles of the brushes. Then pour in a small quantity of lubricating or machine oil.

Next wrap the bristles in paper, kept in place with an elastic band or a tied string, and place in the dish of water with the oil floating on top.

The oil prevents the evaporation of the water and the rusting of the iron brush parts.

The paper wrapping keeps the bristles in shape, and prevents contact with the oil.

HEN used constantly, the brass tube through which the flame of a blow torch passes is rapidly burned away, so that complete new burners must be frequently attached. This rather costly procedure can be avoided if the actual "business end" of the burner is made detachable, or renewable.

Several short lengths of brass pipe, equaling in size that of the burner itself, should be procured. With a hacksaw cut oft an inch or so from the end of the burner and thread the remaining end. A narrow ferrule, or coupling, should be tapped to fit the threads, and the brass tips threaded to correspond with the shortened burner. When one tip is burned down, it can be quickly replaced by a new one.