Tricks of the Trade

Anti-static Shield Wipes

My face shield is a regular companion in the shop, but the plastic builds a static charge that attracts dust. Here's an easy way I've found to clean it and reduce the static cling. Wipe the shield with a fabric softener sheet. You can use them over and over again, then grab a fresh one from the laundry room whenever you need it.

- Jerry Holbrook; Syracuse, New York

Drive-through Shop Towels

How many times have you gone through a fast food drive-through and been given a bigger wad of napkins than you need? I would use two or three and throw the rest away. Not anymore. Now, I collect the extras and bring them into the shop to use for glue-ups instead of expensive paper towels. These napkins are virtually free, they work fine for clean-ups and help me do my part for the environment.

- Craig Highsmith; Annandale, New Jersey

Turning Up the Heat on PSA

I prefer to use pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) backed disks on my random-orbit sanders, but peeling off the old, stuck-on paper can be a real chore. Here’s the easy way to do it: warm it briefly with a heat gun, and the paper will peel right off without leaving residue on the pad. Sure beats using solvents or a scraper to get the paper off!

- Ray Johnson, Blue Ridge, Georgia