What frugal thing did you do today?

[growfolio]

Had a bad day. A really bad day. And kicked on plenty by society while I was down. No support system.

Against the adversity, I decided to be the change I want to see. I broke the negative butterfly effect, and started spreading random acts of kindness to everyone. Felt amazing. Cost nothing.

I'm sorry to hear about your really bad day. How you responded was more than just frugal...it was priceless.

[growfolio]

My husband had a medical procedure today, and I had a 2 hour wait for him. In the past I'd typically go to a nearby coffee place and get a latte. Today I brought a book and a drink from home and waited in the lobby. Time flew by and I saved $6.

[WoostaGal]

An iPhone charger stopped charging. After interchanging the cable with another power adaptor, it appeared that the problem was the cable, not the adaptor. The wire connector looked fine with no visible issues, even under a magnifying glass. I was going to replace it, but it occurred to me that it might just need to be cleaned. From online suggestions, I cleaned the wire connector both with a pencil eraser and also a microfiber eyeglasses cloth. And now it works.

[Mr. Rumples]

Haven't done it, but will do it. Going into town today so will stop at Aldi's with a friend to show him what it's like. I think it's all subpar, but he has to see for himself. I prefer Walmart - hey, somedays when they can see I am a bit wobbly, they take my groceries to the car! Their watery greek yogurt in little containers is $.68, Walmart is $.72. I can afford the few pennies, but seeing is believing I suppose.

[jaqenhghar]

My husband had a medical procedure today, and I had a 2 hour wait for him. In the past I'd typically go to a nearby coffee place and get a latte. Today I brought a book and a drink from home and waited in the lobby. Time flew by and I saved $6.

Nice!!

[jaqenhghar]

A used bookstore is closing in our city. Had a 90% off going-out-of-business sale. Picked up some DVDs and books, including Simple Prosperity by David Wann and Marketing to the Affluent by Thomas Stanley for 30 cents & 60 cents, respectively.

This book sale has ruined me for all future book sales -- you mean, your books aren't 90% off?!

[LaurenRose]

Sent an overpriced floral arrangement to my 83 year old aunt for her birthday. Saved $25 on it by ordering through the Rakuten portal (rebate)

[yankees60]

A used bookstore is closing in our city. Had a 90% off going-out-of-business sale. Picked up some DVDs and books, including Simple Prosperity by David Wann and Marketing to the Affluent by Thomas Stanley for 30 cents & 60 cents, respectively.

This book sale has ruined me for all future book sales -- you mean, your books aren't 90% off?!

YES!

[dratkinson]

Have wanted to upgrade garage door remote controls; one didn't work when house bought. Might as well upgrade push buttons too.
--My search for better remote control: viewtopic.php?p=7529138#p7529138
--Found illuminated push buttons: https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Univ ... B00283RXXE


Finally got around to doing the work.


Switch location: by kitchen door. Replaced single non-illuminated garage door push button.


--Neighbor replaced sprinkler cable (6 solid wires). Given removed cable. Cable is ~1/4" diameter, so need additional space to run cable behind switches.
--Plywood. 1/2" for base. Cut large square hole under switches for wiring. Slot routed to side to run cable. Edges rounded for appearance.
--Use double light switch cover to align push buttons and cover hole in plywood. Plastic light switch cover used to avoid electrical short (CYA).
--Used sheetrock screws to attach push buttons through light switch cover mounting holes into plywood base. Screws cut flush to plywood bottom.
--Plywood base attached using sheetrock screws: into wood structure if under sheetrock, into plastic hollow wall anchor otherwise.


Cable runs to other switch location. Cable attached to wall/ceiling using plastic cable ties and sheetrock screws: into wood structure if under sheetrock, into plastic hollow wall anchor otherwise.


Switch location: between garage doors. Replaced single non-illuminated garage door push button.


--Ditto switch installation, slot routed upward. Cable runs from push buttons, under plywood to top of terminal strip.
--Snug is good enough. Don't tighten push button screws too much or you'll crack plastic light switch cover; fixed crack with super glue.
--Terminal strip (HD). Need 2x terminals for: each push button, remote control power connection. Attached to plywood by screws through 2 diagonal holes.
--Cable from other switch location and power for remote control attached to top of terminal strip.
--Remote control's internal connections for the 2x relays are so small that only a single small wire can attach to each, hence the need for a terminal strip. Plastic bag seen behind wires at top of plywood base, contains instructions to wire relays and program key fobs; may be needed by next homeowner.


Testing. Everything works as expected for both garage doors: push buttons, key fobs, and remote controls. Sweet.
--No more walking between switch locations to operate both garage doors.
--No more fumbling for push buttons in dark garage.



--New project to reduce clutter. Need to upgrade single-gang box (light switch + 1x duplex outlet) to double-gang box (light switch + 3x duplex outlets).
--Paper shredder mounted over 30gal plastic trash barrel makes it easy to shred junk mail. Shredder sits in hole on wood adapter, added to new shredder to adapt it to old hole in shelf. Wood adapter also holds needed stiff copper wire that depresses shredder's safety interlock switch so it will run without being mounted on its basket.



Update: finished project.


--Code compliance. I check with subject matter experts before planning a project: city permitting when I planned to install a generator transfer switch, HD master electrician before any home wiring,.... This time I asked the technician when he worked on my garage door, if my plan for this upgrade was acceptable: parts used, installation method. He said, "Yes."
--Terminal strip voltages. For this project, the voltages are low: 15v for wall wart to power remote control, 24-36v for garage door openers (one push button is a little brighter than the other). I like the industrial art look, but out of sight and mind might be better for next homeowner and kiddos.
--Terminal strip cover. Cut handle from large (thick plastic: HDPE*) empty liquid laundry detergent bottle. Then cut handle lengthwise so end profile resembles channel steel (should remain rigid). Attached cover to plywood base through 2 remaining diagonal attachment holes in terminal strip.
--Cable strain relief. Cable runs under plywood are strain relieved. How? The 2 unused wires (of 6 in cable) are wrapped tightly around cable ends, making cable ends too large to fit into routed slots in plywood bases. So cable ends are in plywood bases' square holes, under push buttons; meaning cable can't be easily pulled out, so push button screw connections can't be easily pulled loose.



* I learned from YT videos that HDPE plastic is easy to form into useful things, so been saving some to play with; one saved raw piece worked well to make terminal strip cover.
Search:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... pe+at+home

My first HDPE project.  I made a replacement ball knob for direction/speed shift lever for neighbor's snowblower (missing when bought used).  
--In garage workshop, melted plastic into Vienna sausage can, in thrift store toaster oven.  
--Work prep.  A short bolt through can bottom, was screwed into 2 stacked nuts welded to wire cross bracing so nuts can't later be pulled from knob.
--After plastic cooled, a metal lathe and steel chisel turned plastic blob in an aluminum can into ball shape; less than perfect, but good enough.
--Nuts inside knob bottom screwed onto snowblower’s shift lever.  Saved neighbor ~$10 ...and I learned a little about playing with HDPE plastic.



Edit. Oops, second thoughts, finished project, clarity.

[MoreTaxes]

Have wanted to upgrade garage door remote controls; one didn't work when house bought.  Might as well upgrade push buttons too.

Good lord! Can I introduce you to the National Electrical Code?

[yankees60]

Have wanted to upgrade garage door remote controls; one didn't work when house bought.  Might as well upgrade push buttons too.
--My search for better remote control: viewtopic.php?p=7529586#p7529586
--Found illuminated push buttons: https://www.amazon.com/Illuminated-Univ ... B00283RXXE


Finally got around to doing the work.


By kitchen door.  Replaced single non-illuminated garage door push button.


--Neighbors replace sprinkler cable (6 solid wires).  Given removed cable.  Cable is ~1/4" diameter, so need additional space to run cable behind switches.
--Plywood.  1/2" for base.  Cut large square hole under switches for wiring.  Slot routed to side to run cable.  Edges rounded for appearance.
--Use double light switch cover to align push buttons and cover hole in plywood. Plastic light switch cover used to avoid electrical short (CYA).
--Used sheetrock screws to attach push buttons through light switch cover mounting holes into plywood base.  Screws cut flush to plywood bottom.
--Plywood base attached using sheetrock screws: into wood if under sheetrock, into plastic hollow wall anchor otherwise.


Cable runs to other switch location.  Cable attached to wall/ceiling using plastic cable ties and sheetrock screws: into wood if under sheetrock, into plastic hollow wall anchor otherwise.


Between garage doors.  Replaced single non-illuminated garage door push button.


--Ditto switches installed here, but slot routed upward.  Cable runs from push buttons, to top of terminal strip.
--Terminal strip (HD). Need 2x connections for: each push button, remote control power connection.
--Don't tighten switch screws too much or you'll crack plastic light switch cover (fixed with super glue).
--The remote control's internal connections are so small that only a single small wire can attach to each, hence the need for a terminal strip. Plastic bag seen behind wires at top of plywood base, contains instructions to wire/program remote control/key fobs.
--Cable from other switch location and power for remote control attached to top of terminal strip.


Testing.  Everything works for both garage doors: push buttons, key fobs/remote controls.  Sweet.
--No more wishing I didn't have to walk over to other switch location to close other garage door.
--No more fumbling for push button in dark garage.  



--Another project.  Upgrade single-gang box (light switch + 1x duplex outlets) to double-gang box (light switch + 3x duplex outlets) to reduce clutter.
--Paper shredder mounted over 30gal trash can makes it easy to shred junk mail.  Shredder shits on wood adapter, changed with new shredder to adapt it to old hole in shelf.  Wood adapter also holds stiff copper wire that depresses shredder's safety interlock switch so it will run without being mounted on its basket.

Congratulations on a job WELL DONE that saved money in the process!

[FeralCat]

Haven't done it, but will do it. Going into town today so will stop at Aldi's with a friend to show him what it's like. I think it's all subpar, but he has to see for himself. I prefer Walmart - hey, somedays when they can see I am a bit wobbly, they take my groceries to the car! Their watery greek yogurt in little containers is $.68, Walmart is $.72. I can afford the few pennies, but seeing is believing I suppose.

I went into a Lidl for the first time a couple of months ago (I was in the immediate area of one). I didn't buy a single thing, because most of the foods were processed/packaged and not that healthful. I am going to try Aldi sometime soon, but I am not expecting much.

[yankees60]

Haven't done it, but will do it. Going into town today so will stop at Aldi's with a friend to show him what it's like. I think it's all subpar, but he has to see for himself. I prefer Walmart - hey, somedays when they can see I am a bit wobbly, they take my groceries to the car! Their watery greek yogurt in little containers is $.68, Walmart is $.72. I can afford the few pennies, but seeing is believing I suppose.

I went into a Lidl for the first time a couple of months ago (I was in the immediate area of one). I didn't buy a single thing, because most of the foods were processed/packaged and not that healthful. I am going to try Aldi sometime soon, but I am not expecting much.

There is a new Aldi that opened where I sometimes am. I went in just to buy a few things in the limited time I had before reporting for a medical appointment. It was a quick in and out.

[Random Musings]

Replaced the agitator drive hub on my Maytag commercial washer. Typical plastic junk where the teeth wear out. Did have to borrow an longer extension bar from a neighbor. $15 part, I am guessing a minimum repair cost of $175 these days.

RM

[yankees60]

Replaced the agitator drive hub on my Maytag commercial washer. Typical plastic junk where the teeth wear out. Did have to borrow an longer extension bar from a neighbor. $15 part, I am guessing a minimum repair cost of $175 these days.

RM

Definitely a good estimate on the cost to pay. I've twice paid for similar work to be done on my ancient washing machine and it seems that both times it was about that. One charge to diagnose and then another to come back with the part and replace.

[MP173]

Library this morning for 2 books.

Local grocery for Hudsonville Ice Cream on sale for $2.99 (48 ounce) and a store donut for $1.19 rather than the bakery shop pastry.

Rounded up for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Also a hair cut....trimmed closely so I will not go back for 6 weeks (rather than 4).

Picked lettuce from garden for dinner tonight.

Ed

[yankees60]

Library this morning for 2 books.

Local grocery for Hudsonville Ice Cream on sale for $2.99 (48 ounce) and a store donut for $1.19 rather than the bakery shop pastry.

Rounded up for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Also a hair cut....trimmed closely so I will not go back for 6 weeks (rather than 4).

Picked lettuce from garden for dinner tonight.

Ed

When I used to get haircuts I would tell the barber cut it as short as you can without shaving it. Not allowed me to get 1 only 4 times a year. Now it's just been growing since January 2020. Could that be considered unintentional frugal?

[LadyGeek]

After the Bogleheads conference yesterday, I got to the airport early for my flight home. It turns out that the gate was filled with passengers for an earlier flight that was delayed by 5 hours. They weren't happy.

To ameliorate the situation, the airline provided a bunch of free snacks. Not only junk food, but the good stuff - peanuts, Cheese-its, and Nature Valley granola bars, not to mention water and soda. Everyone stocked up, including me.

After the plane left, the employees grabbed a few snacks for themselves before removing the items.

Separately -

On my flight to the conference, they offered free snacks and I noticed that not too many passengers were taking them up on it. Two choices, none good. I took one bite of the granola bar and stopped. If you didn't think a granola bar could taste like cardboard, think again. I took one bite and stopped. Yuk. They offered a cup of water. Nope, I had my own.

[turtlebug]

Our local library system's annual three-day book sale is coming up. I've sworn that I will not purchase any more books. All my bookcases are full. Nonetheless, I felt tempted, so I scheduled myself with so much to do over those three days that I can't possibly make it there.

[jaqenhghar]

Our local library system's annual three-day book sale is coming up. I've sworn that I will not purchase any more books. All my bookcases are full. Nonetheless, I felt tempted, so I scheduled myself with so much to do over those three days that I can't possibly make it there.

As a fellow bookworm, I love this idea!

[yankees60]

After the Bogleheads conference yesterday, I got to the airport early for my flight home. It turns out that the gate was filled with passengers for an earlier flight that was delayed by 5 hours. They weren't happy.

To ameliorate the situation, the airline provided a bunch of free snacks. Not only junk food, but the good stuff - peanuts, Cheese-its, and Nature Valley granola bars, not to mention water and soda. Everyone stocked up, including me.

After the plane left, the employees grabbed a few snacks for themselves before removing the items.

Separately -

On my flight to the conference, they offered free snacks and I noticed that not too many passengers were taking them up on it. Two choices, none good. I took one bite of the granola bar and stopped. If you didn't think a granola bar could taste like cardboard, think again. I took one bite and stopped. Yuk. They offered a cup of water. Nope, I had my own.

I do not eat anything blatantly sugar, so if the label includes sugar, corn syrup, fructose, not eaten by me.

Larabars pass the tests so eat many of those. Pay less than $1 each buying them by the box at Amazon.

[yankees60]

Our local library system's annual three-day book sale is coming up. I've sworn that I will not purchase any more books. All my bookcases are full. Nonetheless, I felt tempted, so I scheduled myself with so much to do over those three days that I can't possibly make it there.

I stopped going to them once I had about 9,000 (or was it 7.000?) books in my house. I gave away about 1,500 to one person a few years ago.

[dratkinson]

...
When I used to get haircuts I would tell the barber cut it as short as you can without shaving it.  Not allowed me to get 1 only 4 times a year. Now it's just been growing since January 2020.  Could that be considered unintentional frugal?

I tried to go a year between cuts, thinking longer hair during winter would be handy; it was, but the mop was too much when not outside.  Shorter hair works better, and a knit cap handles outside.

So down to 2x haircuts/year: in March and September.  Was surprised by last 2years of price rises, but it's not enough that I want to learn to cut my own hair.

On my flight to the conference, they offered free snacks and I noticed that not too many passengers were taking them up on it. Two choices, none good. I took one bite of the granola bar and stopped. If you didn't think a granola bar could taste like cardboard, think again. I took one bite and stopped. Yuk.  They offered a cup of water. Nope, I had my own.

+1.  In September, I used to restock snacks and water in car for stranded motorist emergency winter supplies.  Then snack on the old stuff.  Learned this is suboptimal, so switched to now only carrying snacks September to March.

Over a 1yr restock interval, I learned:
--Granola bars taste like cardboard and crumble.  Cliffs bars were harder and taste little better.  Will try a few Larabars next time.
--Trailmix.  Nuts turn rancid.  Bare chocolate turns white. M&Ms seem to last longer.
--Beef jerky seems to be okay.
--Bottled water is recycled chlorinated city tap water in (bleach sanitized) 2x half-gallon Picante bottles (stronger than milk jugs, easier to handle than gallon jugs).  Keep jugs in plastic tote and don't screw caps on tight.  Why?  

Lesson learned. After a leaking thin plastic milk jug flooded tote, switched to stronger plastic Picante sauce jugs, and leave cap loose. Why?

A tightly sealed milk jug can cause entrapped air to expand/contract during winter, and cold flexing thin plastic milk jugs can crack/leak and soak everything in bottom of tote*; better than flooding car.  So leave cap loose and use stronger plastic to resist accidental punctures.



* Pro tip for used motor oil storage.  If you collect used motor oil (snowblower, lawn mower, generator,...) in a milk jug, stored in your unheated garage, to take to recycle when full, and it takes a few years to fill a gallon milk jug ...don't screw the cap on tight.  Same problem: expanding/contracting air flexing thin plastic jug can cause a crack/leak ...identified by expanding oil puddle around jug.  Ask me how I know.

[HoosierJim]

Library this morning for 2 books.

Checkout the library LIBBY app - works with your local library (which you are already paying for) . It has books, audio books, magazines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mylCZ5KkPP4&list=PLEs6jsm2GKTzon6LIM8eBqCl3rBSR-ZEu

[yankees60]

Over a 1yr restock interval, I learned:
--Granola bars taste like cardboard and crumble.  Cliffs bars were harder and tastes little better.  Will try a few Larabars next time.

Larabar question which does not rely upon you actually being familiar with them as it probably applies to any bars.

Last summer (2023) or summer before I found myself suffering from low blood sugar hunger pangs in the car.

I spent $8 on a $5 pint of blueberries and $3 for an expensive bar.

I buy my Larabars at Amazon for less than $1. After that $8 emergency I loaded up my car with Larabars plus in my camera case, which is always with me when I am out.

Question. Those Larabars have been in the car for a long time. In the winter they have froze, unfroze, froze, and so on.

They are quite dry with little moisture in them. Is it any concern that they go through that constant cycle in the winter.

[yankees60]

Library this morning for 2 books.

Checkout the library LIBBY app - works with your local library (which you are already paying for) . It has books, audio books, magazines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mylCZ5KkPP4&list=PLEs6jsm2GKTzon6LIM8eBqCl3rBSR-ZEu

Thanks for this. At some time I will try it out.

[dratkinson]

It’s always something.


We had a heavy wet snow in March. Lost power for 2days. I'd planned for it so went into power-outage mode.
--Generator, worked well. Ran it a few hours in AM/PM for meals/central heat/refrigerator/internet. Had created a “Generator Operators Guide” detailing how to set up/operate house on generator; spent some time during outage reviewing/editing (sticky notes)/ensuring it matched reality.
--Monitor generator run time. Weight-powered pendulum wall clock worked well.
--Battery-powered stuff (headlamp, portable lights, radio), worked well. After clearing driveway/sidewalk, filled time with paperwork/enjoying silence.
--Refrigerator, worked well. Bought a basic top-freezer model (no: automatic ice, in-door water) with power-outage in mind (warm air rises, cold air settles), water-filled ½-gallon milk jugs filled empty freezer space to supply cold mass, freezer/refrigerator thermometers monitored temperature.
--Non-electric normally-aspirated NG-fired water heater, worked well. Hot showers before bed were nice.
--Garage doors, one couldn’t be opened manually. Fixed it here: viewtopic.php?p=8025292#p8025292
--Fireplace, had problems but we muddled through. Fixed those here.


Fireplace problems.



Fireplace grate was old/sagging when I bought the house, and had gotten worse since then. Its legs had spread out/collapsed from many fires. This caused poor air flow under fire as ash quickly built up, and made it impossible to open ash dump door to clean out ashes if you need a fire burning over many days. What to do?

Searched and learned a new heavy duty grate would be ~$200. More searching said all grates sag over time, so spending $200 only postpones this problem.

Idea. Maybe I could save money by repairing my fireplace grate ...which I did recently.



--Flatten grate. Placed grate upside down on concrete driveway, heated grate crosspieces (hand-held propane torch), and used flat head of 5lb splitting maul and a section of railroad track as an anvil to beat curved bottom mostly flat.
--Straighten legs. Heat each leg and use 1” pipe* over each leg to bend it vertical.

* Pipe is my heavy duty vehicle clothes rod, made because lite-weight telescoping clothes rods collapse. Notice hook bolt on top of pipe; lower hook bolt removed so pipe would fit over grate legs.
Hook bolt: https://www.google.com/search?q=hook+bolt

Good enough.


A new problem. Fireplace ash dump door is difficult to open (even when grate is not collapsed on top of it). So while grate was out of fireplace, decided to work on ash dump door to make it more functional.

Example ash dump door.

Source: https://www.google.com/search?&q=firepl ... door&udm=2

The existing door is difficult to flip open: (1) need one fireplace tool to press door partially open, (2) second fireplace tool to open it fully. This is harder to do when door can’t be seen under ash pile. What to do?

New ash dump door. Thought I could build an easier-to-use door. Cut a piece of 3/16” steel (10”x6”) to make a door that would slide open/close over ash pit opening. I made it 2” wider (all around) than ash pit opening (8”x4”). It would need a handle on top to open/close door, and a key on bottom to keep door centered/square over ash pit opening.



--Handle. A short piece of 1/2” steel welded to top of door became a handle to use hook/point on fireplace poker to pull/push door open/closed.


--Key. A piece of 1/8” angle steel, slightly less than width of ash pit opening, was welded to bottom and parallel to and 1/2” from back edge*. When door is opened/closed, key keeps door square to ash pit opening. (* Means when ash dump door is open, ash pit opening will be 8”x3.5”.)


Finished door. (I thought.)




A new problem. Upon second thought, realized the door could accidentally fall into ash pit---an annoyance if it fell through, a minor catastrophe if it hung up on the way down.* What to do? (* Old ash dump door had same problem and nothing came of it; I just couldn’t leave “good enough” alone.)


--Added additional width to door (now 10”x10”), so its minimum dimension in all directions, would be wider than ash pit’s diagonal measurements (~9”), so door can’t fall into ash pit opening.
--Testing. Picture shows enlarged ash dump door is now too big to fall into ash pit when placed diagonally into ash pit opening. The metal below the weld seam was added to door. (Yea, I know: cut twice, measure once, plan afterwards.)

Opening/closing ash dump door. The new door is easier to live with... but...
--It’s easy under ashes, to use hook on poker to find/grab hole in handle and pull door open.
--But it’s more difficult under ashes, to find hole in handle, to insert point on poker, to push door closed. What to do?



By experimenting (eyes closed), I learned that it would be much easier to use the loop on the end of fireplace tongs, to grab ash dump door handle, if handle were taller.

Added ~2” to handle length so it’s easier to find/grab with loop in fireplace tongs. How? Slide tongs side-to-side under ashes to contact/find handle, then push tongs front/back until you feel tong’s loop contact handle, then flip tong’s loop up/over handle; works the same both ways and easy under ashes to find/open/close door. Sweet.

To clean out accumulated ashes. Open ash dump door; swish tongs side-to-side to maneuver ashes over open ash pit; close ash dump door. Easy peasy.




A new problem. The restored fireplace grate now stands so tall that it’s difficult to start a fire from crumpled newspapers underneath. What to do?

I learned to build a top-down fire.
Search: https://www.google.com/search?&q=how+to ... +down+fire


A new problem. Crumpled newspaper/tinder placed on top of log/kindling is no longer as effective at starting a fire (doesn’t apply as much direct heat) as when placed under kindling/logs. What to do?

Now need an assist from a fire starter.
Search: https://www.google.com/search?q=DIY+fire+starter

Made fire starter from: egg carton, dryer lint, canning wax, and empty food can.
--Gulf canning wax (ACE): 4x cakes/box, 1x cake per lint-filled dozen-egg carton.
--Melt wax cake in empty can, in pot of boiling water ...so wax doesn’t get hot enough to catch fire!
--Between uses (an expected 1year between fireplace seasons), empty can kept by clothes dryer to collect removed dryer lint.
Search: https://www.google.com/search?=&q=gulf+canning+wax


A new problem. The fire’s hot embers fall through grate and land on fireplace floor, ~4” below, so are less effective at igniting more logs. What to do?

While searching for new fireplace grate, this problem of a taller grate was identified by others. Suggested possible solutions:
--Cut grate legs to be shorter. Rejected: would be harder to use new ash dump door ...also undoes my previous work to stand grate taller.
--Add an “embers retainer” to fireplace grate. My choice.

Proof of concept: embers retainer.


--Quarter-inch hardware cloth (seen near electrical outlets) wrapped under grate didn’t work well: too flimsy/sagged, easily clogged by ash.
--Expanded metal wrapped under grate worked better: didn’t sag, less easily clogged by ash but easy to clear by tapping bottom with poker.

Wanted a secure way to hold expanded metal under grate, so less chance of sagging, while making it easy to replace if it burned through. What to do?

Decision. Make an embers retainer: a holder under grate that expanded metal slides into.




--Used some 3/16” steel* to cut** strips and weld*** them to bottom of grate, to make a slot directly under grate.

* Locally, metal recyclers sell steel for 50¢/pound and have a $20 minimum, but I found one a little further away with no minimum; it saves money to pay for gas to drive there and only buy as much steel as I anticipate needing for current/future projects.

** Gravity-powered panel cutter built on HF (7”x12”) band saw for a long ago project.

*** Stick welder (Lincoln “tombstone”, AC only) was CL find that I had to rebuild parts of. If I can find parts, will convert it to AC/DC.





--Welded strips were placed under grate crosspieces to keep airways open; also a neater appearance.
--Cut* expanded metal to slide into slot under grate. (* Mark dimensions with magic marker, cut with angle grinder cutoff wheel.)
--Expanded metal is a little longer than grate so extra length is folded down, over strips on each end, to lock it in place.

N.B. Notice some of the grate's center front-to-back log-supporting bars are narrower than others. These were sitting on top of the old loose-fitting ash dump door when the grate was collapsed. So air (oxygen) flowing up from ash pit was burning (rusting) the bars away. By standing grate back up and putting a tighter door over ash pit, this grate should last several more decades.


--Fireplace seems to work better since more air flow under taller grate.
--Fire seems easier to maintain since burning embers are kept close to logs, while suffocating ash falls through embers retainer.
--Accumulated ash is easier to remove since new ash dump door is easier to use.

Believe I’m more ready for next power outage. Plus I saved ~$200. Sweet.




Previous projects.
--Schlepping armloads of firewood got old, so cut legs from old jeans (saved for projects) to sew* firewood tote to carry more/easier, make fewer trips.
--Full firewood tote was heavy to carry, and no graceful place to store wood in house. What to do?
--Adapted firewood tote to walker (thrift store find) to use its wheels and store wood for use.


* Another problem. My post-WWII Webster electric sewing machine (thrift store find) had to be rewired (cracked wires) before I could make firewood tote.
--Bought 12’ extension cord to make new cords for power and foot switch; same length as removed wires but cheaper than buying separate wire/plug end.
--Should have bought longer extension cord as a little more length would have been nice on power cord.



It’s always something ...but I’ve fixed all of the problems identified during the power outage.



Edit. Second thoughts, clarity.

[557880yvi]

It’s always something.

Although your location indicates you live in CO, this post allows you to be officially inducted for life into the Frugal Yankee club. This work is an example of the most frugal of frugal things a frugal Yankee can do, especially the crowning touch of the portable firewood cradle made of a walker. You have achieved Master Frugal Yankee status.

The most frugal thing I did today was to wash and re-use Market Basket deli bags. You inspire me to do better.

[yankees60]

It’s always something.

Although your location indicates you live in CO, this post allows you to be officially inducted for life into the Frugal Yankee club. This work is an example of the most frugal of frugal things a frugal Yankee can do, especially the crowning touch of the portable firewood cradle made of a walker. You have achieved Master Frugal Yankee status.

The most frugal thing I did today was to wash and re-use Market Basket deli bags. You inspire me to do better.

I concur with the induction into that club!

[AlohaBill]

We’ve been married for 45 years now. My wife learned to cut hair from my father. She’s been cutting my hair ever since. Today I had my ears lowered once again. She charges excessive fees though. I’m still waiting for the bill. I keep insisting she takes to much off the top.

[sc9182]

Cleaned-up interiors and windshield at car-wash's self-service vacuums; cleaned-up main mirrors, head-lights, and some minor dirt/marks with the used rags. Don't forget to tip the attendant.

[YeahBuddy]

Cut back monthly subscriptions. The interesting thing about auto subscriptions is sometimes we don't realize how much we are paying.

[yankees60]

Cut back monthly subscriptions. The interesting thing about auto subscriptions is sometimes we don't realize how much we are paying.

I always avoid the auto subscriptions. Usually, they give you a great bargain rate the first year but then there is a clause that states you will be auto-renewed at the then prevailing (read: HIGHEST possible) subscription rates.

[Ependytis]

I went to a wedding and danced for so long that the sweat went through my dress shirt and stained my silk tie. My tie was taken to the laundry, and they wanted to charge $15 per tie. Even my significant other, who likes to spend money, thought that was too much. I ended up looking online and determined I could clean it at home using Castile soap and water. It came out fine

[yankees60]

I went to a wedding and danced for so long that the sweat went through my dress shirt and stained my tie. My tie was taken to the laundry, and they wanted to charge $15 per tie. Even my significant other, who likes to spend money, thought that was too much. I ended up looking online and determined I could clean it at home using Castile soap and water. It came out fine

Congratulations on the research and the good outcome!

[557880yvi]

I went to a wedding and danced for so long that the sweat went through my dress shirt and stained my tie. My tie was taken to the laundry, and they wanted to charge $15 per tie. Even my significant other, who likes to spend money, thought that was too much. I ended up looking online and determined I could clean it at home using Castile soap and water. It came out fine

was it silk?

[Ependytis]

I went to a wedding and danced for so long that the sweat went through my dress shirt and stained my tie. My tie was taken to the laundry, and they wanted to charge $15 per tie. Even my significant other, who likes to spend money, thought that was too much. I ended up looking online and determined I could clean it at home using Castile soap and water. It came out fine

was it silk?

Yes.

[LilyFleur]

Confirmed that this season's last episode of Slow Horses on Apple TV airs tomorrow. Cancelled my Apple TV subscription. My service will end on Oct. 31. Found some other shows to stream until then. In November I will pay attention to Britbox again.

[Chv396]

Ordering pizzas for lunch (30% off) from a local Italian restaurant, saving the leftovers for dinner.

[yankees60]

Ordering pizzas for lunch (30% off) from a local Italian restaurant, saving the leftovers for dinner.

MY kind of person!

[A440]

I discovered water leaking into our crawlspace. At first I thought it was groundwater, but upon closer inspection it was coming from above in the area of our 15 year old refrigerator. I found that the plastic/pvc water supply line leaked every time the water dispenser was used. Of course I discovered this on a Saturday when the appliance parts and repair shop are closed until Monday.
After spending about 10 minutes searching for a video I found one that showed how to fix the leak. The drive to Lowes to get the sharkbite coupling took longer than the actual repair. As a bonus, we cleaned the area under and behind the fridge and also cleaned the evap coils. The part was a whopping $7.

[yankees60]

I discovered water leaking into our crawlspace. At first I thought it was groundwater, but upon closer inspection it was coming from above in the area of our 15 year old refrigerator. I found that the plastic/pvc water supply line leaked every time the water dispenser was used. Of course I discovered this on a Saturday when the appliance parts and repair shop are closed until Monday.
After spending about 10 minutes searching for a video I found one that showed how to fix the leak. The drive to Lowes to get the sharkbite coupling took longer than the actual repair. As a bonus, we cleaned the area under and behind the fridge and also cleaned the evap coils. The part was a whopping $7.

OUTSTANDING frugality on several levels!

[hvaclorax]

We started using one ply toilet paper this year. And we love it. Saves water and waste. Cost is about half as much. Altogether a green solution. Win-win.

[TheRoundHeadedKid]

My 2-year-old Sony WH-1000XM4 noise cancelling headphone started making a deafening screeching noise on one side while I was on a flight. It was intermittent at first but became almost constant in noise canceling mode. I researched it online. I removed the ear pads and saw two bare metal ends leading to a microphone were bent and making contact with each other. I straightened them out and the feedback went away. Saved $250+ on buying a replacement.

[jaqenhghar]

Got a dozen powdered donuts today from Costco for $2!

[yankees60]

My 2-year-old Sony WH-1000XM4 noise cancelling headphone started making a deafening screeching noise on one side while I was on a flight. It was intermittent at first but became almost constant in noise canceling mode. I researched it online. I removed the ear pads and saw two bare metal ends leading to a microphone were bent and making contact with each other. I straightened them out and the feedback went away. Saved $250+ on buying a replacement.

Great frugality through simple troubleshooting.