Uses of Neodymium Magnets

Uses of Neodymium Magnets

Nickel plated neodymium magnet on a bracket from a hard drive.

The magnets in your possession are some of the most powerful magnets in the world.  They are made out of a neodymium-iron-boron material, or Nd2Fe14B, of which iron is the main component.  Their field strength has been measured at 12.5 kiloGauss, or 1.25 Tesla (tens of thousands of times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field).  Their incredible strength makes them a constant source of wonder as well as ideal demonstrators of the force of magnetism in traditional, and some not so traditional, experiments.  As you may already know, these are not ordinary magnets and cannot be handled as such.

Here is just some of the uses that neodymium magnets have been put to:

  Repairing my fridge seal. Put a couple inside the plastic of the seal and it holds the door shut beautifully

  Experimenting with cathode ray tubes (TV's and computer monitors)

  Hold directions to my motorbike petrol tank so they don't come off at speed

  Removing parts from a punch press, safely. 

  Cleaning up debris in a machining workshop.  

  Hanging wet clothes to tent poles or parts of a caravan 

  Levitation 

  Tie clip 

  Violin mute. Put small discs on each side of the bridge to add mass and quiet the violin.

  Slot car traction

  Holding down a car cover 

  Pulling dents out of vehicles. 

  Attaching tracking devices to motor vehicles.  

  Jewellery clasps 

  Hanging fairy lights  

  Re-magnetising alnico (Aluminium-Nickel-Cobalt) magnets.  

  Hanging tapestries in a warehouse.

  Magic illusion tricks 

  With 1 magnet and a ball bearing I remove dents from brass musical instruments.  

  Holding all the lathe tools to the lathe 

  Magnetic stirring device  

  Bike light generator  

  Christmas presents! 

  Wind power alternator  

  Alleviate joint pain - magnetic therapy 

  Hold a small vice down  

  Welding  

  Picking up nails/screws/needles 

  School projects and demonstrations 

  Hold lines and tape on steel boat hull.  

  Collecting nails or bits of barbed wire from pasture  

  Oil filter in my motorbike  

  Guitar pickups  

  Attaching tools securely to my car 

  Holding the roof down on my shed 

  Holding safety shield on machine tools 

  Holding trailer lights on towed vehicle.  

  Picking keys out of storm drains! 

  Retrieving an antique shotgun from a well. 

  Treasure hunting  

  Loudspeakers  

  Cleaning up the oil in go-cart racing engines. Glue them inside!  

  Used to create great ear, nose, lip rings and therefore avoid piercing. 

  Car Top advertising signs  

  Stud finder in walls  

  Holding vehicle number plates to the car 

  Holding sheet metal together for welding 

  Dampening for seismograph  

  Door latches on a tree-house  

  Hold down a tarpaulin 

  Hanging tools in sheds and garages 

  Door catches for cupboards and ward robes. 

  Cleaning fish tank glass from the outside  

  Holding a set of house keys securely in a car.  

  For the darkroom: to secure metal developing tank parts, reels, etc. To lock down metal wash tank doors instead of sticky bolt locks.  

  Motor experiments  

  Water Conditioning 

  Magic tricks 

  Erasing tapes  

  Remove metal debris from a well 

  Homemade alternator  

  Movement of paramagnetic beads for bio-medical applications  

  Erasing credit card data 

  Erasing hotel door key cards 

  Cleaning plastics granulate for moulding.  

  Holding a vehicle glove box closed 

  Finger Print collection and processing 

  Shirt fastenings instead of buttons or studs 

  Holding curtains to a caravan 

  Holding curtains to a narrowboat 

  Geocaching 

  Door closures for high end furniture 

  Swarf removal from converyor belts 

  Cleaning fish tanks 

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The Many Uses Of Orange Peel

The Many Uses Of Orange Peel

As soon as you break the skin of an orange, its sweet-tangy scent fills the air.  Many,anxious to get to the juicy segments of the orange itself, consider the peel’s job done and discard it in the nearest compost bin.  As some have now realized, once the orange is consumed, the orange peel has many uses all on their own.  The most effective orange peels to use is that of an organic orange, but other orange peels will still do the trick.

1. Orange peels can be scraped across with a specialized kitchen grater called a zester. The zester removes only the thin upper layer of the orange peel, not the lighter colored pith.  The grating action creates a pile of orange zest, which is usually left to dry overnight before being stored in an airtight herb bottle. Orange zest is often used to enhance other flavors in desserts, gravies, and even some meat dishes. Dried orange peels can also be sprinkled as a garnish.

2. Orange peels can be used to make delicious homemade oils.  Place some orange peels and cranberries in olive oil and close it with a cork. You can observe a wonderful flavor to the oil after some weeks.

3. Placing a piece of orange peel in a container of brown sugar will help keep it from drying out.

4. Deodorize your kitchen sink by running orange peels through the garbage disposal to freshen up a stinky garbage disposal. Also by adding a few ice cubes will help sharpen the disposal blades.

5. Use a fresh orange peel to scrub your sink.  The natural oils in the orange peel are an excellent cleaner and gives a nice shine to your sink too

6. Another use for orange peels, is air freshening.  Combing dried orange peels, cinnamon sticks, lemon peels and flower petals in a simmering pot of water.  As the steam leaves the potpourri, the air should become much more scented.

7. Orange peels can be tastefully cut and added to dried flower arrangements for extra color, shape, and style.

8. Dried orange peels can be stored in a cheesecloth bag and kept in closets, drawers or cupboards to help reduce musty odors.

9. Rubbing the leaves of your house plants with orange peels once a month and placing some orange peels on the surface of the soil in potted plants will help prevent you cat from destroying them.

10. One unusual use for dried orange peels is as kindling for fires.  The orange oils found in the peels are indeed flammable and corrosive, but they burn more slowly and steadily than common kindling material such as newspaper. Orange peels also have the advantage of creating a pleasant odor as they burn.

11. Placing orange peels at the bottom of your garbage can before putting in a garbage bag is said to reduce odor and also help discourage insect infestation.

12. Rubbing orange peels directly on the skin can be an effective mosquito repellent .Insects in generally find the odor of orange oil offensive.

13. Some experts suggest that a mixture of dried orange peels and coffee grounds will discourage neighborhood cats from using a homeowner’s yard as a litter box.  The overpowering smell of orange oil and coffee overrides their usual litter box signals.

14. Taking a few orange peels in a cup of warm water and make a puree in a blender. Pour this solution into anthills to prevent ants or anywhere around the house that you do not want ants to be.

15. If you are throwing away the orange peels, consider adding them to a compost pile if you have the space and use for fresh, healthy soil.  Orange peels can make your soil extra fertile.

16. Spreading some orange peels around the surface of the soil in your garden is an effective method of getting rid of slugs.

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Uses And Benefits Of Glycerine

Uses And Benefits Of Glycerine

1. A chemical with a molecular formula HOCH2-CHOH- CH2OH is known as glycerol or glycerine. It is one of the versatile chemicals and one of the safest in the planet. It is an organic compound containing three hydroxyl groups which gives it the name as a trihydric alcohol. This thick liquid has a sweet taste but has no odor and no color. It is found in core molecules of fats and oils. Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered the compound in 1779 after heating a mixture of olive oil and lead oxide. This time, the main source of the compound is soap production, which releases glycerol as a by-product.

2. Glycerol or glycerine is not toxic. That is why it is safely used in extensive purposes from personal care products to medications to food. Since it is derived from oil or fat, it may have acquired some similar properties, but this compound has its unique set of characteristics that allows it to be used in applications when oil fails to do so. The viscous substance is used to make cough syrups and medicines for ear infection. It is also used in creams and lotions. In vanilla extracts and food flavorings the substance acts as an additive. When added to ice cream, for instance, it provides natural sweetness reducing the amount of sugar needed and at the same time improving its texture. In toothpastes, it creates a characteristic shine and smooth texture of the semi-solid paste. Skin moisturizing and conditioning lotions also contain the organic compound to promote skin hydration thereby keeping the skin soft and relieves chapping or scaling. Hair shampoos contain this compound to improve texture and maintain their colloidal characteristics.

3. In food, the chemical acts as a humectant. Raisins dipped in glycerol remain soft and moist in cereals. The same thing also applies with food wrapping papers and meat casings which remain damp and flexible. The chemical is also used to treat tobacco leaves to effect similar results, not to mention the sweetness of the tobacco when chewed is due to its presence.

4. You might be wondering how soaps become transparent. The chemical is added in soap mixture or allowed to remain in the mixture during the making to produce a sleek and transparent finished product. The making of different hard foam products rely on the chemical because of its trihydric alcohol molecular structure. These hard foams are useful in building constructions. They are also found in appliances like dish washers and refrigerators. Moreover, the biotechnological production of vinegar from ethanol requires the trihydric alcohol as a catalyst.

5. Oil is an excellent lubricant. But there are instances when oil cannot be used for this purpose. In automobile engines, oil cannot be used in pumps and bearings to transfer gasoline and other hydrocarbons, which dissolve in oil-based lubricants. Cork caskets, when exposed to oil grease, are kept by glycerol tough and flexible. The textile industry sees the chemical in various operations mainly as a lubricant. It is also mixed with sugar to produce non-drying oil.

6. The solid form of glycerin melts at 18 degrees Celsius. But the liquid form does not freeze at that temperature and must be brought to extremely low temperatures for freezing to occur. This physical property promotes lowering of the freezing point of liquids it is mixed with. Thus, it has antifreezing advantage. In fact, like ethylene glycol, which is known as an automobile antifreeze, glycerol is also known as a cryoprotectant. Explaining further, the chemical has been used to preserve human blood and sperm, such that it can be added to these life-consisting liquid mixtures. Small amounts of the chemical can allow red blood cells to be frozen for three years. A cryoprotectant such as the chemical under discussion inhibits crystal formation
of water upon freezing. It is this expansion and crystal lattice formation in water molecules that destroys membranes of cells causing rupturing during freezing.

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Many uses of jackfruit

Many uses of jackfruit

The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a species of tree in the Artocarpus genus of the mulberry family (Moraceae). Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching 80 pounds in weight and up to 36 inches long and 20 inches in diameter. 

Jack fruit has many uses. Mature jack fruit can be prepared as a vegetable by boiling or cooking. Ripe jack fruit is a very popular fruit.  Both young jack fruit, as well as jack fruit seeds are prepared as a vegetable, while jack fruit seeds are also cooked to produce a delicious traditionaldish. Its many uses have been summarized below.
1. As a nutritious food – Mature jack fruit, young jack fruit and the jack fruit seeds provide high nutrition value food sources.
2. Fruit – ripe jack fruit is a popular fruit.
3. Value added processed food – dehydrated jack fruit, canned/bottled jack fruit, chips and other snacks based on jack fruit.
4. Timber – Jack fruit tree provides an excellent medium hardwood timber that shows termite resistance. This timber is widely used for making furniture, doors, windows & musical instruments.
5. Firewood – branches are used as firewood
6. Ecological and environmental use – Provides perennial cover, reducing the impact of rain drops and provides shade and serves as a wind break.
7. Medicinal value - various parts of the tree and the fruit are used in traditional medicine in many south east Asian countries.
8. Cultural value - Chips of heartwood when boiled yield yellow dye, used to color the robes of Buddhist monks. People of Hindu communities use leaves to decorate temples and other places of worship.

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Medicinal Uses Of Common Household Articles

Medicinal Uses Of Common Household Articles

1. Turkey baster-can be used to flush out wounds, or as siphon (oil,gas etc.)

2. Coffee filters-wipes for cleaning wounds, filtering water coffee/coffee grounds-antifungal, in WW I they used coffee ground enemas to hasten wound healing. This works by increasing the function of the liver & gall bladder to remove toxins from the body. (6 tbl grounds in 2 quarts water)

3. Krazy glue/Super glue-in place of "liquid bandage" on small cuts, paper cuts, blisters .

4.Hemostats-various uses for clamping, assisting with suturing, packing wounds

5. Clove oil-(main ingredient eugenol)used as anaesthetic, antiseptic. Apply directly to tooth to treat toothaches, dry socket (after tooth extraction,) mixed with zinc oxide to form a temporary filling, used on minor cuts and abrasions, improves circulation, purifies the blood, can be used on skin irritations like prickly heat or scabies, chewing on a clove or drinking a tea with it can ease nausea & indigestion, bruises and in the past was even used to treat Cholera. Must be used sparingly however since it can be toxic in high doses. (lethal dose is 3.752 g/kg body wt).

6. Black pepper-sprinkle generously on cuts to stop bleeding (leave on/covered for 2-3 days,) also used for shingles cayenne pepper-1 tsp in 1 cup hot water & gargle (can also drink this) to reduce sore throat, draws out infection.

7. Turmeric-for sore throats, helps cuts to stop bleeding, antiseptic

8. Baby wipes-hygiene, washing when no soap/water available, cleaning around wounds

9. Cranberry juice-prevent/treat urinary tract infections

10. Contractor bags-human waste, biohazardous contaminant disposal honey-natural antiseptic, currently being researched for its use in war zones (due to cheap cost) University of Sydney is working w/its use for chronic wounds, such as diabetic/venous stasis ulcers (due to poor circulation) also for burns & other wounds that require a sterile moist environment to heal. Saturate the gauze dressing with the honey, do not let it dry out. Cough syrup can be made with 1 part honey/1 part lemon juice

11. Banana peels-apply daily to assist with wart healing salt(NaCl, non-iodized is best for most uses)-homemade saline solution for wound cleansing, gargle for mouth care, sore gums & throat, nasal spray

12. Plain yogurt(unsweetened)-used topically/internally for yeast infections. May be used intra-vaginally

13. Mouthwash(with alcohol base)-can be used in a pinch to cleanse minor cuts/abrasions, best if you have antiseptic type like Listerene

14. Whiskey/brandy(EtOH)-anaesthetic/antiseptic

15. Broccoli juice-is antiseptic for wound care

16. Garlic-"wonder herb" of home remedies, antiseptic, stops bleeding (crush & use juice on wound,) anti-fungal, prevents gangrene & infections, also viruses and intestinal parasites, helps lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Most effective when using fresh whole cloves but oil/powdered forms are available.

17. Oregano oil-antifungal(can even penetrate nails, & for athlete's feet) antiseptic, works great in conjunction w/colloidal silver, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, has pain-killing properties, can be used topically/internally (just a small drop diluted for ingestion) Careful use if you are on blood thinners as it can also have an anti-coagulant property

18. Tea tree oil-very similar properties as oregano oil

19. Epsom salts(magnesium sulfate, MgSO4)-has many healing properties when used either topically internally. laxative (2-4 tsp/cup water wait 4 hours before repeating dose, too much can be toxic-give half this dose for children,) muscle relaxant for aches/bruises, draws toxins from the body, soaking may help to release a splinter & heal wound, exfoliates/softens skin-use 1-2 cups in a bath. Cautious use for those with high blood pressure or kidney problems) It also can be used in your garden to make grass greener/help veggies grow

20. Moist tea bag-anti-inflammatory, can be used to ease bug bites, sty, swollen/dark circles under eye, to ease diarrhea/stomach

21. Upset baking soda(sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3)-is a "base", adjusts pH, can be used in baby bath to ease diaper rash & for general skin irritations like chicken pox/poison ivy to soothe skin ,toothpaste substitute, helps canker sore, for a bee sting to draw out venom, make a paste w/rubbing alcohol (or cold water) apply then scrape away the stinger with a credit card or nail, best not to pull out with tweezer or fingers because more venom can be released, can be used to smother fires (especially good for class B oils/flammable liquids,) GI distress/gas relief/acid stomach take 1/2 tsp/cup water, underarm deodorant, you can also add a little to water when you soak dried beans to lessen their "gassy" effect

22. Apple cider & white vinegars (synthetic white vinegar is/similar  to 5% acetic acid which is used in hospitals on wounds with gram negative bacteria,) cleansing wounds, antifungal, used to disable stinging cells of jellyfish(I have heard or urine being used for this too,) outer ear canal infections, ease bruising, help reduce bleeding, 1/4 cup in vaporizor/or boil water & inhale steam to ease congestion/colds, eases sunburn, for insect stings, dandruff/dry skin relieves itch/softens skin, for arthritis mix 1/2 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar w/tsp flavoured gelatin-this is also good for nausea and morning sickness, mix equal parts water- vinegar liquid dish soap and put in a spray bottle apply to skin for natural insect repellant, also know to aid in wart removal.

23. After shave-many contain alcohol & have astringent properties for use as skin disinfectant

24. X-acto knife-trivia: originally invented in the 30's by a Polish immigrant who hoped to sell it to surgeons but it never took off so his brother suggested its use as a craft tool. So it makes sense to use in place of scalpel to remove spliters, debride wounds, perform minor surgery etc.

25. Fish hook/fishing line-great for use in suturing minor wounds (double aught 00 size is ideal) There was an actual study done based in Rwanda proving that nylon fishing line was as if not more effective than actual sutures! Boil for 20 min to sterilize 1st

26. Aloe vera plant-break off stalk and use sap on burns/abrasions coconut macaroon cookies-eat 2 a day to ease diarrhea, I found multiple testimonials from those w/Chrone's & other GI illnesses

27. Carob powder-1.5g/kg body wt for nausea/vomiting/diarrheacrisco/lard-apply to dry/chapped skin

28. Salt substitute(NuSalt, RealSalt are brands names, most contain potassium chloride KCl)-can be used to replete potassium.

29. Boric acid
(*note laundry detergents 20 Mule Team, Boraxo contain borax-similar but would not recommend for internal use)-safe to use has toxicity about equal to table salt. Uses include antifungal, take 1/32-1/4 tsp per liter water start w/smaller dose and build up to see your reaction (mycoplasma/parasites which may be found in Lupus, Rosacea, Morgellon's etc) mix with hydrogen peroxide to treat dog mange (may be drying to skin-apply oil after,) rid your home of pests as non-toxic insecticide, disinfectant, remove mildew

30. Ammonia-can be a substitute smelling salt (though a little harsher)

31., Hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-light causes it to break down rapidly, that is why it usually comes in a brown plastic bottle. Can be very toxic in pure form, usually sold in a weaker strength. Diluted w/water it can be used as antiseptic mouth rinse-whitens teeth too but may cause them to become temperature sensitive, removes blood stains, to cleanse wounds, can also be used in the kitchen to clean fruits and veggies, counter tops & cutting boards.

32. Bleach/clorox(sodium hypochloride)-used to prevent germ growth/infection in wounds. Mixed with baking soda & water for use in hospitals as Dakin's Solution to cleanse wounds/do dressings.

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Everyday Uses of Aspirin

Everyday Uses of Aspirin

1. Revive dead car batteries If you get behind the wheel only to discover that your car’s battery has given up the ghost  and there’s no one around to give you a jump  you may be able to get your vehicle started by dropping two aspirin tablets into the battery itself. The aspirin’s acetylsalicylic acid will combine with the battery’s sulfuric acid to produce one last charge. Just be sure to drive to your nearest service station.

2. Remove perspiration stains Before you give up all hope of ever getting that perspiration stain out of your good white dress shirt, try this: Crush two aspirins and mix the powder in 1/2 cup warm water. Soak the stained part of the garment in the solution for two to three hours.

3. Restore hair color Swimming in a chlorinated pool can have a noticeable, and often unpleasing, effect on your hair coloring if you have light-colored hair. But you can usually return your hair to its former shade by dissolving six to eight aspirins in a glass of warm water. Rub the solution thoroughly into your hair, and let it set for 10-15 minutes.

4. Dry up pimples Even those of us who are well past adolescence can get the occasional pimple. Put the kibosh on those annoying blemishes by crushing one aspirin and moistening it with a bit of water. Apply the paste to the pimple, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before washing off with soap and water. It will reduce the redness and soothe the sting. If the pimple persists, repeat the procedure as needed until it’s gone.

5. Treat hard calluses Soften hard calluses on your feet by grinding five or six aspirins into a powder. Make a paste by adding 1/2 teaspoon each of lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, then wrap your foot in a warm towel and cover it with a plastic bag. After staying off your feet for at least ten minutes, remove the bag and towel, and file down the softened callus with a pumice stone.

6. Control dandruff Is your dandruff problem getting you down? Keep it in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.

7. Apply to insect bites and stings Control the inflammation caused by mosquito bites or bee stings by wetting your skin and rubbing an aspirin over the spot. Of course, if you are allergic to bee stings — and have difficulty breathing, develop abdominal pains, or feel nauseated following a bee sting — get medical attention at once.

8. Help cut flowers last longer It’s a tried-and-true way to keep roses and other cut flowers fresh longer: Put a crushed aspirin in the water before adding your flowers. Other household items that you can put in the water to extend the life of your flower arrangements include: a multivitamin, a teaspoon of sugar, a pinch of salt and baking soda, and even a copper penny. Also, don’t forget to change the vase water every few days.

9. Use as garden aid Aspirin is not only a first-aid essential for you, but for your garden as well. Some gardeners grind it up for use as a rooting agent, or mix it with water to treat fungus conditions in the soil. But be careful when using aspirin around plants; too much of it can cause burns or other damage to your greenery. When treating soil, the typical dosage should be a half or a full aspirin tablet in 1 quart (1 liter) water.

10. Remove egg stains from clothes Did you drop some raw egg on your clothing while cooking or eating? First, scrape off as much of the egg as you can, and then try to sponge out the rest with lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water  it will set the egg. If that doesn’t completely remove the stain, mix water and cream of tartar into a paste and add a crushed aspirin. Spread the paste on the stain and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse well in warm water and the egg will be gone.

11. TAKE CARE About 10 percent of people with severe asthma are also allergic to aspirin  and, in fact, to all products containing salicylic acid, aspirin’s key ingredient, including some cold medications, fruits, and food seasonings and additives. That percentage skyrockets to 30 to 40 percent for older asthmatics who also suffer from sinusitis or nasal polyps. Acute sensitivity to aspirin is also seen in a small percentage of the general population without asthma  particularly people with ulcers and other bleeding conditions. Always consult your doctor before using any medication, and do not apply aspirin externally if you are allergic to taking it internally.

12. Remove Sweat Stains
The collar of that undershirt looks fine, but the armpits are caked and yellow like you're developing uranium for a nascent nuclear weapons program. Gross. Apparently the aluminum salts in most antiperspirants mixes with sweat to create a mostly-waterproof stain. The salicylic acid in aspirin makes a nice little anti-yellowcake mixture that can eradicate those sweat stains.

Crush up enough pills and mix with water to create enough paste to cover the sweat stain of your choice. Let it sit for several minutes then rinse. Launder as usual. This treatment is good for any protein-based stain, so pull it out for those times when you get some of that nosebleed on your shirt or dribble egg yolk onto your pants due to over-over-easiness.

Note: pound for pound, this is an expensive method of removing sweat stains (compared to using lemon juice, enzymatic meat tenderizer, or white vinegar), but it's a good thing to bear in mind if you're surprised by a serious stain in a random hotel room that stocks aspirin, but not meat tenderizer, in the lobby gift shop.

13. Salicylic acid. It's one of the topical applications used for acne treatment, and it just so happens to be a natural part of aspirin.

Crush up the pill and add some water to make a paste. Apply the aspirin paste to your pimple and wait for several minutes. Rinse off without rubbing too much, and the pimple should diminish in redness and size. Spot treatment for those "haven't showered since Friday" weekend camping trips where you want to look your best.

Possibly true fact: the taste of salicylic acid can discourage bears from gnawing on your face.

14. Just like the acne treatment, a little dab of aspirin paste will do you when it comes to mosquitoes, flies, and the other stinging and biting bugs out there.

A great little camping piece of know-how: willow trees and their ilk contain the natural equivalent of Bayer. Some bark will have a similar effect to the paste described earlier.

15. Crush two aspirin and add to your normal amount of shampoo you use to wash your hair. Apply the mixture on hair and leave it on for one to two minutes. Rinse well and ensure all the aspirin has been washed away.

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