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Post by guido2 on Feb 3, 2019 13:28:04 GMT -5
I don't know about the rest of you ...but being retired and on a fixed income, I am always looking for cheap alternatives to products that we used to buy. Like buying house brand canned vegetables vs name. Taste the same and cheaper.
I think we all have a couple of these sort of things and I thought it would be a good idea of starting a thread so we can share them.
Here is one regarding eye drops as many of us due to age and too much posting on our PC use them.
Over the counter drops work ok ...but for what they are...still a bit pricey.
I still keep the regular drops around but I have found a cheap alternative that works as well..... equate Saline Solution for Sensitive eyes which is pretty much just a buffered PH balanced distilled water. In the morning when my eyes are gritty I either fill an eye cup and wash my eyes or simply stream and flush my eyes direct from the bottle.
Note; There are many other similar products which I am sure will also work. BUT BE SURE IT IS PRESERVATIVE FREE. And don't worry if it says 'for contacts' on it is not that 'specific'.
You can buy a pack of 4 12oz bottles for about 18 bucks on Amazon. And even using them to rinse my contacts after cleaning and flushing in the morning and drops during the day (when my contacts are out..use rewetter on them) one bottle last about 2-3 months easy.
My eyes specialist(s) are absolutely fine using it as I do. In fact they prefer it to 'just splashing your eyes' with tap water...which maybe ok to drink...but the chorine etc..is not wonderful for your eyes...think swimming pool
Sorry I went on so long. Oh and the disclaimer: I am not a Dr. nor am I an actor that plays one on TV. 😄😄
What I say here has been based on my experience and lack of side affects or issues.
Bottom line you can save yourself a LOT of money.
Hope you all have some great ideas.... I have another cheap alternatives for bathtub/soap cleaning products you can make with stuff you have around your house for pennies. And it works better than anything I have ever used. Let me know and I'll post it.
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Post by ShadowKnows on Feb 3, 2019 16:31:22 GMT -5
Liquid lanolin from Ebay (about 8 bucks) is a terrific lubricant when resizing centerfire cartridges. A pint diluted with 90% or better Isopropyl alcohol will resize thousands of casings. Try that with the standard RCBS gunk.
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Post by guido2 on Feb 3, 2019 16:46:26 GMT -5
Liquid lanolin from Ebay (about 8 bucks) is a terrific lubricant when resizing centerfire cartridges. A pint diluted with 90% or better Isopropyl alcohol will resize thousands of casings. Try that with the standard RCBS gunk. Got to keep that one in mind. I always wondered why my hands felt smooth and silky after a reloading session....maybe that is the reason. That is all it is. Same sort of thing with cleaning out my airbrush after a modeling session...really fancy expensive 'specific' air brush cleaners. My recipe I got from others ….some windex or glass plus or windshield washer fluid.But if you are using metal airbrushes...careful...the possible ammonia in the Windex is not nice to metal....my Aztec I can soak it all day. Some distilled water and some glycerin. This guys is excellent...the link also includes generic paint thinners for Acrylics. I use them all the time...
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Post by cowboyz on Feb 11, 2019 16:27:31 GMT -5
Been using Amazon batteries instead of any of the name brand. They are half the cost and last just as long as my old Energizer batteries.
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Post by cowboyz on Feb 11, 2019 16:29:13 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money.
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Post by guido2 on Feb 11, 2019 18:53:45 GMT -5
Been using Amazon batteries instead of any of the name brand. They are half the cost and last just as long as my old Energizer batteries. Ok that sounds like one worth trying. Hey I got prime. 😆 Batteries....I don't know about you....but it seems that the battery for you mouse dies at the most inopportune time. What I do is pop that battery out...don't even have to take it all the way out....if the +/nipple side is facing you that is fine. Wait about 20 seconds....pop the battery back in. You got another 15 minutes easy. In doing that it gives the end charge points to balance.... But I am guessing only on what I know about charge points with old laptop computers that used alkaline or ? batteries. New PCs are lithium or ? and that setting of end points seems to be a non-issue. Sorry I rambled. News is boring. 😄
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Post by guido2 on Feb 11, 2019 19:00:53 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money. Best longest lasting razor I ever used was the Gillette Sensor. Now I realize that everyones beard is different. But I get....drum roll... at least a month to 2 months our of one cartridge. So one 6 pack last me a year. Been using them since the 80's or earlier. Tip...in the old days 'Dad' could take the blade our and wash it. I caught myself only rinsing one side....and NOT REAR flushing....to blow the stuff out. I always wondered what using a water pic on it would do. No... I am not that crazy to do an experiment.
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Post by AcneO on Feb 12, 2019 0:24:25 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money. Best longest lasting razor I ever used was the Gillette Sensor. Now I realize that everyones beard is different. But I get....drum roll... at least a month to 2 months our of one cartridge. So one 6 pack last me a year. Been using them since the 80's or earlier. Tip...in the old days 'Dad' could take the blade our and wash it. I caught myself only rinsing one side....and NOT REAR flushing....to blow the stuff out. I always wondered what using a water pic on it would do. No... I am not that crazy to do an experiment. The Fusions last like the Energizer Bunny, they ain't cheap but close and smooth as a baby's ass. Almost impossible to cut yourself and I bet a 2 or 3 pack last me 4 or 5 months. Then again I only shave 2 or 3 times a week anymore.
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Post by guido2 on Feb 12, 2019 11:21:31 GMT -5
Best longest lasting razor I ever used was the Gillette Sensor. Now I realize that everyones beard is different. But I get....drum roll... at least a month to 2 months our of one cartridge. So one 6 pack last me a year. Been using them since the 80's or earlier. Tip...in the old days 'Dad' could take the blade our and wash it. I caught myself only rinsing one side....and NOT REAR flushing....to blow the stuff out. I always wondered what using a water pic on it would do. No... I am not that crazy to do an experiment. The Fusions last like the Energizer Bunny, they ain't cheap but close and smooth as a baby's arse. Almost impossible to cut yourself and I bet a 2 or 3 pack last me 4 or 5 months. Then again I only shave 2 or 3 times a week anymore. How many blades? The sensor only has two. I found that for some reason when I get above two blades they don't seem to cut the hairs but yank them out. But that experiment was several years back using 'intro/free/try it' stuff. Name brands....still yanked.
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Post by cowboyz on Feb 12, 2019 13:41:00 GMT -5
Been using Amazon batteries instead of any of the name brand. They are half the cost and last just as long as my old Energizer batteries. Ok that sounds like one worth trying. Hey I got prime. 😆 Batteries....I don't know about you....but it seems that the battery for you mouse dies at the most inopportune time. What I do is pop that battery out...don't even have to take it all the way out....if the +/nipple side is facing you that is fine. Wait about 20 seconds....pop the battery back in. You got another 15 minutes easy. In doing that it gives the end charge points to balance.... But I am guessing only on what I know about charge points with old laptop computers that used alkaline or ? batteries. New PCs are lithium or ? and that setting of end points seems to be a non-issue. Sorry I rambled. News is boring. 😄 LOL... when my mouse dies I just replace it! Try a 6 pack of the Amazon batteries and see what you think.
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Post by cowboyz on Feb 12, 2019 13:42:16 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money. Best longest lasting razor I ever used was the Gillette Sensor. Now I realize that everyones beard is different. But I get....drum roll... at least a month to 2 months our of one cartridge. So one 6 pack last me a year. Been using them since the 80's or earlier. Tip...in the old days 'Dad' could take the blade our and wash it. I caught myself only rinsing one side....and NOT REAR flushing....to blow the stuff out. I always wondered what using a water pic on it would do. No... I am not that crazy to do an experiment. No need for savings then. Mine don't last 2 months. I wish they did!!
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Post by guido2 on Feb 12, 2019 13:45:20 GMT -5
Ok that sounds like one worth trying. Hey I got prime. 😆 Batteries....I don't know about you....but it seems that the battery for you mouse dies at the most inopportune time. What I do is pop that battery out...don't even have to take it all the way out....if the +/nipple side is facing you that is fine. Wait about 20 seconds....pop the battery back in. You got another 15 minutes easy. In doing that it gives the end charge points to balance.... But I am guessing only on what I know about charge points with old laptop computers that used alkaline or ? batteries. New PCs are lithium or ? and that setting of end points seems to be a non-issue. Sorry I rambled. News is boring. 😄 LOL... when my mouse dies I just replace it! Try a 6 pack of the Amazon batteries and see what you think. I plan to.
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elflippo
Full Member
Chess Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935)
Posts: 1,113
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Post by elflippo on Aug 11, 2019 10:40:34 GMT -5
Batteries....I don't know about you....but it seems that the battery for you mouse dies at the most inopportune time. Try a usb type mouse. No batteries needed. Plug it into a usb slot, your pc recognizes new hardware, your pc automatically installs it. You're good to go.
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elflippo
Full Member
Chess Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935)
Posts: 1,113
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Post by elflippo on Aug 11, 2019 10:48:53 GMT -5
If you ever need Alka-Seltzer but you're out, try some baking soda mixed with lemon juice. Got the idea from a waitress. I forgot the proportions, but a teaspoon (bs) and a squeeze (lj) in a cup of water should be close.
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elflippo
Full Member
Chess Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935)
Posts: 1,113
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Post by elflippo on Aug 11, 2019 10:50:45 GMT -5
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a cheap & efficient hair dressing.
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Post by WKDWZD on Aug 11, 2019 11:02:29 GMT -5
The Daily Mail, Telegraph and Guardian all make excellent TP ... preferably before you read them.
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Post by guido2 on Aug 11, 2019 11:14:26 GMT -5
If you ever need Alka-Seltzer but you're out, try some baking soda mixed with lemon juice. Got the idea from a waitress. I forgot the proportions, but a teaspoon (bs) and a squeeze (lj) in a cup of water should be close. That sounds good for an upset stomach but it also includes stuff for aches and pains. Maybe an aspirin along with your home brew? Me while I am half blind....fortunately God did bless me with a good digestive track and rare headaches. I have found that if my stomach is upset I will 'chug' a bottle of club soda or seltzer. Make sure you are away from guests or the signifgant other. And let out one big burb...no holding back. Works everytime for me. PS I find club soda with the 'salts' in it seems to sooth the stomach better.
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Post by guido2 on Aug 11, 2019 11:15:33 GMT -5
The Daily Mail, Telegraph and Guardian all make excellent TP ... preferably before you read them. Ohhhh geeezeee. Lends new meaning to a newspapers smear campaign. 🤣
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Post by guido2 on Aug 11, 2019 11:31:58 GMT -5
DO YOU LOOSE TINY PARTS LIKE WATCH SCREWS....CHEAP TIP.
Here is one for handling 'itty bitty things'. Doesn't matter if it is a tiny screw (like a watch) or electroics etc.
I have found that if you are working say, on replacing a watch battery you take the screws off the back bezel with jewlers screwdrivers...that's easy....getting them back into the hole (and not cross threading them) is difficult by finger or tweezers. Inevitably they end up flying off and into the abyss.
What I do now is I got some bees wax...break off a small piece...roll it and warm it into an appropriately sized point and dap the point on the screw in this case. The wax holds perfectly fine for positioning in the hole and allows you to line up the tip of the screwdriver.
Further the wax leave little or no residue.
An alternate to that is using your wife's micro-makeup/nail brushes. They essentially micro plastic toothpicks with a small fuzzy microfiber tip (like a mini q-tip). All you do is dab the fuzzy end in water...wipe some out with a paper towel and touch the part you wish to pick up. Move it into place and off you go.
Note: Both methods may work on irregular (screws) or flat parts (button battery bracket) but I find the was works best on irregular objects (rough adhesion) and the wet micro brush on smooth flat objects.
I have used both methods for sometime because of my hobby of modeling …..and I had a v-8 moment a year or so ago. Haven't looked back.
Hope this is useful.
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elflippo
Full Member
Chess Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch (1886-1935)
Posts: 1,113
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Post by elflippo on Aug 11, 2019 11:35:58 GMT -5
Yep. Alka-Seltzer is basically bicarbonate of soda, better known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, plus citric acid (thus the lemon juice), plus aspirin.
In addition to seltzer water, I've been known to drink tonic water. The quinine in it makes for a good gin & tonic.
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Post by apexbud on Aug 11, 2019 13:45:58 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money. I'm saving a ton on razors...... I stopped shaving and grew a beard! 😎
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Post by cowboyz on Aug 11, 2019 15:08:35 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money. I'm saving a ton on razors...... I stopped shaving and grew a beard! 😎 That'll do it!! Mountain Man!🙂
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Post by apexbud on Aug 11, 2019 20:24:14 GMT -5
Here's a tip that works for me. YMMV
Instead of using bug spray like Off or Repel, try Vicks VapoRub.
Bugs don't like the camphor, eucalyptus oil or menthol. Rub just a little on your hot spots; wrists, back of hands, inside of elbows & knees, back of neck, both sides of yoir throat, temples, wherever you get bit.
A little goes a long way, and I find it works great.
Better for you then all those chemicals...
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Post by guido2 on Aug 12, 2019 20:24:10 GMT -5
Here's a tip that works for me. YMMV Instead of using bug spray like Off or Repel, try Vicks VapoRub. Bugs don't like the camphor, eucalyptus oil or menthol. Rub just a little on your hot spots; wrists, back of hands, inside of elbows & knees, back of neck, both sides of yoir throat, temples, wherever you get bit. A little goes a long way, and I find it works great. Better for you then all those chemicals... Ok that is worth trying....the 'no see'ums' are a pain this year even in the backyard. Will report back.
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Post by zenwalk on Aug 13, 2019 12:22:07 GMT -5
Vinegar and water cleans anything. Great on cars, windows, floors, hard water stains, probably even the baby.
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Post by guido2 on Aug 13, 2019 15:43:01 GMT -5
Vinegar and water cleans anything. Great on cars, windows, floors, hard water stains, probably even the baby. I forget the exact formulation but we use a homebrew combination of vinegar, dawn detergent (minimal) and water for cleaning the soap scum and periodic mold in the shower and the toilet. Spray, wait, rinse. easy. The next best thing is 'Bartenders' ….which you still have to scrub....this...spray rinse done.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2019 15:56:54 GMT -5
The Daily Mail, Telegraph and Guardian all make excellent TP ... preferably before you read them.  Add the WAPO!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2019 16:00:29 GMT -5
The Citronella plant is better than the ol' citronella candle for chasing mosquitoes, much cheaper and better for the environment.
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Post by palealeman on Aug 14, 2019 19:06:08 GMT -5
Razors... outrageous prices... joined Dollar Shave Club and it's been GREAT! I use the razors as well, no complaints and we are saving a lot of money. I use their razors as well. I've found that drying the blades off after use helps extend the life. I shave infrequently, maybe once a week or so, and can get several months out of a blade.
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Post by palealeman on Aug 14, 2019 19:40:48 GMT -5
Shifting slightly, I find a Chromebook more than satisfactory for what I do. Needed a new computer a couple of years back, bought a Chromebook at Walmart for about $130. Still doing fine, hasn't lost any speed, and the OS is updated about every 6 weeks or so.
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