Update: My client in Austin wanted a 'secret' room behind a bookcase, but the hinge guy had other ideas

We were installing this custom pivot hinge system (the kind that swings the whole wall) in a library, and the supplier sent a guy named Gary who only talked about his prize-winning roses. Halfway through, he stops, looks at the framing, and goes, 'You know, my trellis uses a better bracket for this.' He was right. I've used that same heavy-duty garden bracket on three hidden doors since. Anyone else have a weird fix that came from a totally different trade?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_charles1d ago

Oh totally! I once saw a plumber use a sink drain gasket as a spacer for a wobbly ceiling fan. It was the perfect thickness and never squeaked. Now I keep a few in my toolbox.

baker.ben1d ago

That's the kind of genius hack @the_charles that makes me feel both impressed and a little dumb. My toolbox is full of actual tools that never work as well as a random gasket. Guess I need to raid the plumbing aisle next.

taylor.jordan1d ago

Wait a sink drain gasket for a ceiling fan? That's wild. I'm with baker.ben on this, my actual tools feel useless now. What's next, using a toilet flapper to fix a car door? My whole toolbox is a lie. I need to go stare at the plumbing section and rethink my life.