Tool Tips for the Frugal and Adventurous Shopper

by Lisa Bell
Macell Incorporated

I know that there are a lot of people out there that remake old things into something new to save the items from going into the landfills.

There are others that do it to save money. Whether you are saving money, resources or both you are doing a good thing, and taking on a challenge.

I would like to share a few tricks that I have learned which save me some trouble.

Always keep a tape measure with you, even if you aren’t planning on getting anything. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have been somewhere and someone will offer me everything from paints for my hobby to plywood to make the designs out of, to furniture. The tape measure will save you from having to eyeball and guess at whether the item will fit where you want to put it.

If you are looking for something special keep a list with you with the measurements, colors or other details of the item you are looking for. IPods and other electronic devices have a notes feature if you prefer that over paper. For instance if you need an odd sized door for an older home you would want to know the measurements of the opening so when you get to the yard sale, used construction material store, or antique store you will know if the door will fit.

I do decorative painting and I am always on the lookout for slate tiles, certain wood cut pieces, and more to put a design on. If I have an idea of the size of the design then I can just measure the item I am looking at and tell if it will work. This tends to cut down on clutter.

For those of you that like to pick up larger objects such as furniture keeping a set of bungee cords and ratchet straps is a good idea. Having a pickup allows you to easily pick things up but keeping your load securely tied will save you and everyone on the road with you a lot of trouble.

Keeping a few tools with you such as a screwdriver, pliers, and a pry bar along with your tape measure will come in handy for disassembling items too big for your car.

Happy shopping everyone!

Article submitted Thursday, January 12, 2012 & read 11 times.

Lisa Bell is the President of Macell Incorporated, which owns www.anpawi.com, (Anpa Wi is "sun" in the Dakota Native American Language) a solar products website. Lisa lives in Swanzey, NH and runs her business from her home, and she is trying to promote cleaner ways of living while being financially smart.

Lisa also has an interest in smart tools check out her page at: Face Book http://ja-jp.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Bells-Tomboy-Tools-Page/304791597795

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