There’s not much you can do with a penny anymore. Not only have prices gone up so much that small change feels even smaller than it once did, but the widespread use of credit cards has put a further dent in the usefulness of coins. Never fear; here are some ideas for ways to put that spare change to use.
Check Your Tire Treads
Did you know that you can use a coin to see if it’s time to replace your car’s tires? Just put a penny into the groove of your tire with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see his whole head, it’s time to replace those tires. Top of Abe’s head covered by rubber? You’re good to go for a while longer.
Take Rough Measurements
Out and about without a ruler but need to take a measurement? A quarter is almost an inch in diameter, which can serve as a handy reference tool in a pinch. And if you ever need to know, sixteen pennies laid in a row is one foot.
Fix Wobbly Furniture
Have a wobbly table? Glue a coin, two, or a few to the bottom of the short leg of a shaky table. Because coins are so thin, they are the perfect adjustable solution to this problem.
Keep Drapes Straight
Drapes blowing around and knocking things down? Prevent them from blowing around in the breeze with coins. Sew a quarter into the hem of each bottom corner to keep the drapes in place.
Tighten a Loose Screw
If a screw needs tightening on the go and you don’t have a screwdriver handy, give a coin a try. Pennies, nickels, or dimes are perfect for this application. Choose the appropriate coin based on the thickness of the grooves in your screw’s head.
Space Tiles
Need to set some tiles but forgot to pick up spacers (or simply don’t want to spend the cash)? Tuck pennies into corners and along edges for uniform spacing. Pull the pennies out before grouting and this solution is free!
Pop a Top
Just had a manicure but also want a cold canned beverage? Use a quarter to pop the tab of a can without breaking a nail.
Even though small change seems obsolete, it’s definitely not. These clever uses will have you reaching for loose coins the next time you’re in a pinch.
*Photo by Chris Briggs on Unsplash