LJ Hive Mind: Accidental Tool

[peteyfrogboy]

So when I made my first aglet, I didn't punch the holes before forming it. I tried several times to punch or drill a hole in the completed aglet, but I just couldn't get anything to bite. The last thing I tried was to put a shaved down bamboo skewer inside the aglet for support while I punched a hole with the awl. Instead of punching a hole, the awl just made a dimple that attached the aglet to the skewer in a fairly permanent fashion:



Looking at the skewer with a pointy brass tip firmly affixed to its end, I realized that I had inadvertently made myself a new tool! The problem was, I didn't know what it was good for, aside from poking people. So I ask the LJ Hive Mind: 12" bamboo skewer with brass point - what is it for?

Comments

[operafantomet.livejournal.com]

Hehehe, you got a "scratching yourself in the back" took. Didn't you realize?

[peteyfrogboy.livejournal.com]

That was one of my first thoughts, though to be an optimal back scratcher it would need some sort of bend or hook on the end. I haven't ruled out doing that, of course. A hook may be of more general utility than a spike.

[eeyore-sings.livejournal.com]

Is the aglet smooth enough to use for holding a button on while weaving it? With the more tapered tip, the bottom might stay on better than on just the bamboo skewer.

[peteyfrogboy.livejournal.com]

Ah, good idea!

[ziactrice.livejournal.com]

Metal-tipped knitting needle? Could be handy for doing Egyptian-style knotted weaving. Or make another for a pair to do regular knitting...

[peteyfrogboy.livejournal.com]

I don't really knit, so it's unlikely. Also, I think the seam on the aglet might have a tendency to snag the yarn. If I finished the seam more carefully, it might work, though!

[rixende.livejournal.com]

turning tubes of fabric? gilding?

[heatermcca.livejournal.com]

Seed bead sorter. Larger general bead sorter. Pointer -- keep the brass all super shiny and it'll even gleam in the light and you've got a period version of a laser pointer. Probe for dissections. Ummmmm.....

[operafantomet.livejournal.com]

On a serious note, I think it could be a nice tool to make holes bigger without cutting in (like a stiletto), before inserting grommets or making lacing holes.

[peteyfrogboy.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it's by definition too small for that, since the aglets were made to be slightly smaller than the size of my eyelet holes. It's also not as sharp as an awl, so it might not work as well to start the hole (though I haven't tried it yet).

[lorelei01.livejournal.com]

A really precise corner turner for when you turn your project right side out with the lining and need to poke out the tight corners (especially the point on the side back seam on the front bodice portion if that makes any sense).

[peteyfrogboy.livejournal.com]

You know, I can't even remember the last time I turned something inside out (aside from the girl's pillow project). I don't really miss it at all.