Handy Devices

When Thomas Waters III, Damascus, Virginia, wants to cross one of his fences, he does it with a bolt. In this simple fence-crossing fix, Waters uses 12- or 16-inch bolts, depending on the diameter of the fencepost. About 2 feet off the ground, he drills a hole through the fencepost with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the bolt. He pushes the bolt through the hole and attaches a nut over the threaded end. When he wants to cross his fences, he equalizes the length of the bolt exposed on either side of the post. Then, he steps up onto the bolt on his side of the fence, puts a leg over the fence and puts his foot down onto the portion of bolt exposed on the other side of the fencepost.

Steady The Hitch Ball:

It is frustrating when the ball on your trailer hitch begins to turn as you try to remove it or tighten it into place. Willis Wendland, Balaton, Minnesota, has a quick fix. He welded a short piece of L-shaped flat bar to the bottom of the ball. The piece of steel needs to extend only slightly below the ball mount. Now, as you turn the nut, that length of bar prevents the ball from turning.

Pin For Wrenches:

After looking through his toolbox for the right-sized wrench, Elliot Iszler, Big Sky, Montana, came upon the idea of using a hitch pin to hold a complete set of wrenches. Now, when he’s looking for a wrench, he grabs the pin-mounted tools and takes them all to his work.

WINNING IDEAS: Win $150 if your idea is chosen as the month’s “Editor’s Choice” Handy Device. Win $50 for other ideas used on this page. To submit a Handy Device, please send clear photographs, detailed drawings and a complete explanation of your idea. With each entry, include your name, address and telephone number. If your entry is chosen, you will receive in the mail a Federal Tax Form W-9. This form must be completed and returned to The Progressive Farmer before payment can be made. Send Handy Device entries to The Progressive Farmer, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209.

Sorry, but we cannot acknowledge submissions or return photographs, drawings or documentation.

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