Handy Devices

Earplug Hat (Editor’s Choice):

Hearing loss is a common problem on the farm. So, Steve Yamnitz, Sedgewickville, Missouri, takes earplugs wherever he goes. He has found an easy way to carry them. Yamnitz wraps the cord with earplugs attached to the two ends inside the adjustable band of his hat. When he’s not using the plugs, he tucks them back up and out of the way into the hatband.

Valve Stem Tool:

Charles Collins, Paris, Arkansas, has big hands. At least, they are too big to easily reach the valve stem cap on the inside dual of his truck. So, he uses a 12-inch extension from his ratchet set to stretch his reach. An extension from a 3⁄8-inch set fits snugly over the cap.

Extra Hitch:

Robert Freeman Jr., Bonnerdale, Arkansas, found a way to store an extra hitch and ball for his truck. First, he made a hitch receiver from a length of 6-inch-long x 2-inch-square tubing. He drilled a hole through the tubing to accept a pin to hold the hitch in place. Then, he welded the square tubing to the back-end frame of his truck in a place with easy access. Now, he has with him at all times a 2-inch and 17⁄8-inch ball.

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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