Fixing Car Dents with Boiling Water DIY Hack
Many modern car bumpers are made of thermoplastic olefins, which possess thermal shape memory. Pouring boiling water over the dented area rapidly heats and softens the plastic polymer chains. Once the plastic becomes pliable, you can easily push the dent out from behind, restoring its factory-molded shape.
Chapter 1
Kitchen chemistry hacks
Chapter 2
Mind and memory hacks
Chapter 3
Ancient survival hacks
Chapter 4
Everyday physics and repair hacks
Ch 4 · Everyday physics and repair hacks
mamabear1989 Plastic Bumper Repair
Heat it up, pop it out! Heat it up, pop it out! Boiling water brings the bumper back.
mamabear1989 Toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive to buff out small scratches on surfaces.
Fun Fact
Zipper fix: Rubbing a pencil lead along a stuck metal zipper lubricates the teeth with graphite, letting it slide smoothly.
mamabear1989 Applying household oil breaks down sticky adhesive residues left behind by tape.
Glossary
torque (noun)
A twisting force that tends to cause rotation. In 1891, Johan Petter Johansson patented the adjustable wrench, a tool designed to maximize this force.
A twisting force that tends to cause rotation. In 1891, Johan Petter Johansson patented the adjustable wrench, a tool designed to maximize this force.
Quiz
What household liquid can remove rust from metal tools due to its mild acidity?
Quiz
What chemical principle explains why vegetable oil removes sticky sticker residue?
Quiz
What ingredient in standard toothpaste allows it to polish away minor scratches?