Tightening Lever for Tennis Nets
The Upper Rope on a Tennis Net Held Taut with a Lever on the Post
Tennis nets are always sagging and to keep them at the proper height requires considerable attention, especially so where the posts are not solidly set in the ground. A very effective net tightener, and one that is easy to make is the lever shown in the illustration. One end of a piece of hardwood board is shaped into a handle the other end being left large. In the latter a hole is cut to fit loosely over the post for the net. The upper end of the post is notched and a sheave pulley is placed in it so that the groove will be in line with the net. The upper rope on the net is run over the pulley and is attached to the lever handle. A downward pressure on the handle draws the rope taut and locks it on the post. It is easily removed from the post and can be left attached to the rope and rolled up in the net when not in use.
A Desk Watch Holder
A watch holder for the desk is a great convenience for the busy worker, and many calendar devices are sold for this purpose, yet they are no more efficient than the one illustrated, which can be made from an ordinary spindle desk file. If the wire is too long it can be cut off and the bend made in it to form a hook for the watch ring.
Cleaning Silverware
To clean silverware or anything made of the precious metals, such as jewelry, etc., is very simple with the following method: Place a piece of zinc in a cup, dish, or any glazed ware; put in the articles to be cleaned, and pour over them a hot solution of water and carbonate of soda—washing soda—in proportions of one tablespoonful of soda to ¹⁄₂ gal. of water. This is a solution and method used by many jewelers for cleaning pins, rings, chains, and many other small articles made in gold and silver.
¶A machine should never be stopped in the midst of a fine cut.