The Brake Is a Worth-While Addition to the Coaster from the Standpoint of Safety
Coasting on homemade devices is much enjoyed by children, but often accompanied with dangers because of difficulty in stopping quickly. The sketch shows a method of applying a simple brake to such a coaster, and the materials used may be obtained easily by boys in the home. The rubber mat indicated in the sketch gives a secure footing. The brake consists of a piece of wood, about 10 in. long and 3 in. wide. It is hinged to the base and held in a raised position by a coiled string, attached near the top of the device. A powerful pressure is obtained by throwing the rider’s weight on the pedal.
Fountain-Pen Wrench
The Eraser Aids in Gripping the Barrel
Experiencing considerable difficulty in unfastening the parts of my fountain pen, I pressed into service an eraser in the method illustrated. The grip on the pen parts was positive and resulted in quickly releasing them without marring the surface or injuring the fingers.—Contributed by Charles R. Mellen, Jr., Geneva, N. Y.
Diving Tower for the Summer Camp
Aquatic pleasures and sports at a summer camp or lake may be considerably enlivened by the building of a diving tower like that shown in the sketch. It has proved very successful at a boys’ summer camp at Crystal Lake, Ill. The boys have made a practice for several years of building a tower early each swimming season on the opening of their camp in July and disposing of it for about $5 at the close of the camp some weeks later. This covers the cost of the lumber, and several resorts and cottages now boast towers made by the campers.
