10 Uses of Steel Wool

Steel Wool, that object you’ve seen in the hardware stores, walked past thinking you wouldn’t want a woolly jumper made from it and forgotten all about. Many people over look it but it can actually be a great tool to have in your toolbox.

Bearing Boys know how important having the right tools is, so here are 10 uses of steel wool and reasons to keep it in your toolbox that you should know about:

1. Cleaning Garden Tools

Spades, hoes, rakes, trowels and any other tools used in the garden are prone to being covered in dirt and rusting. Steel wool can remove any scrapes, mud or rust making your tools look brand new.

2. Sharpen Scissors

If you run steel wool along each blade of your scissors (carefully) you will sharpen them. This is the same for knives and is a useful tip for any cook.

3. Keep Away Pests

No, we don’t mean your neighbours or kids, this time we mean rodents. Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Slugs, those unwanted creatures that might be able to come in through any holes in your house. For a short-term solution, put steel wool in the hole and it will stop any pests trying to get in.

Just make sure to secure it in place!

4. Remove Any Rust

Removing rust from bike handlebars or any other metal is easily done using steel wool. This can bring an old bike back to life, make ornaments look brand new and be a cheap alternative to replacing the item.

5. Start A Campfire

(Don’t try this at home, unless your home is a campsite) Wrap a piece of steel wool around a piece of cotton will and this will form the base for a great camp fire. It is easily done and will last until wood can be added.

6. Sanding Woodwork

If your woodwork needs sanding and you haven’t any sanding paper then steel wool is a great alternative. It can remove any sharp edges, splinters or rivets and get your chairs, tables or cupboards looking brand new.

7. Brighten Your Shoes

Lots of us have shoes with scuffs on the front, heel or side. It can sometimes mean they look dirty, old and you don’t want to wear them out anywhere. Instead of throwing them out and buying a brand new pair, you can use steel wool to make them look bright once again. Try dipping the wool in water and then rubbing over the scuff (carefully) and then see how much of an improvement it has made.

8. Clean Tyres

Whether it is car tyres, bike tyres, motorbike tyres or any other kind, they can easily be cleaned using steel wool. This will remove dirt, rust and hard stains making your tyres look shiny and new.

9. Cleaning Your Windows

This might sound like something that will not end well, but trust us it works. Not pressing too hard, using steel wool on your windows means that you will remove any dirt or hard stuck stains. If you use it with a vinegar and water solution you can also remove any glare as well.

10. Tightening Screws

If you have a screw that is loose in its hole then you can twist some steel wool round it and tighten it that way. It will mean the screw is left in place and it will not come loose.

Now you are inspired to use your steel wool, go out and buy some and see how many different uses there really have.

Disclosure: This is a featured post.

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