The MacGyver Game

Joben

Joben

Joined
May 22, 2009
Messages
1,755
In this game we come up with novel, survival/outdoors related, uses for common household objects, and items commonly seen in survival, camping or first-aid kits.

When an item is named the next person to post has to think of an interesting practical use for it. Try to avoid the blindingly obvious. E.g. If someone says "paper-clip" don't say "You can use it to hold papers together." We all know that. :p

After you post a new use for an item, then you get to name the next item.

A good example which i just made up:


999BladesOnTheWall said:
Survivaldude420 said:
"First aid Alcohol Swabs"
Click to expand...
"Use them to clean sap from blades and stuff.

New Item: Dental Floss"
Click to expand...

This game will not have strictly enforced rules, because nobody is going to win anything. ;) Discussion is fine. I don't care if items or answers are repeated. If it looks like everyone is stumped feel free to revert back to a previous item or suggest a new one.

In a Nutshell: Someone posts an item, the next person thinks of something nifty to do with it. Then they post a new item.
 
Starting item. Someone think up something cool to do with it, then name something else:

Dental Floss.
 
Joben said:
Starting item. Someone think up something cool to do with it, then name something else:

Dental Floss.
Click to expand...

Dental floss is one of those items that is so multi purpose it's amazing. Just a couple of things that pop into mind...

Sewing thread

Fishing line

whipping (attach arrow heads to arrows)

David


My item will be....nails ( metal spikes normally used to hold two peices of wood together, not the ones on your fingers)
 
Depending on the size of the nail, brads can be twisted into improvised hooks. Large nails can be used as light-line stakes for snares, shelter stakes, or to brace items.

Nails can, with say dental floss (didn't think I paid attention, eh?), be pushed into the ground to create a basic pulley system so that pulling in one direction can allow loads to be lifted.

And with a rock, nails can be used as... nails! You can pound wood together for stronger shelters.

Okay. Next item: a single gym shoe (without laces, like you'd find on the side of the road).
 
Watchful said:
Okay. Next item: a single gym shoe (without laces, like you'd find on the side of the road).
Click to expand...

Ooooh Interesting. I went and looked at my two pairs of sneakers...

Possibilities depending on exact construction:

Possible fuel source; rubber and many synthetics burn nicely.
Fabrics might provide tinder if abraded.

Possibly Harvestable thread and fabric.
One could simply carry small items in the shoe itself.

The sole might make a field expedient strop.

New item: metal bottle cap, beer type
 
Last edited:
old compact disc can make a nifty signal mirror. complete with a view finder in the middle.


next item: rubber cement
 
Metal bottle cap:
fish scaler
fold in half with some kinda bbs or split shot inside, punch holes in each end add a hook to make a lure. These actually work, I make them sometimes.
Polish off the logo/paint and get a nice shine, use as a reflector for signaling.

Next item: binder clip

cool thread idea btw!

well, looks like I took too long writing my answer and thinking of a new item. lol Now we got 3 new items, hows that gonna work?
 
I'll deal with the binder clip. These are made of tempered spring steel and therefore can be used to cut softer metals which could come in handy in all sorts of situations.

(found out about this on a television show about prison weapons, convicts were using the binder clips to cut pieces off of their doors to make shanks)
 
Use binder clip to cut tongue from gym shoe.
Use same clip to cut dental floss.
Make sling from tongue and floss, using sunglasses frame to make needle for sewing.
Use rubber cement to cover blisters from practicing with sling. :)

Empty drinks can.
 
Empty drink can:

Parabolic fire starter
knife blade (think flint flake)

Best of all-
Pitfall trap to catch ants to eat when placed in the ant hill.



Next item

Wedding ring
 
Wedding ring:

Depending on size and shape, it (or portions of it) can be used for a fishing lure, in accordance with Anthony Hopkins' line from The Edge "It's gold - the whole world longs for it ...".

Partial sewing thimble.

Hmm. That's honestly all I can think of.


Next item: cellular phone. Busted. Doesn't work. No chance of reviving it.

Neat thread!

- Mike
 
Wedding Ring:

Used for part of a fishing lure to attract fish

Used for a "trigger" for snares and traps


oops sorry.........posted this as the above must have been written
 
Cell phone

Use the screen as a signalling mirror.
Use the battery to start a fire (a few ways there). Maybe the camera lens would do something too?
Thats all i can think of.



NEXT ITEM:
Umbrella
 
Umbrella
use as blind to help catch small animals.
turn upside down to collect rainwater
lots of fabric for cordage
many parts to make a spear or fishing gig.
cloth could be used as fishing net.

next item: Credit card
 
Credit Card:
Like a CD, sharpen it up into a simple cutting edge.

Cut the shiny areas into small pieces for lures.

Next item: Roll-on deodorant(Only kind I use).
 
CaptInsano said:
How about a rusty tire iron?
Click to expand...

Rusty, so it's carbon steel: might be able to get it to spark from a flint or pyrite nodule for fire lighting.

Helping to split logs for the fire - use it like a lever in a split.

Use as a throwing stick for hunting bunnies and squirls for roasting over that fire.

Fire poker.

Depending if you mean a real tire iron (rather than a wheel nut wrench) it might have a thinned end which could be sharpened on a rock. Make a small blade, strap it to a pole for a spear for more hunting.

Use it to beat the bear that's come to share the feast over the head.

If you are Bear Grills, tie a cord to the middle of the tire iron and use it as a grappling hook to climb up a mountain!





What could you do with a thick woolen sock?
 
Thick woolen sock. Well you could use it as a pot holder, tinder pouch, Cut lengthwise and insulate inside your boots in the cold. Unravel for line. Improvised glove. Prefilter your drinking water. How about a condom?
 
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