MAKE Asks: Epic Kludges

MAKE Asks: is a weekly column where we ask you, our readers, for responses to maker-related questions. We hope the column sparks interesting conversation and is a way for us to get to know more about each other.

This week’s question: A kludge is define as “An ill-assorted collection of parts assembled to fulfill a particular purpose.” It’s often the result of being in a tight situation, or using a piece of junk to solve a problem in a novel way. What kludges are you particularly proud of?

When I was a teenager I backpacked through the catskill mountains. After the first day, the strap on my Teva sandals broke, leaving me no practical way to air out my tootsies from those sweaty hiking boots. I fixed it by tying a piece of parachute cord on and melting the ends of the knot so it wouldn’t come undone. That kludge last ten whole years, before the soles started separating from the sandals and my wife forced me to throw them away.

Post your responses in the comments section.