Divergent thinking challenge

sjian · **on:** February 25, 2012, 02:19:06 PM

I recently watched a lecture that mentioned there was a test that asked the question "how many uses can you come up with for a paper clip?" and the majority of people could come up with 10-15 uses and "geniuses" at divergent thinking could come up with 200 uses for a paper clip.

Anyway, I was wondering how many uses can the people on here think of for a paper clip? What about a knife blade?

I'll try with the blade:
-cutting tool
-on SAK series: mirror
-light prying device
-fire starting (back of the blade)
-chisel
-scraping tool for cleaning (back of the blade)
-reamer
-awl (if it's pointed enough)
-flat head screwdriver (if it's thick enough)

ducttapetech · **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2012, 02:46:05 PM

I am game.
stab it a wall or a tree to hang stuff up
scrapper
eating utensil
shaving
poker
can opener
stir stick
setting spark plug gap
tire deflating device
screwdriver
philips
hammer
ruler
fire starter
awl
bottle opener
pencil sharpener
candle holder
toothpick
oh yeah.. use it to cut stuff.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2012, 02:49:12 PM

Remind me never to lend either of you one of my knives

sjian · **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2012, 08:45:20 PM

Well I'm hoping most of the people on here realize to use the proper tool for the specific task. But in a survival situation such as our world being taken over by squirrels, sometimes you have to improvise.

I never thought of the spark plug gap, but that also means you need to know thick your blade is at a given point. I suppose you could do it in conjunction with a micrometer.

82brutus · **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2012, 09:22:05 PM

Quote from: sjian on February 25, 2012, 08:45:20 PM

Well I'm hoping most of the people on here realize to use the proper tool for the specific task.

Yeah given that most of the 'uses' of a paper clip are somewhat destructive to the paper clip, I figure this is a no hold barred situation.

Door stop
Hanger
Razor
Chisel
Pry
Mirror
Poking device
Stabbing device
Spear point
Arrow point
Scraper
Wedge
Saw
Can opener
Hinge
Door or window lock
Alarm system
Shovel
Electrical conduit
Electrical fuse
Detonator
Counter weight
Plumb line
Writing utensil
Ruler
Screw driver
Pulley
Piton
Anchor
Tent stake
Handle
Sling
Hammer
Picture hanger
Paint can opener
Window breaker
Prop
Fan
Shovel
Calendar
Belt buckle
Trailer hitch

All I can think of right now. Sorry for any repetitions.

I think we all know that if you are using a knife the right way, you can make much of this with a knife without destroying it but for fun destroy away and even if the uses aren't optimal I say go for it!

Sent from my phone.