no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 8:29:18 AM UTC-4, micky wrote:
no question, just a story.


Here's an answer.

Walmart has exercise bands, long pieces of flat elastic. (don't get the tubes.)

They are about $10 for a three pack, about 8 inches wide and maybe 6 feet long, flat thin elastic in three thicknesses. I'm going from memory, I bought them years ago for making slingshots.

You can cut them with a scissors if you put masking tape on first, but if you really want to do a good job use a rotary cutter and mat.

On 05/13/2020 06:29 AM, micky wrote:
More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-0660.../dp/B005JCPTWI

They may not be comfortable but they won't break...

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 10:05:27 AM UTC-4, rbowman wrote:
On 05/13/2020 06:29 AM, micky wrote:
More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-0660.../dp/B005JCPTWI

They may not be comfortable but they won't break...

Good choice.

a more practical one though is the file band, a large thin rubber band made for holding file folders shut. they are 7 inches long, 1/8 inch in diameter, seem perfect for masks.

Tape it on.

In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 07:50:36 -0700 (PDT), TimR
wrote:

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 10:05:27 AM UTC-4, rbowman wrote:
On 05/13/2020 06:29 AM, micky wrote:
More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-0660.../dp/B005JCPTWI

Great. I ordered 6, enough for 3 masks.

They may not be comfortable but they won't break...

I can take it.

Good choice.

a more practical one though is the file band, a large thin rubber band made for holding file folders shut. they are 7 inches long, 1/8 inch in diameter, seem perfect for masks.

On Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.
Masks and hearing aids don't get along well.
I had to go out yesterday to a store - had to wear a mask. When I got
home I was missing a hearing aid. Ends up I knocked it out/off taking
off the mask. Thankfully it "talks to" my I-Phone. When I went back
hours later it lit up the iphone when I pulled into the parking lot
and there it was - incredibly NOT crushed or damaged - right where I
knocked it off when I removed the mask - - - -
Saved a couple thousand!!!!

On Wed, 13 May 2020 05:58:49 -0700 (PDT), TimR
wrote:

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 8:29:18 AM UTC-4, micky wrote:
no question, just a story.


Here's an answer.

Walmart has exercise bands, long pieces of flat elastic. (don't get the tubes.)

They are about $10 for a three pack, about 8 inches wide and maybe 6 feet long, flat thin elastic in three thicknesses. I'm going from memory, I bought them years ago for making slingshots.

You can cut them with a scissors if you put masking tape on first, but if you really want to do a good job use a rotary cutter and mat.


It's been more than a few years since you could get a 3 pack for $10.

On Wed, 13 May 2020 08:06:04 -0600, rbowman
wrote:

On 05/13/2020 06:29 AM, micky wrote:
More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-0660.../dp/B005JCPTWI

They may not be comfortable but they won't break...
There's usually a few lying on the side of the road - AKA Tarp Straps

On Wed, 13 May 2020 12:55:36 -0700 (PDT), Thomas
wrote:

Tape it on.
Or pin it to your ears with safety pins - - - -

In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 23:24:19 -0400, Clare Snyder
wrote:


Masks and hearing aids don't get along well.
I had to go out yesterday to a store - had to wear a mask. When I got
home I was missing a hearing aid. Ends up I knocked it out/off taking
off the mask. Thankfully it "talks to" my I-Phone. When I went back
hours later it lit up the iphone when I pulled into the parking lot
and there it was - incredibly NOT crushed or damaged - right where I
knocked it off when I removed the mask - - - -
Saved a couple thousand!!!!

That's great. It pays to look.

On 05/13/2020 09:26 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2020 08:06:04 -0600, rbowman
wrote:

On 05/13/2020 06:29 AM, micky wrote:
More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-0660.../dp/B005JCPTWI

They may not be comfortable but they won't break...
There's usually a few lying on the side of the road - AKA Tarp Straps


I wonder how many of the S hooks wind up embedded in someone's tire?

On 05/13/2020 09:27 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2020 12:55:36 -0700 (PDT), Thomas
wrote:

Tape it on.
Or pin it to your ears with safety pins - - - -


I knew those piercings must be good for something.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 8:29:18 AM UTC-4, micky wrote:
no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

Everybody who needs an elastic can get an elastic.




More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

On 5/13/20 10:24 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky

[snip]

Masks and hearing aids don't get along well.
I had to go out yesterday to a store - had to wear a mask. When I got
home I was missing a hearing aid. Ends up I knocked it out/off taking
off the mask. Thankfully it "talks to" my I-Phone. When I went back
hours later it lit up the iphone when I pulled into the parking lot
and there it was - incredibly NOT crushed or damaged - right where I
knocked it off when I removed the mask - - - -
Saved a couple thousand!!!!


Would it help to get in your car before taking the mask off?

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/

"I think, therefore I am an atheist."

On 5/13/20 2:55 PM, Thomas wrote:
Tape it on.

Wouldn't it be simpler to take the mask off IN THE CAR?


--
A zealot's stones will break my bones, but gods will never hurt me.

On 5/13/2020 8:29 AM, micky wrote:
no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


I used this, works great

https://www.amazon.com/3m-elastic-ro.../dp/B087M6X9S9

On Thu, 14 May 2020 07:49:21 -0600, rbowman
wrote:

On 05/13/2020 09:26 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2020 08:06:04 -0600, rbowman
wrote:

On 05/13/2020 06:29 AM, micky wrote:
More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.

https://www.amazon.com/Erickson-0660.../dp/B005JCPTWI

They may not be comfortable but they won't break...
There's usually a few lying on the side of the road - AKA Tarp Straps


I wonder how many of the S hooks wind up embedded in someone's tire?
In all my years working as a mechanic I found all kinds of things in
tires - but never an tarp-strap "s" hook. Screwdrivers, a wrench, a
dart, a 3 inch long 1/2" bolt - and inside a fully inflated tire - a
full bottle of beer - just for starters.

On Thu, 14 May 2020 13:39:56 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On 5/13/20 10:24 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky

[snip]

Masks and hearing aids don't get along well.
I had to go out yesterday to a store - had to wear a mask. When I got
home I was missing a hearing aid. Ends up I knocked it out/off taking
off the mask. Thankfully it "talks to" my I-Phone. When I went back
hours later it lit up the iphone when I pulled into the parking lot
and there it was - incredibly NOT crushed or damaged - right where I
knocked it off when I removed the mask - - - -
Saved a couple thousand!!!!


Would it help to get in your car before taking the mask off?
Lost the same hearing aid IN thetruck a few years ago.we were tearing
the roof off the shed. Didn't know if it was in the trailer, on the
lawn, or in the truck. I knew it was to the east side of the house by
the signal strength. Frcided the only way to know where it was was to
take the truck for a drive. A block from home I was still getting a
good signal. Ends up I had knocked it out when I tuened my head to
open the cab slider window and it dropped down behind/between the
seats. Found it in the seat track - - - -

In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


Walmart is out too, and even if the other chain in Baltimore has it now,
I've sort of lost interest.

I'm going to wait until they open the new elastic mines in Zimbabwe and
start to import elastic from there.

Until then, if necessary I'll just use thread of a fixed length and rely
on my new bouffant hairstyle to apply the backward pressure on the
threads and mask.

On 15/05/2020 07:34, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


Walmart is out too, and even if the other chain in Baltimore has it now,
I've sort of lost interest.

I'm going to wait until they open the new elastic mines in Zimbabwe and
start to import elastic from there.

Until then, if necessary I'll just use thread of a fixed length and rely
on my new bouffant hairstyle to apply the backward pressure on the
threads and mask.

Use a pair of womens knickers, put the leg holes behind your ears and
the crutch over your mouth and nose ;-)

--
Bod

On 5/15/2020 1:34 AM, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


Walmart is out too, and even if the other chain in Baltimore has it now,
I've sort of lost interest.

I'm going to wait until they open the new elastic mines in Zimbabwe and
start to import elastic from there.

Until then, if necessary I'll just use thread of a fixed length and rely
on my new bouffant hairstyle to apply the backward pressure on the
threads and mask.


Swimsuit stretch material will work as an elastic substitute.

--
Maggie

Muggles writes:
On 5/15/2020 1:34 AM, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


Walmart is out too, and even if the other chain in Baltimore has it now,
I've sort of lost interest.

I'm going to wait until they open the new elastic mines in Zimbabwe and
start to import elastic from there.

Until then, if necessary I'll just use thread of a fixed length and rely
on my new bouffant hairstyle to apply the backward pressure on the
threads and mask.


Swimsuit stretch material will work as an elastic substitute.

Spandex (AKA elastane) _is_ an elastic.

On 5/13/2020 11:27 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Wed, 13 May 2020 12:55:36 -0700 (PDT), Thomas
wrote:

Tape it on.
Or pin it to your ears with safety pins - - - -


I saw a video where a guy put duct tape across the top to stick around
nose and eyes. These masks are a PITA with fogging up for those that
wear glasses.

On 5/15/2020 10:28 AM, Scott Lurndal wrote:
Muggles writes:
On 5/15/2020 1:34 AM, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


Walmart is out too, and even if the other chain in Baltimore has it now,
I've sort of lost interest.

I'm going to wait until they open the new elastic mines in Zimbabwe and
start to import elastic from there.

Until then, if necessary I'll just use thread of a fixed length and rely
on my new bouffant hairstyle to apply the backward pressure on the
threads and mask.


Swimsuit stretch material will work as an elastic substitute.

Spandex (AKA elastane) _is_ an elastic.


yeah .. most people don't think outside the box. When they think of
"elastic" they think waistband type that comes pre-measured or on a roll
you purchase by the yard: 1/2" x 1 yr, 1/8"x 2 yrds ... etc.

Purchase spandex, which is a stretch fabric, many people refer to it as
swimsuit material, and cut it to length. Other fabrics will double for
elastic, too.

--
Maggie

On 15/05/2020 16:28, Scott Lurndal wrote:
Muggles writes:
On 5/15/2020 1:34 AM, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Wed, 13 May 2020 08:29:10 -0400, micky
wrote:

no question, just a story.

I started with 3 N95 masks, but after wearing 2 of them for several
30-minute sessions eaach, one of the rubber bands broke on each.

I tied two pieces in a square knot, and it looks like the knot will hold
but now the band is over an inch shorter and I'm sure it will break
again.

I had to go to the doctor for hand surgery on Monday and found that even
with only one rubber band, the mask felt 98% the same as with two bands.

But still, I plan to replace the elastic.

Found what I wanted Monday night on the Jo-Anne's website.

By Tuesday they were sold out. Apprarently there is an elastic
shortage because of everyone making masks!

More than one person had written to a sewing site toask if you can cut
the elastic lengthwise (since they can find wide stuff for sale).
Answer was it would fray. That's better than I thought. I thought it
would fall apart.


Walmart is out too, and even if the other chain in Baltimore has it now,
I've sort of lost interest.

I'm going to wait until they open the new elastic mines in Zimbabwe and
start to import elastic from there.

Until then, if necessary I'll just use thread of a fixed length and rely
on my new bouffant hairstyle to apply the backward pressure on the
threads and mask.


Swimsuit stretch material will work as an elastic substitute.

Spandex (AKA elastane) _is_ an elastic.

What about catapult elastic?

--
Bod

On 5/15/20 9:36 AM, Muggles wrote:

[snip]

Swimsuit stretch material will work as an elastic substitute.
How about socks?

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/

"The dogma of the infallibility of the Bible is no more self-evident
than is that of the infallibility of the popes." [Thomas Huxley]

On 5/15/20 11:04 AM, Muggles wrote:
On 5/15/2020 10:28 AM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

[snip]


yeah .. most people don't think outside the box. When they think of
"elastic" they think waistband type that comes pre-measured or on a roll
you purchase by the yard: 1/2" x 1 yr, 1/8"x 2 yrds ... etc.

I notice that problem when I need something for a certain purpose. Maybe
a paper clip will work but it would be very limiting to look for it by
NAME. I look through the stuff I have for something that fits my purpose.

Purchase spandex, which is a stretch fabric, many people refer to it as
swimsuit material, and cut it to length. Other fabrics will double for
elastic, too.



--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/

"The dogma of the infallibility of the Bible is no more self-evident
than is that of the infallibility of the popes." [Thomas Huxley]

On Fri, 15 May 2020 15:28:28 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On 5/15/20 9:36 AM, Muggles wrote:

[snip]

Swimsuit stretch material will work as an elastic substitute.

How about socks?


Re-purpose that old jock-strap that you haven't been
able to part with, lo these 35 years ..
John T.

On 5/15/2020 3:33 PM, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On 5/15/20 11:04 AM, Muggles wrote:
On 5/15/2020 10:28 AM, Scott Lurndal wrote:

[snip]


yeah .. most people don't think outside the box.Â* When they think of
"elastic" they think waistband type that comes pre-measured or on a roll
you purchase by the yard: 1/2" x 1 yr, 1/8"x 2 yrds ... etc.

I notice that problem when I need something for a certain purpose. Maybe
a paper clip will work but it would be very limiting to look for it by
NAME. I look through the stuff I have for something that fits my purpose.



I design and create things I want that I can't find anywhere else. I
work with wood outdoors, and various other materials indoors. Right
now, I'm building shelves to go on either side of a amber-log porch
rocker tx 36005
(https://www.selsilz.com/index.php?ma...ts_id=64739 1)
my kids gave me for mother's day.

On the right side is a small shelf I attached to the wall, but on the
left side of the porch rocker is the edge of the porch. So, I'm
building a railing there with 2 shelves, and will probably design some
sort of lattice front for it. OTOH, I may get one of these and attach
it to the outside of the railing:

M-D Building Products
24 in. x 36 in. Cloverleaf Aluminum Sheet in Brass
https://tinyurl.com/ycuehxov
--
Maggie

On 5/15/2020 5:52 PM, wrote:

I design and create things I want that I can't find anywhere else. I
work with wood outdoors, and various other materials indoors. Right
now, I'm building shelves to go on either side of a amber-log porch
rocker tx 36005
(https://www.selsilz.com/index.php?ma...ts_id=64739 1)
my kids gave me for mother's day.



I try to avoid Viet Nam as a supplier
of rustic wooden porch furniture ..
No offence - but I'm pretty sure that a local
craftsman is doing the same thing ..
.. with local materials ..
John T.


My kids got it at a local business. I just grabbed the first web link
that had the right photo.

--
Maggie

I design and create things I want that I can't find anywhere else. I
work with wood outdoors, and various other materials indoors. Right
now, I'm building shelves to go on either side of a amber-log porch
rocker tx 36005
(https://www.selsilz.com/index.php?ma...ts_id=64739 1)
my kids gave me for mother's day.



I try to avoid Viet Nam as a supplier
of rustic wooden porch furniture ..
No offence - but I'm pretty sure that a local
craftsman is doing the same thing ..
.. with local materials ..
John T.