On Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:44:18 -0500, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>Omelet wrote:
>> The thread on tamales inspired this subject. :-)
>>
>> What "hardware" tools would you consider converting to kitchen tools?
>>
>> For me, I already have a dedicated hacksaw for cooking, (it's mainly for
>> cutting bones) along with a blow torch. The torch has been used for
>> glazing and singing. (I find it amusing that singing as in song is
>> spelled the same as singing as in burning pinfeathers off. <g>)
>
>I often use my propane torch to caramelize sugar ofor things like creme
>brulee. I have used a hammer in an attempt to crack macadamea nuts. I
>have used pliers to rip connective tissue off spare ribs. I have also
>used pliers to crack lobster. Microplane graters were originally
>intended for autobody work.
>
>
>BTW... you might find that your saw works better if you use the
>appropriate blade for it. Bow saws have many different applications. You
>use the same bow saw frame with different blades. There are different
>hacksaw blades for different types and hardness of metal and some
>designed specifically for bone.
>
>
>> I'm considering a drywall/spackling tool for spreading, or maybe a small
>> trowel. At the moment, I use a good rubber spatula but I'm wondering if
>> something metal might not be more efficient.
>>
>> A hardware store might be fertile ground for kitchen gadgets?
>
>They have god stuff for surgeons too. A friend of mine had a summer job
>working in the store room of a hospital and was surprised one day when a
>neurosurgeon ordered a Black & Decker drill.

When I broke my arm I had an external fixator instead of a cast. The
orthopedist used a drill to remove the pins from my arm after the bone
had healed. It was a regular from the hardware store drill.