A neighbor stopped by the other day and I remembered one of those reality things you learn along the way. When someone says “Everyone knows that” or “No one knows that” they are wrong.
The problem was they had a can of paint they wanted opened and it was fighting them all the way. They had already chewed up more than half the lid circumference trying to get it open. “Can you help?” The first question I asked was “Did you clean the furrow in the can before replacing the lid?”
“No, why? Should we?”
Quick examination and showed them the paint forced out of the mating furrow of the can and the lid. Paint is actually a great adhesive. We got it open, destroying the lid and the can. I just happened to have an unused “naked can” from another project. I showed them how to clean the furrow in the can and sent them on their way.
Two positions I often find myself in – educator and student of an educator.
Thanks,
Rex