A penny saved.... can be used for lots of things

7 New Uses for a Penny
Clever ways to repurpose an everyday item.

1. Curtain Straightener
Make an opening in the bottom hem, slide in a penny or two, and sew the hem back up to keep curtains hanging level and stick-straight.


2. Tread Checker
Insert a penny into a groove of a tire with Lincoln’s head pointing into the tire. If the groove covers part of his head, you’re safe to drive; if the head is in full view, it’s time for new wheels. (The distance between the rim of a penny and Lincoln’s head is 1/16 of an inch―the minimum suggested tread depth.)


3. Table Anchor
If you dine out and the table is unsteady, put a coin under the leg to restore balance.


4. Game Token
Misplaced the thimble? No problem. Sub in a cent.


5. Makeshift Screwdriver
Use a penny to screw open a toy’s battery pack.



6. Icebreaker
Hand out pennies at your next gathering and ask each guest to share a story that happened during the year his or her penny was minted. If the coin predates a friend, let the person improvise.



7. Birdbath Cleaner
To ward off algae, toss in a few pre-1982 coins; the high copper content retards growth. Works in ponds also, but you need more then one penny