Most of us have at least one curmudgeon on the Christmas list. This is the “bah, humbug” person who “hates all the fuss” and doesn’t want anything but “a little peace and quiet”. What do we buy this person? A pair of socks? Another novelty tie to hang in the closet? Underwear? Shame on you for thinking, “John must know my Dad!”
Here’s the perfect gift for such a person. It is a low cost DIY easily customized to fit your recipient. Start with a mousetrap, or if you want to multiply the love, a rat trap. I found this beast at Lowes for under $2.
Disclaimer – If you play with the trap I would suggest keeping your flesh out of the path of the hammer. Serious critter control will damage fingers.
Remove the spring clips from the hammer using pliers. The hammer should now swing without tension.
Select a suitable button from the household collection or find a large fender washer. I bent the hook on the button 90° so it would slide into the slot on the catch.
Apply a plop of Goop (or your favorite glue) and install the button. Wait for the glue to dry.
Drill a mounting hole in the trap. Your loved one may desire to install his prize outside the study door or near his favorite easy chair.
Adjust the catch so the trap appears to be set. I used pliers to bend the free end of the holding bar around the catch then used thin wire on the pivoting end to secure the holding bar.
Apply suitable labeling. Suggestions include:
Complaints? / Press Button
Disturb Dad’s Nap? / Press Button
Interrupt the Game? / Press Button
Summon Husband / To Discuss Relationship
Query the Oracle / With Stupid Questions
Hope this eases the pain of shopping for your Christmas Curmudgeon!
Genius! :)