Cool Tools: Tibet Almond Stick

Even if the Tibet Almond Stick doesn't do what it is supposed to do ("Wipe out furniture scratches quick-as-a-wink), I want it anyway, because the can is a work of art. I would buy it even if it contained toxic waste mixed with glass shards.

As a remodeling contractor, I benefit greatly from a well-designed tool. One tool I especially like is the Tibet Almond Stick. I always have one in my toolbox. It is a remarkable quick fix for minor scratches in wood finishes. One swipe and the scratches disappear (or are greatly diminished!) Great for touching up wood floors, furniture, wood countertops, trim, etc. I have no idea how it works. -- Rock Heindel

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Reader comment: Bob says:

Saw your boingboing post on Tibet Almond Sticks--yeah, great for blending in wood finish scratches, but there's an even cooler "off label" musical use that a folk singer/guitar player turned me on to 30 years ago (before Gore-Tex coated guitar strings).

The light oil and fine grit impregnated into the wrapped cloth "stick" are perfect for rejuvenating old guitar strings. Just run the stick up and down the strings. Snap them against the fret board a few times and then wipe off each string to remove the residue. It'll make an incredible howling sound as you pinch each string with a clean cloth and go up and down its length. This gets the build up of dirt, grit, sweat, and "finger cheese" out from between the strings' windings. What's left behind is a light, slick coating of oil that inhibits rust and tarnish on the steel strings. Makes a set of old acoustic guitar sound new and brilliant again.

I think the formulation for the Almond Sticks has changed a little over the years (thanks, EPA), but it still works.

Sorry, won't make much difference on nylon uke strings!