Here's a handy tip from photographer Phillip McCordall: if you're trying to snap something and you're getting too much glare or a distracting reflection, a quick spray with deodorant can sort the situation out with minimal fuss.

Basting turkeys is a waste of time. Put the turkey baster to better use as a degreasing tool.

If you have a project that calls for a perfectly drawn circle and you don't have a compass, worry not. You can draw perfect circles of all sizes with a few basic office supplies or using only your hands.

Good kindling makes starting any type of fire easier, whether it's your barbecue, fire pit, or a campfire under the stars. These compact fire-starter pills make for great kindling and are super easy to make.

Last week, readers told us their biggest life hacking fails, and some of them were truly spectacular. So good, in fact, we just had to share them with you. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but you'll mostly just be glad you didn't try out any of these hacks yourself.

I recently encountered a smart little product called RediTape, which is basically a super thin, pocket-sized roll of man's most versatile tool: Duct tape. Here's how to make a homemade version that's cheaper and more customisable to fit your preferences.

If your running gear doesn't have any pockets for storing your key, use your shoes. Your laces will keep it nice and safe.

It may not look pretty, but this DIY smartphone charging stand works great, and can be made with some standard office supplies.

If you ever find yourself lost in the wilds of a warmer climate, the strong leaves from a palmetto plant can help you build a shelter.

Video: If you need to filter some water for drinking or cooking, this DIY solution uses the power of the sun.

We're always finding ingenious workarounds to life's problems, big or small. This year we treated pool noodles as all-purpose cushions, removed and saved wine corks, got the most out of a burner phone and used a simple test to see if the power went out.

Video: Most chocolate bars are designed to be broken into smaller portions, but some of the larger, thicker varieties are harder to separate with your hands. This simple trick will have you baking or snacking almost instantly.

Video: Whether you're a pro or an amateur, pack a plastic bag in your bag with your camera the next time you go out to take pictures. This video features five great reasons why you should, including the old rain protection trick and a beautiful soft, weathered effect for your photos.

Fresh coconut is delicious, but they're tough to break into, especially when you don't have any tools with you. This trick might save your life if you get stranded on a desert island. Or at least save the day at a picnic or barbecue.

If you need to cut a piece of string or thin rope and you don't have any tools around, try this quick and easy trick.

If your city doesn't have bike lanes, it's up to every car that passes you on your bike to determine how much space to give you. Despite tough new passing laws in some states, they often still suck at it. Cyclist Warren Huska solved this by strapping a pool noodle to his bike.

Packing a cheap lighter with your outdoor gear is always a good idea. Even if it runs out of fuel or the plastic casing breaks, it's still a great fire-starting tool.

Car air vents can get pretty dusty over time, but getting between those narrow slots makes them tough to clean with just a rag. If you need some extra reach, you can get a reusable tool that will take care of the job for about $1.

Some liquids, like motor oil, can be a pain to pour, especially if they come in a heavy, unruly container. A balloon can slow things down and make sure you don't make a mess.