DIY Parts: Cord Switches That Don't Suck

Many low cost electric appliances save money by not including a power switch. It's one of those little annoyances that tends to grate over time. The cord switches you typically find at hardware stores are made for lights and generally can't handle much load, but online you can get some that go as high as 16 amps. This means they can control a 110 volt appliance that draws 1,760 watts and a 220 volt one that draws 3,500 watts. Best of all, they tend to be inexpensive and easy to install. I've retrofitted a rice cooker, an electric grill, and a battery charger.

DIY Parts: Touch Latches on the Cheap

I have always appreciated the clean look of magnetic touch latches, which eliminate the need for any handles. They are often seen on entertainment centers with glass doors, and when pushed pop the door out an inch or two. They're particularly good for concealed compartments. I discovered recently that they cost under two dollars at Home Depot, which is less than most cabinet knobs. Double latches, for two adjacent doors, cost about fifty cents more. I now find myself looking for excuses to use them.

Slightly different model than the one I saw, but you can observe how it works.