Joe Provey Dear Melcor Developments...thanks for the sensible comment. I've used a hose approach to clogs for 30 years (about two dozen times). It has never failed to push out the clog in just a few seconds.

johnadams What a popular topic!

Our main drain backed up shortly after moving into our empty-for-two-years foreclosure. After trying my usual solutions, called in the pros (which I almost never do). Very friendly and 'helpful'. Let me know about my roots problem, showed me the problem on his video camera, and proposed the $6K solution (replace the line). Just augur the roots, please.

After some web research, I found a chemical (Roebic foaming root killer) you flush down the toilet that keeps roots from coming back. Available on Amazon and at Home Depot, I believe. Been treating the line annually for three years and have had zero problems.

I know this plumber knew there was a far, far cheaper solution than the one he recommended, but I guess he needed that bass boat. Well, I'm not buying it for him.

Lauren Barry I also would enjoy having one of each of these.

jad2design I'd like a glass of wine too :) Just wanted to say that I went ahead and ordered the $50 tri-colored broom mentioned in this article. It arrived at lightning speed - thus I can speak to the question of the "worth" of at least one item on the list. I love the broom. My large dog is a champion shedder and this is the best tool so far for corraling the copious amounts of fluff that he adds to the environment. It sweeps up debris in corners nicely, is easy to shake out and does a great job in general of picking up everything in its path. I already use it more than the rubber broom that was the default tool following an annoying venture into the world of Swifters.

Rich or poor (and I'm not the former) most of us have houses that are filled with necessary but poorly designed or ugly things that were easy to grab off the big box store shelf or from the grocery isle. We mostly lack the energy and time to look for better implements that would be a pleasure to use, or would last longer. So, I thank you for the list. One person's useless frivolity is another's bliss - or at least as close to it as sweeping is going to get.

halleycomet @JAD2DESIGN---Thanks for letting us know that the product WORKS!!!!! I don't think anyone would feel that something that works for someone is a waste of money---if you can afford it. I know I felt this way about that spendy DYSON VAC. Then I saw it in action in a house with 4 dogs--two of them puppies and prone to shredding things--and a flooring re-hab going on--and it WORKED. So now I am just jealous.

IF I had the money----

I do say I am going to get me a small SHOP-VAC to deal with our dog hair and kid leftovers that find their way to the rugs and floor and high chair and couch and----!!!!