Chapter 1: DIY Record Player

Creating a record player can be a fun experiment, especially if you have some old records lying around. While the version seen in the show is quite basic, you can easily make one using just a few everyday items: pencils, a cup, and a pin. If you're curious about how this works, here’s a video to guide you through the process.

Have you ever noticed that most popular songs on the radio typically last around three minutes? This phenomenon is largely linked to the concept of record singles. Here’s a deeper dive into this trend, along with a fascinating graph depicting the average song length over the years.

This graph illustrates that prior to the 1980s, most songs were approximately three minutes or shorter. However, after this period, song durations began to increase. What led to this shift? The introduction of the compact disc revolutionized how high-quality songs were shared with radio stations, allowing longer tracks to flourish.

Chapter 2: Clever Lock Picking

If you encounter a door like this one, it’s probably not as secure as you think. MacGyver demonstrates how to use a simple piece of plastic to slide between the door and its frame, effectively pushing the latch back and unlocking it.

While this technique is straightforward, it’s essential to remember that bypassing locked doors without permission is illegal. Always respect others' property.

Chapter 3: The Science of Sodium Hydroxide

The phrase "Sodium Hydroxide Doesn’t Grow on Trees" is humorous since this chemical is often found in tree stump removers. However, you won’t typically stumble upon it alongside other household items like nail polish remover or cold medicine. Interestingly, these substances might be found in illicit settings, such as a meth lab.

Remember: engaging in illegal activities is never a good idea.

Chapter 4: The Exploding Dart

In a classic MacGyver moment, he ingeniously combines a pen and a bullet to create an exploding dart. By attaching the primer and gunpowder to the front of the pen and adding paper fins, he crafts a makeshift projectile.

While this concept could theoretically work, the chances of it detonating correctly are slim. Always prioritize safety in your DIY endeavors!

Originally published at http://rhettallain.com on June 18, 2019.