In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget that some of the most reliable tricks have been around for decades, if not centuries. While technology has made many things more convenient, sometimes the old-school ways are just as good—if not better. Here, we’ll cover 10 timeless tricks that can help you out in daily life, even when your smartphone battery dies or you need a mental shortcut.

1. Good Battery or Bad Battery? The Quick Bounce Test

Have you ever found a random battery lying around and wondered if it’s still good? Here’s a simple trick: drop the battery from about 1-2 cm onto a hard surface. If the battery bounces and falls over, it’s dead. But if it lands with a solid thud and stays upright, it’s still got juice! This little test works because bad batteries are lighter and less dense due to internal chemical changes.

2. Finding South Without a Compass

If you’re out in the wilderness without a compass or smartphone, don’t panic. As long as you have an analog watch and the sun is shining, you can figure out which way is south. Lay the watch flat in your hand with the hour hand pointing toward the sun. Then, place a toothpick or piece of grass between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock mark. The end of the toothpick closer to the 12 will point due south. It’s an old trick, but it’s remarkably effective when you’re in a pinch.

3. Remembering Roman Numerals with Ease

Roman numerals can be confusing, especially beyond the basics like I, V, and X. Thankfully, there’s an old mnemonic to help remember the more complicated values: “My Dear Cat Loves Xtra Vitamins Intensely.” Each first letter corresponds to a Roman numeral and its value:

• M (1,000)
• D (500)
• C (100)
• L (50)
• X (10)
• V (5)
• I (1)

This simple phrase makes it easier to decode even larger Roman numeral combinations in seconds.

4. Multiplying by 11 Made Simple

Multiplication tables can trip up even the most math-savvy among us, but here’s a fun trick for multiplying by 11, at least for numbers 1 through 9. Whatever number you’re multiplying by 11, simply double the digit. For example, 11 × 3 = 33, and 11 × 5 = 55. This trick saves time and makes basic math a lot more manageable.

5. Waxing vs. Waning Moon: A Visual Cue

Ever get confused about whether the moon is waxing (growing) or waning (shrinking)? Here’s a handy visual trick: when the moon looks like a “C,” it’s waning. When it looks like a “D,” it’s waxing. This simple cue helps you track the moon phases without needing to consult a lunar calendar.

6. I Before E, Except After C

Spelling rules can be tricky, but this old rhyme has stood the test of time: “I before E, except after C, or when sounding like ‘A’ as in neighbor and weigh.” While there are exceptions to the rule, it’s still a useful guideline for most words. When in doubt, this little saying will help keep your spelling in check.

7. Estimating Time Until Sunset with Your Hand

Need to know how much daylight you’ve got left? Try this: hold your hand at arm’s length, palm facing you, with your fingers stacked under the sun. Each finger width represents about 15 minutes of daylight. So, if you can fit four fingers between the sun and the horizon, you have roughly an hour left before sunset. It’s a quick and effective way to plan your evening outdoors.

8. Old-School Disinfecting Method: Boiling Water

Before there were fancy disinfectants and sanitizers, people used a straightforward method: boiling. If you need to disinfect something made of fabric, sponges, or even certain tools, just boil them in water for 10 minutes. This old-school trick kills bacteria and keeps your household items sanitary without the need for harsh chemicals.

9. Knuckle Trick for Remembering Months with 31 Days

Can’t remember how many days are in each month? There are two reliable methods to help you. First, use the knuckle trick: start with the knuckle of your index finger for January, then alternate between the valleys and knuckles on your hand. Every knuckle represents a month with 31 days, while the valleys represent months with fewer days. If that seems confusing, you can also recite the old rhyme: “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November. All the rest have 31.”

10. Using Your Hand as a Degree Reference

Need to eyeball angles in the wild? Your hand can help with that, too. Spread your fingers wide, and the angle between your thumb and pinkie is roughly 90 degrees. By slightly adjusting your fingers, you can estimate smaller angles: pinkie to ring finger is about 30 degrees, pinkie to middle finger is 45 degrees, and pinkie to index finger is 60 degrees. This trick comes in handy (pun intended!) when you need a quick reference for angles without any tools.

Conclusion: Timeless Tricks in a Modern World

While we live in a digital age, sometimes it’s helpful—and even fun—to rely on old-school methods. These 10 tricks may seem simple, but they’re still just as effective today as they were decades ago. Whether you’re figuring out directions, disinfecting sponges, or estimating how much daylight you have left, these timeless tips will make your life easier when technology isn’t available or practical. It’s a reminder that newer isn’t always better—sometimes the best solutions are the ones that have been around forever.