 The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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OP
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I have developed this habit of picking up nails, bits of wire, etc. every time I go out to the shop or the barn. Not that I'm collecting this stuff, but it's a tire hazard. As one would expect, the quantity of rusty hardware starts to diminish over time.
Now, the weird part. Every time it rains, there is just as much hardware in the lane as when I started. So, after considerable research and thought, I have a few possible explanations, but none would get any science awards.
1. Iron floats.
2. Iron grows like weeds.
3. The water in this area is so hard that rain forms rusty nails as it evaporates.
4. The rusty nail fairy is either very angry or very pleased with something I've done.
So, anyone else have any theories on where this stuff comes from?
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
That particular piece of land might have been a dumping ground? Up at my F-I-L's place, we are constantly picking stuff (glass, metal, cans, nails, bones, etc.) out of his backyard lawn. Areas that had been gone over and over with a fine toothed comb after we initially found quite a bit of glass. He could fill a kitchen garbage bag with the trash he finds every month.
Found out it was a dump back in the 30-40s.
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
My vote is a rogue magnetic field. It's probably sucking the nails right out of the barn. I've seen it happen a thousand times. The only cure I know is Liquid Nails - Ya gotta smear it on everything Ed.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
So, anyone else have any theories on where this stuff comes from?
Nope.
But you might want to get a tow-behind-the-Deere magnetic sweeper such as those used for construction site clean up, and make an occasional run wherever tires might go.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734 |
Big Poppy is on to something. Are you sure you're in Clovis and not Roswell? The Roswell incident happened in 1947, and your uncle's quote in your sig line is from ~1947. Coincidence? I think not! 
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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OP
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
At least as far back as 1903, this place has been used for agriculture of one sort or another. The town has only been here since 1907 so, my ranch is older than Clovis.
Anyway, it's not likely to have ever been a dump.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337 |
I'd check the beds of my neighbor's pick em up truck...
I was running down I75 one afternoon and a flatbed truck two slots in front of me lost a plastic tub of nails in the center lane. The very next exit was the home of a Discount Tire Store. They advertise they fix flats for free. Had more business than they could handle for two weeks.
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Perhaps a building of some sorts burned to the ground there a long time ago? The ash and char would decompose leaving the fasteners. Are they modern nails?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 608
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 608 |
Clearly it is an example of "Intelligent Ironing." Iron can not come from nothing so must come from something. As you hint, Science cannot explain it. Therefore, the only solution left is that some "Intelligent Ironer" is creating the iron and distributing it all over your yard. Sadly, "Intelligent Ironing" is not allowed to be taught in school, although it is as good a scientific theory as any others. Some of us believe that it is only fair that "Intelligent Ironing" be taught alongside Hydrostatics, Climatology, Gravity (still only a theory) and Electromagnetics.
Siggy
If life wasn't so pointless and absurd, I would take it more seriously.
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
Quote:
Clearly it is an example of "Intelligent Ironing." Iron can not come from nothing so must come from something. As you hint, Science cannot explain it. Therefore, the only solution left is that some "Intelligent Ironer" is creating the iron and distributing it all over your yard.
Siggy
I'm re-reading The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Sukov... Thinking about how Greybeard is participating in the behavior of the iron at the subatomic level..... 
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 760
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 760 |
Sounds about right, GB.
Dave
04 SpeedMaster, Windvest Screen, Leatherworks Bags.
F&AM, WM 3 times
Rifle & Pistol Competitor
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Clearly it is an example of "Intelligent Ironing." Iron can not come from nothing so must come from something. As you hint, Science cannot explain it. Therefore, the only solution left is that some "Intelligent Ironer" is creating the iron and distributing it all over your yard. Sadly, "Intelligent Ironing" is not allowed to be taught in school, although it is as good a scientific theory as any others. Some of us believe that it is only fair that "Intelligent Ironing" be taught alongside Hydrostatics, Climatology, Gravity (still only a theory) and Electromagnetics.
Siggy
Okay Siggy Ol' Boy...I can only assume here that among your many travels throughout this great country that you've recently had occassion to visit Petersburg Kentucky!!!
And Greybeard...I'm inclined to "believe" that John and Derek are onto somethin' here. From my map of New Mexico, it DOES appear to be just a stone's throw(if one possesses the arm of John Elway, this is) from Roswell to Clovis! And so, I wouldn't entirely dismiss this "alien theory" of theirs EITHER, Dude! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 438
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 438 |
Planted by the IRS...they are going to hit you with that new Iron Tax!
Not you fat Jesus!
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Re: The amazing properties of iron
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
You my friend are smack in the middle of the Clovis NM triangle. Famous for raining down nails and such. Sometimes it rains toads. 
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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