So, I’m driving home for the day, and I have a new (back roads) route home all laid out before me. After leaving the Interstate, I stopped and wrote down a couple of particulars about the route, i.e., mileage, route number, something, and then I take off again. A mile or so down the road, I realize I still have the pen in my hand, and want to get rid of it so I can properly appreciate the driving experience, and be safe . . . and control the music. I need a place to put this pen, don’t want it to roll away, get under the seat or whatever. Ah, I spy the lighter socket sitting there empty, and ‘voila’ just stuck the pen down into the socket. Nothing happened for a minute or so, and then I notice a small flash out of the corner of my eye. I knew immediately what I had done. For most pens this wouldn’t be a problem (not much metal), but this baby had a large metal collar down arount the point, and when it moved a bit and contacted the insides of the lighter socket, you guessed it . . . Zzzzt.

I had to resest the temptation to immediately stop the car, get out and kick myself in the butt a few times.

Just the fuse (thankfully), replaced it and all’s well. Pen has a bit of a scorch mark, but it still works.

Yeah, yeah I know dumb huh? But I’ll admit it . . . Any one else?

 

Well, that hasn't happened to me, but here's a tip. There is a pen holder in the glove box. Its right in front of the eye glass holder thats shaped like the MINI wings.

Some larger pens don't fit, but most normal sized ones do. Its has a very firm grip, so you don't have to worry about searching for it in the back of the glove box!

 

I keep my pen in the glovebox door clip.

 

Yeah, I know I even keep a pen in the glovebox holder. I also know that you really shouldn't put anything in the lighter socket that doesn't belong there. Knowing that didn't seem to stop me. Lost my mind for a minute. Back now.

 

I could shove whatever i want into my lighter socket...it gets no power :(. Good thing yours only blew a fuse and didnt get all sorts of messed up like mine is.

 

A word of warning about putting pens in there! I had one of those cheapy-disposable Bic pens in there during the summer down in Florida. Well, one day, I open the glove box, and there's ink all over the door! The pen leaked.

It cleaned up ok, thankfully. I've since replaced it with a Space Pen. It does cost a little bit (no more than $20 though at any big-box office supply store), but these things are guaranteed not to leak, freeze, etc. I even accidentally put one through a washer and dryer cycle. Still worked fine with no leaks!

(Edit: Jeremy, You're going to the BBQ this Saturday, right? Remind me about it, and I should be able to get it working!)


-Paul!

 

You can get a plug-in cap at an automotive shop. I got one that cost all of about $1. Stops any junk from falling in there & temporary bouts of insanity!


-Paul!

 

. . . Thinking about a change to all pencils . . .

 

If only the stupid owner trick I've performed were limited to electrifying pens! I put a power outlet in my euro tray right behind the clutch linkage. Everytime I engaged the clutch it would shot out the outlet, and put my iPod (which was connected to the Belkin unit through the outlet) on pause!

 

Can't admit to a similar stupid owner trick with our MINI but I did have a Darwin Award moment with my Mustang GT a few years ago. I too was writing something down using a pen, couldn't find anywhere to put it so "wisely" placed it between my legs. Promptly forgot the thing was there and damn near impaled myself and punctured my leather seat when I attempted to get out of the car. Suffice to say I got the point and never pulled that trick again

 

Careful with pencils, too. Their graphite is a great conductor of electricity. And, a pencil line may leave a "conductor" in your DC outlet.

I remember having lots of "general science" fun with pencil "leads", a spool of wire and dry cells. But, they would not be fun in real life.

Checkout one of those "drink holder caddies" for your pen, pencil, note pad, etc.

 

I keep my pen behind my ear a la 1940's reporter. But hey, at least I know where it is.
My friend and I used to run our WRX in the SCCA Rallies. Back then I would keep my codriver pen around my neck with a lanyard.