Hints From Heloise

Thu., Jan. 20, 2000

Dear Heloise: HELP! I have two water glasses that are stuck together. Please advise. Do you have a method to solve this problem? Thank you. P.L.B., Jacksonville, Fla.

Let’s try a bit of household physics to unstick those glasses. Put some ice cubes in very cold water in the inner glass. This should cause the glass to contract. Then place the outer glass in very warm to hot (but not boiling) water. This should cause the outer glass to expand.

Wait a few minutes for the physics to work, and you should be able to gently pull the glasses apart.

CAUTION: Do not use this method on very old or fragile glasses and be sure there are no cracks in the glass. The quick change of temperature could cause the glass to break. - Heloise

NOTE: You can also try dribbling lubricating oil between the glasses, giving it a long time to work its way down between them.

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