Readers Share Their Favorite Out of the Ordinary Tools They Return to Again and Again

Smart Ways to Use Toolbox Timesavers

David GreeningAstorino & Associates Eye Center, Newport Beach, CA

My go-to lifesavers are push pins. I use them on rimless frames to remove stubborn rimless plugs. There have been times where I haven’t been able to find the right tools for mounting/dismantling rimless frames. After clipping the rimless bushings down to the right size, I use a push pin to open and widen the aperture. This makes it so much easier to mount the rimless pieces back together. Push pins are also helpful in removing polycarbonate swarf. I edge lenses here in my store. When I edge a polycarbonate lens for a grooved rimless frame I am usually left with some swarf which fills the groove. A push pin is the perfect size to fit in the groove and help remove the swarf. Lastly, they’re great for removing obnoxious screws. Every now and then, I need a second tool to help push out a screw from the back and push pins are a handy dandy savior.

Susan Kantor
Central Phoenix Eyecare, Phoenix, AZ

We used to do our own payroll and since one of the doctors was a business major before OD school he would work out all the taxes. When benefits time rolled around, insurance companies came in to sit with our employees. We kept track of everyone’s PTO/sick time on a piece of paper, along with when they got to work and when they left. We didn’t have time for all this paperwork, so we hired a payroll company, CBR, and it has been a huge timesaver. Now we use a web clock – staff clock in, clock out, request time off – and it’s all recorded by CBR. They handle payroll by direct deposit and look after staff onboarding. They also manage our health insurance and 401(k). I’ve downloaded their app on each of my devices so I can check each employee’s hours before payroll day. It’s been a game changer for us.