Flower

[threemonkeys]

I had a button come off my trousers today. As I was reattaching it, I got to thinking about robust old technologies. The sort of thing that is so simple, so easy to use, so fit for purpose that no better solution can drive it out of use even though it has been around for ages. I'm thinking of things like the paper clip, the buckle, scissors or the pencil.

But I was wondering about the button. Is it that robust and fit for purpose. The use of buttons on shirts seems to continue, so perhaps it is. On the other hand, the damn things keep coming off and they aren't all that easy to use compared to a zipper. It was compounded today when I noticed that the button in question wasn't very well made. The insides of the holes were quite rough. Over time they had abraded the thread. Luckily I had a replacement.

I'd be interested to know what y'all consider the best piece of old robust technology there is out there.

Comments

[fred_mouse]

paper. you can communicate with it, you can decorate it, you can hide under it, and in desperate circumstances, it will keep you warm.

[threemonkeys]

Yep. And it can be folded into planes for our amusement.