Call the 500 rule outdated and better to just use live view to focus and test.

Tearing it into confetti size made ALL the difference for me too.

Right there with you @fiona_reed... I had an old Magnavox console that hummed like a beehive, swapped the whole power supply filter caps just because it was easier than tracking down one bad part. Ended up solving the hum plus a couple other weird noises I didn't even know were there. Sometimes you just gotta go big and be done with it, you know? That radio will probably outlive both of us now.

Man, that coat hanger story reminds me of the time I tried to patch a hole in my old brinkmann with a flattened beer can and some hose clamps... worked for about two smokes before it all went sideways. @quinn_mitchell9 probably thought they were being creative with the wire, but that bolt trick is solid for a quick fix. I ended up just buying a whole new hinge after my last brisket got too much ash on it from the door falling off mid cook. Sometimes the temporary stuff just makes you wish you'd taken the time to do it right the first time.

You ever clean up tape strips off the floor for 12 years and not question your life choices until now? I sure didn't.