How to fix a deformed, stretched plastic Slinky-type toy

If your kids have one of those plastic slinky toys and it is all stretched out and bent out of shape, don't throw it away before trying this easy repair--you've got nothing to lose. Note that this procedure only works with the PLASTIC slinkies, not with the metal ones.

1. Locate a microwavable bowl that is large enough to hold the slinky toy.
2. Fill the bowl with water deep enough to cover the top of slinky.
3. Microwave the bowl of water (without the slinky in it) until it is nearly boiling hot.
4. Carefully take the bowl of water out of the microwave oven and place it on a heat-proof surface such as a hot pad.
5. Using cooking tongs, a spoon, etc. carefully place the slinky in the water, being careful not to get burned by splashing water.
6. After a few seconds in the heated water, use your tongs to quickly remove the slinky.
7. Being careful not to get burned, reshape the slinky by simply pressing the plastic back into its original shape and holding it there.
8. Wait until the plastic cools down to room temperature before testing to see the results.

• Repeat steps 5 - 8 if the slinky isn't in the correct shape.
• If the slinky refuses to bend, either leave it in the hot water for a longer period of time or re-heat the water to a hotter temperature or both.

The slinky may not look brand-new when you are done, but this process should at least allow your kids to play with it again.