Magician Harry Houdini, known for his escapes and getting in and out of tight places, was born this day in 1874. He built his famous tricks and illusions with tools of the day. They included wood drills powered by hand rather than by electricity. He had three types to work with, the old carpenter's brace and bit that was hand-cranked to drill holes, the cabinet-maker's hand drill that worked like an egg beater and the compact push drill with a spiral shank that rotated when pushed. While all three are still available today, most often electric drills are the tool of choice. They provide speed and comfort. But sometimes, in very tight spaces or in a when you're in a hurry, old-fashioned drills are called upon -- especially the handy push variety. For a quick fix in tight spaces like Houdini, you'll find they work magic. Keep one handy. And that's the On The House tip for today.