10 Bushcraft Camp Hacks from Dan Wowak

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  • Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
  • Read Entire post here: blog.ucogear.c...
    When it comes to camp life, two words we need to remove from our vocabulary are struggle and hassle. Every problem we face in the outdoors can be solved with the help of Mother Nature. Sometimes, you just need to know where to look!
    The forked branch in a tree, which we commonly refer to in the Bushcraft World as a "Y branch" can provide continuous assistance at camp. Here are 10 of my most favorite ways to use the Y Branch!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 503

  • @K0MBIAN
    @K0MBIAN 3 роки тому +64

    A Y-branch - the Holy Grail of a Bushcrafter/Survivalist...

    • @Bushmen918
      @Bushmen918 3 роки тому +1

      I hurt my eye doing that exact same thing , wear safety glasses please.

    • @bobplease5089
      @bobplease5089 2 роки тому

      @@Bushmen918 Hey bro, please explain how you hurt yourself so we have insight.

    • @tallgrassoutdoors8944
      @tallgrassoutdoors8944 2 роки тому

      Fax

  • @papillonvu
    @papillonvu 2 роки тому +4

    Finally! I always had a good grasp of the whats, who’s, whens, wheres, and hows of camping… but never the Y’s!!

  • @terrynichols5769
    @terrynichols5769 3 роки тому +146

    Dan's energy, knowledge and love of the outdoors is a joy to watch.

    • @harrymills2770
      @harrymills2770 3 роки тому +2

      He's got schoolteacher gene.

    • @jeremiahmisael8723
      @jeremiahmisael8723 3 роки тому

      you prolly dont care but does anyone know a tool to log back into an instagram account..?
      I somehow lost my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

    • @sorenkaden8615
      @sorenkaden8615 3 роки тому

      @Jeremiah Misael Instablaster =)

    • @jeremiahmisael8723
      @jeremiahmisael8723 3 роки тому

      @Soren Kaden i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now.
      Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

    • @jeremiahmisael8723
      @jeremiahmisael8723 3 роки тому

      @Soren Kaden It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
      Thanks so much you saved my account!

  • @foxcm2000
    @foxcm2000 3 роки тому +66

    Today's Episode of UCO is brought to you by the letter Y!
    Great video!

  • @marknixon9914
    @marknixon9914 3 роки тому +18

    When you used the y branch to get the bottle out of the fire. You could use a green y branch but leave both sides long and just squeeze them together around the top of your bottle and pick it up that way. And you can let the bottle go a lot easier that way. Not hard to get out of the bottle if you don't stick it in it to start with.

    • @HawaiianKong
      @HawaiianKong Рік тому +2

      Exactly what I was thinking, came here to say this

    • @itsasinine3337
      @itsasinine3337 Рік тому +1

      @@HawaiianKong same

    • @Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats
      @Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats 9 місяців тому +1

      So many "Y" branches!!
      Do you grow the "Y" branches!?! LOL!
      STAY STRONG!😅

  • @sosteve9113
    @sosteve9113 3 роки тому +52

    Merry Christmas Dan,
    And everyone who read this.
    Greetings from a Belgian bushcrafter

    • @UCOGear
      @UCOGear  3 роки тому +4

      Merry Christmas!

    • @somekid6718
      @somekid6718 3 роки тому +5

      @@janemorris4237 ask japan if nuclear bombs exist

    • @harrymills2770
      @harrymills2770 3 роки тому +2

      @@somekid6718 To split hairs, those were "atomic bombs" using fission. Nuclear bombs are fusion and have never been used in war.

    • @somekid6718
      @somekid6718 3 роки тому +1

      @@harrymills2770 I’m not really a nuke nerd so thanks for the new information

    • @chriswilds5787
      @chriswilds5787 3 роки тому

      @@janemorris4237 I need to hear more. I'm attempting to expand my horizons and would love to hear more from you.

  • @ManuelMartinez-ej4wb
    @ManuelMartinez-ej4wb 3 роки тому +1

    I just so happened to watch this before going to the mountains... Yessss!!!!

  • @rylexautumn3766
    @rylexautumn3766 3 роки тому +3

    While traveling the Himalayan mountains I once snagged a great large Yeti with a Y branch. Long story no time to tell right now So perhaps another time. Love your channel.

    • @Mike-gt1cs
      @Mike-gt1cs 3 роки тому +1

      The Yeti still spin tales of the Great Y-Branch Hunter.
      You are revered by their caste.
      They caution their children of your prowess.

    • @richardwiley5933
      @richardwiley5933 3 роки тому +1

      I've never understood why Yeti are so terrified by Y branches.

    • @apocalypticwarrior9695
      @apocalypticwarrior9695 2 роки тому

      The Yeti was left asking Y

  • @Wnemo
    @Wnemo 3 роки тому +14

    Dan is a must watch for anyone who loves being in the woods.

  • @CC-mb8fi
    @CC-mb8fi 3 роки тому +25

    Remember to chamfer the edge of any wooden pole you are going to hammer into the earth, it helps it not to split.
    Especially in harder ground.
    So take knife or axe and just chamfer the edge right around
    The problem with a straight cross cut is when your hammer/axe/baton hits one edge it concentrates all the force of the blow onto the outside of your wood and tends to split it
    Easy to take a few seconds and give it a chamfer

  • @OGFC
    @OGFC 3 роки тому +22

    On the hot water bottle; use same type y fork but with a longer hook. Horizontally place it on the fire side at neck height of the bottle and then squeeze the fork till it makes a good purchase and lift out. Might even be able to turn the bottle to dispense the hot water.
    Appreciate your work.

    • @xjade11.11
      @xjade11.11 2 роки тому +1

      I was going to suggest this. This is how I do it.

  • @Drmanipnoid
    @Drmanipnoid 3 роки тому +4

    I just did a snowy camp and used the y branch for soo many things! Everyone thought I really knew my stuff lol. Taking pot out of fire, collecting water, hanging a leg of lamb under the tripod which I learnt from you.Legend!

  • @RoyceKitts
    @RoyceKitts 2 роки тому

    i'm just here because i was having a bad day and Dan is a sure bet to cheer up a person

  • @thetastywhale
    @thetastywhale 3 роки тому

    I appreciate the pronunciation of "hanger" as well as the good tips!!

  • @elderenchantments9804
    @elderenchantments9804 2 роки тому +7

    I first have to say, out of ALL the Bush Crafters who create amazing helpful videos…yours are #1! I really enjoyed this video and decided to finally give you a comment. You are such a punny guy and I loved your fire starter idea using a “Y branch”… seriously can not wait to get out and try it! Also I know the kids will love the marshmallow idea…thank you so much for taking time to teach and just be an absolute joy to watch! Cheers and safe adventures! You rock!

  • @seanthomasdowd
    @seanthomasdowd 3 роки тому +23

    Love the boot dryer idea, smoke from the fire underneath will also kill bacteria and prevent foot rot

    • @harrymills2770
      @harrymills2770 3 роки тому +1

      Just know what you're doing drying boots with a fire. You can ruin a good pair of boots that way. But yeah, it's easy to get waterlogged in fall/spring in Pennsylvania. More dangerous than the dead of winter.

    • @thedaddechannel
      @thedaddechannel 3 роки тому

      Me: mmm, what is This?
      Dan: huh? It's Chicken!
      Me: hmm, tastes like smoked boot...
      Dan: It's 'y' branch chicken. Eleven!
      Me: eleven? Why?
      Dan: exactly!

  • @notazip6814
    @notazip6814 3 роки тому

    Your the real deal . A stack of simple Hacks CHANGES OUTCOME ! thanks man

  • @evanwilliams1972
    @evanwilliams1972 3 роки тому +2

    On #5 you could find a way and anchor a piece of chordage to the shaft of the Y with the end tied on the tip of the short side to pull it into the shaft to act as a release from the bottle so you can use it again and not have a piece of stick stuck down on your Bootle

  • @CG-wk6oe
    @CG-wk6oe 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome video. Retired Army Special Forces Ranger here, your advice is spot on!!! Great advice. Thanks for sharing with the younger Gen. Major praises to you!!!!! To all, this guy knows what he is talking about!!!👍👍💪💪

  • @rattrap8819
    @rattrap8819 3 роки тому +17

    When ya did the finger shooting, it sorta looked like a Y branch😀. Thanks for teaching us nice little camp hacks Dan.

  • @sibco96
    @sibco96 3 роки тому

    The music was so cheery and uplifting.

  • @haliphax-
    @haliphax- 7 місяців тому

    Nearly spat out my coffee at the "Y am I sorry?" follow-up 🤣

  • @mrjones2516
    @mrjones2516 2 роки тому

    I love your enthusiasm for the good ol Y branch 👍

  • @stephenwright3501
    @stephenwright3501 3 роки тому +9

    Learning and laughing (a bit). Enjoy your presentations.

  • @edwardcnnell2853
    @edwardcnnell2853 3 роки тому +12

    My thought on the tent pegs is they are the investment of the resource of time. You take them with you to use later freeing up time for other tasks. When they become worn they are added to the fire.

    • @klounpound6945
      @klounpound6945 3 роки тому

      Good thinking

    • @308dad8
      @308dad8 2 роки тому

      Wooden pegs sure but people get so mad when you burn plastic

  • @paulganzell442
    @paulganzell442 3 роки тому +12

    The marshmallow thing, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. Thanks for that.

  • @MichaelDonlinAwesome
    @MichaelDonlinAwesome 3 роки тому

    Went out yesterday and did the Y branch thing. Perfect...thank you.

  • @larryarnold1282
    @larryarnold1282 2 роки тому

    Just sitting here on my property watching the chickens (hawk security) and enjoying the video.
    Thank you that was very entertaining and informative
    A good short and to the point video
    Plus you energy made me smile

  • @dannyhorn9195
    @dannyhorn9195 3 роки тому

    God bless you brother your a good teacher an these youngsters and adults need to know. Thank you

  • @rustykeller8264
    @rustykeller8264 3 роки тому +3

    You forgot, a Y branch for a back scratcher. To scratch those pesky bug bites, you can't usually reach (much better than the front sight on your rifle).

  • @musheromushero287
    @musheromushero287 Рік тому

    I'm glad you saved the most important for last. my favourite.

  • @dracoargentum9783
    @dracoargentum9783 3 роки тому

    That tenth hack though... epic!

  • @chrisrobb8456
    @chrisrobb8456 Рік тому

    Love your personality. Thanks for all your info. Learning every week using your info every month. Your the best. From Canada

  • @juliusgonzo7527
    @juliusgonzo7527 3 роки тому +15

    This is Y your channel is so great !

  • @jasontindell6734
    @jasontindell6734 3 роки тому +1

    God Bless everyone!!!! Jesus Loves you all very much!!!!

  • @deangatlin7111
    @deangatlin7111 3 роки тому

    Wish I had a photosynthetic memory where I could remember all the stuff I have learned on here. Thanks

  • @danielstankewitz8520
    @danielstankewitz8520 2 роки тому

    Wow , that's informative ! I had used a Y- Branch for Fish Stringer too ! Thanx's Dan ! Two Thumbs up !! 👍👍

  • @kevinstrade2752
    @kevinstrade2752 3 роки тому +1

    Dude. Just discovered your channel and am grateful for learning some tips. You are fun and entertaining as a teacher. Thank you!!

  • @TheGlaw1
    @TheGlaw1 3 роки тому +5

    Love your attitude.

  • @stevenhill9447
    @stevenhill9447 3 роки тому +2

    Hack #5: Use a y or wish bone type Y with two equal limbs and place a scissor hold around the neck, or cut the stem part very short and stick that end n first all the way to the bottom causing the long ends to expand out to the sides of the bottle. When I find myself in a UA-cam rabbit hole it's usually your vids or the stuff you do with Townsends (American Frontier), keep up the great work.

  • @ronaldrose7593
    @ronaldrose7593 3 роки тому

    Hello Dan, the answer man for all things outdoors, very clever. All the best to you.
    🤗

  • @jbelme1
    @jbelme1 2 роки тому

    I watched some Hondurans hand-clear a property. They were using huge Y-fork branches to move their loads of brush to the burn piles. Really slick.

  • @robtimberlake7326
    @robtimberlake7326 3 роки тому +7

    Tie some cordage to the “flexy flexy” green y side of your canteen saver. Easy peasy, removes it easy!

    • @alanj7306
      @alanj7306 3 роки тому

      Great idea 💡👍

  • @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234
    @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234 3 роки тому +1

    Good hacks Dan. Thanks and take care.

  • @ATinyPlace
    @ATinyPlace 3 роки тому +3

    I really like the boot drying idea. What I usually do is that I take smooth rocks from the river and place them in boiling water for a while, then take the hot rocks and place them inside the boot. Dries up quick!

    • @michaeldean5787
      @michaeldean5787 3 роки тому

      Nice idea

    • @ATinyPlace
      @ATinyPlace 3 роки тому +1

      @@michaeldean5787 make sure to never expose rocks (specially river rocks), to a direct flame. They can explode.

    • @michaeldean5787
      @michaeldean5787 3 роки тому +1

      @@ATinyPlace ha, done that before 😂

  • @andecovillage
    @andecovillage Місяць тому

    Who doesn't love a Y branch. From our off-grid homestead in New Brunswick, Canada.

  • @user-oo8xp2rf1k
    @user-oo8xp2rf1k 3 роки тому

    The Branch grabber is brilliant. So is the fire start.

  • @jonathanhutchinson8494
    @jonathanhutchinson8494 3 роки тому +5

    Best part is your advertising characters points us to a God given free Y branch product.

  • @kamilbmx
    @kamilbmx 2 роки тому +1

    Noted. Camping gear = y branch(es). Hahaha, loved your video.

  • @TheScoundrel70
    @TheScoundrel70 3 роки тому +4

    "Y/y" branch? WOWbranch! Yup, I'm here too Dan! Great tips!

  • @jojow8416
    @jojow8416 2 роки тому

    Brilliant ideas here. Thank you for sharing your woodland engineering mind. My goodness, you have a double in a town called Nelson, B.C. He is my cousin and has your happy energy. I am on a mission to watch all your videos. Thank you and God Bless!

  • @DoomOfConviction
    @DoomOfConviction 3 роки тому

    What people don’t realize, it’s very easy to start a fire with the right technique. I don’t use a Y branch I split a forearm wide log in half, put it on the ground and then start putting two smaller dry wood pieces perpendicular on top of the base, then the next two logs on top 90 degrees in a square shape. Next you need to fill up the space in the square with loose feather sticks and build a tipi style wood circle around the square. Then I use a stick with attached feather sticks to ignite the inner part of the square house like form. I’ll even close the top fully afterwards and I have a 10/10 fire all the time. I just use a big knife for splitting and a Silky saw for cutting and I’ll make fires all year long.

  • @electricladylounge
    @electricladylounge 3 роки тому

    Just discovered this channel and I love these little tips n tricks.

  • @sherryllynnjones7077
    @sherryllynnjones7077 3 роки тому

    Y branch strong!! Tyfs Dan🙏❤🙏👵

  • @ScottOut-n-About
    @ScottOut-n-About 3 роки тому +4

    Congratulations on the sponsor

  • @jshavluk4342
    @jshavluk4342 3 роки тому +1

    I feel like you deserve to put an ad halfway through your video. Not only you informative you're very pleasant, time well spent and I definitely wouldn't mind supporting you more with the mid video ad.

  • @papajeff5486
    @papajeff5486 3 роки тому +2

    Neat, clean, well organized, pro, way to go , man. Thanks, Dan. Texas

  • @-Amiya-
    @-Amiya- 3 роки тому +1

    for number 5 instead of sticking the y branch in the water bottle, you can use them like tongs, multi use and you dont have to dig it out of your water bottle

  • @mat-ventures
    @mat-ventures 3 роки тому +3

    Tip number 4 is the most interesting for me, as I often struggle with fire. Thanks mister!

    • @harrymills2770
      @harrymills2770 3 роки тому +1

      That was pretty slick, giving it some air. But you can achieve pretty much the same thing with two or more sticks stacked to form a 'v' or an 'x' and you start your fire in one of the corners, for wind-break and structure.

  • @fredb.3618
    @fredb.3618 3 роки тому

    Enjoy your videos because they are super informative and short and sweet

  • @wisewoman7906
    @wisewoman7906 3 роки тому +3

    You're a true treasure! Love your sense of fun.

  • @alanj7306
    @alanj7306 3 роки тому

    The Y branch also comes in handy for cooking hotdogs, brats, and sausages over the fire. They won’t spin and rotate around as they often will on a stick. Great video 👍 my friend, God bless you and yours and stay safe!

  • @user-rm3ky3hv7s
    @user-rm3ky3hv7s 3 роки тому

    I do like his style, excellent instructions!

  • @stefaniecolgrove5581
    @stefaniecolgrove5581 2 роки тому

    You Sir, are the best...why... you share your know how, with all us and make it a great fun useable skill..that's why.

  • @jaysooz1604
    @jaysooz1604 3 роки тому +1

    Hey Dan, I'm looking forward to retirement so I can do this stuff, thanks for all the great tips...

  • @Seamus3051
    @Seamus3051 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Dan for the several useful tips. Many are old " trail walkers " but there is ALWAYS something new to learn; that's what keeps life interesting :-) :-) Cheers.

  • @jennylenesmith-drayton8677
    @jennylenesmith-drayton8677 6 місяців тому +1

    ❤AMAZING. You are brilliant

  • @stevenreid2969
    @stevenreid2969 3 роки тому

    excellent uses of the y branch.....thanks for the info

  • @clintonminer7636
    @clintonminer7636 3 роки тому +1

    Dan is the Man

  • @davidblackwell3788
    @davidblackwell3788 3 роки тому

    Y Branch stands for YES you can stop struggling and being hassled. I really like how you put it in your description. Another great video...

  • @77confusedzombie77
    @77confusedzombie77 3 роки тому

    so glad I found Y branch

  • @AChildofLightHEATHER
    @AChildofLightHEATHER 3 роки тому +6

    I was crunching on a carrot when you first said tent peg, and I heard tampon, oh boy, way different, I was thinking that would NOT work as a tampon, no way, ha ha ha...

    • @fifthdimension326
      @fifthdimension326 3 роки тому +4

      I got a feeling he could find 10 bushcraft uses for a tampon, but then I just realized I said tampon and bushcraft in the same sentence and died laughing 😂

    • @AChildofLightHEATHER
      @AChildofLightHEATHER 3 роки тому +1

      @@fifthdimension326 ha ha ha

    • @richardwiley5933
      @richardwiley5933 3 роки тому +1

      @@fifthdimension326 Mutually exclusive terms! 😅

  • @AKgrowngal
    @AKgrowngal 3 роки тому

    Dan is the best! 👍

  • @littlepacificstudios
    @littlepacificstudios Рік тому

    to get the cup out of the fire instead of using one Y Branch and stuffing inside and getting it stuck maybe two Y Branches and grabbing cup from both sides up by the lid or something holding the two Y Branches and taking away and setting down. Would need decent size ones to keep hands out of the fire... Just a thought Thankyou this is AWESOME love your videos! I NEVER thought of this!

  • @davecalf9155
    @davecalf9155 3 роки тому

    I’ve been watching UA-cam videos for well over a decade. Without a doubt, this is one of the clearest, well-produced, and informative videos I have seen. I’m headed to UCO to purchase solely in support of this content.

  • @realreviews4294
    @realreviews4294 3 роки тому +1

    nice video Daniel Son! I'll never throw a Y branch away again. life changing

    • @richardwiley5933
      @richardwiley5933 3 роки тому

      Life changing?! Absolutely - everytime I see a y branch now, I want to cut it down and take it home - even tho I'll probably never use it. Sickening how a good , clear mind can get warped do easily. 🤣

  • @markteaney8381
    @markteaney8381 2 роки тому

    Well done sir well done love the information you give to the people god bless you

  • @janvanassen7358
    @janvanassen7358 3 роки тому

    I have seen a lat survival stuff but you are the best and simple survival person

  • @shj2000
    @shj2000 3 роки тому +7

    I hung my pack, set my shelter, got my firewood, started my fire...realized I forgot my bourbon. Now what do I do?

  • @christopherkeillor9728
    @christopherkeillor9728 3 роки тому

    For the Y Branch for getting the bottle out of the fire simply carve a notch 1 inch from the top of the short Y Bar push into the bottle up to that notch that should hold well enough to pull the bottle out of the fire then you can simply squeeze the Y together and pull the stick out

  • @miker5502
    @miker5502 3 роки тому +1

    Great Y Branch video...will definitely use some of these tips next time I’m camping ⛺️ Cheers from Nova Scotia!

  • @davidleasure9138
    @davidleasure9138 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome tips light humorous and informative

  • @antoanto5301
    @antoanto5301 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks Dan, i look forward to seeing your videos, keep on going!

  • @drivingmissmolly
    @drivingmissmolly 2 роки тому

    Another tip for drying boots, used this one plenty of times, put some rocks in the fire and once they’re hot enough put them in your boots. One at the very toe and one at the heel and maybe a couple on top. Every 30 minutes or so, you can add new rocks and your boots will be dry super fast. Shouldn’t scorch your boots or anything. Plus, you can even just do this to have toasty warm shoes if your feet are cold.

  • @MrSmalley300
    @MrSmalley300 3 роки тому +1

    Y have I never used this before. Great tips thanks

  • @dave-yeahthatsme3925
    @dave-yeahthatsme3925 3 роки тому

    I love your videos,I always learn something. Thank you so much!!

  • @ladyofthemasque
    @ladyofthemasque 3 роки тому +1

    #5 alternative use of a flexible green Y-branch, leave both sides of the Y long, tuck the Y around the bottle where they join, and squeeze the arms of the Y together; if you've got them inserted under a flange or flared part, or even just squeezed together tightly enough, you should be able to lift the bottle out of the fire long before the (green, flexible, moisture-rich) wood catches fire!

  • @sandravalani359
    @sandravalani359 3 роки тому

    Your awesome Contagious excitment iS wantinG me to get back into campinG very soon!👍ThankS deeply for sharinG your wonderful tips!!!✌😇🌎🌹🌲🌲🌲🌹🏕🔥🐶🌹☕☕☕

  • @lesaventuresdeludo1049
    @lesaventuresdeludo1049 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Mr Y

  • @michelletjrning4803
    @michelletjrning4803 3 роки тому +1

    You Can also use it for hanging Your lamp/light near the fire When it gets Dark

  • @bobhead6243
    @bobhead6243 3 роки тому

    Hi man , love the comedy in your presentation ,such a change from the so serious stuff some people show ,be well .

  • @purple3003
    @purple3003 3 роки тому

    I love Dan Wowak

  • @erolkavlakverizon6112
    @erolkavlakverizon6112 3 роки тому +3

    Two hot dogs 🌭 at once..Y branch.
    Three. Tri- branch..have a Happy New Year

    • @dracoargentum9783
      @dracoargentum9783 3 роки тому

      hot dogs and marshmallows... like a twinkie weiner sandwich

  • @beauxtx1959
    @beauxtx1959 3 роки тому +3

    Great video! You can also use a small green 'Y' branch to make tongs to pick up the hot bottle. Happy New Year!

    • @mikejones-go8vz
      @mikejones-go8vz 3 роки тому

      That’s what I thought he was going to do 😬

  • @arcosd63
    @arcosd63 3 роки тому

    Dude, this video was awesome, very practical, I've shared a couple with friends in FB. Thanks.

  • @KimberlyRPeacock
    @KimberlyRPeacock 3 роки тому +1

    Love your channel, passion and enthusiasm. You have a natural talent for communication. I'm a fan.

  • @CommonCentsOutdoorsman
    @CommonCentsOutdoorsman 3 роки тому +1

    For double the fun use a double Y branch or what I like to call... a "K" branch!

  • @tylerfoss3346
    @tylerfoss3346 3 роки тому +2

    Dan Wowak, king of the Y branch! Thank you for the outstanding videos that contain very useful information. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  • @craigrobertson6082
    @craigrobertson6082 3 роки тому +7

    This was great, my first vid of Dan. Amusing and informative. Merry Christmas.

    • @artzreal
      @artzreal 3 роки тому

      always makes me laugh. always to the point, no nonsense., hidden gems of usefulsurvival/bushcraft tips... top notch channel

  • @stacier1396
    @stacier1396 3 роки тому

    Very Smart clip Thank You for Sharing!!!!!