10 comments

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  Tim

  3 years ago

  I don't think you're reading any more into it than anyone else does at some point in their life.
  
  I personally prefer the hangy-downy bit to be in the front (It's easier to get to that way), and I freak out when it's the other way -- and usually change it.
  
  Having lived with Brad for 2 years, I had to change it around quite a bit, but now that I have my own house I get to hang the toilet paper however the hell I want and no one can screw with it.
  
  YOU HEAR ME OUT THERE, FREAKS?? DON'T MESS WITH MY TOILET PAPER ROLL!!
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  Carl M

  3 years ago

  Try this little experiment. With the roll in each orientation, pull out a length of paper and give it a yank (perhaps with a small quantity in the grasping hand ... and the hand about a foot or so from the roll). The intent of the quick yank is the separate the quantity in the hand from the roll. Which orientation yields the best results? For me there is a clear difference (one orientation yields a clean break while the other orientation often results in the roll spinning freely with excess paper spooling off of the roll). I use the orientation that yields a clean break. Of course it's possible that different people have different styles of breaking off the tissue. And it's possible that THIS (more than anything else) is why they have chosen their preferred orientation.
  
  Those with cats have an entirely different reason for choosing an orientation. I have never had a cat, but I know that they can paw at the roll ... and if the tissue is in one orentation, this pawing will result in a pile of paper on the floor.
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  Carl M

  3 years ago

  PS You might perform the experiment from a seated position to better simulate actual usage.
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  Brian

  3 years ago

  Carl: s/cat/toddler/g as well.
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  Daniel Miessler

  3 years ago

  Carl,
  
  I think the angle issue with tearing toilet paper off the roll is incorrect. If you think about it, the angle that you come off of the circle is always going to be the same, i.e. if you pull in any direction, you will always end up with equal friction on the spool.
  
  I think it's an illusion of sorts. Imagine a ball bearing rolling around a circle, or a discus being thrown by an olympian. When the release takes place, it's always going to come off at a tangent to the circle.
  
  So here's my point. There isn't a "tighter tangent" when pulling off toilet paper. If you pull from a different angle (trying to generate more friction somehow), all you're going to do is change the release point on the roll -- hence giving you the same exact amount of friction as if you had just torn it straight down while it was facing forward.
  
  If I'm way off, feel free to pummel me.
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  Carl M

  3 years ago

  I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you didn't do the experiment.
  
  I understand your logic ... and you're right ... there is a certain symmetry to the situation ... and one could argue that there OUGHT to be no difference to the separation dynamics. HOWEVER ... there is. REALLY!
  
  Well ... there is for me. I'll hypothesize that it depends on the direction of the yank (upwards, downwards, outwards) and perhaps even the grip (whether the paper comes out of the top of your hand or the bottom of your hand as it heads back to the roll might be an issue ... maybe even the choice of using your right or left hand makes a difference). I haven't checked anything other than this: With MY grip and MY particular directional yank of the paper there is a clear and significant difference in the results for the two orientations of the paper. (All of this assumes a roll that can rotate freely ... don't even get me started on the solidly-in-place rolls in some public restrooms.)
  
  So ... has ANYONE tried the experiment? Report in! (And ... notice that I have not yet said which orientation I use ... only that I chose mine for a specific reason.)
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  Carl M

  3 years ago

  It occurs to me that I should mention that I use DIFFERENT orientations for toilet paper and for paper towels. Anyone else fall into THAT category? And ... while we're discussing these VERY important issues ... is there anyone who just puts the roll on without regard for the orientation (just lets it be one way or the other more or less randomly)?
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  Dave

  3 years ago

  It's all about dust on the roll. Pull the paper towards you from the top and the dust stays on the paper until you deposit it on your rear. Roll the paper away from you and the dust will be on the underside of the paper and more likely to fall.
  
  -Dave.. A male with no dust on his ass.
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  Carl M

  3 years ago

  If you have had a problem with dust on your TP, I might suggest a new diet. :)
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  Kevin

  1 month ago

  Well if he wants to pee there just let him!! She is still doing tupperwear sometime this summer, watch for my paper to NOT be bagged.
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