![IMG_7774.JPG](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmaKK8JsBeeAEEoyXNjqeLHWYXsGx1Cs5DWg8ENdRCDcNn)



I bought a fish scale remover a few years ago with the aim of using its embedded nails to puncture some holes on the rind of a big piece of pork belly.  The recipe was Chinese style roast pork and it called for a spike to poke holes on the rind to encourage crackling or super crispy rind.  


I couldn't find a spike and thinking several nail spikes was better and faster than a single spike for the job, I made a poor judgement in buying the fish descaler.  It failed miserably at poking and remained redundant in the kitchen toolbox ever since.


![IMG_7701.JPG](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmdsgFSR2TeHVL2u7dzYfT23F3X2JhD9ZeVDfVHkUyEDDo)



I finally needed to use this long abandoned tool today.  My lovely niece had brought me a whole fish when she came home from a working trip abroad.  It was very properly packed and frozen.  I left it still wrapped in the fridge for almost two days to allow the fish to defroze.


When ready to clean and cook the fish,  I realised that the fish has yet to be gutted and the scales not removed.  So out came the fish descaler and what a mess I made.  The scales flew everywhere and the sharp nails almost scrapped my hand.

![IMG_7702.JPG](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmTGw74361UgpcYMRU3WSFqbWgybGCkNn6LUkRC2kymxzx)



I spent ages cleaning the floor and backsplash around the sink. Even the fridge door was not spared.  The scales were stubborn and stuck to the tiles when dried up.