THIMBLES

Set to 2 different clues across 2 published puzzles, most often “They help avoid sticking points” — The New York Times, Friday, 29 October 1999.

8 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

They help avoid sticking pointsonce
The New York Times — Friday, 29 October 1999
Sewer protectorsonce
The New York Times — Wednesday, 16 June 1999