Almost everybody always has a ton of elastic rubber bands stocked in a closet somewhere, and while they’re pretty good at keeping things together, there are actually a lot more handy uses for this humble item.
In fact, the chances are that you’ll always want to have a couple of rubber bands nearby when you take a look at these smart, but unexpected ways to use them.
Who knew that a simple and extremely cheap household item would have so many uses and save you a lot of frustration and time? Let’s take a look at the best examples and jump right in.
1) Keep sliced apples fresh
A fresh piece of fruit with every meal is never a bad idea! However, if you’re a fan of sliced apples, you probably know the frustration when those sliced pieces go brown in just a couple of hours. That’s where a rubber band comes in: simply try to rebuild the apple and hold it together with a band. No more brown spots!
2) Limit the portions on soap dispensers
Some soap or shower gel dispensers can go absolutely crazy in terms of the amount being pushed out, but there’s a quick method to save some soap (and money). Tightly wrap a band right underneath the dispenser opening, making it harder to fully press it down. In other words, less soap or gel will be dispensed.
3) Stretch your jeans a little bit further
A pair of jeans that is slightly too tight is definitely a frustrating situation, but a simple elastic band might be able to help out. You can make your jeans fit a little bit better by using a rubber band as a loop between the button and the button opening. Handy!
4) As a DIY smartphone tripod
Taking that perfect shot with your smartphone can be a little difficult, especially because you can’t really use a regular camera tripod to take still photos or videos. The solution? Grab a rubber band or two to create a makeshift tripod and increase stability. It may not look ideal, but at least you won’t have to worry about blurry shots.
5) Seal hose leaks
If you’ve got a garden hose laying around and there’s a small hole in it, don’t throw it away and give up hope just yet. While elastic bands do a great job at keeping stuff together, they’re also pretty good at keeping things in, such as water. Grab a rubber band and wrap it around the leak to tighten it.
6) Build your own phone holder for the car
Don’t have a phone holder for your car? There’s no need to purchase one of those fancy (and mostly expensive) things, because a rubber band will do the trick just fine for most of us. All you need is two minutes to setup the rubber band and some room in your air vents.
7) Keep books safe on the go
If you like having a book on you at all times, this small yet nifty trick will definitely come in handy. It’s important to keep your books closed when you’re on the go, or you might have to deal with some damage to the pages. Always have a rubber band nearby to keep your book closed.
8) Build your own simple toothbrush holder
The most genius ideas usually don’t look all that fancy, but practicality is definitely more important than fanciness in this case. Create your own elastic band grid around a tall glass or cup to build a DIY toothbrush holder. Organizing toothbrusher just got a lot cleaner!
9) Add some color to drinks
Well, not really, but you can use small and colored rubber bands to identify drinks. Whenever you’re together with some friends or family, chances are multiple people will want to have the same drink and somehow, those beverages will definitely get mixed up. Grab a small and colored rubber band and thread it though the tab. A quick and handy fix!
10) Unscrew a broken screw
Broken or rusted screws are the absolute worst. When the grooves of a screw have absolutely broken down, it doesn’t matter what kind of screwdriver you have, getting it out will always be a major pain. However, adding a little bit of grip in the form of a rubber band might just end up being a lifesaver in cases like these.
11) Save some space in travel cases
When you’re preparing to go on a trip, packing the clothes beforehand can definitely be a bit of a tricky situation, especially if you want to bring a a lot of outfits. Don’t worry about your suitcases not fitting anymore, but simply wrap rubber bands around sweaters and pants to keep them tight and save some precious space.
12) Always keep doors (slightly) open
If you’d like to keep the doors in your house open at all times, or don’t want to make a lot of noise by accidentally slamming the door open for everyone to hear, this truck will come in handy. Simply grab an elastic band and loop it around both doorknobs in an X-shape. This quick trick will keep the door slightly open.
13) Get creative with paint
If you’re a creative person, you’ll just love the versatility that a couple of rubber bands can offer. For example, did you know you can use them to make some sweet outdoor striped lanterns? Simply wrap them around a jar and paint directly over them – it’ll create a professional-looking effect that will definitely satisfy your inner artist.
14) Create better hangers
Hangers are really essential in a closet, but they can be a bit of pain because some clothes will definitely have to urge to slide right off. However, there’s no need to buy those expensive anti-slip hangers, because a simple rubber band is an excellent DIY ‘upgrade’ that will keep your clothes from sliding off.
15) Build your own GPS mount
Aside from building your own smartphone mount in the air vents, you can also just apply a couple of rubber bands to your rear-view mirror and create your own makeshift GPS or smartphone mount. It doesn’t get any easier than this!
16) Securing tea bags
If you’re a tea drinker, you probably get frustrated every single time the tea bag dunks right into your cup. With a rubber band in hand, there’s no need to worry anymore. Simply secure the tea bag around the cup, and you’re golden.
17) Keep your power adapter in place
The portability of laptops is great, but it’s best to always keep your power adapter nearby, just in case the battery dies. One of the annoying things, however, is that these adapters or power cords tend to slip. With a couple of rubber bands to increase its grip to the surface, that’s a problem you’ll never have to deal with anymore.
18) Create a makeshift super slim wallet
Wallets tend to be extremely bulky nowadays, while we only really need to pack a few essential cards and a bit of cash. Wrap your most-used cards and some bills together in some rubber bands for times you don’t want to use your bulky wallet.
19) Flip pages
This one may sound a little bit weird, but the idea is so simple it’s actually genius. There’s no need to flip pages of a book by wetting your fingers anymore, because a rubber band around your finger (or two fingers) will provide you with just enough friction to do the exact same thing without leaving spots and stains on the paper.
20) Keep pot lids closed
We’ve all experienced it in the kitchen: there’s something inside of your cooker that’s boiling faster than you expected and the whole thing starts to overcook. The next time you need to keep the lid down, just secure the whole thing by using a pair of elastic bands. It also works wonders if you want to transport the pots when there’s still food inside.
21) Keep spoons from sliding
Speaking of the kitchen and cooking pots, keep another rubber band nearby to apply to your spoons and wooden ladles. Thanks to the extra grip they provide, the spoons won’t slide down and you’ll always have them right where you need them.
22) Build your own bouncy ball
Everybody knows that one of the most fun things to do with plenty of rubber bands is to build your own bouncy ball, but did you also know that it’s fairly easy to make one? All you need to do is squeeze around ten rubber bands together, and start wrapping around them with other bands. You’ll start to see your bouncy rubber band ball grow in no time. Plus, the ball doubles as an eraser!
23) Open stuck jars
When you’re dealing with a stuck jar, it seems like you need to have some kind of divine power to get them open because you can’t quite get a grip on the lid. However, you definitely will by wrapping a rubber band around the lid. In fact, you’ll have those stubborn jars open in one-two-three.
24) Use it as a painting lifesaver
Painting usually ends up turning into quite the mess, but a rubber band is truly essential when you’re trying to provide something with a nice new color. Grab yourself a large elastic band and wrap it around the open can of paint. Wipe paint from your brush on the rubber band before you start painting to prevent it from dripping.
25) Keep ribbons in place
Spools of loose ribbons usually aren’t great when you’re trying to organize things, because you know that those ribbons will end up getting out of the spool eventually. If you’re tired of dealing with these tangled ribbons, use a rubber band to keep them spooled until you want to use them again.
26) Make cutting boards more stable
Some cutting boards might end up being more trouble than they’re worth, and they might even be the cause of a cutting accident. If you’re having difficulties with cutting boards that slide around everywhere, stabilize them with a pair of long rubber bands.
27) Open nail polish bottles
Nail polish bottles are probably among the most stubborn things to get open, but some elastic bands are a true lifesaver. Wrap it around the handle a couple of times for some additional grip and you’ll never have to deal with these pesky bottles again.
28) Create fun easter eggs
We can use the same trick on the outdoor lanterns on easter eggs. There’s no better way to prepare for the festive easter season than by creating some fun easter eggs. Wrap some rubber bands around them before applying dye and they’ll look much more joyful. Be careful not to crack them, though!
29) Use them as drink decorations
This idea is so simple, you may wonder why you’ve never thought of something similar yourself. Give your drink glasses a nice and sparkly extra touch by adding a flower, for example. Of course, it’s best to use colored rubber bands for that extra nice aesthetic look. Great for weddings and events!
30) Use a band as a makeshift seam guide
Sewing machines really require a good seam guide, and it turns out that a rubber band is just one of the many sewing life hacks you can use. So the next time you’re looking for a seam guide, just opt for a simple, but preferably thick rubber band instead. You’ll never notice the difference.
preferably thick rubber band instead. You’ll never notice the difference.
31) Build your own memo board
Let the creative beast inside yourself go by building your own fancy memo board. Grab some colored elastic bands, a wooden frame and you’ve got yourself a quick, easy and pretty memo board in just minutes. Sticky notes, receipts, papers – they can all rest underneath an elastic band now.
32) Create some unique jewelry
Admittedly, you will need a bit of skill and probably a whole lot of patience to create something like the necklace or bracelet shown in the image below, but the result is definitely impressive. This technique was inspired by the loom hype that was really popular a few years ago.
33) Prevent shower caddy woes
It’s practically a certainty that shower caddies can get extremely wobbly, which then ends up with dropped shampoo and conditioner bottles. Attach a rubber band around your shower head nozzle, and position the shower caddy directly behind it. The band will keep the shower caddy in place for you!
34) Easy chopsticks
Chopsticks are one of those things that you either love or hate, but this rubber band trick may help you out if you’re in the last category. Wrap it around two sticks with a piece of paper in between, and you’ve got yourself a much easier method to use chopsticks. Thank us later!
35) Make glasses more slip-proof for kids
This tick will definitely come in handy if you’ve got younger children. As you probably already know, a glass is easily broken in little hands, but adding a couple of rubber bands will definitely increase the grip and prevent accidents.
36) Get an easy French manicure
A French manicure – where only the tip of your nails gets some nail polish – can be quite tricky to do by yourself, but not if you’ve got a rubber band lying around. It’s a super simple, quick and cheap nail hack for the perfect French manicure.
37) Keep your glasses from slipping
Having trouble with your glasses falling off every time you look down? Do you feel that they’re just not sturdy enough? Grab some bands and wrap them around the frame and this makeshift grip will make sure that the glasses will always be tucked away behind your ears.
38) Color-code your chargers
Electronics usually need to have their own charger, but it can be hard to identify them – especially if you have roommates, friends or family members with the same power adapters. Color-coding things is always a good idea to keep your life organized, and all you need is some colored rubber bands.
39) Create a wrist strap for appliances
You’ll find room for a wrist strap on plenty of appliances: game consoles, cameras, and even some smartphone cases. A wrist strap is always handy for some extra feeling of safety, especially when you let the children use it. A simple, but a sturdy rubber band in a loop will do the trick just fine.
40) Re-use your old broom
If you’ve got an old broom laying around, don’t get rid of it just yet. Instead, grab yourself a long rubber band and keep all of the broom hairs together. It’s a super quick and easy fix to re-use your old broom without comprises or trouble.
Bonus: Brilliant Ways To Use Thumbtacks
Nailhead Letters
Nailhead letters are super trendy in home décor right now. You \can find them in hobby shops and home décor shops for a hefty price, or you can make your own out of thumbtacks for a fraction of the cost. Simply print out a letter, trace it onto a piece of wood, and add thumbtacks to the outline of it. Then, decorate the wood with some craft paint.
Side Table Update
Tired of staring at the same piece of furniture you have had since college? Wishing for something new but don’t want to spend the money on a new table? Just update it by adding thumbtacks to the side. This will create a modern and stylish look.
Shiny Mirror
If you have a mirror in your home that needs a little something extra, add a layer of thumbtacks around it. They look great on most types of wood and with most décor. You can find thumbtacks in distinct colors and styles, too.
Word Phrase
If you have a favorite quote or word phrase, you can spell it out on your wall in thumbtacks. If you don’t want to put them straight into the wall, you can always add them to canvas or a piece of wood to create some unique wall art.
Candle Covers
If you have some candles and aren’t happy with the color of them, you can disguise them with tacks.
Table Toppers
If you have a plain table and want to give it a new look, you can tap some thumbtacks right into the top of it. Make sure they are all level, so you can set things on the table. You can even make designs with them to create a unique piece that fits your home décor.
Golden Wreath
If you want to make something pretty for your door for the holidays or any time of year, this wreath is a great option. Simply press the tacks into the wreath form to cover it. You can add other items, like flowers and ribbon, if desired.
Centerpiece
Sometimes, you need to update your table with a new centerpiece. Don’t spend a lot of money on things at the home store. Just pick up some foam balls from your local dollar store and add thumbtacks to cover the outside. They look great in a vase or a bowl.
Heart Décor
You can add a little love to your walls by making a heart with the thumbtacks. Add them directly to the wall or add them to a piece of poster board. It’s a great piece for a teen’s room or any room in the house. It also makes a nice Valentine’s Day decoration.
Diamond Wall
Create a beautiful accent wall with some bright paint and some studded thumbtacks. Use the studded tacks to create a pattern on the wall. Stripes or chevrons are a great idea, or you can even do spots. It’s totally up to you and your design tastes.
Bedroom Sign
Add something special to your bedroom by using thumbtacks to spell out your last name. If you share your bed with a partner, add both names. You can also add designs and quotes to personalize your bedroom sign.
Message Board
Take a piece of corkboard and cover it with fabric. Use the thumbtacks to pin your messages and important notes in place. It’s a functional piece of art that will make your life easier. They are great for sharing the weekly menu at home or leaving important notes for your family members.
Decorate A Pumpkin
Tired of seeing the same carved and painted pumpkins on every porch in the neighborhood? Give yours a special look with thumbtacks. Just poke them into the pumpkin to make a face, letter, or another design.
Christmas Wall Art
Christmas décor can be expensive, and you only leave it up for a few weeks. Why buy it when you can just make it? You can use tacks to spell out the word “Noel” on your wall or on a wooden sign. You can even spell out other Christmas words or phrases for other parts of your home.
Vent A Lightning Bug Lid
If your kids love to catch lightning bugs and keep them in jars, you need a way to vent the lid. Pressing thumbtacks into it will make holes that are big enough for the insects to get oxygen but not big enough that they can escape.
Shiny Picture Frames
Tired of boring old picture frames? Add some sparkle and shine with thumbtacks. Just poke the tacks into the frames to create a fun pattern. You can even find tacks with different colored heads or special designs on them to give your frames an interesting look.
Golden Globe
If you have an old globe in your home and don’t really want to look at it anymore, you may change your mind when you cover it in tacks. The unique round globe will look great on a desk or shelf, and it even has the appearance of an expensive piece of décor.
Dragon Egg
Ever wanted your own dragon egg? You can make one with some gold thumbtacks and a Styrofoam egg. Cover the egg in tacks, and it will look like it is covered in golden scales. If you had to guess what a dragon egg would look like, it would be this.
Clock Numbers
Clocks can be boring, but you can make them a little more interesting by replacing the numbers with tacks. You can make number designs or keep it simple and leave one tack at each hour. It won’t make time slow down, but it might make your clock a little trendier.
Name Cards
Do you need to make place settings at a table and want something pretty to make them? Use thumbtacks to spell out names or initials. You can poke them into cards, wood, or just about anything. Your guests will love them.
Chair Trim
If you have an office chair that needs a makeover, try some thumbtacks. Put them around the edges of the chair to make a border. You can use colors and designs to match the décor in your home or office. If you have a rip or spot you need to hide, you can use the tacks to cover it.
Big Initial
Need an accent piece for a room or table? Purchase a large cardboard letter or number from your craft store and use thumbtacks to decorate it. You can use different colors to make stripes or other patterns. These look great in living rooms and even make great gifts for teens and newlyweds.
Lanterns
Use thumbtacks to poke a design in a metal can. You can also just poke random holes in it. Put a tea light or candle in the can, and the lights will shine through the holes. You now have a lantern.
Dresser Update
Thumbtacks can be used be change the look and design of your dresser. Push them into the drawers to make shapes or letters or use them as trim around the tops and side. They look great on wood or painted dressers. Don’t be afraid to make fun designs across the drawers, too.
Headboard Design
Tired of staring at your boring old headboard? Some thumbtacks can give it a fresh look. Add them to the top or bottom to create a border. You can even make a letter or spell out words to get even more creative.
Tack Trees
You can use thumbtacks to make beautiful Christmas décor. Just buy some foam cones and press the tacks into them to create a design or to cover them. Display them on a shelf, and you have something unique to show family and friends during holiday parties. You may want to leave them out all year long.
String Art
Print out an image from your computer and cut out the silhouette. Trace it onto a wooden plank and then add thumbtacks to the outline. Take thread or yarn and draw lines across the image to make string art. Hang it on your wall or set it on a shelf.
Scrapbook Embellishments
You can find thumbtacks with beautiful designs on them. Purchase the ones you like and use them on your scrapbook pages. They can hold the photos in place or just act as borders and décor. You can even use them to spell out words and fun phrases around your photos.
Necklace
Who knew you could wear thumbtacks around your neck? Purchase some small Styrofoam balls from your local craft store. Poke a hole through each one, then poke the tacks into them until the rest of the surface is covered. Thread them on a string and add beads to make a nice necklace.
Wall Hangings
If you need a way to decorate your room and don’t want to spend a lot of money on fancy décor, just make some yourself. Buy some poster board or canvas and then print out some designs or photos you like. Use the tacks to trace the outline of the image, and you have some beautiful wall art.
Studded Christmas Tree Ornaments
Give your Christmas tree some extra sparkle with some thumbtack ornaments. Just use regular fabric balls and poke tacks into them. Cover the balls or create a fun pattern. Then, hang them on the tree. They will catch the light and look great.
Hang Wallpaper
If you want to redo your walls but can’t put up wallpaper or paint because you are renting, use tacks. Thumbtacks can be added to the corners and other areas of the wall to secure wallpaper and murals. They will stay put but be easy to take down when the time comes.
Hang Photos
Instead of spending a lot of money on photo hanging kits or using nails to hang photos, use thumbtacks instead. They make small holes but can hang most photos. If the photos are heavy, you may need to use one tack at the top and one at the bottom to secure them properly.
Hang Dried Herbs
If you use a lot of cut, dried herbs in your recipes, you can use tacks to hang them in your pantry. Just bundle the herbs to make a bouquet, and then use a tack to hang them in your pantry. They will stay dry, and the tack won’t leave much damage.
Hang Curtains
If you have thin curtains and don’t want to put them on a rod, you can use thumbtacks to hold them in place. Simply put the tacks in the corners of the curtains and hang them where you want them. Just make sure they don’t damage the delicate curtain material.