Genius Duct Tape Hacks You Should Know
When everything else fails, there’s duct tape. Dependable and resilient, duct tape is the solution to hundreds of problems. Because it’s waterproof, versatile, and easy to apply, it’s a go-to tool in every workshop, kitchen drawer, glove compartment, and first aid kit.
Here are 19 genius duct tape hacks everyone should know.
1. Use it to open stubborn lids.
If you need to open a stubborn jar and your hands are too slippery, it can be hard to grasp the lid. Next time use duct tape! It’s sticky enough to grab onto the lid but not so sticky that it will leave residue on your hands.
This works incredibly well with plastic containers with narrow lids that are hard to grasp because they’re slippery. Make sure to use sturdy duct tape, not the plastic-y imitations you find in home improvement stores.
2. Slip-proof your shoes.
Duct tape is not just for fixing things anymore. It can also be used as a simple and effective way to prevent your shoes from slipping on slick surfaces, like tile floors or boat decks.
All you have to do is wrap some duct tape around each shoe’s bottom, ensuring there are no gaps in between, and voila! You have yourself a slip-free shoe! This should work wonders to prevent your feet from getting injured during workouts or daily activities.
3. Make your own stencils for DIY shirts!
If you are crafty, you have probably considered making your own stencils for DIY projects. But if you don’t have the money to buy fancy stencil kits and want to do it yourself, here is a cheap alternative: duct tape!
You can use it to create your own stencils for DIY shirts — or even add some fun accents to an existing one! Why stop at t-shirts? You could even use duct tape stencils to add flair to an old pair of jeans.
4. Get rid of warts
There are many ways to get rid of warts from your body. Some people use wart removers bought over the counter or by prescription. However, if you want a cheap and easy way to remove warts, try wrapping it with duct tape.
You will want to cut a piece of duct tape about 1 inch long and wrap it tightly around the wart for about 6 days. Then soak the wart and rub it with a pumice stone. Repeat if necessary. The duct tape should dry out the skin and cause the wart to fall off.
5. Temporary fix for a broken bone
If you break your bone and there isn’t any medical help around, you can use duct tape to stabilize and protect the fracture until you can get to the hospital. Keep in mind that this isn’t a long-term solution. So, don’t try to do anything more than stabilize the bone.
To use duct tape for this purpose, cover the area with a thick layer of gauze or cloth, then wrap the area tightly with duct tape going from one side of the injury to the other. It’s important to keep any padding on both sides of the area so that it doesn’t rub against anything else.
6. Build a stretcher in case of an emergency
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to transport an injured person and there are no stretchers available, you can build a makeshift stretcher with just about anything. For example, you can use duct tape to create a sturdy yet flexible enough surface for carrying someone to safety. A plastic tarp can also be laid out and secured with duct tape to make a flat surface.
Just remember that props are better than nothing at all. So if you don’t have any tools to help support the victim’s back while they’re being transported, you can use rolled-up blankets or pillows instead of nothing! Secure them with duct tape, and you’re good to go.
7. Build a hammock for relaxing
A hammock is a great way to relax and take a load off. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money buying one. You can make your own hammock using just some rope, string, and duct tape.
When you’re ready to relax, all you have to do is find two trees that are at least 10 feet apart (the wider, the better). Then tie the end of the rope around one tree, wrap it around itself twice and secure it with duct tape — this will keep it from slipping. Ensure the other end is securely tied around the other tree so you won’t fall out when lying down!
8. Use it to patch a hole in your tent.
When you’re camping, the last thing you want to do is discover a pool of water at your feet in the middle of the night. This can be dangerous if you’re on a multiday trip. If you have a hole in your rain fly that allows moisture to get into your tent, use duct tape to patch the hole.
Cut two half-inch pieces of duct tape, and place them over the top and bottom of the seam to seal the hole. Repeat this process for any other open seams through which water may enter your tent.
9. Make your own butterfly bandage.
You can use duct tape as a makeshift butterfly bandage to cover minor cuts and scrapes. It works well to create an airtight, waterproof seal over the cut so that no dirt or germs can enter your body through it.
All you need to do is tear off a strip of duct tape and space them out along the wound or scrape. The adhesive will keep it in place until you get to the doctor’s office.
10. Protect your blisters.
If you’re going to be walking for a long time, a blister can be the worst thing in the world. They hurt and can make it difficult for you to walk. One way that many hikers deal with blisters is by using duct tape to protect them from further injury.
You’ll want to cover the entire blister with duct tape. Depending on the size, you may need to cut the tape into strips to fit it on the whole blister. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on any part of your foot, as this will cause more pain and worsen your blister.
11. Fix a broken or leaking pipe.
There are several types of tape available to fix a little leak. Duct tape, however, is one of the best to use when you’re in a rush. It works well on pipes and is easy to apply.
Cover the pipe entirely with tape so no water can get through. If there are any air pockets, water can pool inside them and cause a significant leak. Duct tape is water-resistant but not waterproof, so make sure you find an expert to fix it if the leak persists.