Do you know you can use a zip tie to unclog your drain? Yes! Zip ties, often known as cable ties, are useful tools for more than just connecting computer cables and charger cords. They can clean drains, repair broken zippers, and do so much more.
Source: Pinterest
They are also cheap, as a pack of 100 costs roughly $8 and comes in a variety of colors. You can keep some in your purse, at work, and in your car, as they come in handy for unexpected fixes, making them a truly multipurpose tool.
Unclog a Drain
When you run out of drain weasels, unclogging a drain with zip ties can come in handy. All you have to do is use a long zip tie, or join 2-3 to make an extra-long one.
Source: Pinterest
Then cut diagonal notches on both sides of the zip tie and insert it down the drain, moving it like a snake. The notches will catch debris, allowing you to clear the obstruction fast and easily.
Child-Proof your Home
To child-proof your home, use zip ties to fasten cabinet knobs and other restricted areas. You can loop and tighten a zip tie through the handles of two adjacent cabinets, making it impossible for little children and curious pets to open.
Source: Pinterest
This easy and effective hack protects children from harmful materials. Zip ties are cheap and simple to remove when you need access, making them an ideal child-proofing solution for you.
To Hang Things Up
Zip ties can serve as hangers for both indoor and outdoor use. All you have to do is loop a zip tie through the handle of your mops and brooms and hang them neatly on hooks to keep your storage area orderly.
Source: Pinterest
On the outside, use a zip tie to hang a lantern on a tree branch, so it can provide you with overhead lighting for nighttime activities. This simple, low-cost solution makes it easy to organize and illuminate your space.
DIY a Key Ring
Are you looking for a simple solution to keep loose keys together? Then use a zip tie as a temporary key ring. Simply string your keys onto the zip tie, loop it, and you’ll have an instant key ring.
Source: Pinterest
It’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep your keys together. It’s perfect for emergency situations and functions similarly to a standard key ring.
To Bind Flower Stems Together
The next time you bring home flowers, use zip ties to hold the stems together. Zip ties will help you form a tight, solid bunch to display in a vase, giving your bouquet an elegant appearance.
Source: Pinterest
They’re especially great for creating table centerpieces, which keep the setup in place. Simply wrap a zip tie around the stems, fasten it, and trim off any excess. It’s a simple and fast way to improve your flowery displays.
Keep Plants Attached to Stakes
Zip ties are great for supporting your garden or potted houseplants. You can use them to attach plants to stakes, helping them stand tall and grow properly. Simply wrap a zip tie around the plant stem and stake.
Source: Pinterest
Then carefully tighten it to avoid harming the plant. This strategy works especially well for plants that need extra support, like tomatoes or tall flowers. It’s an easy and affordable method to keep your plants healthy and erect.
To ‘Lock’ your Suitcase’s Zippers
If you don’t have a locking device, you can secure your suitcase’s zippers with a zip tie. All you need to do is thread a ziptie through the zipper pulls and tighten them to keep the zippers from splitting during transit.
Source: Pinterest
This hack also helps you recognize your luggage at the airport. Note that TSA may remove the zip tie if they need to inspect your suitcase because it is not a TSA-approved lock.
To Serve as Shoelace Replacement
Zip ties can come in handy when you’re camping or away from stores and need to replace your shoelaces. Simply thread a zip tie through the eyelets of your shoes and secure it.
Source: Pinterest
They are solid and can hold your shoes together, just like regular shoelaces. Also, zip ties are lightweight and portable, making them a great support for your outdoor kit.
To Attach Things to Your Bag or Backpack
Whenever you go camping, remember that zip ties can be extremely useful for attaching things to your bag or backpack. For instance, if you want to keep a flashlight or water bottle handy, just zip-tie it to your bag.
Source: Pinterest
This hack keeps your essentials within reach while also freeing up space in your backpack. And since zip ties are lightweight, durable, and simple to use, this makes them a perfect tool for you to consider adding to your camping kit.
For Zipper Pulls
If your bag or hoodie has a broken or missing zipper pull, don’t worry. Just take a zip tie and thread it through the zipper’s opening. And when you place the zip tie in a loop, you create a functional and easy-to-grab zipper pull.
Source: Pinterest
This easy fix enables you to zip and unzip your items without using a standard pull, making zip ties a convenient solution in an emergency.
The End
Zip ties are versatile tools with uses that go far beyond their typical functions. They are useful for a variety of purposes, including making temporary shoelaces and securing luggage zippers, as we have discussed.
Source: Pinterest
So whether you’re camping or dealing with a damaged zipper pull, zip ties provide convenient solutions for you on the go. Their simplicity and effectiveness make them a must-have in any toolkit for quick fixes and creative solutions.
