Brace yourself for several aha! moments. These unique uses for everyday items are downright genius.
100 Uncommon Uses for Common Household Items
![wine box shoe storage container](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-wine-box-shoe-storage.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Wine Box Storage
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DJA_2011_003_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Wrench Caddy
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH02OCT_RUBBER_02.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Keep the Tape Rolling
![pipe insulation between car seat and console](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-pipe-insul-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Pipe Insulation
![FH05MAY_458_53_004](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH05MAY_458_53_004.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Beat The Dust out of Cushions With a Tennis Racket
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/APR_2007_017_T_02.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Cord Control
![Custom cord wraps bungee cords](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh12jun_529_08_007.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Custom Cord Wraps
![tennis ball bottle opener](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/tennis-ball-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Tennis Ball Bottle Opener
![clean window blinds with tongs](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-tongs-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Use Tongs to Clean Blinds
![frugal homeowner tips](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HH-jug-scoop-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Milk Jug Scoop
![filling grass seed broadcaster](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/grass-seed-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Grass Seed Broadcaster
![bread tabs labeling cords](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bread-tab-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Bread Tabs for Labeling Cords
![paperclip binder for cord](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cord-binder-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Rubber Band and Paperclip Binder
![bobby pin nail holder](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bobby-pin-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Bobby Pin Nail Holder
![paper towel roll cord storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/paper-towel-cord-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Paper Towel Cord Storage
![pie plate dust pan](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/pie-plate-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pie Plate Dustpan
![stuffing plastic bags in paper towel roll](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/paper-towel-bags-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Paper Towel Roll Bag Storage
![paper towel roll boot shaper](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/paper-towel-boots-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Paper Towel Boot Shaper
![toilet paper roll hair band storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/toilet-paper-bands-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Toilet Paper Roll Hair Band Organizer
![placing water bottle in tin can holder](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bottle-can-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Tin Can Water Bottle Holder
![egg carton painting props](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-egg-carton-painting-aids.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Egg Carton Painting Props
![grocery bag shoe covers](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-shoe-covers.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Grocery Bag Shoe Covers
![crack nuts with a hammer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-nuts-hammer.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Crack Nuts with Hand Tools
Family Handyman tested using several different hand tools to crack open a variety of nuts. The good news is that all of the tools we used worked, but a couple got the job done a bit better.
![seedlings growing in plastic clamshell container from salad bar](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-salad-container.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Greenhouses from the Salad Bar
![frog tape to move furniture](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-frog-tape-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Tape Containers for Furniture Glides
![garden gloves for dusting knickknacks](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-gloves-tape-dispenser.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Garden Gloves to Dust Knickknacks
![foam pipe insulation to babyproof a table](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-pipe-insulation.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pipe Insulation for Baby-Proofing
![household items](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-coffee-filter.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Coffee Filters for Dusting
![placing smartphone in pottery](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-smartphone-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Quick Smartphone Speaker
![Swiffer Sweeper for dusting walls](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-swiffer-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Floor Swiffer for Walls
![use a silverware organizer in the bathroom](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-bathroom-organizer-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Bathroom Drawer Insert from the Kitchen
![Hanger magazine rack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-magazine-bathroom-storage.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Hanger Magazine Rack
![HH cleaning around lint trap on dryer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/HH-clean-lint-trap.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Paint Stick to Clean Lint Buildup
![writing notes on washing machine](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-writing-on-washer.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Write Notes on the Washer
![cutting pool noodle to fit inside drawer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-pool-noodle-drawer-2.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Use a Pool Noodle Inside a Drawer
![sugar in dish soap to clean greasy hands](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-sugar-soap-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
DIY Hand Scrub
![sofa stops uses for common household items](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FH18MAR_584_08_028.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Sofa Stops
![trash can amplifier handy hint](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FH18MAR_584_08_003.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Trash-Can Amplifier
![eraser to clean keyboard](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-eraser-keyboard.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Erase Marks on a Keyboard
![finished pool noodle wrist rest](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-noodle-wrist-rest-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pool Noodle Wrist Rest
![coating snow shovel with car wax](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/HH-shovel-3.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Coat Your Snow Shovel with Car Wax
![Easy-on-the-hands bucket handles](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh13jau_540_08_020.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Easy-on-the-Hands Handles
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MAR_2005_013_T_01-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Anti-Skid Level
![FH16SEP_CLAMPS_01](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16SEP_CLAMPS_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Rubber Band Clamps
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH07MAY_RUBBER_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Nonslip Tools
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH03MAY_RUBBER_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Paint Brush Drip Stopper
![Spray-clean roller](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh07nov_484_10_008.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Spray-Clean Roller
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH02OCT_RUBBER_03.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Small-Parts Clamp
![5 gallon bucket No more rusty garden tools](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh16sep_571_08_r03.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
No More Rusty Garden Tools
![On-the-level tool bucket](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/gutter_bucket.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
On-the-Level Tool Bucket
![Better bucket storage](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh08nov_493_08_040.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Better Bucket Storage
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JUN_2008_094_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Easy-Mount Mini Bins
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/APR_2005_013_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Mini Tools From Concrete Nails
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DJA_2005_006_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Panpipe Tool Storage
![5-gallon bucket pvc pipe cutter](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh12sep_531_08_003.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Stay-Put PVC Pipe Cutter
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FEB_2004_025_T_01-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
No-Rattle Ceiling Fan
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FEB_2003_001_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Chisel Pockets
![5 gallon bucket tool bucket](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/FH10JAU_510_08_027.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Handy Bench and Tool Bucket
A 5-gallon bucket with lid comes in handy out in the garden and not just for collecting weeds. You can load it up with all your gardening tools and carry them easily from place to place. If it starts to rain, protect the tools with the lid. But here’s the best part—the 5 gallon bucket with lid doubles as a portable stool when you need to rest or do some pruning. The only problem is that the lid can be hard to pry off. Solve that by cutting off all but two of the plastic tabs. The lid will go on and off in a snap. — reader Julie Abbott
![5-gallon bucket dog feeder](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh99jun_01658003.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
DIY Dog Feeder
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/MAR_2003_022_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Paper Tube Saw Guard
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/MAR_2005_012_T_01-3.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
String Pipe Cutter
![pvc tool organization](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/MAR_2008_008_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Storage Pockets for Skinny Things
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/MAY_2004_031_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Foam Ball Hand Protector
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FH13SEP_MOVFUR_10.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clever Uses for Common Household Items: Make a Mattress Sling
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/NOV_2005_006_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
String-Dispensing CD Bins
![pvc knife holder](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/FH13OCT_HOLDER_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
PVC Knife Holders
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/SEP_2005_009_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clever Uses for Common Household Items: Power Cord Coilers
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FH11FEB_HANHIN_03.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Light-Duty Extension Cord Storage
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FH02OCT_RUBBER_01_02.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Chainsaw Blade Guard
Protect a chainsaw blade with 3/4-in. foam pipe insulation. Wrap the insulation around the blade and strap it tight with a couple of rubber bands.
![Duct tape boat](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FRZCP6DGP7IF7U6-Duct-Tape-Kayak.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Duct Tape Kayak
Mythbusters created a boat made of duct tape in an episode and so have others. As long as the seals are water tight it’s possible. Duct tape also works well as a guard when using a spinning sander to prevent fingers from brushing up against the wheel.
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FH16JUN_HOMHAK_05.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
New Uses for Old Glove Fingers
Garage Storage Tubes
![Easier mulch unloading 5 gallon bucket](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh13jau_540_08_012.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Easier Mulch Unloading
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/FH99DJA_TABLES_01_02.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Fast, Inexpensive Table
![accessorize your lawn mower](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FH05MAY_458_08_008_hsp.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Accessorize Your Mower with Clever Uses for Common Household Items
![curing iron](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/curling-irons.jpg?fit=250%2C250)
PVC Curling Iron Holsters
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FEB_2006_003_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Mini Hardware Holders
Double-Lid Cord Reel
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH17BNK_RUBBER_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
No-Latch (or Hands-Free) Door Trick
![clothes pin hat and mitten drying rack](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/FH11FEB_515_50_055.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Closet Glove Rack
![Better tree watering 5 gallon bucket](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FH14MAY_548_08_014.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Better Tree Watering
It’s a lot of work to haul buckets of water to recently planted trees. Then, when you dump out the water at the base of the tree, the water quickly runs off. Here’s a solution: Get some old 5-gallon buckets and drill a 1/4-in. hole near the bottom of each one. After plugging the holes with dowels, fill the buckets and haul them to the trees in a wheelbarrow. Set the buckets near the base of the trees and unplug the holes. It takes several minutes for the buckets to drain, allowing the soil to soak up every drop. — editor David Radtke
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/MAY_2004_019_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Vacuum Attachment Holder
![5-gallon bucket tool kit](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh13apr_537_08_r06.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clever Uses for Common Household Items: Portable Tool Kit
![Pull tab picture frame hook](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17ONO_582_08_007.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Pull-Tab Picture Frame Hook
![fishing rod pvc organizer](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/FH12JUN_FISHIN_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Uses for Common Household Items: Fishing Rod Organizer
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/OCT_2003_009_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Battery-Powered Kite Retriever
![HH sneaker sander](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/sneaker-sander-1.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Use a Sneaker to Clean Sandpaper
![penny to fix wobbly furniture](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/HH-penny-wobbly-chair.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Hot Glue Gun Uses: Fix Wobbly Furniture with a Penny
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FH00SEP_RUBBER_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Drill Bit Girdle
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/JUN_2005_016_T_01-3.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Roll It!
Almost everyone has some PVC lying around, and there are so many uses for common household items like this. You’d be amazed how easy it is to move heavy, awkward objects with three pieces of PVC pipe. Move playhouses, yard sheds, empty hot tubs and rocks weighing well over a ton with this trick. Use 4-in.-diameter ‘Schedule 40’ PVC, which is available from home centers. Here’s how to do it:
- Lift the front edge of the stone with a pry bar and slip two pipes underneath. Place one near the front and one about midway so the stone rests on the pipes.
- Position the third pipe a foot or two in front of the stone.
- Roll the stone forward onto the third pipe until the rear pipe comes free. Then move the rear pipe to the front and repeat.
This technique works best on relatively flat ground. On mild slopes, you’ll need a helper to shift pipes while you stabilize the load. Don’t use this method on steeper slopes.
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FEB_2004_033_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clever Uses for Common Household Items: Instant Tool Holder
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/FH10SEP_511_08_009.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Ironing Board Back Saver
![FH17SEP_581_08_300](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FH17SEP_581_08_300.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Wine Cork Caulk Saver
![Safe cord storage bungee cord](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/hf07sep_481_08_r01_hsp.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clever Uses for Common Household Items: Safe Cord Storage
To store elastic cords safely and neatly, pull out the spine of an old three-ring binder. Punch out the rivets and screw the spine to the garage wall. The rings are the perfect spot to hang cords without dangerous tension. — reader Tim Groff
![](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FH03APR_02953_007.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Foam Ball Tool Storage
![toothbrush cleaning dirty sink](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FH062811_002_CLECLE_08.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Scour Off Grime with an Electric Toothbrush
![Vinyl siding helper bungee cord](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh17apr_577_08_r05.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Vinyl Siding Helper
Long lengths of vinyl siding can be tough to install by yourself, so I came up with this trick. I hung a bungee cord on the wall above the siding and used it to hold the siding in place while I nailed it off. The elasticity of the bungee cord made it easy to pull the siding down to snap it into place before nailing.  — reader Michael Winter
![No-spill grocery bags bungee cord](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fh13jau_540_08_008.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
No-Spill Grocery Bags
It’s a pain to crawl deep into the trunk to get all the groceries that spill out of your bags on the way home from the store. Here’s a simple solution using common household items: Run a long bungee cord through the bag handles and hook the ends to the sides of the trunk. Keep the bungee cord in the trunk so it’s there when you need it. — reader Vern McMeans.
![dfh17sep016_626606723 spray foam craft art project children miniature medieval mountain](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/dfh17sep016_626606723.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
Clever Uses for Common Household Items: Get Crafty with Spray Foam
![SEP_2008_048_T_01-1200x1200](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/SEP_2008_048_T_01.jpg?fit=696%2C696)