9 Surprising Ways to Use Zip Ties Around the House

Rather than let them sit in the junk drawer, it’s time to put these fasteners to work. Here are nine handy ways to use them in your home.

While zip ties might seem like an obscure utilitarian tool you only need occasionally, there are plenty of creative ways to implement them in your everyday life. From getting more organized , remedying an annoying issue, or providing peace of mind, these slim plastic strips are certainly stronger than they appear.

Chances are, you've purchased a pack of zip ties for one specific purpose, used a few, and tossed the rest aside for another day. If that’s the case, consider putting the rest of them to good use around the house with these clever solutions.

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1. Corral Cords

As technology expands, so does our need for all the devices that come with it. And with that comes a lot of cord clutter. The next time you feel like organizing your electronics , take the time to go through wires, like cables and chargers, and put aside the outdated ones to be dropped at a local e-recycling center. Next, sort the cords to keep by type, use zip ties to wrangle them neatly, and attach identifying labels to each. Note that this method is best for corralling backup cords or those you rarely need but should hold onto, such as the USB cord for your wireless printer. Otherwise, you’ll get tired of repeatedly snipping off the ties around the wires you currently use.

Related: How to Organize Power Cords

2. Hang Seasonal Decor

Although the holidays can be stressful, decorating for them shouldn’t be. Get creative and make the process fun by employing zip ties to deck the halls, both inside and out. They can easily attach garland to the staircase railing, hang wreaths on door knockers, and install string lights in the yard without causing any damage. Bear in mind that the winter holidays aren’t the only time you can get creative. So long as the decor you’re displaying is lightweight, zip ties can make your home feel festive year-round. They can even help you make a DIY craft for spring, summer, and fall.

Related: How to Hang a Christmas Wreath: 3 Easy Methods

3. Unclog Drains

Ideally, you have a snake or auger in your home for minor plumbing problems, such as clearing clogged drains . But if you don't have one available, you can try this zip tie hack before calling in a professional. First, grab a long tie or snap a few together if you need more length. Then, carefully make multiple diagonal cuts across the bottom half of the tie using strong scissors, like wire cutters. Twist the cut pieces outward in alternating directions so they have the best chance of catching whatever is blocking the drain. Finally, feed the bottom half before slowly pulling it back up, allowing time for your makeshift snake to grab as much gunk as possible. You may need to repeat the process, but it should help alleviate the issue until you can access a proper plumbing tool.

Related: This Tool Unclogs Drains So Fast, Shoppers Say It’s ‘the Best $20’ You’ll Spend

4. Child-Proof Your Cabinets

This is another example of how zip ties can be useful when the real deal (in this case, child-proof locks) isn’t available. For example, perhaps a friend unexpectedly stops by with their toddler, and childproofing is a thing of the past in your home. Or, maybe you’re traveling with your little ones and realize you forgot to pack locks for a vacation rental when you check-in. Zip ties will protect kids from getting into cabinets in a pinch. Make sure ties are taut so tiny fingers can’t reach what’s inside.

5. Keep Food Fresh

We give you full permission to leave extra zip ties in the junk drawer , or at least near the pantry. That’s because when all the chip clips are currently being used, and there’s not a twist tie to be found in the kitchen, a zip tie can stand in. Pull one tightly around opened bags of cereal, snacks, or baked goods to keep air out and prevent food from going stale prematurely. It may also be a good idea to tuck extras in your lunch box, glove compartment, or beach bag to preserve treats on the go.

Related: The 9 Best Pantry Storage Containers to Organize Your Kitchen

6. Support Plants

It’s sad to see your beloved potted plant or faithfully grown garden vegetables begin to sag. Zip ties are a genius way to prop them back up and allow them to flourish because they won’t rust in the elements. Simply support vines and stems by securing them with ties to stakes, fences, or a trellis so they stay upright and continue to grow happy and healthy.

7. Secure Outdoor Cushions

If you don’t want to drag outdoor cushions indoors each time the wind picks up a little speed, zip ties can help keep them from blowing around the yard. Use long ties and affix them however you can to their corresponding seats, whether by the back, bottom, or arms. Note that this may mean threading them through an inconspicuous piece of cushion fabric. So be sure you can easily cover outdoor furniture when it rains before attempting this technique.

8. Organize Tools

Control the chaos in spaces such as the shed or garage with only a handful of zip ties. Use one to link together your hand gardening tool collection and another to bundle long-handled lawn tools, like rakes and shovels, for simple winter storage . Feed some ties through pegboard holes to hang lightweight buckets or baskets to keep tiny tools and small workshop supplies organized (including excess zip ties!). Loop one through the openings at the end of brooms and mops so they can be hung from any sized hook.

9. Make Key or Binder Rings

Keychains break more often than we’d like and seemingly at inopportune times. Until you’re able to fix or replace a broken keyring, string important keys onto a single zip tie and fasten it firmly. This ensures you won’t lose any in the interim. A similar strategy that’s helpful for anyone studying is to hole punch index or flashcards in one corner and use a zip tie to keep them neat. Although it’s unsuitable for the long term, a few zip ties thread through looseleaf holes can imitate a binder when you’re in, well, a bind.