I recently saved about $35 using duct tape to fix my bike seat instead of buying a new one (and after riding it for one week I’m happy to report that it works fine, though a little bit of stickiness is poking through that may eventually stick to my clothes).
Jamie at SpendLessTV shared another great use for duct tape (No. 2), which made me think I should highlight the many, money-saving uses for the super sticky tape.
1. Repairing bicycle seats*
2. Mending torn shower curtains (use duct tape to cover the spot, then hole punch through where the ring goes)
3. Extending the life of shoes, especially cleats
4. Fixing ducts, of course!
5. Making book covers*
6. Repairing broken hoses
7. Creating dog chew toys
8. Patching school folders*
9. Putting up Christmas lights
10. Protecting your car bumper
11. Securing broken glasses
12. Fixing or making a wallet
13. Repairing/reinforcing wires and chords*
14. Fixing the back panel on the remote control that always seems to break off
15. Removing lint from clothes
16. Creating a clothes line
17. Covering a hockey stick
18. Patching cloth holes and tears
19. Repairing backpack straps*
20. Making a mummy costume for Halloween
21. Making fake swords by wrapping around cardboard
* uses I have actually used
Thanks to The Zac for many of these ideas! How have you used duct tape to save money?
August 27th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Repairing “chords”? Would this be on pianos or guitars?
August 27th, 2009 at 10:14 am
StanS, I meant electrical chords.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I know what you meant but the word you wanted is “cords”.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
If you have some sticky spots on the duct-taped bike seat, sprinkle some talcum powder on the sticky.
August 27th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Repairing hoses, #6, reminded me of a great bargain saver.
Do you know it is easy to repair a leak in a hose and easy to repair a bent end? Your local hardware store can direct you to the parts you need and voila you have as good as new hose.
August 28th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I haven’t tried this – yet, but you can also make your own dress form, exactly like your own body. Here’s one example: .
August 28th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Oops, the URL didn’t show up. Just do a search on any search engine for .
August 28th, 2009 at 7:17 am
OK, I’m not using the sideways “V”s to mark my URLs anymore! That seems to be the problem. The URL is http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant , or do a search for “duct tape” dummy”. Hope this works!
August 28th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Thanks for the tip, FrugalDad!
August 28th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
My hubby used duct tape to repair the windsheild wiper blade.
August 30th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Prom Dress and Suit – Yep, really!
http://www.stuckatprom.com/contests/prom/