12 Things You Didn't Know Duct Tape Can Do

Need to hem a pair of pants quickly, but don’t have access to a needle and thread? Duct tape to the rescue! Simply fold the hem of your pants or skirt inward to the desired length, and place duct tape all the way around the edges. No one will be the wiser, and you can easily remove the duct tape later when you're ready to sew the hem. You can also use a piece of duct tape to mend small tears, or to keep a sweater snag from unraveling—push the edges of the tear or snag through to the inside of the garment, and duct tape in place until you can effect permanent repairs.

Related: 10 Toolbox Hacks for Your Next DIY Project

Use duct tape to seal small holes or gaps in your basement walls, around water pipes, or anywhere else pests can invade. To trap ants and other crawling insects, lay a piece of duct tape with the sticky side up along the edges of the basement floor or in between floor joists. Hanging strips or loops of tape from the basement ceiling can assist in catching flying pests.

Related: A Dozen 10-Minute DIYs for a Pest-Free Home

If you have a small hole in a boat, canoe, or kayak, use duct tape to make a watertight patch that will get you underway until repairs can be made. Apply the duct tape underneath the hull, as the water pressure will help keep it in place. You can also use duct tape to patch holes in other outdoor gear, such as canvas covers, camping tents, or even torn umbrellas.

Related: 10 Space-Saving Ideas to Steal from Houseboats

If you discover a small tear or hole in a window screen, use a strip of duct tape as a temporary patch until you can purchase replacements. It's as easy as rip, stick, and press!

Related: Time's Up - 9 Things to Repair in Your Home Before It's Too Late

It may seem counterintuitive, but duct tape can actually be used to remove stubborn, sticky residue left behind by other adhesives, especially on glass surfaces. Place a piece of duct tape over the sticky mess, rub a few times, and peel it away. Keep in mind that it might take a few applications to thoroughly strip off all the residue. Finish by wiping the area with alcohol or window cleaner.

Related: 9 Brilliant Cleaning Hacks Everyone Should Know

Extend the useful lifespan of household essentials by duct taping cracks in plastic trash cans or storage bins. Other plastic home and garden items—vacuum cleaner hoses, buckets, planters, yard lights, or just about anything from your shed—can also benefit from the duct-tape treatment.

Related: Small Miracles - 9 Amazing Home Repair Products

For the handy home improver, few pleasures compare to the joy of a well-stocked workshop. Take a look at this roundup of some of the best and most essential tools for DIYers of every stripe, and see which items might be missing from your own home improvement headquarters.