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Three unusual uses for duct tape

inside waistband of sweatpants
We all know how versatile duct tape is. From duct tape wallets, a duct tape book cover, even a duct tape top hat, this is one hard-working DIY tool. Here are a few of ways we use duct tape in our house, and I bet you haven't though of them!

Hold up your skinny kid's pants
Our three-year old has been skinny all of his life, yet very tall. Adjustable waist pants were our savior, but until duct tape came along, we found no good way to hold up his sweatpants. Simply fold over a small flap of the waistband from the inside, and duct tape to fasten. I know this is a hard explanation to visualize, so check out the gallery for detailed photos and instructions.

Make a knight's sword and shield
Our little guy also has a penchant for playing dress-up, and he loves knights and castles. We fashioned a sword and shield from man old cardboard box and covered them with duct tape to look like metal. It is much more durable than wrapping in tin foil, which I have seen done before, and it helps the cardboard stay sturdy.

Gallery: Make a smaller waistband with duct tape

waistband_042508folding waistband_042508tape insdie_042508fold_042508taped waistband_042508



Screen door repair
First we had a naive dog, who didn't realize we had put the screen slider back on after the winter. Then, he decided it was a fabulous idea to make his own doggie door. Duct tape secures the screen for us until we can re-screen the door -- again. Every year. I think the dog has a Houdini complex.

Duct tape in one DIY tool that we can't do without in our house. In what crazy ways do you use duct tape?

Tags: duct-tape, featured, hold-pants-up, keep-pants-up, kid, kids, knight, screen-door, slider, sweatpants, sword, waistband

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