It’s understandable if zip ties don’t often cross your mind. These unassuming, ubiquitous plastic bands are often tucked away in the depths of drawers and toolboxes, making them easy to overlook. Yet, as Oklahoma homesteader Ryan Chastain from The Waddle and Cluck points out, “Zip ties are the duct tape of the everyday world. They’re good for fixing just about anything.”
Their robustness, affordability, and ease of use make zip ties the perfect choice for a quick fix that doesn’t compromise on strength or practicality. Whether you’re tidying up the garden, organizing the garage, or corralling toys and tools, there’s a high likelihood that a zip tie can come to the rescue with a swift and effective solution.
We consulted with experts to uncover some ingenious ways they employ zip ties around the home. These creative ideas are straightforward, intelligent, and may just have you questioning how you ever managed without a stash of zip ties on hand.
Lauren Maleta of Palm Club Design Group in Palm Beach, Florida, suggests a sophisticated use for zip ties: “They can elegantly secure flower arrangements. Arrange your bouquet, wrap a zip tie around the stems, and tighten it gently to avoid damaging the cut flowers. Then, simply place them in a vase or tie a ribbon around them.”
Lisa Munkvold, the owner of Complete Clutter Control in Houston, Texas, recommends using zip ties to manage the chaos of cables at your desk or entertainment center. “They’re ideal for keeping cords in order without the need for constant rearrangement. Plus, they’re great for tucking away lamp or appliance cords when you want to keep them out of sight.”
Ryan Chastain also shares his insights: “Zip ties are excellent for attaching tomato plants or vining plants to a trellis or support. And, if you need to create a temporary fence to block off a garden area or deter critters, a few t-posts, chicken wire, and zip ties can do the trick.”
Andriy Neborak, Founder and CEO of Luxury Cleaning NY, offers a practical tip: “Zip ties can be used to prevent broom handles from sliding off wall hooks in supply closets by attaching them at specific heights.”
Lisa Munkvold has another clever idea: “Zip ties are a lifesaver when fastening a garland to a banister. They’re easy to use, cost-effective, and come in colors that blend in. They’re also perfect for outdoor lights and decorations.”
Ryan Chastain shares another use: “You can extend the length of a hanging picture by using zip ties. If you need to lower the picture without creating another hole in the wall, simply attach a zip tie to the hook on the back of the picture, then to the nail or hook, and adjust the length as needed.”
He also notes: “A broken zipper tab can be replaced with a small zip tie, ensuring the zipper continues to function.”
Wes True, General Manager & Operations at Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, offers a unique solution: “I’ve used zip ties to temporarily secure a loose interior door knob. By threading a heavy-duty zip tie between the knob and the wall anchor, I was able to keep the door operational until I could replace the hardware.”
Laura Waterson, General Manager of Koehn Painting, finds zip ties invaluable for hanging temporary dropcloths and securing plastic sheeting in tight spaces. “They’re affordable, quick to apply, and easily adjustable, making them a must-have on our job sites.”
Kate Hill, Partner at Palm Club Design Group in Palm Beach, Florida, uses zip ties to secure the external pool box before hurricane season and to fasten luggage when she can’t find a lock.
Andriy Neborak has another creative use: “Zip ties can be discreetly used to hang tiny air fresheners in hard-to-reach places like behind toilets, under sinks, and in showers for a fresh scent without clutter.”
Marty Zankich, owner of Chamberlin Real Estate School, has a simple yet effective key organizer hack: “I use a thin zip tie as a key ring. It’s easy and effective; just slip the keys on and cinch the zip tie to form a ring.”
