Shoelaces are super useful to have on hand! I have a section of my home repair toolbox dedicated to random laces, twistie ties, rubberbands, discarded hair bands, and anything else that make their way into my home. For anything that might otherwise merit using a zip tie, I go to my toolbox and find the appropriate fastener.

Some recent uses:

• holding up a tomato vine
• clamping shut the end of an irrigation tube
• holding closed an umbrella whose velcro came apart
• hanging old CDs in the yard to keep away mosquitos (not sure if this actually works but I hear the reflection confuses them – and it looks neat if done tastefully)
• loop onto ladles and spatulas to make it easier to attach to hooks