These handy rubber bands are a staple in homes and offices everywhere—they stretch, hold things together, and occasionally snap. But mine are free, incredibly strong, and sourced from discarded inner tubes of bicycles, motorcycles, or trucks. As someone who's been repurposing them for years, I've perfected a simple process that saves money and reduces waste.
I collect all my rubber bands in one box, including the ones I make myself. They range from tiny to extra-large, depending on the inner tube size—from bike repairs or scraps from auto shops.
To source inner tubes, visit a local bike shop or mechanic. They'll happily give you their discarded ones, often with a smile, instead of tossing them.
Steps:
- With scissors, cut out the welded valve section and discard it in the trash.
- Cut perpendicular strips (washers) of varying widths, from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm.
- Wash the bands in soapy water to remove talc residue.
- Dry them thoroughly and they're ready to use.
Thicker strips from the inner tube yield stronger bands, but they're harder to stretch—factor this in based on your needs.
Thinner strips stretch easily but are more prone to breaking.
That's why I vary sizes: typically 1 cm slices, plus 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm for versatility. Lengths differ too, from bike tubes (smaller) to truck tubes (larger).
These tough, custom-sized bands work for everything: bundling cables or extension cords, securing ski poles, closing card game boxes, rolling up foam mats, or sealing freezer bags.
Share your own uses or inner tube hacks in the comments—I'd love to hear them!
I save 9.50 € per 1 kg box of assorted natural rubber bands (narrow, medium, wide)—the going rate at office suppliers. Buying two boxes yearly would cost 19 €, all avoided with this method.
