Toilet paper rolls might seem like mundane items, but they can be incredibly versatile in a survival situation. From protecting your gear to creating makeshift shelters, these rolls can serve multiple purposes. Here are 14 practical uses for toilet paper rolls that can enhance your preparedness.

1. Blade Cover

Flatten a toilet paper roll and tape one end shut with duct tape. This creates a protective sheath for knives, keeping them safe from dust and moisture. This is especially useful when you’re traveling or storing knives in a humid environment.

2. Tinder Holder

Fill a toilet paper roll with dryer lint, wrap it in newspaper, and tape the ends shut. This creates a compact and easily accessible fire starter. When you need to start a fire, simply tear off a section and light it. The newspaper acts as a wick, making it easier to ignite the lint.

3. Pest Trap

Punch holes in the roll and thread a string through it. Coat the inside with two-sided tape to catch insects. Hang this trap in areas where pests are a problem, and check it regularly to remove the caught insects.

4. Seed Starter

Use toilet paper rolls as seed starters for indoor gardening. Fill each roll with soil and plant your seeds. Once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can plant the entire roll in the ground, reducing the need for plastic pots and minimizing transplant shock.

5. Boot Drying

Insert a toilet paper roll upright in your boots to promote airflow and dry wet footwear. The roll acts as a drying agent, absorbing moisture and allowing air to circulate inside the boot. This is particularly useful in damp environments or after rainy days.

6. Document Protection

Tape multiple toilet paper rolls together to create a waterproof container for important papers. This can be used to store documents, maps, or any other important papers that need to be protected from water damage. Simply place the papers inside the roll and seal the ends with duct tape.

7. Fishing Bait Trap

Attach food items with glue to the toilet paper roll to create a bait trap for small animals. This can be used to catch fish, rodents, or other small creatures. Simply place the roll in a location where you suspect the target animal might be, and wait for them to be attracted to the bait.

8. Rope Organizer

Wrap paracord or other cords around the toilet paper roll to prevent tangling. This is a great way to keep your paracord organized and easily accessible. Simply wind the paracord around the roll and store it in a backpack or survival kit.

9. Cord Storage

Insert electronic cords into the toilet paper roll for tangle-free storage. This is particularly useful for keeping cords organized and preventing them from becoming tangled. Simply wind the cord around the roll and store it in a drawer or on a shelf.

10. Fishing Kit Container

Staple or tape the ends of a toilet paper roll to securely hold fishing gear. This can be used to store hooks, lures, and other fishing equipment. Simply place the gear inside the roll and seal the ends with tape or staples.

11. Speaker Amplifier

Cut a slit in the toilet paper roll and insert a phone to amplify audio playback. This can be used to make your phone speaker louder, which is useful for playing music or making announcements in a survival situation. Simply cut a slit in the roll and insert your phone, adjusting the position to achieve the desired sound level.

12. Glasses Case

Seal glasses inside a toilet paper roll for compact storage. This is a great way to protect your glasses when you’re on the go. Simply place your glasses inside the roll and seal the ends with tape. This keeps them safe from scratches and damage.

13. Fire Starter

Use toilet paper rolls as additional tinder for fire-starting. Simply tear off a section of the roll and use it as tinder. The paper is easy to ignite and can help you start a fire quickly and efficiently.

14. House Building Material

Combine shredded toilet paper rolls with cement and sand to create ‘papercrete’ for emergency shelters. This can be used to make lightweight, insulating building materials. Simply shred the rolls, mix them with cement and sand, and use the mixture to create bricks or other building components.

TLDR

Toilet paper rolls can be repurposed for various survival uses, from protecting knives and storing documents to creating fishing traps and building materials. These versatile items can enhance your preparedness and help you survive in a variety of situations.