People who prepare for emergencies often look for everyday items that can serve several purposes. Many handy supplies cost very little, take up almost no room, and can help when ordinary tools are out of reach.
Dental floss is a good example because it is lightweight, inexpensive, easy to pack, and fairly tough for its size. It can’t replace proper rope, fishing line, or other cord, but it can help with several small jobs in a pinch.
Here are 15 ways dental floss may come in handy during an emergency.
Fishing Line
Dental floss can serve as a temporary fishing line if you need to catch small fish and don’t have a proper line available. Tie it securely to a small hook and a stick, but avoid relying on it for large fish or heavy loads.
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Making a Spear
Dental floss can bind a small blade or a sharpened stone to the end of a sturdy stick to make a basic tool. Check the binding often, since floss can slip or break under strain and a loose point can cause injury.
Repairing Clothing and Gear
Dental floss can stand in for thread when you need to mend torn clothing, backpacks, tents, or tarps. Its tough fibers may hold a small tear together, though the result depends on the material and the floss’s condition.
Building a Shelter
A few strands of dental floss can tie light branches together or fasten a tarp to a support. It works best for small jobs with little tension, since it may snap if asked to hold much weight.
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Fire Bow Cord
A bow drill uses a cord to spin a spindle and create friction while trying to start a fire. Dental floss might work in a small trial setup, but repeated friction can make it break quickly, so treat it as a last-resort option.
Making a Clothesline
Several strands of dental floss braided together can form a line for lightweight clothing or small pieces of gear. It may also work indoors for hanging small items to dry, provided the line and its anchor points can hold the load.
Repairing a Fishing Net
Dental floss can stitch a small tear in a fishing net or help secure a loose knot. Making a usable net from scratch would take plenty of floss and time, so a repair is the more practical use.
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Replacing a Shoelace
A broken shoelace can be a nuisance during a hike or an emergency, and braided dental floss may serve as a temporary substitute. It will not feel like a normal lace and may lack the needed strength, so use it only to secure footwear for light activity.
Making a Sling or Splint
Dental floss can bind sticks together for a basic splint or help hold fabric in place for a makeshift sling. Keep thin floss off direct pressure on the skin, and check the injured area often, since it can dig in and restrict circulation.
Creating a Temporary Belt
Braiding several lengths of dental floss can make a lightweight strap to hold clothing or small gear in place. It is a short-term fix for light loads, not a substitute for a proper belt or load-bearing strap.
Hanging Food
Dental floss may help suspend lightweight food from a secure point while camping outdoors. Keep food well away from insects and animals, and don’t rely on floss to support heavy bundles or a large food bag.
Securing a Bandage
Dental floss can tie a clean cloth over a wound when medical tape is unavailable. Do not wrap it tightly around a limb or press it directly into the wound, since the thin line can cut skin and restrict blood flow.
Hanging a Lantern or Light Source
Dental floss can suspend lightweight items such as glow sticks or small battery-powered lights from a suitable support. Check the knot and anchor before letting go, and never use floss near a hot lamp or open flame.
Tying Materials Together
Dental floss can bind small pieces of material during a quick repair or an outdoor project. It is best suited to light tasks, since it can snap when pulled hard or exposed to repeated rubbing.
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Emergency Cordage
Cordage can help with many outdoor tasks, and dental floss provides a lightweight backup for jobs that require only a thin line. Keep a few containers in your emergency kit, backpack, or vehicle, and save proper rope or paracord for tasks that place heavy strain on a line.
