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Survivalists and preppers have long prided themselves on finding a million uses for one single item. While “a million” uses may be an exaggeration, there’s no denying that with a little creativity, everyday items can serve a variety of unexpected purposes. Dental floss, for instance, is one of those handy tools with surprising survival potential.
Check out some ways you could use dental floss for survival.
Fishing Line
Tie a small fishing hook to the floss. You can hang the other end of the floss from a stick or just hold it. It’s thin enough to remain invisible in water and durable enough to handle small fish. If you are fishing for bigger fish, you’ll want to braid together a few strands for extra strength.
Constructing a Spear
Use the floss to fasten a sharpened rock or knife blade securely to the end of a sturdy stick. You can spear small animals or fish. The spear could also be used as a weapon for self-defense.
Sewing Repairs
Dental floss can be used instead of thread to mend torn clothes, tents or tarps. Floss is stronger than regular thread, which means it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Building a Shelter
Use the dental floss as cordage to secure branches together. You can also use the floss to hang a tarp. The floss is pretty strong and will hold up well.
Firestarter Bow
Construct a bow drill with dental floss as the cordage.
Use as a Clothesline
Run a braided length of floss between two trees or in your house to act as a clothesline.
Fishing Net Repair
Floss is thin and durable, so it can repair torn fishing nets. If you know how, you can even make a fishing net with it. You’ll need a lot, but it is doable.
Shoelace
Use a couple of strands of floss braided together to make a shoelace.
Make a Sling or Splint
Tie dental floss around sticks to secure them as a splint for an injured limb. You can also use floss to create a basic sling.
Belt
You’ll want to braid together a few strands to make a belt to keep your britches up.
Hang Food
If you have an issue with bugs attacking your food or there’s moisture, you can hang your food from a tree or whatever to keep it from being attacked by animals.
Secure a Bandage
If you have a wound and need to cover it with a makeshift bandage, use a length of floss to hold it in place. Be careful not to tie it too tight, as this can cut off circulation.
Hang Lantern
Hang a lantern or a glowstick. If you can hang them, they will cast more light in a room.
As a Tie
If you need to make a raft, floss can be used as lashing to tie logs together.
Cordage
This is pretty vague, but cordage is a critical part of survival. Floss is a good substitute if you don’t have rope or paracord.
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