If you think you don’t need a zip tie, think again. Here are 16+ nifty uses

Keep outdoor plants or seasonal decorations in place with zip ties. Use the ties to hold lights onto your home or in trees. You can even use them to securely attach other things to the exterior of your home. Zip ties will keep the decor in place better than tape and won’t damage anything like a nail would.

Secure your backpack or suitcase with a zip tie. If security must check your bag at the airport, you’ll be out a dollar instead of the $10 you spent on a suitcase lock. You can also use this to lock a backpack at after-school practice.

Keep your hands from tiring out by securing the safety handle on the lawnmower down while you mow. A word of caution: Never let children use this technique and make sure you can quickly remove the tie in an emergency.

If you’re moving, make sure everything stays in the back of the truck by securing lightweight items to heavier items with zip ties. This is also an effective way to keep tarps from flapping in the wind when you’re flying down the freeway.

Moving is kind of a pain, but one of the worst parts is transferring one outfit at a time into a bag or suitcase. Instead of going to all that trouble, slide several hangers together and wrap a zip tip around the hooks. Tighten the zip tie and easily transport multiple outfits at once.