Landfill-friendly life hack: best uses for flat tubes....whatcha got?

[54ny77]

Another thread got me to thinkin' that some of you's smart folks out there probably have creative ideas for flatted tubes.

Offhand, I can recall using 'em for:
1) A bungee-like tie for any number of items.
2) As a grippy base for handlebar-mounted lights (keeps it from rotating or sliding).
3) When delicately cut into small round circles, I've used 'em as a washer on any number of items, including various touch points for Honjo fenders. I did this in a pinch since I didn't have leather washers, and it worked like a charm.
4) Trimmed and cut to fit underneath furniture legs on wood floors.

[thirdgenbird]

I’ve cut thin cross sections and used them as rubber bands. If you have a larger diameter tube, the resulting rubber bands can be great for keeping spare tubes folded. Some tubes come packaged that way.

[shrimp123]

hand pump water-proofer

[Louis]

[Hakkalugi]

I loop them through the D-rings in my truck to hold stuff in place.

[RFC]

Wrapped tightly to replace or enhance grips on tools. Also, for chain stay protectors. And use them to tie back and shape bushes and shrubs.

[Spinner]

I have a used tube looped-over a load bearing I-beam in my basement (supports floor joists for the first floor). I lift my bike and put the nose of the saddle through the loop ends to suspend the bike for easy cleaning and minor adjustments. Even though I have an Ultimate repair stand, I prefer using the above for quick fixes.

[tuscanyswe]

Originally Posted by RFC

Wrapped tightly to replace or enhance grips on tools. Also, for chain stay protectors. And use them to tie back and shape bushes and shrubs.

This is not a bad usage.

Sometimes when u use that not so great fitting wrench on your new t47 chris king bbs a rubber protection is not all bad .)

[TunaAndBikes]

I use them to repair other tubes, till those ones are in disrepair

[Steve in SLO]

Rubber bands and hangers here, too. Also:
Handles, but instead of wrapping, stretch over the handle using talc.
Support straps for plants to tie to stakes and espaliers.
Filling empty cardboxes that would otherwise be discarded
Someday I want to weave some together and make a gear hammock, or maybe even a human one.

[philhan89]

great thread! ive only used as bungees but its great to see how creative people are with them. my father in law took serious offense when he saw me throw out a tube while wrenching one day. he was like, "do you know for like how many things i can use that for!?" didnt inquire, he got it in the end, wonder what its being used for lol. also, tubes to patch tubes...mind blown.

[54ny77]

GREAT idea on cutting them for rubber bands. Thx for the tip. Am always scrounging for a rubber band when I really need one in a pinch, and am too forgetful to go buy a box.

[choke]

I cut them into wider rubber bands and use them to hold down the loose end of straps on a backpack.

They can be used as an emergency fire starter.

[William]

Belt anyone?




W.

[William]

Maybe not so good for gloves...



W.