When you think of dental floss, you probably only picture it helping you keep your teeth clean. But this is a flexible household item can do so much more, even in survival situations. Whether you’re out in the wilderness, facing an emergency at home, or just prepping for the unexpected, dental floss can be a lifesaver.
Let’s dive into the surprising ways this tiny string can rescue you!
Fishing Line
Dental floss can be used as an emergency fishing line if you’re ever in a pinch. It’s strong enough to hold a decent catch, especially if you use the waxed variety. All you need is a hook and a makeshift pole, and you’re ready to cast a line. You can double or triple it for added strength!
Sewing Thread
Need to patch up torn clothes or gear? Dental floss can easily replace sewing thread. It’s much stronger and more durable than regular thread, making it perfect for outdoor repairs. You can even use it to stitch up tents, backpacks, or other camping equipment. In survival situations, staying dry and warm is key, so make sure your gear stays in good shape.
Clothesline
Out in the wilderness with no place to hang clothes? Dental floss makes a surprisingly strong and durable makeshift clothesline. Whether you need to dry clothes, towels, or gear after a downpour, simply string it between two trees or sturdy objects. The waxed coating on some floss even adds extra grip, helping your items stay in place. It’s a simple yet effective solution when you’re trying to keep things dry in the great outdoors.
Creating a Trip Wire
Dental floss can be used to make a simple trip wire to alert you of intruders or animals nearby. It’s thin and hard to see, making it a perfect choice for this task. Tie it around trees or structures to create an invisible line that will trigger a noise or small trap when disturbed. This can give you peace of mind when you’re camping or in an unknown area.
Starting a Fire
Believe it or not, dental floss can help you start a fire. You can use it as a makeshift bowstring to generate friction for fire-starting. Wrap it around a spindle and use it to saw back and forth, creating enough heat to ignite dry tinder. It takes practice, but it’s an excellent skill to have when matches or lighters aren’t available.
Fishing Net Repair
If you’re relying on a fishing net and it breaks, dental floss can be used to patch it up. It’s strong enough to hold together sections of the net until you can make a permanent fix. Even though it’s small, floss can handle the tension of reeling in smaller fish. Having a reliable net can make all the difference when food is scarce.
Emergency Shoelaces
If your shoelaces break, dental floss makes an excellent replacement. It’s strong enough to hold your shoes together and won’t snap easily. Just thread it through the eyelets as you would with a regular lace, and you’re good to go. When you’re on the move, having sturdy footwear is essential.
Making a Shelter
Dental floss can be surprisingly useful when building a shelter. You can use it to tie branches together, secure a tarp, or bind materials to form a stable structure. High winds or harsh weather can pull tent pegs out of the ground, but adding extra lines with dental floss will help stabilize it. Though it’s thin, it’s strong enough to support lightweight materials and can even help you secure food or equipment above ground away from animals.
Fishing Lures
If you need to catch fish but don’t have lures, you can use dental floss to tie on makeshift bait. The waxy coating makes it easier to secure small hooks, feathers, or even bits of reflective material. This small trick can increase your chances of catching a meal when you’re running low on food supplies.
Creating a Snare
In a survival situation, you may need to trap small animals for food. Dental floss can be used to create a simple snare. It’s strong enough to hold lightweight animals, and its thin size makes it harder for them to detect. Just make sure to learn the proper technique before relying on this method.
Bandage Tie
If you need to secure a bandage or splint, dental floss can help. It’s soft enough not to cut into the skin, yet strong enough to hold things in place. While duct tape might be a better option because it is easier to work with, dental floss is an option if you are out of tape. This is especially useful if you’re dealing with a sprain or broken bone and need to immobilize the injury until help arrives.
Hanging Food
Keeping food away from wild animals is important in the wilderness. You can use dental floss to hang food bags or containers from tree branches. This method helps prevent animals from getting into your stash and keeps your campsite safe from curious critters.
Repairing Eyeglasses
If your eyeglasses break, dental floss can temporarily fix them. Thread it through the frames where screws have fallen out to hold them together. While it’s not a permanent solution, it will help you see clearly until you can find a more durable fix.
Fixing Tent Zippers
Zippers on tents or sleeping bags can easily get stuck or break. Dental floss can help you fix them temporarily by threading through the zipper holes and manually zipping things up. It might not be as smooth as a zipper, but it will keep your gear functional and protect you from the elements.
Hanging a Signal
If you need to signal for help, dental floss can help you hang a reflective surface, bright fabric, or an emergency whistle from a higher point. This makes it easier for rescuers to spot you from a distance, especially in areas with low visibility.
Creating a Makeshift Bowstring
If you find yourself in need of a bow for hunting or protection, dental floss can act as a temporary bowstring. It’s tough and can withstand the tension needed for a basic survival bow. This option should be a last resort, but in an emergency, it can help you create a weapon from scratch.
Hanging Emergency Lighting
If you have small lanterns or lights, dental floss is perfect for hanging them around your campsite. Simply tie them to nearby trees or posts to create a safer, better-lit area. This can prevent accidents and make your environment more comfortable when night falls.
Tie Up Plants
If you’re growing food in a survival situation, dental floss can help protect plants by tying them to stakes for support or creating a barrier to keep pests away. Gardening might seem like a slow solution, but every little bit helps in long-term survival situations.
Use for Restraints
You might not want to think about this, but a bad guy could land in your location. Since most of us do not carry handcuffs around, dental floss could be a good option. Tie their hands and feet together with dental floss and call the police.
Who knew that dental floss could be so versatile? From practical repairs to survival tactics, this little string can be a true lifesaver when you need it most. Be sure to add a roll (or two!) to your emergency kit—you never know when it could come in handy!
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