Stop Throwing Away Package Handles And Try This Smart Hack Instead

When you buy any kind of big consumer product — like a dehumidifier or TV — the box it comes in often has a plastic handle that makes the package easier for you to carry home from the store. If you carefully remove the handle from the box without damaging it, you can repurpose it to create storage solutions for your home — indoors and out for towels, tools, cords, planters, and more. All you need is said box handle, some super strong adhesive (get waterproof glue if you plan to mount the handle outdoors) and a clean, clear spot that you don't mind getting glue on.

What makes these handles so sturdy is the material they're made of, which, in most cases, is polyethylene (PE). This type of plastic is lightweight, moisture-resistant, and surprisingly strong. Depending on the size, design, and whether it's cast from high-density or low-density PE, one handle can hold anywhere from 15 to 100 pounds. They're also designed to curve outwards in a half-moon shape, fitting nicely in a person's hand. It's this shape that helps the handle easily transform into a surprisingly useful wall hook or rail. All box handles have ends flattened into a wide triangle, square, or disc (it's how the handles stay put on the box when you pull on them). Coincidently, they make the perfect spot for a drop of glue, and give the resulting rail an aesthetically pleasing, purpose-made look.

You're limited only by your imagination as to what this nifty plastic strip can become. Create wall-mounted strap hooks by turning the straps vertical, gluing one side to the wall, then looping the strap up on itself and adhering the second side to the first. Hang everything from bathroom hand towels to belts on these stylish features (you can, of course, mount them horizontally, too). You can also collect matching plastic straps, paint them, and glue them to your kitchen drawers as stylish pulls. They won't last forever, but they'll do until your next renovation. Interestingly enough, this hack is also great for toilet lids! Glue a plastic handle to the toilet's lid to avoid repeatedly touching it with your bare hands for an added touch of cleanliness.

These plastic handles are great outside, too. Just make sure you invest in some waterproof glue or tack them up in weather-sheltered spots. Glue small plastic handles under your patio roof eaves for a drill-free trick for hanging outdoor string lights. You can also affix a bunch of them to the wall of your balcony — imitating the rails of a trellis — and hang light-weight planters from them to create a vertical garden. If you need a spot for outdoor shoes and slippers, you can slot the heel through the handles affixed to your garden shed or mud room wall for a neat storage solution.

Before you glue a handle onto anything, you need to get a rough idea of its weight rating. The best way to do this is to check the weight printed on the product packing. If the handle is rated to help lift, say, a washing machine in its box, it's pretty strong. Even then, it's probably best not to use the handle for anything super heavy or breakable. Adhesive-wise, you need a strong type of glue that packs a punch when bonding plastic. Walmart sells a three-pack of Elmer's Krazy Glue All Purpose Super Glue for under $8. Gorilla Minis waterproof polyurethane glue will work outdoors — get four tubes for about $10 on Amazon. 

The handles aren't usually glued to the boxes. They have an un-hookable locking mechanism. Wash the handles with soap and water to remove any grime or oily residue, and let them dry thoroughly afterward. If you want to paint the handle, now's the time. Make sure to wait until the paint is dry before attaching them to a surface. It'll typically take 24 hours to a few days, depending on the type of paint. To attach the handle to something, squeeze a dab of glue onto each inside end of the handle. Wait until it's a little tacky, then press the handle ends firmly to the surface. To create a balanced and even look, gently mark the attachment spots with a pencil.