18 brilliant uses for toothpicks in your home and workshop

Round toothpicks work great for joining boards. When the boards are cut and ready to assemble, drill pilot holes (the same diameter as the toothpick) in two corresponding spots on each board. The pilot holes must be in the exact same spot on each board, so it’s smart to use a square when measuring. Next, apply glue to the toothpick and tap it into the hole. When the glue sets, cut the toothpick to the right length to fit into the other board. Then add glue to the toothpick and the board edges and join the boards. Clamp to dry. You’ll have a nearly invisible fastening job.

Here are 28 more brilliant woodworking tips for beginners.

No one wants to clean up the mess from a pot that boiled over. Avoid the mess by sticking a toothpick between the lid and the pot, ensuring the device is laid flat. The small space will allow the steam to escape, thereby keeping the pot from boiling over.

When the screws in your hinges or drawer slides turn but don’t tighten, it means the screw holes are stripped. Here’s how to fix that! Remove the screw and hardware. Dip toothpicks in glue, jam as many as you can into the hole and break them off. Either flat or round toothpicks will work. Immediately wipe away glue drips with a damp cloth. You don’t have to wait for the glue to dry or drill new screw holes; just go ahead and reinstall the hardware by driving screws right into the toothpicks.

When the power goes out unexpectedly and you don’t have a back-up plan, get creative! Make an emergency candle by using a stick of butter and a toothpick. To do this, you’ll want to cut the stick of butter in half. Cut a single sheet of toilet paper into four squares. Then fold one square diagonally and twist. Now make a deep hole in the stick of butter with a toothpick and place the makeshift wick inside. Rub the top of the wick with butter for starter fuel and light.

Here are 14 ways every homeowner should prepare for a power outage.

Finding the beginning of a tape roll takes time and is totally frustrating! Avoid the hassle every time with this tip: The next time you cut a piece of tape, wrap the end around a toothpick when you’re done. That’s it!

Is the stem of your favourite plant looking a little droopy? Straighten it up by supporting it with a toothpick. Simply place the toothpick against the stem and wrap it with soft tape. When the stem regains its strength, you can remove the DIY splint.

Whether it’s a hobby or you’re looking to make the perfect doll house for your little one, toothpicks can be big help! Use them as doll-size lamp stands, curtain rods, table legs and much more.

The best way to start an avocado plant from seed isn’t by planting the seed in soil. Use toothpicks! Wash your avocado seed and push three toothpicks in it. Now place the seed over a glass with water, covering the bottom inch of the wide end of the seed. Place this in a warm spot with indirect sunlight, keeping the water level consistent. When the roots and stem are established, plant the bottom half of the seed in rich soil. A well-cared-for avocado plant will grow for years!

Learn more about how to grow avocado.

Don’t let your young tomato plant fall victim to pesky cutworms! Instead, push three toothpicks into the soil close to the stem. This will keep cutworms from curling around the plant and eating it.

Learn how to grow a tomato bursting with colour and flavour.

You probably already know a toothpick makes a great way to test if your cake is done or not, but did you know it can also be used as a “pencil” for sketching designs onto the icing? The thin tip is perfect for making intricate designs and letters which can then be traced with icing and other edible decorations.