If mending stuff is the business, duct tape is one of the first things that will come into mind. The powerful adhesive is a known performer when it comes to packaging and joining heavy materials. It is made from durable vinyl and has a more potent adhesive, when compared to other types of tape. The funny thing is, the adhesive actually has more functions than what it appears to have. Just think outside the box and examine its physical properties. You’re bound to find alternative uses for the product.

Duct tape, being a versatile object, can be used for a good number of activities. You can dissect every detail of a roll of tape and designate different uses for each portion. Its black color makes it a worthy material for arts and crafts. Since it has a strong adhesive, the tape can be used as a substitute for medicated bandage. It can even act as an easy-to-apply nail polish for goths and hardcore rockers. Curious? Here are 21 of the strangest uses for duct tape:

1. Black Rings – A ring is a member of the jewelry family, which means it’s a pricey object that not everyone can afford. Cut costs by using duct tape as cheap substitutes for black rings. Just bind a thin strip onto your fingers and you’ll instantly uphold a mysterious Gothic look.

2. Ankle Support – To prevent injuries when playing sports, you can use duct tape to give your ankles added stability. Bind several layers of tape onto your ankles and your other injury-prone joints until they feel stable. Once bound, the occurrence of sprains and fractures will be dramatically lower.

3. Unconventional Painting Canvas – Do you want to add a different impression to your paintings? Cover a painting canvas with duct tape, which gives a mysterious and modernist feel, then use a medium that won’t have trouble sticking to the tape’s slippery vinyl base. In the end, you should master the creation of duct tape-based paintings. Who knows, you might start a new artistic movement with your unconventional pieces.

4. Wart Remover – It may seem silly, but duct tape is a medically accepted wart remover. Just stick some tape on a wart and let it settle for awhile. When you pull it, the wart will pop or come off, ending your problem with the annoying skin blemish. You can also apply some crushed aspirin on the wart before covering it with duct tape for better results. (For more tips on wart removal, learn how to get rid of warts)

5. Collage Holder – A collage is a work of art marked by the assembly of various materials to present a powerful message. You can enhance that message by covering the canvas with duct tape before putting together the collage. You can also stick strips of tape to form words and impressions, which can stamp the significance of your work. (Tips on how to create a homemade collage)

6. Black Nail Polish – Cut several strips of duct tape the size of your fingernails. Stick them onto your nails to produce an eerie Gothic look. (To know how to look more goth, learn what are the top ten goth fashion must haves) Finish your fashion statement by applying black eyeliner and wearing a black wardrobe. At least a few tattoos and studs will make you look over the edge.

7. Headband – Weaken the tape’s adhesive by soaking it in water. When its grip has loosened, wrap several layers on your hair with your unconventional vinyl-based headband. It will look better on blonds since their hair’s pale yellow tinge blends well with the duct tape’s black color.

8. Simple Torture Device – Liars will not speak the truth until they have received a certain amount of pain. Make those fiends scream by applying duct tape on their wounds and scratches, especially the ones that have formed scabs. Apply some alcohol right after to ensure that they beg for your mercy. (If you still couldn’t extract the truth from them, maybe you could pick some ideas on torture by reading the Top Ten Torture methods and devices throughout history)

9. Graffiti – There is nothing more boring than a plain white wall. Add cool impressions on your room or the concrete walls on the streets by creating words and figures using duct tape. Just assemble your designs with several walls, then apply some spray paint.

10. Fake Moustache – Get two strips of duct tape and stylize them with criss cut scissors. Stick them on your upper lip to add more “macho” to your looks.

11. Makeshift Jersey Materials – A jersey is sometimes required when playing sports. If you accidentally left yours at home, just purchase a roll of duct tape from a convenience store. Get several strips and stick them onto your shirt or tank top. Make sure that those strips form your playing number and your surname.

12. Picture Frame – Wrap several sheets of cardboard to form an edgy-looking picture frame. Reserve your pictures with the coolest poses or the ones where you look totally “macho”, for such a ruggedly handsome frame.

13. Stinky Stones – Want to poke fun at your buddies? Cut dozens of duct tape strips, roll them into tiny balls, then dip them in water or vinegar. Throw the wet projectiles at your friends. They’ll be pretty annoyed, much to your amusement.

14. Shoe Waterproofing – One of the distinguishing characteristics of duct tape is, it’s waterproof. Give that same characteristic to your sneakers by wrapping the top portions of the soles with duct tape. Now, walking over puddles of water and mud shouldn’t be much of a problem.

15. Mend a Broken Cigarette – Many smokers instantly throw their sticks when they break. If you have a roll of duct tape, you can take a tiny strip and repair the cancer stick. By doing so, you can enjoy more smoke, more savings and several years off of your lifespan.

16. Belt – Measure your waist using a strip of duct tape. Soak that strip in water, making it lose its adhesive properties. Stick several same-sized layers on the strip until your belt becomes thicker. Attach small designs and ornaments to stylize. When putting on the belt, cut a small strip of tape to secure both ends, keeping it affixed to your waist.

17. Pasties – Concerned that your nipples might show on your wardrobe? Apply a little water to the sticky side of the duct tape, loosening its gripping power. Cut four tiny identical strips – two strips per nipple. Attach the duct tape pasties and stroll around town without the paranoia.

18. Waxing Material – Long strands of hair sticking from your legs and arms can look unsightly and unflattering, especially for females. Remove those baby hairs using duct tape. Stick some on the hairy portions then jerk the strip of tape off. The process may be painful, but not looking good feels even worse.

19. Move over Spandex – Spandex may look sexy but it can also be pretty expensive. For a cheaper alternative, wrap select parts of your torso with duct tape. The form-hugging property of vinyl will highlight your contours and give you an eye-popping sexy look. Getting dates will be much easier once they imagine your figure just by looking at your duct tape dress.

20. Book Cover – To give your books a nice classic look, you can wrap them with plastic and duct tape. You can draw designs and attach small ornaments on the tape, so your books will look more elegant.

21. The Black Mummy – If you think mummies are scary, then you haven’t seen a black mummy yet. Cover yourself from head to toe with duct tape. Leave some of the strands hanging, so your costume will look even creepier. Remember, you should leave openings for your eyes, nose and mouth, or else wearing the costume will be much scarier than looking at it.

Duct tape is a miracle worker, given its set of all-around uses. The truth is, a single roll of tape can cover most household applications. Always have a few rolls ready for emergencies. You will never know when you may need the black vinyl strip to mend the your numerous home endeavors.