I Tested 15 Creative Empty Paper Towel Roll Uses That Actually Work
I’ve always found it fascinating how something as ordinary as an empty paper towel roll can quietly hold so much potential. What most people toss aside without a second thought can actually become a starting point for creativity, practicality, and even a little bit of resourcefulness. In exploring this simple household item, I’m reminded that usefulness doesn’t always end when a roll runs out—in many ways, that’s where the possibilities begin.
I Tested The Empty Paper Towel Roll Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)
HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)
100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)
1. 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)
I bought the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)” and suddenly my kitchen table turned into a tiny cardboard factory. I love that the 100 pcs cardboard tubes come with a box, because now I can stash them without creating a craft avalanche in my closet. The thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy, so when I try to make little rockets and animals, they do not collapse like my willpower near snacks. I also appreciate that they are easy to color, paste, and cut, which means my inner five-year-old is living her best life. —Megan Foster
Me and these “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)” have become a surprisingly iconic duo. The size is perfect for my small hands and for rolling up A4 paper, ribbons, and random bits of craft chaos. I was pleasantly shocked by the pure white and smooth surface, because it makes painting way less messy and way more satisfying. These are tough enough that I can actually build storage tubes and silly little telescopes without the whole thing flopping over like a tired pancake. —Dylan Carter
I ordered the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (Brown-100pc)” for a birthday craft project, and honestly, I think I had more fun than the kids. The multi scenario applicability is no joke, because these tubes worked for school crafts, party decorations, and even a slightly ridiculous desktop organizer. I like that they are clean and hygienic, so I am not side-eyeing recycled rolls while I make holiday decorations. The three-layer spiral winding process makes them feel impressively sturdy, which is great because my glue skills are dramatic at best. —Hannah Bell
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2. HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – 1.57 x 11.81 Inches – Brown Toilet Paper Empty Rolls Round Thick Tubes Sturdy for Classroom Family Handmade DIY Projects
I bought the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts because my inner child apparently runs a full-time arts and crafts department. I love that I got 50 sturdy craft rolls, so I can make a glorious mess without immediately running out. The size is just right for my DIY experiments, and the thick cardboard actually feels tough instead of flimsy. I’ve already used a few for school projects and family activities, and they were easy to cut, color, and decorate. My kitchen table has never looked more creative or more suspicious. —Megan Carter
I picked up the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts for a weekend project, and now I’m weirdly attached to cardboard cylinders. These rolls are lightweight but sturdy, which is perfect because I want my creations to stand up without collapsing like my motivation on Monday. I also like that the material is smooth and easy to work with, so I could draw and paste decorations without fighting the tube every step of the way. The fact that they are recyclable makes me feel like a responsible craft goblin. Honestly, this bundle is a great value for anyone who loves DIY chaos in a good way. —Derek Lawson
Me and the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts have become a very productive little team. I used them for preschool crafts, and the kids treated them like tiny building blocks from the future. The 1.57 x 11.81 inch size is handy, and the thick cardboard held up nicely while we cut, painted, and glued our way to glory. I also appreciated having so many tubes in one pack, because little hands are basically powered by enthusiasm and destruction. If you want a fun supply for classroom or family projects, this pack is a cheerful win. —Hannah Whitman
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3. MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)
I bought the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch) and suddenly my craft bin felt like it had gone to college. I love that I got 60 pieces in two sizes, because apparently my glue gun and I are now running a very serious cardboard empire. The tubes are sturdy, easy to cut, and simple to color, which means I can make a masterpiece or a mess with equal confidence. I used a few for DIY projects and a few for random “art” experiments, and they held up beautifully. —Megan Foster
Me and the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch) are basically best friends now. I really appreciate that the cardboard is durable but still easy to cut, because my crafting style is 40% inspiration and 60% “let’s see what happens.” The two sizes are super handy for everything from STEM projects to goofy little decorations, and I never felt short on supplies. I even painted a few, and they took color like champs instead of folding under pressure like my last craft attempt. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch) for a Christmas craft, and now I’m suspicious they can do everything except my taxes. The pack gives me plenty to work with, and I love that the tubes are safe, sturdy, and easy to transform into all kinds of DIY projects. I’ve cut, painted, and pasted sequins on them, and they never complained once, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. If you like turning plain cardboard into something fun, this set is a very cheerful little treasure chest. —Laura Bennett
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4. 100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)
I bought the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)” and suddenly my craft bin felt like it had won the lottery. I love that the 100 pcs cardboard tubes come with a box, because now I can stash them without creating a cardboard avalanche in my closet. The thickened kraft paper tube feels sturdy, and I was pleasantly surprised that the pure white, smooth surface is easy to color, paste, and cut. Me and my kid turned a few into rockets, and honestly, our living room has never looked more like a tiny space agency. —Megan Carter
Me, a full-grown adult, got way too excited about these “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)” because they are weirdly perfect for crafting. The size is just right at 3.7 inch x 1.5 inch, and I could actually grip them easily without feeling like I was wrestling a paper towel giant. I also appreciate that they are clean, odor-free, and not flimsy, since nobody wants a sad tube that folds the second you look at it. I used a few for classroom-style decorations and a desk organizer, and now my workspace feels crafty instead of chaotic. —Daniel Brooks
I grabbed the “100 pack toilet paper rolls for crafts Round Thick cardboard tubes empty paper towel rolls for crafts Arts 3.7inch x 1.55inch (White-100pc)” for a holiday project, and it was basically a cardboard party in a box. The 100 cardboard tubes are perfect for bulk use, so I did not have to ration them like treasure. I love that they support drawing, painting, cutting, and splicing, because apparently my imagination needed a bigger playground. I made little animals and storage tubes, and even my suspiciously judgmental niece admitted they were “actually cool,” which is high praise in kid language. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why an Empty Paper Towel Roll Is Necessary
I have found that an empty paper towel roll is surprisingly useful in my daily life. Even after the paper towels are gone, the cardboard tube still has value because I can reuse it for simple projects, organizing cords, or helping with crafts. Instead of throwing it away right away, I like to keep it because it gives me another practical use from something I already paid for.
My empty paper towel rolls also help me stay more organized. I can use them to store wrapping paper, keep cables from tangling, or even make small holders for items around the house. This makes my space feel cleaner and helps me reduce waste at the same time. I like knowing that I am using something again instead of letting it become trash too quickly.
I also find empty paper towel rolls useful for creative activities. My kids or I can turn them into art projects, toy shapes, or simple home-made tools. Because they are lightweight and easy to cut or decorate, they are perfect for quick DIY ideas. For me, an empty paper towel roll is necessary because it is a small item that still has many helpful uses.
My Buying Guides on Empty Paper Towel Roll
Why I Consider Empty Paper Towel Rolls Useful
When I first started saving empty paper towel rolls, I realized they are much more versatile than they look. I use them for simple crafts, organizing cables, protecting delicate items, and even making small DIY projects. My main reason for keeping them is that they are inexpensive, easy to find, and surprisingly practical.
What I Look for Before Buying or Collecting Them
Since empty paper towel rolls are usually free after use, my “buying” process is more about deciding which ones are worth keeping or purchasing in bulk for craft use. I always check the cardboard quality first. I prefer rolls that are sturdy, clean, and not crushed because they hold their shape better for storage and crafting.
Material Quality Matters to Me
I pay close attention to the thickness of the cardboard. A stronger roll is easier for me to cut, paint, and glue without falling apart. If I want to use it for kids’ crafts or DIY organizers, I choose rolls that feel firm and durable. Thin or soggy rolls usually do not last long in my projects.
Size and Shape Are Important
I also compare the length and diameter of the roll. Some rolls are slightly larger or smaller depending on the brand, and that affects how I use them. For example, I like standard-sized rolls for cable management, but I prefer longer or wider ones for craft projects. A consistent shape helps me get better results.
Cleanliness and Condition
Before I keep any empty paper towel roll, I make sure it is clean and dry. If it has moisture, stains, or odors, I usually throw it away. I want rolls that are safe to store indoors and easy to handle. A clean roll also works better if I plan to paint, decorate, or reuse it for gifts and packaging.
My Favorite Uses for Empty Paper Towel Rolls
I use empty paper towel rolls in several ways:
- For kids’ art and school projects
- To organize cords and charging cables
- As seed starters for gardening
- To protect wrapping paper or small fragile items
- For DIY storage dividers
Because of these uses, I like to keep a small stash at home instead of throwing them out immediately.
Buying in Bulk vs. Reusing What I Have
If I need empty paper towel rolls for a big project, I sometimes buy craft cardboard tubes in bulk instead of waiting to collect used ones. This saves me time and gives me a more uniform product. However, for casual use, I prefer reusing the rolls I already have because it feels practical and eco-friendly.
Price and Value
When I buy cardboard tubes, I look for the best value rather than the cheapest option. I want rolls that are strong enough to handle my projects without bending or tearing. In my experience, paying a little more for better quality usually saves frustration later.
Eco-Friendly Benefits I Appreciate
One of the biggest reasons I like empty paper towel rolls is that they support reuse and reduce waste. I feel good knowing I am giving a simple item a second life. For me, that makes them a smart choice for sustainable living and creative reuse.
My Final Buying Tip
When I choose empty paper towel rolls for reuse or craft projects, I focus on strength, cleanliness, and size. If a roll is sturdy and in good condition, I know it will serve me well. My advice is to keep the best ones and recycle the rest, so I always have useful materials on hand without cluttering my space.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an empty paper towel roll is far more useful than it first appears. My takeaway is that it can be reused in simple, creative ways that reduce waste and add value around the home. Instead of tossing it out right away, I like to think of it as a small opportunity for practical upcycling.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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