22 Ingenious DIY Hacks Using Spare Change

Have a simple DIY job but haven’t got a complete tool kit? Looking to make a cool new decoration for your home? Or simply seeking to save a bit of money in ways you’ve never thought of before? Designed to help you prevent spending money on expensive alternatives, this post covers 22 DIY hacks you can put into practice around your home. And believe it or not, spare change may just hold the answer.

The change in your pocket can surprisingly provide a free alternative to a tool when doing jobs such as hanging a cabinet door or sorting out a wobbly table. Meanwhile, in the garden, coins can be used as a repellent against slugs and flies, while a 20p piece is an excellent indicator for checking the treads of your tyres. When it comes to homeware and decorations, a few coins can provide the answer too – make yourself a new button for your jacket, or construct yourself some drinks coasters simply from spare change and cork.

It’s worth examining your coppers out from time to time as well – you might have one that is worth a fortune. A ‘fake’ 2p coin made of silver was recently found and estimated to be worth around £2,000 due to its minting error. So you never know, you might have something particularly valuable hidden in your pot of small change.

Our infographic below demonstrates the wide range of situations in which you can you put your loose change to use. There are some really straightforward tips for saving money too, from your electricity bills to planning a holiday!

Here are the 22 DIY hacks using spare change:

1. Hang a cabinet door: Use a coin as a temporary hinge until you get the right tools.

2. Fix a wobbly table: Wedge a coin under the uneven leg to stabilize the table.

3. Repellent against slugs and flies: Place copper coins around the perimeter of your garden or plant pots to keep slugs and flies away.

4. Check tire treads: Insert a 20p piece into the tread of your tires. If the outer band is obscured, your tires are legal and safe.

5. Create a button: Make yourself a new button for your jacket by gluing a coin onto a button backing.

6. Make a drinks coaster: Glue spare change onto a cork pad to create unique and decorative coasters.

7. Remove stripped screws: Place a rubber band over the stripped screw head, then use a coin to turn it counterclockwise.

8. Clean dirty coins: Mix baking soda and vinegar to create a paste and rub it on the dirty coins. Rinse thoroughly for shiny results.

9. DIY paint stirrer: Use a quarter or any coin to stir small amounts of paint.

10. Measuring tape hack: Tape a coin to the end of your measuring tape to make it easier to grip and prevent it from slipping.

11. Fix a stripped screw hole: Fill the hole with putty, then press a coin into the putty and let it dry. You can now screw into the coin for added stability.

12. Open a battery case: Use a coin to open the battery compartment of remote controls or small electronic devices.

13. DIY level: Place a flat coin on a surface, and then use a filled wine glass to check if the surface is level.

14. Plant helper: Place a coin at the bottom of a plant pot to help with drainage.

15. DIY guitar pick: Use a coin with a distinctive design to create a unique guitar pick.

16. Unlock a door: If you’re locked out and have lost your key, use a coin to try and open the lock.

17. Magnetize a screwdriver: Rub a magnetized coin against the screwdriver to magnetize it temporarily for picking up screws.

18. Emergency shoelace eyelet: Use a coin to create a makeshift eyelet for your shoelaces if one breaks.

19. Replace missing board game pieces: Use coins of the appropriate size as replacements for lost or missing pieces in board games.

20. Homemade scratch-off lottery ticket: Coat a coin in clear nail polish, let it dry, and then use a coin to scratch off the coating for a fun DIY lottery ticket.

21. Temporary doorstop: Place a coin under a door to prop it open temporarily.

22. DIY jewelry: Drill a hole through a coin to make a unique pendant or charm for a necklace or bracelet.

By utilizing the spare change you have laying around, you can tackle various DIY projects, save money, and get creative with your home décor. Plus, you never know when you might stumble upon a valuable coin hiding in your pocket. So, start rummaging through your change jar and put your spare change to good use. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!