This is the ultimate list of Blu Tack® uses — the best #BluHacks — for you to try around your home or in your workshop, with a few bonus ideas thrown in for good measure.
AD | This list is sponsored by Blu Tack® from Bostik, a reusable sticky putty I’ve used for years, long after school projects.
If you’re wondering “what is Blu Tack®?”, think of a pliable, reusable, non-toxic sticky putty. I first used it as a student to attach artwork and charts to classroom walls, and today it remains a go-to tool in my workshop and around the home because its uses are nearly endless.
Blu Tack® helps me work more easily, especially when I’m working alone, and it solves small practical problems without leaving residue.
Now available in grey
Blu Tack® is reusable and comes in several colours — original blue, pink, white, and now Blu Tack® Grey. Choose a colour that matches your surface for discretion, or pick a bold shade to stand out. The darker grey is especially useful for DIY projects where a less noticeable finish is desired.
Below are practical ways I use Blu Tack® in the workshop and around the house, plus a few electronics-friendly tips.
1. Sticking up posters & signs
One of the most common uses is attaching posters, charts and artwork to walls without nails or tape. It’s quick, removable and won’t damage surfaces when used correctly.
2. Keep paintings & mirrors straight
Avoid multiple screw holes by using small blobs of Blu Tack® behind the bottom of a frame or mirror to hold it steady and prevent it from swivelling out of true.
3. Store accessories near tools
Keep small accessories like a chuck key or measuring tools visible and accessible by sticking them near the tool they belong to. It saves time and reduces frustration.
4. Make your most-used drill bits more accessible
Stick a couple of frequently used drill bits to the wall so they’re within reach when you need them instead of rummaging through a toolbox.
5. Store screws
When disassembling something, press the removed screws into a sheet of Blu Tack® or stick them to the wall to keep them organised and prevent mixes or losses.
6. Blu Tack® pencil pot alternative
A blob on the wall makes an instant holder for pencils, pens or a tape measure — handy for avoiding that familiar five-minute search for a pencil.
7. Blu Tack® hacks for your drill
If your drill lacks a magnetic bit holder, a small amount of Blu Tack® on the bit can keep it in place. Just remember to remove it after each use to avoid it hardening on the tool.
8. Keep screws steady
Place Blu Tack® on the head of a screw to hold it steady when starting a screw in awkward positions — particularly useful when working alone.
9. Rubbing pencil marks
Blu Tack® doubles as an eraser for pencil marks on wood or paper when you don’t have a rubber to hand.
10. Protect yourself from sharp edges
Mould Blu Tack® around handles with sharp edges (like a cabinet scraper) to create a softer grip and reduce the chance of blisters. The grey colour blends in well for a subtle look.
11. Fix a template together before routing
Before routing, temporarily tack parts together with Blu Tack® as a failsafe to stop movement while you clamp. It holds securely and doesn’t leave a sticky residue like double-sided tape.
12. Planning tiles to cut tile trim
When planning tile trims or dry-fitting tiles, use Blu Tack® to temporarily hold tiles in place. Measure and mark trims confidently, then remove the putty before applying adhesive.
13. Secure projects for sanding
Stick a piece to the worktable to hold a small item steady while sanding — more effective than an anti-slip mat for some tasks.
14. Blu Tack® bench dog hack
Use balls of Blu Tack® as makeshift bench dogs to prop up pieces while painting or finishing edges.
15. Blu Tack® stress ball
Keep a small piece on your desk as a tactile stress toy — useful for fidgeting while you work.
16. Keeping a tape measure in place
Prevent a tape measure from unhooking by sticking a small blob where it needs to anchor — especially helpful when measuring solo.
17. Clamping for routering
If you lack clamps, press multiple blobs of Blu Tack® under a larger workpiece to hold it to a bench while routing. Use extreme caution: avoid pressing the router too hard and ensure the bit won’t contact the bench.
18. Create dividers in compartment organisers
Use Blu Tack® to fix simple wooden packers as removable dividers in storage organisers. It keeps items separated and allows for easy rearrangement without permanent adhesive.
19. Blu Tack® coins to architrave for clearance
Temporarily stick coins or similar spacers with Blu Tack® to architrave when installing fitted furniture to ensure correct clearance and consistent gaps during fitting.
20. Use coins as spacers when hanging doors
Stick coins as temporary spacers at the top or sides of a door to maintain even clearance while hinging. They’re easy to remove when alignment is complete.
21. Hide keys
Use Blu Tack® to conceal a spare key under a workbench or in another inconspicuous spot for emergencies.
22. Or snacks!
If you want to hide a snack from prying eyes in the workshop, Blu Tack® can stick a small packet out of sight.
23. Secure things on shelves
Prevent ornaments or tools from sliding or vibrating off shelves by adding small amounts of Blu Tack® to their bases.
24. Clean crevices before painting
Remove sawdust and debris from corners and crevices by pressing Blu Tack® into the area before painting for a smoother finish and better adhesion.
25. Secure your paint pot
Stick a little Blu Tack® under paint pots or trays to prevent accidental knocks and spills while you work.
26. Secure washers while screwing upside down
If a washer keeps falling when fitting an awkward handle or assembly, tack it in place with Blu Tack® so both hands are free to tighten bolts.
27. Blu Tack® removes old Blu Tack®
Blu Tack® can help lift older blobs of putty from surfaces: press a fresh piece over the residue and pull away to remove stubborn bits.
28. Help get you future measurements
Do a dry fit by tacking offcuts or spacers where needed to measure how components will sit together. It’s faster and less permanent than clamping or gluing.
29. Hide your laptop’s webcam
For privacy, cover your laptop webcam with a small piece of Blu Tack® and remove it quickly when you need to use the camera.
30. Clean ports
Blu Tack® is excellent for extracting sawdust or dust from small ports and connectors on tools, electronics and phones — press, lift and repeat until clean.
Image Credit: Blu Tack from Bostik
31. Keep cables out of the way
Tidy cables by tacking them to the back or underside of desks and workbenches so they stay out of the way while you work.
32. Reduce door slam noise
Place small amounts of Blu Tack® on door jambs or cupboard frames to soften impact and reduce slamming noise.
33. Mount a GoPro camera or similar
No tripod? Use Blu Tack® to temporarily secure a lightweight action camera to a wall or workbench for alternate angles while filming projects.
34. Get a wall mounted visual
Temporarily stick lightweight items to the wall to preview placement, check levels and tweak positions before committing to a permanent fix.
35. Keep your sewing needles organised
Stick needles or small sewing accessories to the side of your sewing machine to keep them sorted and accessible while you work.
36. Keep things steady in a mitre box
Prevent small round objects like dowels from twisting while cutting in a mitre box by tacking them down with Blu Tack®.
Bonus Blu Tack® uses
37. Making moulds or sculptures
Use Blu Tack® to sculpt models or temporary moulds — it’s an inexpensive material for experimenting with shapes and small prototypes.
38. Fix a wobbly chair leg
A little putty under an uneven leg can stabilise a chair as a quick, temporary fix until a permanent repair is made.
39. Blu Tack® pin cushion
Press some Blu Tack® to your sewing machine or a nearby surface to hold pins safely while sewing.
40. Soldering electronics
Secure small electronic components with Blu Tack® while soldering to steady them and free up your hands for the iron. Take care around heat and always work safely.
Bostik offers a range of products for different projects; another favourite of mine is Fix & Flash for quick repairs, instant joins and small resin projects. Practical, reusable items like Blu Tack® and complementary repair products make everyday DIY simpler and neater.
- Quick resin jewellery rings
- Instantly glue mitre joins
- Join offcuts for curtain pole battens
- Other quick repairs