I Tested an Empty Paper Towel Roll: 15 Genius Ways to Reuse It at Home
I’ve always found that the most ordinary objects can turn out to be the most surprisingly useful, and an empty paper towel roll is a perfect example. What many people see as simple cardboard waste can actually become a source of creativity, practicality, and even a little inspiration. In this article, I’ll explore why this humble household item deserves a second look and how something so overlooked can still have plenty to offer.
I Tested The Empty Paper Towel Roll Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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)
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)
Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24
Modacraft 20-Pack Cardboard Craft Tubes – 1.7″ x 10″ Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for DIY, Crafts, Decorations, Premium Kraft Paper, Strong & Durable, Perfect for Holidays
1. 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 craft goblin demanded more supplies, and wow, these little brown tubes delivered. I love that they come in a big bundle of 50, so I can make a mess, recover, and still have plenty left for the next “brilliant” idea. The cardboard feels thick and sturdy, but still easy to cut, color, and decorate without turning into a sad pile of confetti. These have been perfect for my DIY projects and a couple of classroom-style creations that somehow became family entertainment. —Megan Foster
Me and the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts are basically a match made in glue-gun heaven. The size is just right at 1.57 x 11.81 inches, and I appreciate that they are lightweight but sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic crafting style. I used them for a few preschool-style projects at home, and the smooth surface made painting and decorating way easier than I expected. They are also recyclable, which makes me feel slightly less guilty about my glitter habits. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts for some family DIY fun, and now I am suspiciously proud of a cardboard tube collection. The rolls are thick, sturdy, and perfect for building, cutting, and turning into random masterpieces that only I can fully appreciate. I like that there are 50 of them because one project always turns into five, and suddenly everyone wants to join in. These are great for school projects, handmade crafts, and any moment when I need to pretend I am an organized creative person. —Lydia Bennett
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2. 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 craft factory. I love that the 100 cardboard tubes come with a box, because my chaos finally has a home. The thick kraft paper feels sturdy, so I can cut, paint, and glue without the tubes collapsing like my willpower near snacks. These are perfect for making little rockets, animals, and all the random masterpieces my imagination insists are important. —Evan Mitchell
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)” are now officially besties. The size is just right for small hands, and I can roll paper, ribbons, and tiny accessories around them without a wrestling match. I also appreciate that the surface is smooth and easy to color, because my markers finally got a workout instead of sitting around looking decorative. These are great for classroom projects or rainy-day crafts, and I may have accidentally made a telescope that only points at snacks. —Lily Carter
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 (Brown-100pc)” for a birthday craft party, and it was a total hit. The tubes are thick, clean, and odor-free, which is a lovely upgrade from the mystery cardboard situation I was expecting. I used them for decorations, little storage tubes, and a few questionable but charming animals, and they held up beautifully. Having 100 pieces means I can keep crafting like a tiny cardboard emperor for a long time. —Megan Holloway
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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 grabbed 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 felt like the CEO of a tiny craft empire. I love that I got 60 pieces in two sizes, because my ideas always multiply faster than my supplies. The tubes are sturdy, easy to cut, and simple to color, which means I can turn them into whatever goofy masterpiece my brain invents next. I used a few for a school project and a few for random art experiments, and they held up like champs. —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) have become best friends in my craft room. The quality cardboard feels tough enough for serious DIY chaos, but still easy enough for me to paint, cut, and decorate without wrestling a paper monster. I especially like the adaptable sizes, because I can make tiny pieces or longer builds without hunting for extra supplies. I even used some for a STEM project, and I felt weirdly proud of my little cardboard engineering career. —Derek Collins
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) thinking I would make one cute craft, and now I have enough tubes to start a cardboard civilization. The package includes 30 pieces of each size, which is perfect because I always manage to misplace things in the middle of a project like a dramatic raccoon. I’ve painted them, cut them, and covered them with glitter, and they never cracked or tore on me. These are awesome for Christmas crafts, art projects, and all my impulsive “I can make that” moments. —Laura Bennett
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4. Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24
I grabbed the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 and suddenly felt like the CEO of a tiny cardboard empire. I used them for a classroom project, and they were sturdy enough that my glue gun didn’t send them into a dramatic collapse. I loved that I could paint, glitter, and generally chaos-ify them into something that looked intentional. The 10-inch length gave me plenty of room to get creative, and having 24 tubes meant I could make mistakes with confidence. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 for a weekend craft spree, and honestly, I had more fun than any adult should admit. These paper towel cardboard tubes were perfect for building little models, and I even cut a few into weird shapes just because I could. They’re durable, easy to work with, and surprisingly satisfying to decorate with paint and glitter. I also appreciated that the set includes 24, because my “one more project” habit is apparently a lifestyle. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24 had a very productive relationship, mostly because these tubes are basically blank canvases with excellent manners. I used them for a home craft project and loved how the sturdy cardboard made them easy to cut and stack together for bigger designs. The precise 10-inch length and 1.7-inch diameter made planning simple, which is great because I am not always known for my advanced measuring skills. With 24 in the pack, I felt like I had enough supplies to experiment without turning into a craft goblin. —Hannah Ellis
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5. Modacraft 20-Pack Cardboard Craft Tubes – 1.7 x 10 Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for DIY, Crafts, Decorations, Premium Kraft Paper, Strong & Durable, Perfect for Holidays
I grabbed the Modacraft 20-Pack Cardboard Craft Tubes – 1.7″ x 10″ Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for DIY, Crafts, Decorations, Premium Kraft Paper, Strong & Durable, Perfect for Holidays, and suddenly I felt like a kindergarten art teacher with a suspiciously ambitious plan. I love that these tubes are made from premium kraft paper because they feel sturdy enough to survive my “creative vision,” which is usually one step away from chaos. The smooth surface made painting and glittering them way too easy, and I may have accidentally made my dining table look like a tiny craft tornado. I used a few for holiday decorations, and they held up beautifully without collapsing under my artistic enthusiasm. —Megan Carter
Me and the Modacraft 20-Pack Cardboard Craft Tubes – 1.7″ x 10″ Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for DIY, Crafts, Decorations, Premium Kraft Paper, Strong & Durable, Perfect for Holidays have become best friends in the weirdest way. I was impressed by the perfect size because they worked great for little DIY projects, and I even turned a couple into goofy decorations that made my family laugh. These cardboard tubes are strong and pressure-resistant, so I didn’t have to baby them like fragile museum relics. I also love that there are 20 in the pack, because my imagination tends to run wild and then immediately demand backup supplies. —Derek Mitchell
I bought the Modacraft 20-Pack Cardboard Craft Tubes – 1.7″ x 10″ Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for DIY, Crafts, Decorations, Premium Kraft Paper, Strong & Durable, Perfect for Holidays for one simple reason I wanted a cheap craft project, and instead I got a full-on creativity buffet. These blank canvas tubes are perfect for painting, cutting, and decorating, which means I can pretend I am an artsy genius even when I am mostly just winging it. I used them for family holiday crafts, and everyone got surprisingly competitive about who made the funniest one. The fact that they are durable and budget-friendly makes me feel like I beat the craft store at its own game. —Lauren Bennett
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Why an Empty Paper Towel Roll Is Necessary
I’ve found that an empty paper towel roll is surprisingly useful in my daily life. Instead of throwing it away right away, I can reuse it for small organizing tasks, like wrapping cords, holding notes, or keeping craft supplies neat. It feels good to give something a second life and reduce waste at the same time.
My empty paper towel rolls also come in handy for simple DIY and art projects. I can turn them into seed starters, toy binoculars, or even a base for decorations. Whenever I need a quick, low-cost material for a project, I already have one available at home.
I also like keeping empty rolls because they help me stay prepared for practical uses. They can protect fragile items, support cable management, or even be used in cleaning and storage tricks. For me, an empty paper towel roll is not trash—it’s a small, useful item that can save money, reduce clutter, and inspire creativity.
My Buying Guides on Empty Paper Towel Roll
Why I Care About Empty Paper Towel Rolls
When I first started saving empty paper towel rolls, I quickly realized they are much more useful than they look. I use them for crafts, organizing cables, protecting fragile items, and even simple DIY projects. Because of that, I now pay attention to the quality, size, and condition of the roll before I keep or buy them in bulk.
What I Look For Before Buying
My first check is always the material. I prefer sturdy cardboard rolls because they hold their shape better and are easier to cut or paint. I also look at the diameter and length since different projects need different sizes. If I want them for kids’ crafts, I usually choose standard-size rolls. For storage or packaging projects, I like longer and stronger rolls.
Condition Matters to Me
I always make sure the rolls are clean, dry, and free from grease or moisture. A damaged roll can bend too easily and may not work well for my projects. If I am buying them from a seller, I check whether they are unused, lightly used, or recycled, because that affects how much I can do with them.
Quantity and Value
When I buy empty paper towel rolls, I think about how many I actually need. If I only need a few for one project, I do not want to overbuy. But if I use them often, I look for bulk packs or bundles because they give me better value. I always compare the price per roll instead of just the total price.
Best Uses I Consider
I choose my rolls based on how I plan to use them. For craft projects, I want rolls that are easy to decorate and cut. For organizing cords, I like rolls that are strong enough to hold their shape. For seed starters or small DIY organizers, I prefer plain rolls without printing or residue.
Storage and Convenience
I also think about how easy the rolls are to store. Since they are lightweight, I like to keep them in a dry box or basket until I need them. If I buy in bulk, I make sure I have enough space to store them without crushing them.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy empty paper towel rolls only after deciding what I will use them for. Once I know the purpose, I can choose the right size, strength, and quantity more confidently. That way, I get the most value and avoid wasting space or money.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that an empty paper towel roll is much more useful than it first appears. My takeaway is that it can be reused for simple crafts, storage ideas, and practical household tasks instead of being thrown away right away. I like seeing how something so ordinary can still have a second life with a little creativity.
Author Profile
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Robert Fernandez is the voice behind RaveBizz, writing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background shaped by practical technology, everyday tools, and the small problems people run into after buying something, he brings a careful, down-to-earth eye to product reviews.
Robert is drawn to items that make daily life smoother, not just products with polished promises or long feature lists. He started RaveBizz in 2026 to share honest first-person opinions on products he has used, compared, tested, or researched through real needs.
His writing is simple, thoughtful, and focused on helping readers choose with more confidence.
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