5 for 50: 5 everyday uses for rubber bands

Kids love rubber bands. Adults too, really.

Rubber bands can be a child's first real introduction into the stretchy and bouncy world of elastomers.

They can be used as low-impact weaponry against both siblings and friends, made into balls or used to power toy plane propellers. Many rainy afternoons of childhood boredom have been overcome by these flexible, colorful, rubbery rings.

Let's face it, rubber bands were fidget spinners before there were fidget spinners.

Whether they are called rubber bands, gum bands or elastic loops, these humble workhorses of home, business and office are ubiquitous.

Aside from their obvious utilitarian applications, rubber bands have some surprising uses. Here are just five of them that caught our fancy.

In every issue leading up to our special 50th Anniversary edition on Aug. 9, we'll explore a new list of 5 things that have changed or are changing the industry. When our 50th anniversary issue arrives, you'll have a total of 50 things that define the last five decades.

1. Record breaker
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest rubber band ball weighs 9,032 pounds and was created by Joel Waul in Lauderhill, Fla., where it was weighed back in 2008.
Guinness reported the ball contained more than 700,000 rubber bands of many different sizes. Rising to 6 feet, 7 inches, it took Waul more than four years to create the record-holder he called Megatron.
Not surprisingly, Waul said in a video posted on the Guinness website that people called him the Rubber Band Man. Makes sense.

2. Fruit Keeper

Apples are red. Or yellow. Or green. Or even pink.

They are so delicious the word is even in some of their names.

But they also will brown once cut open. But there's a handy way to help slow the nastiness.

Yep. Rubber bands.

After an apple is cut open, a series of chemical reactions start to take place that turn the fruit brown. But using a rubber band to reconstruct the apple to its original shape will limit oxygen exposure and help slow the process.

You're welcome.

3. Lid gripper

OK, this isn't for any of you younger than 40 who are reading this, probably.

But as people get older, they lose strength in their hands.

It's one of the more stupid things that comes with age. But looping a rubber band around jar lids can help with grip and make you think you are 35 again.

4. Tool box helper

Here's one that's kind of unique. Ain't nothing worse, or frustrating, than a stripped screw stuck somewhere. But this simple hack helps. Placing a rubber band over the screw fills the void and improves the grip of the screwdriver.

5. Glue. Yes, Glue.

And, finally, glue. Wait, what? The magic of the internet revealed this gem. Is your 9-year-old bottle of glue all dried out? Did your kids use the last of your glue to make slime? Don't fret, just melt some rubber bands to create an adhesive you can use as a quick fix if you are out. Do this one at your own risk. Seriously.