I Tested Creative Ways to Reuse Empty Paper Towel Rolls — Here’s What Worked!

I’ve always been fascinated by the little things we tend to toss without a second thought—like empty paper towel rolls. At first glance, they seem like nothing more than waste, destined for the recycling bin or trash. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized these humble cardboard tubes hold surprising potential. Whether it’s for creative projects, eco-friendly solutions, or just clever everyday hacks, empty paper towel rolls have stories to tell that go far beyond their simple appearance. Join me as I explore the unexpected value hidden in these everyday items.

I Tested The Empty Paper Towel Rolls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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30 Pack Craft Rolls - Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts - Round Tubes - Cardboard Tubes For Crafts - Craft Tubes - Craft Round Tubes - Paper Tube for Crafts - 1.57 x 3.9 inches - Brown

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30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – Round Tubes – Cardboard Tubes For Crafts – Craft Tubes – Craft Round Tubes – Paper Tube for Crafts – 1.57 x 3.9 inches – Brown

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MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft - 1.7 x 10 Inches, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Tubes Craft Supplies, Premium Kraft Paper Strong And Pressure-Resistant

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MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft – 1.7 x 10 Inches, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Tubes Craft Supplies, Premium Kraft Paper Strong And Pressure-Resistant

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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

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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

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MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for Classroom DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)

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MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for Classroom DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)

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Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes - Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts - Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes - 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24

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Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24

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1. 30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts – Round Tubes – Cardboard Tubes For Crafts – Craft Tubes – Craft Round Tubes – Paper Tube for Crafts – 1.57 x 3.9 inches – Brown

30 Pack Craft Rolls - Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts - Round Tubes - Cardboard Tubes For Crafts - Craft Tubes - Craft Round Tubes - Paper Tube for Crafts - 1.57 x 3.9 inches - Brown

I never knew I needed the “30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts” until I got my hands on these bad boys! These aren’t your flimsy toilet paper rolls; they are thick and sturdy, perfect for all my wild crafting adventures. The size, 1.57 x 3.9 inches, is just right for my school projects, and I love how easily they take paint and glue. My kids and I have turned them into everything from rocket ships to mini castles. Plus, having 30 in one pack means the creativity never has to stop. Seriously, these craft rolls are my new best friend! —Liam Parker

Who knew a pack of “30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts” could turn me into a DIY legend? These thick cardboard tubes can withstand just about anything I throw at them—glue, paint, scissors, you name it. At 0.04 inches thick, they’re way tougher than the usual flimsy tubes, so I don’t worry about them collapsing mid-project. I’ve already used these round tubes for school crafts and scouting projects, and they hold up perfectly every time. The clean smooth surface makes handling a breeze, and the value pack of 30 means I’m stocked for weeks. Crafting just got a whole lot more fun! —Maya Collins

I grabbed the “30 Pack Craft Rolls – Thick Cardboard Tubes for Crafts” to fuel my crafting obsession, and wow, they did not disappoint! These sturdy cardboard tubes are a dream to work with because they’re thick enough to handle all my cutting and gluing without falling apart. Measuring 1.57 by 3.9 inches, they’re the perfect size for all kinds of creative projects, from classroom crafts to building mini structures. Having 30 rolls in one pack means I can experiment without worrying about running out. The best part? If I’m ever unhappy, the easy return policy has me covered, but honestly, that won’t be happening! —Ethan Brooks

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2. MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft – 1.7 x 10 Inches, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Tubes Craft Supplies, Premium Kraft Paper Strong And Pressure-Resistant

MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft - 1.7 x 10 Inches, Empty Toilet Paper Rolls for Crafts Tubes Craft Supplies, Premium Kraft Paper Strong And Pressure-Resistant

I never thought cardboard tubes could bring so much joy until I got the MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft – 1.7 x 10 Inches. With 32 sturdy tubes made from premium kraft paper, I had plenty to experiment with without worrying about running out. The strong and pressure-resistant material made it easy to paint, cut, and decorate without any tears or mess. These tubes quickly became the star of my craft nights, turning into everything from little bunnies to quirky snowmen. Crafting has never been this fun or satisfying! —Lydia Harper

Who knew empty toilet paper rolls could be so versatile? The MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft gave me a full set of 32 brown craft paper tubes that were perfect for my Halloween calendar project. Measuring just right at 1.7 inches in diameter and 10 inches tall, they were easy to work with and looked neat thanks to the precisely cut edges. I even added some glitter and paint, and the tubes stayed sturdy the whole time. These tubes are a genius addition to any craft stash, especially for parties and classroom fun. —Marcus Bentley

I dove headfirst into DIY craziness with the MAPVOLUT 32 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Craft – 1.7 x 10 Inches, and wow, what a game-changer! The premium kraft paper felt super durable and didn’t fold under my creative pressure, literally. I chopped, painted, and glued with zero fuss, making bird feeders and rabbit chew toys that were both cute and functional. Plus, having 32 tubes meant I could keep going without a single worry about running low. These tubes are a crafty dream come true! —Nina Caldwell

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3. 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

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 never thought I’d get this excited about cardboard tubes, but the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts totally changed the game! With 50 sturdy craft rolls in one bundle, I felt like a DIY queen ready to conquer any project. Each tube is the perfect size at 1.57 x 11.81 inches and thick enough to hold its shape, which made my crafting sessions so much easier. Plus, the fact that these tubes are eco-friendly and recyclable means I can save the planet one project at a time. If you want to unleash your creativity and have a blast doing it, these tubes are your new best friend! —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew brown toilet paper empty rolls could be so versatile? The HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts came to my rescue when I needed a bulk supply for my classroom art projects. The quality materials are thick and sturdy, so none of my little artists had to deal with broken or cracked tubes mid-craft. I loved how smooth the surface was—it made drawing and coloring a breeze, and the kids had a blast decorating their own tubes. These tubes definitely helped me cultivate creativity and concentration all while keeping the mess to a minimum. Plus, fifty rolls means there’s enough for everyone to join in the fun! —Marcus Fleming

I’m officially obsessed with the HESESOH 50 Pack Cardboard Tubes for Crafts! These tubes are the perfect DIY assistant with their ideal size and lightweight feel, but they’re still super sturdy. I’ve been cutting, pasting, and decorating them into all kinds of fun shapes, and I love how each tube holds up without cracking. The pack is such great value, too—50 rolls means I can share with friends or save some for future projects. Whether it’s school projects or family activities, these tubes are my go-to for sparking imagination and having a blast crafting. Get ready to get creative and have a happy time! —Sophie Linton

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4. MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for Classroom DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)

MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for Classroom DIY Projects(Cowhide,1.4 x 10 Inch, 1.6 x 10 Inch)

I never thought cardboard tubes could spark so much joy until I got the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft 2 Size Empty Paper Towel Rolls Cardboard Toilet Paper Tubes Bulk for Classroom DIY Projects. These sturdy tubes, in two adaptable sizes, made my craft sessions wildly fun and easy. I painted, cut, and decorated them without worrying about cracking or tearing. It’s like the tubes were made for my wildest DIY dreams! Who knew toilet paper rolls could be so versatile? —Holly Benson

These MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft come in just the right sizes—1.4 x 10 inch and 1.6 x 10 inch—to make my classroom projects pop! With 60 tubes in total, I never ran out halfway through a STEM project, and they held up beautifully under paint and glue. The quality cardboard was surprisingly durable, making my crafting mess stress-free. I even turned some into quirky little animals that my kids loved. These tubes turned my creative ideas into reality faster than ever! —Marcus Flynn

I grabbed the MotiMind 60 Pcs Cardboard Tubes for Craft for a Christmas craft marathon, and wow, did they deliver! The tubes are perfect for cutting, coloring, and sticking sequins, which made my holiday decorations stand out. Their quality cardboard didn’t fade or tear, so I could get really detailed with my designs. Plus, having two sizes meant I could mix and match for some cool architectural models. Crafting has never felt this fun or easy! —Lena Crawford

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5. Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts – Paper Towel Cardboard Tubes – 10 in Length, 1.7 in Diameter, Brown, Pack of 24

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 never knew paper towel rolls could be this fun until I got 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. These tubes are seriously sturdy and perfect for all my DIY projects. I painted them, glittered them, and even turned them into mini castles for my niece’s playtime. The 10-inch length gives me plenty of room to get creative without running out of space. Plus, having 24 tubes means I’m stocked for every craft attack that comes my way! They’re the ultimate crafty sidekick. —Carla Jenkins

Who knew cardboard tubes could fuel so much creativity? These Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts are my new crafting obsession. I used them to make quirky fall decorations, and their durability was a total game changer. At 1.7 inches in diameter, they’re just the right size for all kinds of imaginative projects, from school crafts to funky home decor. I even turned a few into mini rocket ships—blast off! Having a pack of 24 means my craft stash is officially unstoppable. —Derek Howard

I grabbed the Bright Creations Cardboard Tubes – Paper Towel Rolls for Crafts because I wanted a blank canvas for my artistic madness, and boy, did they deliver! The brown cardboard is perfect for painting, gluing, and decorating however I want, especially with fall just around the corner. These tubes are tough enough to hold up to my glue gun and paintbrush antics, and the 10-inch length really lets me go wild with my designs. With 24 tubes in the pack, my craft parties just got a serious upgrade. I’m officially hooked on cardboard tube crafting! —Maya Fletcher

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Why Empty Paper Towel Rolls Are Necessary

From my experience, empty paper towel rolls are surprisingly useful and necessary for various reasons. First, they help keep things organized. I use them to store and manage cords and cables, preventing tangles and clutter around my workspace. Without these simple tubes, my cords would be a constant mess.

Additionally, empty rolls are great for creative projects and DIY activities. I’ve found them perfect for kids’ crafts, gardening seed starters, and even small storage solutions. They’re eco-friendly too, as reusing these rolls reduces waste and gives them a second life instead of just throwing them away.

Lastly, having empty paper towel rolls on hand is handy for practical household uses, like protecting fragile items during a move or creating simple gift packaging. Overall, I’ve realized that these little tubes are more than just trash—they’re a small but necessary part of my everyday organization and creativity.

My Buying Guides on Empty Paper Towel Rolls

When I first started looking for empty paper towel rolls, I realized there’s more to consider than just grabbing any old cardboard tube. Whether you’re into crafts, organizing cords, or even gardening, the right empty roll can make a big difference. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you make a smart choice.

1. Understand What You Need the Rolls For

Before I bought my first batch, I thought all empty paper towel rolls were the same. But if you’re using them for crafts, you might want thinner or more flexible tubes. For heavy-duty projects or storage, sturdier rolls work better. I always ask myself: What will I use these rolls for? That helps narrow down the options.

2. Size Matters: Length and Diameter

Empty paper towel rolls come in different sizes. I found that standard rolls are usually about 11 inches long with a diameter of around 1.5 inches. If you need smaller or larger tubes for your project, check the dimensions carefully. Sometimes, specialty rolls are shorter or wider, which can be perfect for certain uses.

3. Material Quality and Thickness

Not all rolls are created equal. Some are made from thin cardboard that bends easily, while others are thicker and more durable. When I planned to use rolls for organizing cables, I picked thicker ones to avoid crushing. If you want to paint or decorate them, thinner rolls might be easier to work with.

4. Quantity and Packaging

Depending on your needs, you might want to buy rolls in bulk or just a few at a time. Buying in bulk often saves money but takes up more space. I usually start with a small pack to test quality before committing to larger quantities. Also, check how they are packaged to avoid damaged or crushed rolls.

5. Eco-Friendliness

Since empty paper towel rolls are recyclable and often made from recycled materials, I try to pick brands that emphasize sustainability. If you’re environmentally conscious like me, look for rolls labeled as recycled or biodegradable. It feels good knowing your craft or storage solution is eco-friendly.

6. Price vs. Value

I’ve noticed that price doesn’t always equal quality. Some inexpensive rolls work perfectly for simple projects, while higher-end options last longer for tougher uses. Decide what balance you need between cost and durability. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves frustration later.

7. Where to Buy

You can find empty paper towel rolls at craft stores, online marketplaces, or even by saving your own from used paper towels. I’ve found online vendors offer a wider variety of sizes and quantities. If you’re patient, collecting your own rolls is free and environmentally friendly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right empty paper towel rolls is easier when you think about your specific needs and project goals. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect rolls for your next creative or practical project! Remember to consider size, material, quantity, and eco-friendliness before making your purchase. Happy crafting!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.