14 Genius Ways To Repurpose Ring Binder Spines Around The House

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Over the years, especially if you have kids or are a teacher, you may find yourself with loads of binders. Some can be used to hold various papers, like important documents or past artwork, but what do you do with the others? You may try to recycle them, but unfortunately, since most are made of mixed materials, they cannot go to the recycling plant without some work. The best way to recycle them is to take each section apart — the cardboard inserts, the plastic or vinyl covering, and the metal ring bar. But don't toss out that spine. Instead, there are 14 genius ways to repurpose ring binder spines around the house, from holding crafting supplies to creating flip calendars.

If you want to repurpose these ringed bars, you need to know how to properly remove them from the binder itself. Luckily, the process is simple enough. All you need to do is grab a flathead screwdriver and insert it under the metal ring mechanism closest to the top or bottom screw. Pull up, and the first screw will pop out. Keep adding pressure until the second part comes loose as well. Remove the loose screws and any hanging binder material. In some ringed folders, you can also remove the screws with a screwdriver that fits. Recycle the other parts or keep them for another repurposing project. Once you have the spine, give it a good wipe down, and it's ready to use for these DIYs.

Take the metal part of the binder and turn it into a flip calendar. While there are many ways to build this calendar, use paper with some strength and structure like cardstock or laminate. Designate one ring to the month, date, and year. Decorate and create the cards for each section and punch a hole at the top. You could also keep it simple by placing the date on one sheet of paper, making enough for the year. Once the year is over, remove the outdated information, replace, and start again.

If you're an avid crafter, you know what it's like to stockpile a surplus amount of supplies, eventually creating chaos. Keep it all organized and in one spot by using your ring binder spine. Grab some KTRIO Binder Zipper Pouches and clip them to the rings, then fill each pouch with your materials. Place in a drawer, add to a new folder, or hang the metal ring to easily store it out of sight. This easily makes your supplies portable, so you can carry it wherever you craft.

Always find your hair bands, headbands, and scrunchies by hanging them on a metal binder spine. For this hack, grab your metal ring bar and attach it to your wall, preferably where you do your hair. Open the rings and use them to hold all your hair holders and accessories, then close them for storage. If you want to disguise it, install it on the inside of a cabinet or door. You also can paint it to match the other fixtures in the room. 

Who says you can't replace the rings in a different binder with your repurposed set? Sometimes we can't part ways with a ringed folder that we love, especially if it is collectible, leather, or even has a cover we just don't want to change. Therefore, you can switch out the original or broken rings with a different option. Start by removing the original binder spine. Then clean the space and screw your new set on.

TikTok's binder ring hack brings order to cluttered spaces, like your bathroom, when you install it on the cabinet door. To complete this DIY, just screw your metal spine on the inside of the door. You can spray paint it gold, bronze, or even black to match your other fixtures. Once attached, open the rings and set your hair tool, like a curler or straightener, inside. Just remember to wrap the cord around the appliance before securing it in its spot. Place multiple together to hold all your tools.

A cool way to reuse this metal piece is to magnetize it. Take your Towjug Magnetic Tape Roll, cut a strip the size of your binder spine, and adhere it on. Once attached, you can easily stick it on your refrigerator or metal office desk. There are many ways to utilize these magnet hooks, whether that is to hold utensils or hang page protectors and pouches for documents. Some people have even converted them into a dry erasable chore chart, task sheet, menu, and calendar.

Create a spot for your keys by using your ring binder spine as a hanging key organizer. For this DIY, you can keep it simple by just installing the metal bar as is on your wall. Alternatively, jazz it up by painting it and adhering it to a hangable board. Then, set it by your front door so you never lose your keys again. This stylish organizer can even go just about anywhere in your house whether you make the perfect garage storage hook system or organize belts or dog leashes.

A clever way to temporarily hang curtains is with ring binder spines. Adhere the metal pieces at the top of your window and open the rings. You'll want at least three, one on each side and one in the middle. Then, attach your curtain's loops or holes to the hooks. To open the curtains, use a stick or grabber and move the curtain to the side. Since this is a little more tedious, it is best used as a temporary fix or for an oddly-sized window.

Uniquely display your photos by creating a hanging album with binder spines. This is a great idea if you have loads of polaroid pictures and you aren't sure how to display them. To complete this project, you can either remove the rings and attach them to another base like a decorative ladder or you can keep the spine intact and screw multiple into the wall. Then, take your photos and punch holes at the top in the center. Finally, hang them to decorate. You can even incorporate this idea to create the perfect gallery wall. 

A savvy way to hang your school or work lanyards or your necklaces is by putting up your binder spine. Grab your metal piece and attach it to your wall. Ensure that the rings are open so they can be used as hooks. Then hang your lanyards and necklaces on it. Take this idea to the next level by attaching it to boards or cabinet doors and painting it to match your home's aesthetic and fixtures.

Utilize your ringed spine and build a one-of-a-kind planner from scratch. These are excellent tools to stay on track of all your professional and personal appointments, activities, and events. And since you can customize this one, you can add cleaning checklists, menu planning, budgeting, and anything else you need to keep your life and home flowing smoothly. There are many ways to craft a planner, whether you use an old binder or stick it in a leather-bound folder. What's great is that you can reuse it year after year by replacing the pages.

Sometimes you may have smaller binder ring spines, which works out perfectly because you can repurpose them in your wallet. Take a longer wallet and open it up. Along the middle inside crease, stick down some double-sided tape or Velcro and attach the metal bar. Then add some small protective sheet covers and zipper pouches to hold your essentials like business cards, grocery and to-do lists, cash, and anything else you may need on-the-go.

Keep those important documents in a safe spot by creating an organization box with your ring binder spine. Find a durable box that will fit your metal bar and is easy to open. Attach the spine inside the container with small screws or tape. Once inside, add in sheet protectors or zipper pouches to hold different items. While you should have a safe to store valuables, you also can decorate the outside of the box to disguise it while holding important documents. Store it in a safe, dry area.

For all the crafty individuals out there, you can turn your binder spine into a journal. While there are many ways to do so, some good starting points are with a book or with a cereal box. With any method you choose, you'll create the front and back covers and the spine. Then decorate however you like. Open the rings and attach paper and other stationary. Then write about your day or start brainstorming some fun home remodel ideas. If you don't want to use it for yourself, this could also be a thoughtful, handmade gift.