Super glue is one of those things I always like having somewhere in the junk drawer. Most of the time, it comes out when something breaks, and I don’t feel like replacing it over one tiny crack or loose piece.

But a small tube can solve quite a few annoying little problems around the house. From wobbly hardware to broken decor, some of these uses are obvious, while others are the kind you probably wouldn’t think to try until you desperately need them.

Keep a Loose Screw From Working Its Way Out

If the same lightweight drawer pull or knob keeps loosening, a tiny amount of super glue on the screw threads can help keep it from backing out. Save this trick for something you don’t expect to disassemble often, since you’ll obviously make that screw harder to remove later.

Save a Broken Figurine

That little ceramic figurine you’ve had forever doesn’t necessarily belong in the trash because a small piece broke off. Clean both broken surfaces, apply a very small amount of glue, and carefully hold the pieces together while the adhesive sets.

Fix a Loose Tool Handle

A screwdriver, small garden tool, or other lightweight hand tool with a handle that’s beginning to slip may be salvageable. Depending on the materials involved, a little super glue between the handle and tool can sometimes secure the pieces again rather than replacing the whole thing.

Hold Wood in Place While You Work

Keeping two small pieces of wood perfectly aligned while reaching for a screw or nail is frustrating. A few carefully placed drops of super glue can temporarily hold small pieces in position while you complete the stronger permanent connection.

Repair a Decorative Ceramic Piece

Super glue can be surprisingly handy when the handle breaks off a decorative vase or another ceramic object gets chipped. Fit the pieces together before applying anything so you know exactly where they belong, then use as little adhesive as necessary to avoid a noticeable dried line.

Stop a Small Screen Tear From Getting Bigger

A tiny tear in a window screen can quickly turn into a much larger one if it’s repeatedly pulled or disturbed. For certain screen materials, a small amount of compatible glue around the damaged area may help stabilize the edges until you can make a proper repair.

Rescue Costume Jewelry

A broken inexpensive earring, necklace, brooch, or other piece of costume jewelry doesn’t always need to be tossed. Super glue can handle some small decorative repairs, although I’d leave valuable or sentimental jewelry to a professional rather than experimenting.

Reattach Small Pieces of Trim

Tiny pieces of decorative trim can be awkward to nail and nearly impossible to clamp. This is one of those places where super glue really earns its spot in the toolbox because a gel formula can hold small pieces without running everywhere.

Stop Rope From Fraying

When the end of a synthetic rope or cord starts unraveling, a carefully applied dab of glue can sometimes keep the fibers together. Just don’t use this to repair climbing ropes, safety equipment, or anything where failure could cause injury.

Patch a Small Tent Tear Temporarily

Discovering a tiny tear in your tent right before a trip is frustrating, but you may be able to keep the damage from spreading until you can properly patch it. However, the glue must be compatible with the tent material, and a tent-specific repair adhesive is the better choice for a lasting waterproof repair.

Keep a Shower Hook From Moving

A lightweight hook or other small bathroom accessory that constantly shifts can be incredibly annoying. If the materials and mounting surface are suitable for cyanoacrylate adhesive, a water-resistant super glue may provide a more secure hold but don’t use it where it could damage tile or a rental surface.

Fix a Pair of Sunglasses

A small nonstructural piece coming loose from inexpensive sunglasses is exactly the kind of problem that makes you reach for super glue. Use an extremely small amount because excess glue can spread onto the lenses or leave a cloudy residue.

Stop a Small Upholstery Tear From Spreading

A tiny tear along an inconspicuous edge of car upholstery or certain household fabrics can sometimes be stabilized before it becomes much larger. Test the adhesive somewhere hidden first, though, because super glue can harden fabric and permanently discolor some materials.

Repair a Shoe in a Pinch

If part of a shoe sole starts separating while you’re away from home, super glue can sometimes buy you some time. Consider it a temporary fix, not a replacement for flexible shoe adhesive, especially in areas that bend repeatedly when you walk.

Keep a Small Crack From Becoming a Bigger Problem

Sometimes the best use for super glue isn’t making something look brand new; it’s simply preventing minor damage from getting worse. On an appropriate nonstructural material, getting adhesive into a small split can stabilize it long enough to decide whether the item needs a more permanent repair.