Matchstick is a short, slender piece of flammable wood used in making matches. Matchsticks are very useful when you want to start a fire to light up a candle, to burn a paper and etc.You know what? Matchsticks can be used differently from its main purpose. That's why I am here to show and tell what are the unusual uses of matchsticks besides being a tool to start a fire. Before we proceed, let's get some information about matchsticks or matches.

"A match is a tool for starting a fire. Typically, modern matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper. One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by frictional heat generated by striking the match against a suitable surface. Wooden matches are packaged in match boxes, and paper matches are partially cut into rows and stapled into matchbooks. The coated end of a match, known as the match "head", consists of a bead of active ingredients and binder; often colored for easier inspection. There are two main types of matches: safety matches, which can be struck only against a specially prepared surface, and strike-anywhere matches, for which any suitably frictional surface can be used. Some match-like compositions, known as electric matches, are ignited electrically rather than from friction." - Wikipedia

Got it? Thanks to Wikipedia for providing some information about matches. In this instructable, I use safety matches because it is the most common type of matches available in my country the Philippines. This instructable is my third unusual uses related documentation. You might want to check out some of the Unusual Uses of Rubber Bands or Unusual Uses of Fidget Spinner. If you find my Instructables useful, please consider voting my entries for Unusual Uses Challenge 2017. It would be a big support to me to continue useful projects and hacks in this community!

You may now proceed! Goodluck!

Step 1: Cotton Buds

Matchsticks can be used as cotton buds. If you run out of cotton buds you can use the matchsticks as your cotton buds just wrap a piece of cotton around the stick of matchsticks. Make sure to wrap the cotton on the opposite side of the matchsticks (not the matchstick's head). In my country, the use of matchsticks as a cotton buds are very common. That's why I included it here. Have you ever tried it? Please let me know in the comment below!

Step 2: Toothpick

Toothpicks are used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. What if you have no toothpick after a meal? Well, matchsticks will save your day! You can use the matchsticks as an alternative for a toothpick. It works similarly like a normal standard toothpick. Quick tip for you, remove or cut the matchstick's heads before using it. Have you ever tried using matchstick as your toothpick? Please let us know by commenting on this instructable.

Step 3: Bending Tool for Electronics Components

Electronic Component Lead Bender Tool is very useful for electronics enthusiasts like me. Did you know that matchsticks can do the job even without a professional tool from the electronics stores? Well, yes matchsticks can be your tool for bending some electronic components by simply following my method. Sometimes, when prototyping an electronic circuit I am always bending electronic components in random measures, in a result, I got messy circuit setup on my breadboard. You can use the number of matchsticks to determine the size you want to bend.

Come on, visit this instructable!
Electronic Component Lead Bending Tool (Matchsticks)

Step 4: Puzzle Game

Matchsticks Puzzle Game is a fun and easy to play with your friends mostly when boredom strikes. If you're looking for unusual uses of matchsticks, well this instructable is one of many unusual uses of matchsticks. I made this instructable because I want to recycle some excess supply of matchsticks at home. Also, I like mind games such as puzzles and riddles. In this Instructable, I provide seven matchsticks puzzle problem to test your problem-solving abilities. This is a mind game and this will help you to maintain a good healthy brain. You can play it again the puzzles here and try it to your friends that don't have any idea about matchsticks puzzle (or even don't know the puzzle problem using matchsticks).

Let's solve the matchsticks puzzle!
Matchsticks Puzzle Game (Try It Now!)

Step 5: Matchstick Rocket

One of the most popular science project out there! A perfect science project to demonstrate the application of Jet Propulsion, Newton's 3rd Law of Motion and Combustion. We will explore the wild world of science by demonstrating the applications of Jet Propulsion, Newton's 3rd Law of Motion and Combustion. Not only to demonstrate some science stuff but also to show you the step by step tutorial on how to make a matchstick rocket. Besides being a tool to start a fire, matchsticks can be used to science stuff like making a simple solid propellant rocket. You will learn some basic science behind rockets and jet propulsion. If you want to be an Astronaut/Cosmonaut, well this is your starting point to learn rocketry and explore it. Come on, let's learn together with this Instructable!

Let's explore the science by conducting and demonstrating it!
Rocket Science: Make a Matchstick Rocket!

Step 6: Outro: Thank You!

Thank you for taking your time to read my instructable about unusual uses of matchsticks. Please also consider visiting my previous unusual uses related Instructables such as Unusual Uses of Rubber Bands and Unusual Uses of Fidget Spinner. I hope you enjoy it as I enjoy making it and documenting it to show and tell to other fellow makers here. If you find my instructable useful please consider to click the heart button, leave your comment about my instructable or even follow me on Instructables. By voting this project to the contest it means a lot to me. You can support me by visiting my Patreon page or visiting my Facebook page for more interesting projects about web development, programming, and electronics. I'll bid you farewell, see you in my next Instructables!

Do you have any other unusual uses for matchsticks? Please share it in the comment below together with a snapshot of your unusual use. To have a chance to win PRO Membership! Come on, share it!