They were the coolest part of elementary school science, and they're still one of the neatest way to stick things together and stir up a little homespun magic. Check out our 10 favorite ways bloggers, Lifehacker readers, and other creative types use mother nature to make life better.

There are lots of other ways polarized metals can come in handy—weblog Evil Mad Scientist, for example, has 17 more—and we'd love to hear about any you've come across or are using in your own secret lair/office. Drop a link or describe your favorites in the comments.