Astronauts use toothbrush to fix the International Space Station

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams appears to touch the bright sun during a spacewalk on Wednesday. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Akihiko Hoshide can be seen in the reflection on Williams' helmet. (NASA)

Astronauts used a toothbrush to conduct repairs outside the International Space Station, ending a marathon 6.5 hour-long spacewalk Wednesday.

NASA's Sunita Williams and Japan's Akihiko Hoshide were trying to install a pair of bolts on the outside of the station, according to MSNBC. They had previously tried to install the bolts last Thursday, but difficulties forced them to end that spacewalk after more than eight hours.

Tecca reports that the bolt was part of a power-switching component used to route electricity to some of the station's solar arrays. One of the bolt holes appeared to be filled with metal shavings.

Without any regular tools to remove them, the two modified a toothbrush with a handle and a can of compressed nitrogen to blast the shavings out of the hole, allowing them to safely install the bolt. They also used a series of wires bent into the form of a brush.

Flight director Ed Van Cise told MSNBC that the MacGuyver-like improvisation demonstrated how well the team on the space station work together. "It was really amazing to watch the ingenuity, to watch the flight controllers," said Van Cise. "It was amazing to see it all come together."

So stand aside, inanimate carbon rod: you may have met your match.

Have you ever used an everyday, mundane tool or object in an unusual role? How about using Coca-cola to remove rust, or petroleum jelly to kickstart a fire? Share your ingenious ideas in the comments section below.