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Tin cans can be found almost everywhere. Do you know just how useful they are? Tin cans are typically used to hold and seal food. However, they can be made into a wide variety of useful and intriguing items. It is also really fun making different things out of a tin can. Plus, there is always the satisfaction of creating something unique right? So let’s get into this list of 10 crazy things that a tin can become!
Tin Can #1 – A Candle Holder:
Did you know that a tin can become a candle holder? It is surprisingly easy to make and sometimes even better than a real candle holder! The best part about this tin can candle holder is that when you are done making it. It is not only a candle holder but an almost completely wind-proof candle holder!
How To Make A Tin Can Candle Holder:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- An Empty Tin Or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife Or Similar
- Protective Cut-Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
Step 1:
Start by grabbing a tin can. Strip the tin can of all its outside wrappings so that it is only bare metal.
Step 2:
Next, grab a knife or similar and begin cutting a T-shape into the side of the can. To cut a T-shape in the can, first place the can on its side and insert the knife into the can at the top just below the lip. Then, cut downwards towards the bottom of the can. Do not cut all the way down, but get close to the bottom. Then, go back to the top of the can and cut a horizontal line. You now have a T-shape cut into the can!
Step 3:
Caution: (Use gloves for this part Especially, you can cut yourself severely!). Next, begin pulling the T-shape apart. Once you have fully pulled apart the T-shape in the tin can, you should have a tin can with wide flaps on its side. Now stick a candle into the can. (Make sure the candle doesn’t pop out of the top of the can.)
Tin Can #2 – A Stove:
The tin can stove is really similar to number 1 but is a completely different use. We will list the same instructions for this one as well, but will third step.
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin Or Aluminum Can Or Similar
- A Knife Or Similar
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
How To Make A Tin Can Stove:
Step 1:
Start by grabbing a tin can. Strip the tin can of all its outside wrappings so that it is only bare metal.
Step 2:
Next, grab a knife or similar and begin cutting a T-shape into the side of the can. To cut a T-shape in the can, first place the can on its side and insert the knife into the can at the top just below the lip. Then, cut downwards towards the bottom of the can. Do not cut all the way down, but get close to the bottom. Then, go back to the top of the can and cut a horizontal line. You now have a T-shape cut into the can!
Step 3:
Get a small bundle of twigs or sticks. Break those twigs or sticks down into small enough pieces to fit into the tin can. Then, place them inside of the tin can along with tinder and light your fire! Place your cooking pot on top of it and you’ve got a makeshift stove out of a tin can! How awesome is that!
Tin Can #3 – A Fishing Hook:
This one is really cool! Did you know that the pop tops of tin cans are actually more useful than for just sealing and opening? Well, it is and you can make a fishing hook out of it! There are two ways of creating a fishing hook out of a tin can. Both of which are listed and explained below.
How To Make A Fishing Hook From A Tin Can:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife And/Or A Pair Of Scissors
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
1st Way: Made From The Can Itself
Step 1:
If you have a can without a pop-top, start by holding the can on its side but vertical in your hands.
Step 2:
Next, Take a Permanent marker or similar and draw a fishing hook shape on its side.
Step 3:
With a knife or a pair of scissors, cut the outline of the fishing hook out. You now have a fishing hook that was cut out of a tin can!
2nd Way:
Step 1:
If you have a can with a pop-top, start by grabbing your tin can and popping the top off of it.
Step 2:
Next, grab the pop-top piece and cut the top corner in half at its corner. It does not matter whether you cut the right or left side. All that matters is that you get it looking like a hook at the end. Practice makes perfect. (DO NOT CUT THE WHOLE THING IN HALF, ONLY CUT THE LARGEST LOOP THAT IS USED TO OEN THE CAN ON ITS CORNER.)
Step 3:
Then, twist the cut loop from the side that you have cut into. You now have a fishing hook made from a pop-top can!
Tin Can #4 – A Flower Vase:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
How To Make A Flower Vase From A Tin Can:
Step 1 – The First And Last Step:
Begin opening the top of the can with your chosen utensil. Once the cans’ top is off, put your flowers in. It is as simple as that!
Tin Can #5 – An Arrowhead:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
- Pliers Or Similar
- A small or medium-size stick
How To Make An Arrowhead Out Of A Tin Can:
Step 1:
Take your can and stand it up straight. Use a knife, a pair of scissors, or can opener and cut the top seal off of the can.
Step 2:
Take the top of your can and bend it in half. It does not need to be perfect. Then, proceed to bend the can top back and forth until it breaks in two.
Step 3:
Once you have two pieces, set one piece down and bend the other in half. Then do the same process in step 2. Bend it back and forth until it braks into 2.
Step 4:
Take the broken piece and flatten it as much as possible. Once you have done that, fold that piece again and keep folding until it breaks in two.
Step 5:
Take your scissors, knife, pliers, or multi-tool and cut slots into the bottom of each half of the piece of the tin can.
Step 6:
Take your piece of metal and bend one half of the can top and bend one side up.
Step 7:
Take your piece of tin and your stick and start to insert your arrowhead into the stick slowly so that it stays in your stick. Try your best to create 3 slots where the arrowhead will sit into.
Step 8:
Take your arrowhead, (ONCE INSERTED INTO YOUR STICK), and twist the cut parts you made previously at the bottom of the arrowhead around the stick at the bottom of the arrowhead. You Now have made an arrowhead from a tin can!
Tin Can #6 – A Secret Storage Spot:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
How To Make A Secret Storage Spot Out Of A Tin Can:
Step 1:
Grab your can and cut the top off of it with your chosen utensil. Then empty the can out completely.
Step 2:
Dig a hole around the size of the can and place the can in it. Then place your chosen items in the tin can and place a rock or object to cover it over the can. You are all done! Hide whatever you want that will fit in the can!
Tin Can #7 – A Shower Head:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
How To Make A Shower Head From A Tin Can:
Step 1:
Grab your tin can and cut the top off of it.
Step 2:
Pokes 5 or more holes into the bottom of the can.
Step 3:
Place the can onto a hose and seal with tape or similar. Your all done!
Tin Can #8 – A MakeShift Knife:
What You Need To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
- String or something similar that is strong or stronger
- Permanent Marker
How To Make A Makeshift Knife From A Tin Can:
Step 1:
Grab your can and a permanent marker and draw the shape of an orange slice onto the can.
Step 2:
Cut out the orange slice shape on your can and cut half of the shape off so that there is a handle.
Step 3:
Take your string or similar and wrap it around the “handle” until you are able to grip it without cutting yourself. Your all done!
Tin Can #9 – An Alarm System:
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
How To Make An Alarm System Out Of A Tin Can:
Step 1:
Take your can and cut a hole all the way through it with your chosen utensil.
Step 2:
cut the top off of the can and insert your string through both the top and can separately.
Step 3:
Place a couple of small rocks into the can and lay it down onto the ground. You can repeat this with multiple cans. Simply connect all of them and if something hits or moves any one of the cans, you will be alerted and you will clearly hear it. You are all done!
Tin Can #10 – A Signaling Device:
Having a signaling device could save your life one day. This can trick is sure to do just that if the need arises.
What Is Needed To Make This:
- A Tin or Aluminum Can Or Similar Small Metal Can
- A Knife, Scissors, Or Can Opener
- Protective Cut Resistant Gloves – Optional but we recommend for safety
How To Make A Signaling Device From A Tin Can:
Step 1:
Take your can and cut the top off of it.
Step 2:
Cut a small hole into the top of the can and buff the can until it is as shiny as possible and you are all done!
In Conclusion:
There are so many more things that can be created out of a tin can. Many of which are super useful for survival. Check out urbansurvivalsite.com for more Ideas! For more tips, check out the rest of our site!
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