How to Make Tiki Torches Out of Bottles

You can craft Tiki torches out of empty wine bottles at a very low cost.

Traditional tabletop versions of Tiki torches have bamboo around the fuel holder which eventually weathers and rots outside. This leaves you with a less than attractive metal can that has the paint burnt off. You can make your own version of a table Tiki torch by recycling old wine and beer bottles with very little expense. Your homemade torches will not weather or rust and make a long-lasting product.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-by-3/8-inch copper reducer
• Plumber's tape
• Wine bottle
• Funnel
• Tiki torch fuel
• Tiki torch wick
• Lighter
• 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch copper cap

Instructions

1. Insert a 1/2-by-3/8-inch copper reducer into an empty wine bottle neck. Determine which end fits in the bottle loosely. This is dependent on the size of your wine bottle neck.

2. Wrap the end of the reducer with several layers of plumber's tape until it will fit snugly inside the top of the bottle without falling in.

3. Remove the reducer and place a funnel into the bottle neck. Pour Tiki torch fuel into the funnel to fill the bottle until it is just below the neck area where it increases in size.

4. Insert the copper reducer into the bottle opening and twist it so it is tight. Insert a Tiki torch wick into the reducer with about 1/4 inch protruding from the top of the reducer. Let the wick absorb the fuel for about five minutes.

5. Light the top of the wick with a lighter and set the bottle on a solid flat surface. Place a copper cap on the tip of the wick after you blow out the flame to protect it from dew, rain and moisture. The cap should be the same size as the top protruding end of the brass reducer.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your wine bottle torch in a safe area where it will not turn over.

• Do not extend the wick more than 1/4 inch over the reducer as the fuel will not absorb correctly and the wick will burn.

• You may substitute a beer bottle for the wine bottle.

References

• Re-Nest: How to Make a Wine Bottle Tiki Torch for Under $4
• Gear Dot and Company: Design for Life; Recycled Wine Bottle Tiki Torch