How to Make a Railroad Spike Bottle Opener
A bottle opener has the singular purpose of pulling a cap off a bottle. To enable a railroad spike to mimic a bottle opener, modify an end so that it can grip the cap. The only tools and materials needed are those commonly found in most homes.
Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Ruler
- Grease pencil
- Pliers
- 3/4-inch-diameter metal screw
- Needle-nose pliers
- Bonding glue
Instructions
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1
Place a sheet of newspaper on a table. Place the railroad spike horizontally on the newspaper with the pointed end facing right and the extruded tab on the other end facing down. Measure 1-1/2 inches in from the top edge of the left end. Make a dot on the spike with the grease pencil.
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2
Measure the width of the spike. Make a dot at the halfway mark with the grease pencil. Line up the two dots to find the center point of the spike at the left end. Make an “X” on the spike at this point with the grease pencil.
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3
Grip the head of the screw with pliers, and grip the end of the screw with the needle-nose pliers. Twist the needle-nose pliers until the section of the screw being held breaks off.
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4
Apply a dab of bonding glue to the “X” on the spike. Place the head of the screw against the bonding glue. Press the screw against the spike and hold it there for two minutes before letting go. Let the glue set overnight.
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5
Apply a line of bonding glue around the screw where it meets the spike. Let the bonding glue set overnight before using your railroad spike can opener.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not put the railroad spike on the kitchen counter because it can scratch or mar the surface.
