How to Turn Old Coke Bottles Into Salt Shakers

Coca-Cola is a commercial product so iconic, items with the company's trademark are also seen as keepsakes. The most classic example of this is the glass Coke bottle, a container with enough sentimental value to be continued long after being rendered practically obsolete. This bottle has found its way into a number of home handicrafts, including the salt shaker. In addition to its nostalgic value, a Coke bottle salt shaker has the benefit of being sturdy and holding a generous amount of seasoning.

Things You'll Need

• Glass Coca-Cola bottle
• Bottle cap crimper and uncrimped caps (see step 2)
• Bottle opener
• Hammer
• Finishing nail
• Uncooked rice
• Table salt

Instructions

1. Obtain a bottle cap crimper and some uncrimped caps. Both of these are available at supply stores that sell home beer brewing equipment and accessories. You may be able to use the crimper to re-attach the bottles original cap (which will make your salt shaker more authentic looking), but it can be difficult to get a secure hold when doing this.

2. Empty your cola bottle, wash and dry it thoroughly. For best results, use a dishwasher and allow the bottle to dry overnight.

3. Position a bottle cap top up on a sturdy work surface (such as a workbench). Using the hammer and a finishing nail, hammer about six to eight holes in the top of the cap (using more may cause your salt to dispense too quickly). Space them as evenly apart as possible.

4. Place about a tablespoon of uncooked rice in the bottom of the bottle. The rice will absorb any moisture in the environment that might make its way into the bottle, preventing the salt from caking into hard lumps inside your finished salt shaker.

5. Fill your bottle most of the way with salt. Leave a little space at the top (about a quarter of an inch) to allow the salt and rice to move around the bottle when you shake it.

6. Cap your bottle. Using the bottle cap you made holes in, attach it using the crimper. Place cap over the mouth of the bottle, then place the center of the crimper over the cap and bottle. Pull down the wings of the crimper, one with each hand.