How to Make Lids for Beer Steins
Out of regular use for quite some time, beer steins still hold a certain appeal. Old timers, collectors and beer buffs appreciate quaffing a beer from these big mugs, which often feature pictures of Germany and Bavaria. The lids on beer steins originally kept insects and other unsanitary particles that might float into the beer away from the drink, according to Gary Kirsner's "Brief History of Beer Steins." If you have a lidless beer stein, making a replacement is not a difficult task.
Things You'll Need
- Copper sheet
- Pole
- Sandpaper
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Hinge
- Soldering equipment
- Glue
- Pewter-made beer stein
- Lever
- Sanitation solution
Instructions
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1
Bend the copper with the end of a pole. The pole end should have a diameter as close as possible to the diameter of the cup for which you'll make the lid.
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2
Cut the copper to the shape of the mug using scissors. To do this, use a black fine marker to signal the edge of the cup on the copper sheet.
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3
Even the edges of the lid with sandpaper and paint it. You may decorate it as you wish with paints and drawings.
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4
Solder one side of the hinge to the beer stein, and the other side of the hinge to the lid.
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5
Even the surfaces with sandpaper until you get a one-piece cup.
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6
Glue the lever to the hinge in such a way that your thumb can raise the lid from the mug. Allow the glue to dry.
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7
Trim any remainders of glue and even up all surfaces with sandpaper.
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8
Sanitize the stein and the lid with a sanitation solution, so you can use it for drinking.
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Tips & Warnings
For decoration, use images of Bavaria and Germany, as beer steins originated there.
Copper is a good choice of metal for the lid because of its malleability.
When soldering, use food-safe materials.
