How to Make Bottle Cap Spurs
While they are commonly associated with the gun-slinging cowboys of the old west, spurs are actually believed to date back to the Roman soldiers fighting under Julius Caesar. Spurs have even managed to find their way into the traditions of places such as Texas A&M University, where members of the freshmen cadet class are required to make and wear spurs assembled from bottle caps. Whether you are looking to add the perfect detail to your cowboy costume or simply add to your western decor, spurs made from bottles caps are ideal for the task.
Things You'll Need
- Small Piece of Scrap Wood
- 20 Standard Size Bottle Cap
- Ice Pick
- Hammer
- 4' of 1 Gauge Wire
- Wire Cutters
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Measuring Tape
- Twine
- Scissors
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Prepare the bottle caps for assembly. Place one bottle cap on top of the small piece of scrap wood, with the furled edge of the bottle cap facing upward. Use the hammer to flatten out the bottle cap so that the furled edge of the cap is now the outside edge of the flattened cap. Continue this process until you have flattened all 20 of the bottle caps.
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2
Drill a hole in each of the bottle caps. Place the sharp end of the ice pick in the center of the flattened bottle cap. Use the hammer to pound the point of the ice pick completely through the bottle cap, creating a small hole in the center of the cap. Continue this process until you have completed all 20 bottle caps.
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3
Cut the wire down to size using your wire cutters. Cut the 4' piece of wire into two 2' sections. Each section will become one completed spur.
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4
String 10 of the prepared bottle caps onto one of the wires. Align the bottle caps in the center of the wire.
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5
Twist the wire 360 degrees with needle-nose pliers to create a small loop in the wire. Create the loop on both sides of the group of bottle caps to prevent the caps from moving around during use.
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6
Measure and trim two inches from each end of the wire section to cut the spur down to size.
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7
Fold both ends of the wire section underneath, using your needle-nose pliers, to create a small loop on the ends of each wire.
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8
Use scissors to cut two sections of twine that are approximately six inches long. If you intend to wear your spurs you will need to cut the twine long enough so that the spur can be easily worn over shoes.
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9
Attach the twine to the spurs. Insert one end of the twine into the loop on the end of the spurs. Tie a strong knot in the twine to prevent breakage. If you do not plan to wear your spurs, attach the other end of the twine to the second loop on the spurs. If you do plan to wear your spurs, do not completely attach the twine until you are ready to put on the spurs.
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10
Repeat Steps 4-9 for the second spur when ready.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are going to wear your bottle cap spurs, simply insert your foot into the space between the twine and the wire. The twine should rest of the top of your shoe with the spurs resting along the heel.
References
- Photo Credit spur image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com
