Creative re-use of soft steel wire
October 16, 2011 12:45 PM Subscribe
Creativity filter - constructive use for many lengths of 42" long soft steel wire ( 0.086" diameter - approximately 12 gauge )
Each week I can have free access to some 50 wire coat hangers which are just discarded. They are mainly an attractive silver in color. Unbent, they are 42" long, but still retain some kinks from bending. The longest straight section which can be clipped is around 15".
Most of what I've found on the web is in the arts and crafts realm and I want something more practical that would make good use of many more of them.
I have constructed new TV antennas and found other sporadic uses.
I'd welcome any suggestions or links.
Each week I can have free access to some 50 wire coat hangers which are just discarded. They are mainly an attractive silver in color. Unbent, they are 42" long, but still retain some kinks from bending. The longest straight section which can be clipped is around 15".
Most of what I've found on the web is in the arts and crafts realm and I want something more practical that would make good use of many more of them.
I have constructed new TV antennas and found other sporadic uses.
I'd welcome any suggestions or links.
It's artsy, but Calder-esque mobiles would be cool. Failing that, get a wire-bending jig and make custom pegboard hooks or the like.
posted by jquinby at 1:21 PM on October 16, 2011
posted by jquinby at 1:21 PM on October 16, 2011
Geodesic dome!
I can't find a simple pattern or anything at present, but I'm sure there's one out there.
posted by louche mustachio at 4:20 PM on October 16, 2011
I can't find a simple pattern or anything at present, but I'm sure there's one out there.
posted by louche mustachio at 4:20 PM on October 16, 2011
Make a trellis so a flowering vine can grow up your exterior wall, or a cage for tomato plants or blackberries.
posted by salvia at 7:24 PM on October 16, 2011
posted by salvia at 7:24 PM on October 16, 2011
I have a friend who uses wire coat hangers as the structural support for sculpture. She made a wire-un-bending jig to straighten them. She attaches them to a wood-built form, then attaches mesh, then tops with a cement-based mix. They are large and sturdy and very cool. If you are not an artist, an art school might appreciate them.
I intended to use some heavier gauge steel to make a trellis for plants, but didn't get to it this summer.
posted by theora55 at 8:45 AM on October 17, 2011
I intended to use some heavier gauge steel to make a trellis for plants, but didn't get to it this summer.
posted by theora55 at 8:45 AM on October 17, 2011
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posted by exogenous at 1:06 PM on October 16, 2011