Whether you want bling, swagger, or just a cool new way to decorate, here is how you can make some cool things with soda tabs. In this project we are upcycling these marvels of engineering into lightweight aluminum chains.

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SODA CAN TAB CHAINS

SAFETY KEY:

+ Sharp objects

SKILL LEVEL:

EASY

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

APPROXIMATE TIME:

10 minutes

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

+ Soda can tabs (plain silver or fun colors—you decide!)

+ Scissors

 

LET’S BEGIN

SETUP

1.  For this project, you can go to a local recycling depot and pick up the tabs for free, or you can just collect them yourself at home.

2.  To start, you want to break off the rivet mouths on each of the tabs you want to use.

3.  Then stack five of them together so they are all in line; this will serve as the first link in your chain.

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PRO TIP: You can face the smooth, shiny ends outward on both ends to keep from cutting yourself.

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LINKING UP

1.  Taking a pair of scissors, carefully cut a slit through the thinner end of one tab; this allows you to pry it open, creating a small gap.

2.  Next, all you have to do is push the hook through the thicker end of your chain link and bend the metal back into place.

3.  Repeat this process until you have five tabs secured in place.

4.  Keep repeating this process five tabs at a time until the chain is the length of your liking. It’s really that easy!

Once you get the hang of it, there’s so much to do with the idea! For example, you could make a custom key chain, a wallet chain, a metallic wristband, a belt, or even a padlock or picture frame! Make them as gifts or keep ’em all to yourself.

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FUN FACT: Soda can tabs are made from one of the most durable metals in the world—aluminum. Aluminum is so sturdy that it has been used to make shark cages, the US Army’s Humvee, and the Orion spacecraft.

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