This DIY guide will show you how to craft an attractive portable Jerry Can mini bar out of an abandoned WWII fuel canister, perfect for adding some pizzazz into any man cave or as a special present for someone special.
Change your shelving design to store tools, equipment and any other necessary supplies.
Measure
WWII fuel containers have seen their original purpose enhanced with this DIY project: turning them into portable mini bars! All it requires are some basic tools and some spare time - once finished, you will have a stylish way to store alcohol for camping trips, tailgating parties and other adventures!
First, protect the surface of the can with foam to safeguard it during construction. If two pieces are stacked, use them to mark where to cut with a marker; but in any event, ensure you trace an even shape around its rim as this will serve as your cutting guide.
Next, use the pinch weld as a useful reference when measuring cuts. Simply lay your can on a workbench and measure from its surface all the way to its edge - repeat this step on both sides before marking cut lines using measurement dots.
With your workbench and cutting disc for an angle grinder at hand and eye and hearing protection in place, begin cutting your can along its marked lines using an angle grinder's cutting disc. When your cuts have been completed, finish them off by using either an air body saw or jigsaw to round off its corners.
Cut
As your first step in creating your jerry can, it will require cutting a hole into its side. A workbench provides an effective surface on which to work. Use your first cut line at the bottom and move up from there; use a sharp utility knife with multiple passes rather than single strokes at full blade extension for this step. When finished cutting your holes in both halves of the can, inspect them closely to make sure they fit hinges and latches easily.
Alternatively, an air body saw is an effective tool that provides a clean finish while also eliminating sharp edges. Jigsaws could also work well; just make sure that you wear the appropriate safety gear with either tool!
Once your can is cut to size, it's time to mount its hinges and latches. Care must be taken not to make holes too close together as this will reduce their strength and functionality. A utility knife with a snap off blade that fits through pinch weld should help here - mark where each hinge or latch hole needs to go before trimming with side cutters to complete this step.
DIY project This amazing DIY is an awesome way to turn WWII fuel cans into something useful, making a sturdy yet stylish product perfect for camping trips and picnics. Equipped with straps to secure drinks as well as cam locks to prevent unauthorized access, the finished product meets NATO specifications so it will fit easily in carriers that accommodate traditional jerry cans for convenient transit.
Drill
Once used to carry fuel, this old-school military can has been given a clever modern upgrade - becoming a portable mini bar! Perfect for camping trips, picnics and tailgating parties alike, this do-it-yourself project requires nothing more than some tools and some free time. Inside you can add wooden shelves for keeping beverages organized or use its space to store snacks, coolers or car keys!
Before cutting, begin by placing your can on a piece of foam (two pieces stacked together will work, too) and tracing its outline with a marker. It doesn't have to be perfectly neat, just mark all edges so they are easier to cut later on. Once your outline is finished, take it step by step: wearing eye and hearing protection, equipping an angle grinder with thin cutting disc and carefully following all marked lines issuing cuts across them all until your can has its door ready for hinges or latches.
Using a drill with standard drill bits will be the simplest method, though you could also opt for using just a utility knife instead. Once complete, your mini bar jerry can is ready for display! A great addition to any petrol head home, garage or man cave and will provide secure storage of drinkware while out and about on your travels!
Mount
Portable travel bars can come in handy on camping trips, tailgating parties or at home in your man cave; however, their price can often exceed several hundred dollars. With this DIY guide from Well Done Tips showing how to create an easily transportable Jerry Can mini bar at less cost, portable travel bars may now become part of everyday life!
Start by placing the jerry can on a piece of foam or two pieces stacked together and tracing around it with a marker. Make sure the cut you make will accommodate both hinges and latch. Next, mark where pinch weld needs to be cut - it may be helpful to cut this section of pinch weld along its center line where your latch and hinge will mount but smaller sections can also be cut by this method for all other doors.
Now that your jerry can has a working door, fill it up with beer, liquor and glasses to take it wherever you go! Once full-stocked it can travel easily from tailgating parties or picnics to your garage for display - making the best use out of an old WWII-era fuel can. Just make sure that it stays safe with interior straps and high-grade cam lock so you can enjoy drinks without fear. Plus if taking road trips is on the cards it fits easily into any vehicle carrier designed specifically to carry traditional jerry cans!
Finish
DIY project from The Best DIY Plans Store that illustrates just how versatile WWII-era jerry cans can be is an impressive DIY effort from The Best DIY Plans Store that demonstrates just how versatile they truly are. Repurposing them as portable mini bars with hinges, latches and locks to secure drinks - great for camping trips, picnics and tailgating events - it will certainly become the focus of attention at any gathering or party!
Start by placing the can on top of two pieces of foam (two separate sheets work as well). Trace its outline with a marker before using a carving knife to carve out its shape - ensure the cuts are deep enough so beverages can fit inside.
Once cutting is complete, mounting hinges and latches is next on the agenda. Wearing eye and hearing protection, use an angle grinder with a thin cutting disc to cut straight lines as you shave off corners with your jigsaw or air body saw.
Now you are ready to install the door panel. Ideally, it should sit snugly against the pinch weld around your cut area; otherwise you will need to shave off a few millimeters from each corner using either your jigsaw or air body knife.
Once the door panel has been attached, simply close and lock your can with its high-grade cam lock to use anywhere! Mount it in your house, garage or man cave for permanent storage purposes or take it camping, partying or tailgating events as an awesome gift idea for whiskey drinkers who can't get enough. Adding shelves could even allow additional items such as food snacks or tools to be stored inside!