Do you ever wonder if your empty wine bottles are good for anything other than the rubbish bin? Well, we’ve got you covered right here. This DIY wine bottle project will not only inspire your creativity but will also upgrade the look of any outdoor space in an instant.
Why not make good use of those old wine bottles and create your tiki torches at home?
Contents
- 1 What are the materials needed to create a glass bottle torch?
- 2 How to create a glass bottle torch?
- 2.1 1. Determine the location of your glass bottle torch
- 2.2 2. Mount the bottle hanger
- 2.3 3. Make the torch
- 2.4 4. Add your favourite torch oil to the bottle
- 2.5 5. Insert the coupling and wick into the bottle
- 2.6 6. Position the bottleneck in the bottle hanger’s ring.
- 2.7 If you liked this project, you might also like to view DIY Mosquito-repelling Citronella Candles and Re-Purpose Wine Bottles.
What are the materials needed to create a glass bottle torch?
You’ll be needing these materials and tools to make your own glass bottle torch.
- Empty Wine Bottle (or any beautiful glass bottles which have necks 1 inch in diameter)
- Teflon Tape 1/2 inch
- Copper Top Plate Connector (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
- 1” Split Ring Hanger (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
- 1/2” x 3/8” Copper Coupling
- 1/2” Copper Cap
- Two Hex Nuts (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
- Two #10 x 1” Zinc Plated Wood Screws (if you’re mounting it to wood)
- 3/8”-16 Zinc Plated Threaded Rod
- Tiki Replacement Wick
- Torch Fuel (use ONLY fuel made specifically for outdoor torches to be safe. i.e. Tiki brand)
- Scissors
- Drill/Screwdriver
This bottle torch kit can be used in any standard glass bottle, such as a whiskey bottle, bourbon bottle, wine bottle, etc.
How to create a glass bottle torch?
With the supplies on hand, this can be made on the spot.
1. Determine the location of your glass bottle torch
Decide where you want to put your tiki torch. We recommend having it placed on a wooden wall.
2. Mount the bottle hanger
Screw the Top Plate connector in place.
Screw in the 3/8”-16 Rod on the mounting plate until it stops.
Thread the two Hex Nuts onto the Rod and tighten one down at the point where the Rod meets the Top Connector Plate. Leave the other Hex Nut at the front end so it can be used to secure the Split Ring Hanger.
Thread on the Split Ring Hanger just enough so that the Rod is flush with the inside of the ring. Turn the 2nd Hex Nut counter-clockwise to snug it up against the Split Ring Hanger.
3. Make the torch
Carefully and tightly wrap the 1/2-inch end of the Coupling with your Teflon Tape. Wrap it nice and clean for an even surface. Build up the tape until it fits well in the opening of the bottle and you are sure that it will not fall inside.
Insert the Wick in the Coupling until it sticks out about 1/4-inch or less. The Tiki brand replacement wicks are about 3/8-inch in diameter so they fit well.
Wicks can be made from old t-shirts by cutting them into strips and braiding them.
It is unnecessary to have an excessively long wick. A plentiful supply of oil and a thick wick are the key factors in achieving a prolonged burn time. When using thin wicks, braiding three pieces together can extend their lifespan. Additionally, fanning the wick and using a longer one can result in a brighter light, however, this will also use up your oil and wick at a faster rate.
So, strike a balance between brightness and efficiency when using an oil lamp.
4. Add your favourite torch oil to the bottle
Use a funnel to fill the bottle with your favourite torch oil.
Do not fill the neck all the way up with oil, since it can get hot from the pressure. Refilling them while it’s hot is not a good idea, so we make a lot before the trip so they can be set aside and a new one can be brought out. It takes less than 20 minutes to make twelve packs of them, so there is no need to worry about refilling them, and if you want to, you can just toss them in the trash.
5. Insert the coupling and wick into the bottle
Insert the coupling and wick at the top of the bottle and twist them into place. Let the wick absorb oil.
6. Position the bottleneck in the bottle hanger’s ring.
Loosen up the Split Ring Hanger on one side and position the bottleneck in the ring.
Flip the front half of the ring back into place and tighten down the Hanger evenly on both sides. You may need to loosen the other side to make sure both sides are even tight. Do not over-tighten the Hanger.
You can now light up your glass bottle torch! Place it in your garden or backyard to enjoy the light and create some amazing designs out of it.
Not only does it provide light, but it also serves as a unique decorative element with endless design possibilities. Create a rustic feel by wrapping the bottle with twine, or add a touch of elegance by painting the bottle with metallic hues.
The glass bottle torch is a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional torches. It can also be fueled with citronella oil to repel insects.
Just be sure to put your glass bottle torch in the perfect spot. Make sure it is not exposed to excessive moisture and extreme temperatures.
Exposure to excessive moisture can cause corrosion on the metal parts of your torch, which can lead to damage and malfunction. While, exposure to extreme temperatures can also cause the fuel inside the torch to evaporate or expand, causing damage to the torch. Similarly, awfully cold temperatures can cause the materials of the torch to become brittle and break.
Put your glass bottle torch in a dry spot, where it is also not subjected to extreme temperatures.
Below are a few glass bottle torch ideas you can create. You can follow these ideas or come up with your own unique spin on things.
You can simply blow out the fire of your glass bottle torch if you want to stop using it. Use the Copper Cap to keep the Wick dry when not in use.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. 8-)
