Okay, let’s talk about this little project I tackled recently – making a belt buckle beverage holder. It sounds a bit weird, I know, but stick with me.
Getting Started
So, the whole idea started because, you know, sometimes you’re at a barbecue, or working in the garage, and you just need your hands free but also want your drink nearby. Holding it all the time is a pain. I thought, what if my belt buckle could hold my can or bottle? Seemed like a decent enough idea to try.
First thing, I needed a buckle. I wasn’t about to sacrifice my favorite belt buckle, no way. I dug around in an old box of junk and found a big, plain metal buckle. Perfect. It was sturdy enough, which felt important.
Figuring Out the Holder Part
Next, the tricky part: how to actually attach a can holder to it? I considered a few things. Maybe some kind of metal ring? Or maybe bending some sheet metal?
- I found some thin, pliable sheet metal in the workshop. Leftover from something else, don’t even remember what.
- I also grabbed some strong epoxy glue and a couple of small bolts and nuts, just in case the glue wasn’t enough.
I decided the sheet metal route seemed most promising. I could shape it into a sort of cradle for the bottom of a can.
Putting It Together
Alright, time to get hands-on. I took the sheet metal and started bending it. This took some effort. I basically wanted to make a U-shape that would cup the bottom edge of a standard soda can.
Here’s what I did:
I measured the bottom diameter of a can first. Then, I cut a strip of the sheet metal, a bit wider than I thought I needed. Better too much than too little, right? I used tin snips for this. Edges were sharp, so I filed them down immediately. Safety first, mostly.
Then, I carefully bent the metal strip around a can to get the basic curve. I used pliers and a small hammer, tapping gently, to shape it into that U-cradle. It wasn’t perfect looking, pretty rough actually, but it seemed like it would hold.
Now, attaching this cradle to the buckle. This was the make-or-break moment. I roughed up the back of the buckle and the contact points on my metal cradle with sandpaper. This helps the glue stick better, or so I’ve heard.
I mixed up the two-part epoxy. Smelly stuff. I applied a generous amount to the back of the buckle where the cradle would sit and pressed the cradle firmly onto it. To be extra sure, while the epoxy was setting, I drilled two small holes through the cradle base and the buckle (this was tough on the buckle metal!) and secured them with the small bolts and nuts. Maybe overkill, but I didn’t want my drink hitting the floor.
The Result
I let the epoxy cure overnight. The next day, I nervously threaded my belt through it and buckled up. It felt a bit heavy, not gonna lie. The moment of truth: I grabbed a can of soda and carefully slid it into the holder.
It worked! The can sat snugly in the metal cradle. It looked a bit ridiculous, definitely a conversation starter, not necessarily in a good way. But hey, it held the can! Walking around felt a bit awkward with a can jutting out from my waist, and sitting down required removing the can first.
So, yeah. I made a belt buckle beverage holder. It functions, kind of. Was it practical? Maybe not for everyday wear. Was it a fun little project? Absolutely. Did I learn sheet metal is annoying to bend neatly? Yes. Would I make another one? Probably not, but it was an experience.
