$2 Indestructible Wire Mesh Globe for Propane Lantern

Propane camping lanterns are great, but I'm always breaking the glass globes.

I broke my glass globe the day before a camping trip.  Rather than get another glass replacement (my third) I tried to get one of the wire mesh globes.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find them at stores and didn't have time to order one online.  So, I decided to make my own.

Someone smarter than me- please explain the science behind how a mesh globe works.  I don't understand it.  If you use no globe at all, your mantles burn up.  Seems like wire mesh is like using nothing at all, but somehow it isn't. 

Supplies:

• 2 bacon splatter shields ($1 each at the Dollar store)
• Stapler
• Your broken propane lantern

Step 1 Disassemble the Splatter Shields

Take the splatter shields apart so that you are left with the wire mesh as shown.

Comments

[shepnstein]

fzbw9br is right. There's no science to it. Turns out, the globe's sole function is just to protect the mantles. The reason I thought lanterns didn't work without mantles is because mine always "burnt up" when the globe broke, but it turns out they were just getting destroyed by whatever impact broke the globe, and not by any chemical reaction. The air around the mantles is about the same regardless of whether there is a globe or not.

On another note, I've stopped using propane and dual fuel lanterns and gone to a simpler hurricane style oil lanterns. They're so much more reliable.

[Ed-win]

Instead of using screen wire I used some hail screen. It comes in many square hole sizes. I used 3/8 inch hail screen because I had it. If you don't know what hail screen is , it is strong screen wire made in square patterns. The squares go from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch. It comes in rolls of different widths. It used to keep hail from breaking glass windows, strong screened openings, pest out etc. Good idea,easy fix.Thanks

[jehnak]

How do the mantles hold up in wind with the mesh globe? My husband is planning on cutting the top/bottom off of a jar to make a new one.
Thanks!

[shepnstein]

i haven't had an issue yet. I suspect they will work fine even in high winds.
Sorry for the late reply. These replys go to an old email address

[jehnak]

Thank you!

I was afraid the jar would shatter if it wasn't tempered. I'll let him know.

[ajriding]

Curious how long the mantles lasted with this. I am guessing the globe acts to keep O2 (ambient air) mixing in with the propane, maybe O2 burns the mantles to the globe keep the environment o2 free by trapping the exhaust gases ??? The screen might let a little O2 in which could shorten the mantle life by a little.

[fzbw9br]

I forgot to add, GREAT idea! if just to protect the lantern mantel and other things around it from fire!

[fzbw9br]

the old dual mantel "Barn Lanterns" usually had no globe and the ones I saw were not designed for one

I've run standard lanterns with no globe and it runs the same.
there is ample air flow inside the glove through the vents

[newmey]

I may have to try this on my dual fuel coleman lantern.

[Foxfur]

Love it!

[SWV1787]

this is rather interesting... I am not sure why a globe is necessary to keep the mantle from burning but I suppose it has something to do with limiting the flow of oxygen to the lantern.