Bullet Shell Earings

Update: New photos

I still have a small bag of bullet shells from when my brother asked me to make cufflinks for his wedding. I recently used one to make a flower. Here’s another try at making use of old shells.

I hammered the shell onto a socket bit and then mounted the socket into my drill press. I used a pipe cutter to remove the primer end. I then removed the primer itself and placed the piece of shell onto an earring backing. These backings can be bought at any craft store.

I took an air gun “BB” and hammered it flat just enough so it sat in the hole left from removing the primer. After it was all soldered in place I used a center punch to simulate a firing pin mark. I didn't use the original primer because I waned to keep contrast between the metals. Polishing the original primer removes the nickel plating and leaves behind a brass finish.

Use expended cartridges. That means bullets that has already been shot. Do not under any circumstances use live ammo.






 

Comments

[kat_the_vamp]

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Accessories//Morbid+Metals+Blue+Hexagon+Plug+2+Pack-352477.jsp hey mr balleng i absolutely adore your work and i was curious if you thought you could make something like this. i think it would be do-able im just not sure where to start

[Mrballeng]

To make these I would get a section of stainless steel tubing and file down the outer circumference of the tube until it was tapered. I would then buy stainless steel nuts like the ones shown and place them in a socket bit. It would file out the threads until it fit onto the tapered tube. From there I would press the nuts onto the tube and and trim off the excess until it was flush with the nut. If you look at the picture close it looks like the gages are pressed together from three parts. Would these be worn in ears or is it the design you like?

[kat_the_vamp]

they would be worn in ears like the ones pictured. by the way you are my hero :D i want to make these for my boyfriend but had no clue where to start :) you are amazing!

[Mrballeng]

I'm flattered =). Let me know how it goes. Good luck.

[Mrballeng]

You may be able to buy expended shells off the internet. Just make sure your not violating any laws pertaining to your country.

[bennettcrew]

I have some in my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/OkieVet?ref=si_shop

I have .45 ACP (not yet in shop, you'll need to private message me), .270 Winchester, and Mosin Nagant 7.62 x 54 (Russian style rifle cartridge, copper color, see photo on Etsy shop)... oh! I also have some regular .22 LR brass.

Mrballeng... you're doing some really cool work! I've been making a few zipper pulls, with .45 cases, and cutting off the primer ends adding a small magnet to make a cool magnet for filing cabinet.

This is why I need to de-stash. Too much stuff.

[canucksgirl]

You never seize to amaze me with your beautiful jewelry. You are very talented. I just love it. :)

[Mrballeng]

Thank you.

[bruce5000]

i live in a country area i can see the girls wearing these with a pink john deer hat

[goatdriver1957]

Those brass studs are so neat. I have a few 50cal pistol shells I believe I will hobby a few lapel pins. Thanks for the idea. Surgical steal ear studs may be gotten from the Hobby-Lobby in Texas.

I would love to see some sweety try wear these past the Mexican guards on the border. Think it'll pass? :)

[mdog93]

I had the idea that i would like to make earrings using this exact method after i saw your bullet pin badge.

But i don't own a gun or as far as i know don't know anyone who does. So how can i get hold of shells like these?

[eschmeck]

Check with your local firing range or gun enthusiasts. I have been able to obtain more than enough from friends who shoot but don't reload their spent brass. You can also check places like Bass Pro (in the US, at least) and purchase rounds of empty brass that have yet to be loaded. I know our local Bass Pro has bags of them but I couldn't tell you for how much.

Mrballeng, what did you use to remove the primer? I've found that for the shells I have (anything from 9mm, .38, .45, 7.62, and .248), the hole is so small that the rods I'm using tend to bend before the primer is ejected. I've tried nails, solid metal (hubby swears they're steel) rods, and screws. Most tend to be too big in diameter and those that aren't bend or break. Haven't tried tempering them yet to see if that helps or just makes them too brittle. Any suggestions?