Bicycle Helmet Mirror for $2

A mirror helps a cyclist avoid automobiles and ride more safely. You can make a mirror for your helmet. You will need a mechanic's inspection mirror ($2 at Harbor Freight Tools), some heavy wire (a coat hanger will work very well), an aluminum soft drink can, some screws, and some aluminum bar stock (not shown).

Step 1: Cut and bend the wire

The wire will be attached to the helmet's visor when finished. Cut 6 inches of wire. Bend it in the pattern you see. Bend at 2.5 inches from one end and 1.25 inches from the other end.

Comments

[jack002]

Excellent instructable! I'd change step 8 to glue the screw into the one side and use a wingnut to hold it. Still very nice work!

[Phil B]

Thank you. Your suggestion might work. The screw is not exactly perpendicular to either of the aluminum pieces. Accommodation for that would need to be considered.

[2 stroke]

smart but i dont wear a helmet

[Phil B]

I did not, either, until I was almost 40 years old. I even had a couple of crashes that could easily have resulted in permanent brain injuries. A couple of years ago I had another crash that cracked the helmet above my ear in two places, but left me without so much as a headache. A crash resulting in a brain injury could easily leave a cyclist a vegetable for the rest of his life.

[tesseliot]

Thanks for the ideas. I am working on a decorative but functional rear view mirror attachment, Steampunk style, but my eyes popped at the ball joint on that mirror! I am one happy camper to see that and must now find myself one of those inspection mirrors. I have been researching using ball joints for some things--they make them for small character armatures in stop motion animation. Am trying to figure out if I have the tools to make my own. If I got a workstation for my Dremel, I would almost have a drill press. Thanks again for the inspiration!

[Phil B]

Thanks. I have not had time to check your profile to see where you are located. If you are in the USA, you probably have a Harbor Freight Tools within a reasonable distance. The mirror shown was made in China, so you may be able to find it elsewhere. I hope all goes well for you.

[tonyscott]

perfect photos easy to understend what you're doing. thnaks.

[Phil B]

Thank you for looking.

[dlfynrdr]

Wouldn't it just be easier to cut off an inch or 2 of the telescope and crimp or JB weld it to the bent wire?

[Phil B]

Perhaps it would be easier to do one of those two things, but I wanted something more substantial and dependable. But, that is just my opinion.