Milk Carton Bike Fender

This is a quick project to make an awesome waterproof bike fender using a half-gallon milk carton and four plastic zip ties.

Required items:
an empty half-gallon (2 liter) milk carton (either with or without the capped spout)
a good pair of scissors
a permanent marker
hot glue gun or comparable adhesive
4 zip ties (available at your local hardware or electronics store)

When finished, the fender attaches only to the seat post stays of the bike's frame

Step 1 Open the top

Rinse the carton really well.
Open the entire top along the seam so that the top is completely open.

Comments

[ganjamanja]

awesome indeed! i just installed this on my zerobucks-bike. it's much more durable than i thought it would be. and my friends are all over this fender!

even though i ride really fat mtb-tires, i used only a 1 liter milk carton and i think it fits really nice and tight

i believe you could use milk cartons as a front fender as well. i haven't figured yet how, though.

anyway, thank you for your great instructable!

[busidit]

Thanks for the comment ganjamanja!
I'd love to see a picture if you take one.

[Phil B]

I would probably use more durable material so my work produces a longer lasting benefit. I made a similar fender by slicing PVC lengthwise and attaching it with metal fittings. It has lasted more than a couple of years and will last a long time.

[busidit]

The first one I made for last winter made it though to spring. It got me through the rain and sludge of Seattle riding every single day. I don't like using fenders when the weather is nice so I take it off when the sun shines. At that time I can put it back in the recycling bin where it came from. That, and all the folks who take interest in it, keeps me smiling through the muck.
Thanks for looking.