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Recycle Soda Pop Tabs Into Chain Mail

Recycle Soda Pop Tabs Into Chain Mail
My grandson Zachery is really into Dragons, Knights, Renaissance and the like and I really wanted to make him something special so I thought up this idea using soda can pull tabs. I made this nifty chain mail shirt for him that he loves. He has worn it several times and has it displayed on his bedroom wall. So I thought I would show you how to make one for your Renaissance guys.
 
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Step 1Supplies Needed

Supplies Needed
Supplies you will need:
Lots and lots of pull tabs from soda, beer, or energy drink aluminum cans.
hammer
wood block
needle nose or jewelers pliers
beading or jewelry wire
Round key rings or D rings to connect at sides and at sleeves. I used 18 1" key rings.
Duct tape for lining.
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74 comments
1-40 of 74next »
Jun 26, 2011. 1:12 PMdownbey says:
how do u link the tabs?
Jun 24, 2010. 4:51 AMlost_sanity says:
why wire them when you can link them?
May 26, 2011. 3:19 AMgreenfreak says:
i saw this instructable and instantly thought you linked them XD LOOKS AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Nov 12, 2009. 12:10 AMNIJU! says:
 here is a pic of mine i made in 28 mins until i ran out of tabs :( 5 mins ago
Nov 12, 2009. 12:11 AMNIJU! says:
www.instructables.com/id/Genuine-chainmaille-from-pop-tabs/ here is the link for how to make this with only the tabs no rings 
Sep 7, 2010. 9:11 PMBadVanGoh says:
I've almost got a full shirt going with this style! I've even lined the edges with red closed tabs
Jul 29, 2010. 7:23 PMdarknessfalls says:
you are awesome for making this!
Jul 30, 2010. 6:40 PMdarknessfalls says:
could i ask how long it took you to gather the tabs and make it?
Sep 19, 2009. 1:01 AMChaseyWasey11 says:
good idea for the soda tabs every one I hope your all having fun with this. Chainmail is fun any ways and once you make real chainmail (even this soda tab stuff feels neat) it all feels so neat and looks neat to. I'm glad there are people online that do this stuff other than me.
Mar 9, 2009. 10:25 PMDainiusGB says:
maybe you could actually link the chains together somehow, i dunno but that would take alot of that extra wire.
Oct 2, 2009. 8:12 PMLizander says:
just buy some spooled wire, then make the rings yourself.... takes a little more time, but is cheaper in the long run.
Sep 19, 2009. 12:48 AMChaseyWasey11 says:
ineverfinishanyth thats a good idea. babasfarmlife how long did you work on this? Have you even tried making real chainmail? I figure if your going to do a project why not make it worth your time? ineverfinishanyth's idea is great. The pattern looks more like 4 in 1 pattern and even looks more durable than yours. If I was to do this I would use ineverfinishanyth's idea because its concept is way better and probably just as easy. Good job ineverfinishanyth.
Sep 4, 2009. 5:53 PMmattccc says:
how long did this take to make
Sep 3, 2009. 9:24 AManiman1 says:
there is one that uses only pop tabs no wire at all
Aug 20, 2009. 2:25 PMk_man93 says:
no words can aptly describe how badass this looks! seriously, it is a cool way to re-purpose those tab things and make it look good
Aug 5, 2009. 5:03 PMlobo_pal says:
If you have duct tape on the inside, is there really a need to remove sharp edges?
Mar 10, 2009. 4:56 PMineverfinishanyth says:
This is the method I use to connect pop tabs. In my opinion it looks a lot better and is much stronger. The pop tabs look much more orgainzed when they are assembled in this manner. The rings that i used to connect them were handmade and if you search "Ye olde chain maille rings" on the instructables website there is an instructable on how to make them. Hope this helps!
Jul 20, 2009. 5:54 AMvernors says:
that is a good idea. i think ill do that instead
Mar 14, 2009. 7:56 PMdaedric says:
much better
Jul 17, 2009. 1:42 PMsir-zeke says:
Mar 14, 2009. 6:39 AMlil jon168 says:
lol ur grandson is a nerd *dragons lol
Jul 12, 2009. 3:54 PMcorey_caffeine says:
how do you know? have you met him?
Jul 1, 2009. 3:12 PMharrie lynn says:
That is so cool!
1-40 of 74next »

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Author:babasfarmlife