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This is an instructable detailing how to put together a small kit, easily carried, for picking up litter.
So, this past Earth Day, I wracked my brain, trying to think of a practical way to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to do something, anything, to be less of a problem, more of a solution. I brainstormed for hours while I should have been working. Finally, this is what I came up with. It is a small, self -contained 'kit' that is to be mounted on any stick up to 3/4 inch in diameter, making a convenient litter spike that, when not in use, can be put inside it's outer container for easy storage and carry. Another, slightly less Earth friendly reason to make and carry one of these, is, in a survival situation, this kit makes an easy to assemble spear or frog gig, for harvesting fish or small animals.
Here in Summit county, Ohio, we have readily available access to many, many hiking trails and state parks. As if the beauty of the parks, and the wonderful exercise weren't enough, the parks offer at least one other draw to get people out there, hiking. They call it the Fall Hiking Spree. Upon completion, the first year hiker receives a badge to commemorate the year, and a hiking staff to display it on. Annually, hikers are awarded a new badge for their hiking efforts, to proudly display on their staff. The dimensions of the kit are based on my own rewarded hiking staff.
So, this past Earth Day, I wracked my brain, trying to think of a practical way to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to do something, anything, to be less of a problem, more of a solution. I brainstormed for hours while I should have been working. Finally, this is what I came up with. It is a small, self -contained 'kit' that is to be mounted on any stick up to 3/4 inch in diameter, making a convenient litter spike that, when not in use, can be put inside it's outer container for easy storage and carry. Another, slightly less Earth friendly reason to make and carry one of these, is, in a survival situation, this kit makes an easy to assemble spear or frog gig, for harvesting fish or small animals.
Here in Summit county, Ohio, we have readily available access to many, many hiking trails and state parks. As if the beauty of the parks, and the wonderful exercise weren't enough, the parks offer at least one other draw to get people out there, hiking. They call it the Fall Hiking Spree. Upon completion, the first year hiker receives a badge to commemorate the year, and a hiking staff to display it on. Annually, hikers are awarded a new badge for their hiking efforts, to proudly display on their staff. The dimensions of the kit are based on my own rewarded hiking staff.
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Signing UpStep 1Material World
My material world was the nearest Home Depot. I bought everything I needed for this project right there.
Here's the list:
Materials
1. 1 1 inch galvanized steel pipe. 3 inches long, threaded on both ends.
2. 2 1 inch galvanized pipe caps.
3. 2 1/4 inch bolts. 3 inches long. I used 1/4-20 bolts.
4. 2 eye-bolts. Here, again I used 1/4-20, for consistency, also so I would only have to use 1 size tap.
5. 2 hex nuts. You guessed it, 1/4-20.
6. 1 plastic bag. I used the one these parts came in.
Tools
1. Drill
2. 1/4-20 tap, along with the drill bit that goes with it.
3. Tap handle.
4. Bench grinder.
5. Marker.
Here's the list:
Materials
1. 1 1 inch galvanized steel pipe. 3 inches long, threaded on both ends.
2. 2 1 inch galvanized pipe caps.
3. 2 1/4 inch bolts. 3 inches long. I used 1/4-20 bolts.
4. 2 eye-bolts. Here, again I used 1/4-20, for consistency, also so I would only have to use 1 size tap.
5. 2 hex nuts. You guessed it, 1/4-20.
6. 1 plastic bag. I used the one these parts came in.
Tools
1. Drill
2. 1/4-20 tap, along with the drill bit that goes with it.
3. Tap handle.
4. Bench grinder.
5. Marker.
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1. Put two strips of metal (curved lengthwise) or a piece of inner tube between the eye bolts and the stick, to protect the stick's surface. The metal would just sit in the pipe; the inner tube might need to be stretched around the stick first.
2. Paint the outside of the pipe green and put a sticker on it saying something like:
LITTER KIT
NOT A BOMB
because it does look a lot like a pipe bomb. Green means both environmentally friendly and inert (in the context of explosives).
My only question will undoubtedly show my ignorance. What are the eye bolts for? Aiming reticle? Artistic balance?
Great job! - Pj