Introduction: $2 Indestructible Wire Mesh Globe for Propane Lantern
I broke my glass globe the day before a camping trip. Rather than get another glass replacement (my third) I tried to get one of the wire mesh globes. Unfortunately, I couldn't find them at stores and didn't have time to order one online. So, I decided to make my own.
Someone smarter than me- please explain the science behind how a mesh globe works. I don't understand it. If you use no globe at all, your mantles burn up. Seems like wire mesh is like using nothing at all, but somehow it isn't.
Supplies:
- 2 bacon splatter shields ($1 each at the Dollar store)
- Stapler
- Your broken propane lantern
Step 1: Disassemble the Splatter Shields
Take the splatter shields apart so that you are left with the wire mesh as shown.
Step 2: Measure the Height
Measure how tall the globe should be on your assembled lantern.
Transfer that measurement to the mesh screens as shown using a crayon or sharpie.
Step 3: Cut N Fold the Screens
Cut the mesh screens with a scissors. Cut them about 1/2" taller than your measurements and square off the ends.
Then fold the excess to your markings. The fold adds stability.
Step 4: Join the Pieces
Unfold about an inch off one the screens. Then slide the other screen into the first and fold the excess back over the two.
Then staple the overlap firmly. You should be left with a single piece of material that is long enough to be fashioned into a cylinder.
Step 5: Dry Fit, Measure the Circumference
Dry fit the mesh material to the lantern into a cylinder globe shape.
Put another mark on the screen where the material should be joined to itself.
Step 6: Fold N Staple Again
As you did in a previous step, unfold part of one side of the material and tuck the other side into that fold, up to your mark. The mesh should now be in a cylinder shape of the proper size.
Staple the screen together firmly to complete.
Step 7: You're Done
Put the lantern back together and give it a shot!
The lantern worked fine with my rigged mesh globe. A spot turned red from the heat but never melted. I figure it should stand up to the heat, since it was designed to be used on a hot stove with hot bacon grease.
I'll report back after a full night's use.
23 Comments
6 years ago
Even easier and better is to buy a piece of screen at you local metal supplier. A 1 X 4 foot section here in Cincinnati cost me $7.00 and it will make 6 globe screens and they will be all one piece instead of two. They may even cut them to desired length and width.
6 years ago
Made it
7 years ago
I replaced mine with a pickle jar
https://youtu.be/IQ_ZHD8CC5E
10 years ago on Introduction
Is there an instructable on "How to cut the bottom off of a jar to make a lantern chimney. I just found a tiny one at a flea market. Its 1 " and had no glass chimney. I have tons of tiny bottles. But neeed to cut of a bottom to make it work. Any ideas? I only know of a burning string one time but never tried it. Thanks.
Reply 7 years ago
use solder dude
Reply 7 years ago
use solder dude
7 years ago
Much cheaper than hardware store. thanks
7 years ago
the most the globe does is keep the bugs out of it so they don't hit the mantles mash will work just as good for that
7 years ago
As for the reson to have the globe, I believe the simplest explanation would suffice, fire hot. Ever watch a child try to touch fire. Preventing burns and unintentional fires sounds simple enough, but there may be more multipurpose for it. Will have to give this a try. Thank you.
8 years ago on Introduction
This was a great fast fix. I have broken many of these globes over the years. The last one broke as I was putting it on. Thanks! I have the last one I will ever need.
8 years ago on Step 7
This is American ingenuity at it's best. I like this idea and may one day be in a bind and need to use it. Thank you for offering me a new option.
10 years ago on Introduction
Clever solution for an annoying domestic problem.
11 years ago on Introduction
fzbw9br is right. There's no science to it. Turns out, the globe's sole function is just to protect the mantles. The reason I thought lanterns didn't work without mantles is because mine always "burnt up" when the globe broke, but it turns out they were just getting destroyed by whatever impact broke the globe, and not by any chemical reaction. The air around the mantles is about the same regardless of whether there is a globe or not.
On another note, I've stopped using propane and dual fuel lanterns and gone to a simpler hurricane style oil lanterns. They're so much more reliable.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Instead of using screen wire I used some hail screen. It comes in many square hole sizes. I used 3/8 inch hail screen because I had it. If you don't know what hail screen is , it is strong screen wire made in square patterns. The squares go from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch. It comes in rolls of different widths. It used to keep hail from breaking glass windows, strong screened openings, pest out etc. Good idea,easy fix.Thanks
11 years ago on Introduction
How do the mantles hold up in wind with the mesh globe? My husband is planning on cutting the top/bottom off of a jar to make a new one.
Thanks!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
i haven't had an issue yet. I suspect they will work fine even in high winds.
Sorry for the late reply. These replys go to an old email address
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thank you!
I was afraid the jar would shatter if it wasn't tempered. I'll let him know.
11 years ago on Step 7
Curious how long the mantles lasted with this. I am guessing the globe acts to keep O2 (ambient air) mixing in with the propane, maybe O2 burns the mantles to the globe keep the environment o2 free by trapping the exhaust gases ??? The screen might let a little O2 in which could shorten the mantle life by a little.
11 years ago on Introduction
I forgot to add, GREAT idea! if just to protect the lantern mantel and other things around it from fire!
11 years ago on Introduction
the old dual mantel "Barn Lanterns" usually had no globe and the ones I saw were not designed for one
I've run standard lanterns with no globe and it runs the same.
there is ample air flow inside the glove through the vents