Introduction: $2 Indestructible Wire Mesh Globe for Propane Lantern

By
About: Hi.
Propane camping lanterns are great, but I'm always breaking the glass globes.

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.