Can't Be Knocked Over Pen Holder

This pen holder balances a pen within easy reach.

It is made using three aluminium beverage cans.

Supplies

3 empty beer cans

Lead sinker

Step 1: Making the Base

To make a base, file the end off a beverage can as shown above.

Step 2: Removing the Label

Ideally, select a beverage can which can have its' label peeled off to show the silvery metal underneath.

Some labels peel off easily, the one used here, left some glue residue behind which was removed with a rag and some methylated spirts.

Step 3: Making Two Cans Into One Can

Cut the top off the can you have just removed the label from.

Cut the top off another beverage can, this one can be painted as it will be fitted inside the can with the label removed.

Trim both cans down to be about 35 millimeters in height.

Step 4: Crimp to Fit

Crimp the painted can's edge using some long nosed pillers over a match. The idea is to make it a slighty smaller diameter so the silvery can will slide over it.

Slide the slivery can over the crimped, painted can.

Step 5: Bit of Polish

If you want to, you can give the top of the silvery can a bit of a polish, I only did this because I had some metal polish on hand. It you don't have any, it's not necessary.

Step 6: Pen Holder

Make a pen holder by rolling a length of flattened beverage can around a piece of dowel and attaching with tape.

Drill a hole in the top of the silvery can.

Glue in the pen holder on a slight angle.

Step 7: Going Fishing

I had some lead sinkers on hand, so I took a couple and flattened them a bit by hitting them with a hammer against some concrete.

Step 8: Base Construction

The flattened lead sinkers are glued on top of the cut off base.

The base is glued to the bottom of the painted can. Between the two are the lead sinkers.

If you don't have any lead sinkers, you could use some large nuts.

Step 9: Assembled

The pen holder is now complete.

To use: Insert a pen into the pen holder.