Introduction: Make Fork Bugs (Magnets)
I recently came into the possession of a lot of forks. Like, 30 or so. I had no idea what to do with them, so I started looking around online. I found lots of cool sculptures and models of animals made out of recycled metal, so I figured I'd give that a shot. While I didn't end up making a giant sculpture of a dragon, I at least had an idea to work with. After a little screwing around I came up with these fork bugs. I made a couple, and they're all unique; since each fork is slightly different, each bug has a different look to it.
Step 1: What You Need:
- A flat piece of metal (to make bending the tines of the fork easier; don't use a file like I did)
- A fork with four tines (prongs)
- Superglue
- A magnet
- Pliers (wrap the pliers in duct tape to keep from marking up the metal)
- A vise
Step 2: Bending the Tines
- First, straighten out the fork using the vise.
- Bend the outer two tines over so they are flat against the base of the tines and point towards the bottom of the fork.
- Clamp the fork in the vise just below the base of the tines and use the flat metal bar to bend the two middle tines out sideways.
Step 3: Bending the Shaft
- Bend the shaft back at it's narrowest point. Bend it so the shaft is centered behind the two middle tines.
- Bend the shaft down between and over the two middle tines so it is more or less centered between the two outer tines.
Step 4: The Legs and Antennae
- Use the pliers to bend the part of the two outer tines that extends past the base back at about a 30 degree angle (image 1).
- Use the pliers to bend the bottom 1/4 inch or so of each of the outer tines until it is parallel to the body of the bug (image 3 should help).
- Use the vise to bend the ends of the antennae straight out to the sides, or into a gentle curve.
Step 5: Adding the Magnets
- Glue a magnet to the back of the bug.
- That's it, you're done! Of course, you don't have to do it exactly like I did; I'd love to see whatever cool variations you can come up with.

Participated in the
Metal Contest

Participated in the
Epilog Challenge VI
1 Person Made This Project!
- MartyK1 made it!
32 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Neat idea. I've made three now. I bought a cheap set of forks so they're all similar but changing the antennae and body bends makes a noticeable difference.
And now to hide one in my parents' house next time I visit for tradition's sake. Last time it took them months to spot the clip-on budgie on the curtains. :)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
That sounds like fun, good like hiding it!
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
I've made a few more, and decided they suit the name "Scutleri". Seems to fit to my mind. :)
And yes, the bug did successfully hide on the side of a beam just above eye level for a couple of months.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Awesome work!
4 years ago
A friend of mine made these 6-legged bugs with 2 antenna by combining 2 forks into a single sculpture! Nice hah? :)
Reply 4 years ago
Wow, those look fantastic!
6 years ago
Interesting, I'll be keeping my eyes open at garage sales for different patterned forks. Thanks for the great design idea
7 years ago
Love this can't wait to try!!
Since we have 4 children...mostly older...i was always coming up short on silverware, so over the years have had many sets. Recently have purchased a new nice set, so I have several of the mis~matched to work with! Thank you for the tutorial!! Great idea!! :)
Reply 7 years ago
Thanks! I'd love to see how they turn out!
8 years ago
Awesome idea I found ten cent forks and they go really nicely on our fridge! Thanks for the great idea!
Reply 8 years ago
No problem! I'd love to see a picture!
8 years ago on Introduction
For those that don't have forks laying around that could be used, check out a thrift store.
8 years ago
That's really cool! I voted for ya! Got any more stuff like this?
Reply 8 years ago
Thanks a lot! I've got a few more ideas for stuff to do with forks, hopefully I'll be able to post something soon.
8 years ago
This is both clever and ingenious, not to mention WONDERFUL. Thank you for sharing.
Reply 8 years ago
Thank you!
8 years ago
very clever idea! really like these, thanks for sharing!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thank you!
8 years ago on Introduction
Wow! Very cool!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!