Railroad Spike Bottle Opener (that Does Not Bend the Caps)

Bottle openers are considered a simple machine, a class 2 lever.

So here is a simple, railroad spike bottle opener.

I've also noticed that this bottle opener does not bend the cap .Which is nice if you have plans to make or decorate something else with the bottle caps!
They also can be popped back on the bottle. To save in refrigerator for later or keep bugs out.

No need to find any perfect looking spikes, they can be cleaned up with a wire wheel and some metal polish, which also protects them from rusting any more.

I have made some from very rusty spikes and to my surprise, one of those are my favorite! They can be found in antique stores or garage sales. Or if you know someone working on the railroad...

Supplies

Rail Spike

Disc Grinder

Metal File

Bench Vise

Bottle with cap to measure the cut

Drill with Wire Wheel

Metal Polish

Step 1: Clean Spike With Wire Wheel

Just wire wheel the whole thing. Be careful, it will grab on the edges, depending on the rotation.

Step 2: Make Cut With Disc Grinder

Take little a amount at a time and compare with loose cap or full bottle. You don't want to take off too much.

Step 3: Clean Up the Edge With Metal File

I try to keep it straight and make adjustments as needed to fit the cap.

Step 4: Open Bottle

Check for fit and open bottle, push cap back on and try it again to check fit.

If it is catching the lip of bottle, you can file it back just enough so it won't chip glass.

Its that easy, hope you enjoy your beverage just a little more now...

Step 5: Use Metal Polish to Shine and Protect

Most metal polish will make it shine and protect metal. You can file out scratches if you want and take it to buffing wheel also. But I really like the character that the rust leaves behind.