Introduction: Stainless Steel Nut Ring V2.0

About: http://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewWorkshop

In previous Instructables I showed you how to make a Ring from a Nut and a Stainless Steel Nut Ring.

I had a request from an uncle that he would like a ring make from a nut, so I figured I could improve upon my previous ones. This one came out perfect and here are my instructions on how I made it.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

  • Stainless Steel Nut
  • Angle Grinder with Flap Disc
  • Vertical Belt Sander/Sharpener
  • Rotary Tool or Die Grinder with Cutting Bits
  • Belt sander
  • Wet/Dry Sandpaper in Grits from 220 to 1500
  • Metal Polish
  • Ring Mandrel

Step 2: Check Out the Build Video

Here is a start to finish build video of the ring:

Step 3: Rough Stock Removal

First step is to mark out the shape of the ring. I had an existing one I was going on: flat face with rounded sides and back. Using a fine tip marker the rough shape was marked out.

The angle grinder and flap disc will make the rough stock removal fast, the top and bottom of the nut was profiled down. Do this slowly as nut is no match for an angle grinder and flap disc. Holding the nut in the vise will is essential but holding the nut with a pair of vise grips will work too. Just be careful as if the nut gets flung by the rotating disc it will fly with an incredible amount of force.

A die grinder with a carbide bit was used to ream out the center of the nut. A rotary tool can be used if you don't have a die grinder, or even a round file, it will just take a long time.

A ring mandrel was used to size the ring, if you are making the ring for yourself you can just test with your own finger.

Step 4: Refining the Shape

Once the rough shape is completed, it's time to mark out the final shape. One face of the nut will be left flat and the rest of the corners will be rounded.

Again using the angle grinder, the corners are rounded.

Switching to a belt grinder or sander will make the refining step much easier. Carefully using a medium grit belt (120) the ring was rotated evenly on the belt. Smoothing out any bumps, if more stock needs to be removed this is the time to do it.

The front face of the ring was flatten on the flat platten.

Step 5: Sanding and Polishing

With the ring shaped, it was time to clean up the rough grind lines. Starting with 220 grit sandpaper, sand the ring, this will take some elbow grease. Working through finer grits in succession will remove each previous grits marks. Using water with the finer grits will really help lubricate the sanding process.

As the grits get finer and finer, the ring will really start shining.

Sand the inside of the ring as well and smooth out the rough or sharp edge. Make it comfortable to wear on the finger.

Using some metal polish and rotary tool with a buffing wheel, the ring was polished to a high gloss.

The ring is ready for wearing!