Introduction: Storage Unit From Baby Formula Cans
Baby formula is often packaged in cardboard (like Pringles) or metal cans. The cardboard style has a lovely matte finish and the paper comes off easily. You can make this Instructable with either type of formula can.
Step 1: What You Need
MATERIALS:
7 empty 25.7 ounce formula cans;
Strip of 3/4" plywood, 5" x 36" ;
Awl or sharp nail;
Level;
Hammer;
Pencil;
Tape measure or ruler;
Drill;
21 1/2" screws;
4 2" screws;
Sinkers or other mounting hardware appropriate for your home's walls
Step 2: Ready Your Cans
Peel the wrappers off the cans and wash them. If using the cardboard type, don't let them stay wet for too long. Turn the cans bottom-up and use the nail and hammer to make 3 starter holes in each one. I estimated the location, but if you are super-anal, make a template with the three holes equidistant from each other and about an inch from the can's edge.
Step 3: The Plywood Strip
Drill 4 holes in the plywood to mount the unit to your wall. They should be 1/2" from the edge and 1" from the top/bottom. Mark the unit's location on your wall with the level and put your sinkers in. (My walls are brick, so I can't give most of you any advice about finding your studs. I can tell you that the finished unit weighs about 4 lbs.) Don't hang the plywood yet.
Step 4: Mount Those Cans
Find the center of your plywood strip and mark it. Position a can in the center so that the triangle of your nail holes points downward. When it is centered horizontally as well as vertically, drill the screws through the can and into the plywood. Then, working from the center outward, attach the next 5 cans to the plywood strip. Position them so that the globs of glue aren't visible.
Step 5: Up on the Wall
Hang the unit to your wall. Then attach the last two edge cans and start storing!
16 Comments
7 years ago
Babies are such a handful aren't they! It's easy to imagine them getting through all this formula and then some and that's not cheap! It really makes me want to take my hats off to those parents who are able to keep their houses clean and even more so for those that move house when they have kids! It must be a whole operation in itself just to get them to pack!
8 years ago on Introduction
Great reuse idea, with a 5 month old we definetly have a lot of these things lying around.
9 years ago on Introduction
I really like this idea. I don't have kids, so I'd likely use coffee cans. I'd glue a circle of felt on the bottom of the can (to hide the screws), and I'd wrap/glue twine to the outside of the cans. Might even spray paint the can before getting to work, buffing the can where glue is applied so there's texture for the glue to adhere to. Totally favoriting this.
10 years ago on Introduction
Awesome. I've been hoarding baby formula containers for a while now knowing I'd find a good use for them. :)
12 years ago on Introduction
You could also use popcorn tins if you wanted something larger. You can put them on the wall in a kids room to keep dolls and such in. :)
12 years ago on Step 4
Wonderful idea! I would have to add another step and cover the outside with decorative paper to match the decor! And also put a circle on the inside to cover the screw holes. You could get really creative with it! :D
12 years ago on Introduction
This is a brilliant idea and any tin or can including paint tins or even 2 litre plastic drink bottles cut in half would work. Awesome. Love this.
14 years ago on Introduction
hmmmmmmmm what's a mom to do that breast feeds their baby and doesn't drink coffee? ;0) lol BTW-nice Instructable the silver cans and the silver hooks look sophistically co-ordinated
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
hot cocoa cans. 2liter soda bottles with the tops cut off, milk jugs, any type of container I would think.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I don't think I told you how cool I think your idea is. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
14 years ago on Introduction
Love it!!
14 years ago on Introduction
original!
14 years ago on Introduction
this would work with those big coffee cans right?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I don't see why not.
14 years ago on Step 5
Very nice, a good size for the little ones too. I think I'll do this with those plastic coffee cans. I can see doing this with bigger containers for nest boxes for my chickens.
14 years ago on Introduction
baby formula tins are great. the ones I use have a a rim with a bulge 20% of the way around the top. I get a can opener and cut half the rim with the bulge in the middle which is then bent up to become a handle. I use it for nails and screw and stuff. I've also used these can for stilts. probably a million uses there. nice structable