The Rotary Spatula

The idea came to me for my invention when my dad was complaining that his wrist was aching after working the grill the entire time at our family barbecue. I thought to myself: "How come there aren't spatulas that require no wrist action?" So then, I had my idea. My first plan was to add a motor inside the handle that would turn the neck 180 degrees and back at the press of a button, but I decided I didn't want it to require batteries or electricity. I then decided to make it manual, but with no wrist turning required.

Step 1: Supplies You'll Need

(Warning: some items on this list aren't in the picture, as we figured that we needed them during construction.)

• Metal Spatula
• Saw
• Hacksaw
• Knife
• PVC Pipe
• Superglue
• Bicycle bell
• Screws/nuts
• Drill
• Metal Backscratcher (or anything else you can get a long metal pipe from)
• Sealant putty

Step 2: Creating the Handle

1. Place measurements on one end of the PVC pipe for where you want the switch and the end of the handle.

2. Use a saw to cut along those lines, cutting the line for the switch only about halfway through the pipe.

3. Use a knife to clean out shavings from the saw and/or to make the cut wide enough for the switch to move through.

4. Use a knife to cut out the ringer on the bicycle bell, and cut that to the appropriate size to place inside the PVC pipe.

Step 3: Making the Head

1. Remove the head of the spatula using the hacksaw.

2. Flatten out or remove the head of the backscratcher or other tool.

3. Drill holes in the middle of the spatula and backscratcher.

4. Place a screw through both of the holes and attach it by using a nut.

Step 4: Assembling the Spatula

1. Slide a topper along the neck of the spatula and keep it there for a moment.

2. Drill a small hole into the bottom of the neck and the middle of the switch.

3. Glue the edges of the switch on the inside of the pipe and push the neck down over it.

4. After glue dries, drive a screw into the holes in the neck and switch.l

5. Spread glue over the top of the pipe, and slide the topper down on top of it and push together.

6. (Optional) Cut out a piece of sealant putty and apply it over the area around the switch to keep the motion steady.

Step 5: Final Product

This video shows the full construction process and functionality of the rotary spatula.