How to make a light fixture out of a galvanized bucket

Step 1

Adapt for plug-in use

There are two methods of electrifying a reused bucket or bucket:plug-in or hardwired. Hard wire is the best fit for indoor use, but it also requires a long-term commitment. The add-on allows the pendant to be worn in various places, either temporarily or long-term. For plug electrification, loosen the screws inside the plug, expose the positive and negative wires using wire strippers, wrap the wires around the screws, then tighten them with a screwdriver.

Step 2

Add the center hole in the tub or bucket

Use a drill and 1/2" bit to add a small hole in the center of the tub or bucket. Next, with the tub or bucket upside down, grasp the end of the fixture cord with your hand, thread the raw end of the lamp wire through the hole and down into the hub.

Step 3

Connect the cable to the socket

Loosen the socket nuts and washers. Expose the positive and negative wires with wire strippers, then wrap the wires around the screws and tighten them in place with a screwdriver.

Stage 4

Insert the socket into the top of the cube

Once the wires are connected inside the socket, insert the attached bolt through the center hole of the tub or bucket.

Step 5

Secure socket

Secure the skirting board to the tub or bucket by tightening the nut around the bolt along the outside.

Step 6

Add string holes

Using the drill bit and stepping stone, add four 1” holes evenly spaced through the top of the tub or bucket.

Step 7

Pull the first thread of the rope through the hole

Turn the tub or bucket over, then continue to pull the string through the hole, creating about 6 inches of slack in the string.

Step 8

Add inner packing wire

To keep each rope secure inside the tub or bucket, wrap a baling wire around the end of the rope about 3 inches from the end. The long, thick baling wire will reinforce the edge of the rope and hold it firmly in place. Bale wire will be added to all four strings.

Step 9

First strand of rope unfolded

Turn the tub or bucket over, then unfold the rope over the top.

Step 10

Intertwine lamp wire

Intertwine the lamp cord with the unfolded rope. This will keep the cord hidden from view once the pendant is hung.

Step 11

Add bullet wire on the outside

Secure the first rope and lamp cord in place by wrapping the rope with baling wire. Pull the opposite end of the first cable through the top of the tub or bucket, then secure with a packing cable. Repeat the process for the second strand of rope. Secure pendant to ceiling surface with heavy weight hooks or hook ears.

Step 12

Weatherproof

Galvanized buckets and rope hangers can stay outside all summer; Just be sure to unplug when not in use.