Crack Open the Summer Chardonnay: Cool DIY Bottle Torch

From Kayla on June 18th, 2010 in Decks and Patios

Why build a DIY wine bottle torch? Reason one: mosquito repellant. Reason two: you thought you needed another reason to empty more wine bottles this summer?!

For a mere five bucks, a quick visit to the hardware store and some crafty tinkering, you too can have this stylish and creative summer decoration by Erik Anderson.

Here’s how:

Project Supplies:

• Empty Wine Bottle (the options are endless as long as the neck is at least 1” wide)
• Teflon Tape 1/2”
• Copper Top Connector Plate (threaded for 3/8-16 thread rod)
• 1” Split Ring Hanger (threaded for 3/8-16” rod)
• 1/2” x 3/8” Copper Coupling
• 1/2” Copper Cap
• Two Hex Nuts (threaded for 3/8”-16 rod)
• Two #10×1” Zinc Plated Wood Screws (this is necessary for wood mounting)
• 3/8”-16 Zinc Plated Threaded Rod (this may need to be cut down)
• Tiki Wick
• Outdoor Torch Fuel

These tools might help make the project even easier:

• Channel locks
• Adjustable Wrench
• Hacksaw
• Power Screwdriver
• Funnel

Now for the fun part. We’ll start with the wall mount.

1. Line up the top connector plate where you want your wine bottle torch to be displayed. Drill the necessary holes and screw in the 3/8”-16 rod.
2. Place the two hex nuts onto the rod and tighten one until it meets the top connector plate. Leave the other hex nut loosened so it can secure the split ring hanger.
3. Add on the split ring hanger and turn the aforementioned hex nut counter-clockwise to secure it in place.

If you’re still with me, let’s move on to part II.

1. In order to keep the wick from falling into the bottle, wrap the 1/2” end of the coupling with the teflon tape. Ensure that it is tight and continue wrapping until it fits comfortably at the mouth of the bottle.
2. Put the wick into the coupling leaving 1/4” sticking out of the top.
3. Unscrew the split ring hanger on one side and slip the bottle neck into the opening.
4. Tighten the ring ensuring that it is equal on both sides. Beware: over-tightening could cause the glass bottle to break.



5. Fill the bottle with your chosen outdoor torch oil. This is a messy job, so if you have a funnel, use it.
6. Finish up by inserting the coupling and wick into the bottle and securing it into place. Allow the oil to soak into the wick before lighting.

Now you have a fancy torch to keep those mosquitoes at bay, and another reason to empty some more wine bottles. What could be better than that?