There are certain items you should always have around the house in case of an emergency. Problem is, you never think you need these things until an emergency actually occurs.
These items include, but are not limited to, nonperishable foods, duct tape, bottled water, bandages, candles, and even Drano for a clogged toilet. These things can really come in handy if there’s a hurricane, blizzard, flood, power outage, or any other unexpected disaster.
Thankfully, sometimes you can take more common products most people have in their homes and make these emergency items out of them — like turning a tuna can into a candle.
There are a ton of these cool tricks out there. You can also take some coke and pour it down a drain to unclog it.
The one we’ve recently stumbled upon, by Instructables user paul em, is not only helpful, but it’s also pretty impressive.
What he makes with just tin foil, a coke can, a cereal box, and little else is pretty remarkable. Personally, when I saw the end result, my jaw dropped…
First, he took an empty soda can, rinsed it clean, and paired it with a large cereal box.
He then cut off the top and bottom of the can, and then cut the can vertically.
Next, he cut the aluminum into the shape of a printed paper stencil.
He then cut out the shape.
Once the shape was cut, he pulled back the paper to reveal the printed coke can surface.
Then he added a small light bulb.
Once he was done with the coke can, he moved on to the cereal box. He cut the cereal box into flat pieces. He then dyed the cardboard (or non-printed) side of the cereal box with food dye.
Once he was happy with the color, he applied two coats of varnish to give it a protective finish. He then printed out another paper stencil.
He then cut out the shape and folded according to the stencil, making sure to keep the card true to the lines.
Using foil, he made them into a small, square box.
With more foil, he made a fan-like component, and folded it as well.
Finally, he took a piece of cardboard and attached a string.
With the aid of two AA batteries, he put everything together.
He then slipped the dyed cover over all the mechanical components.
And he had his finished product — a gorgeous homemade flashlight!
If you pre-print the stencils, this is a resourceful thing to make in a pinch during an emergency if you need additional light.
Please SHARE if you thought this was impressive!
