I recently wrote this article showing you how to make a bike wheel clock for Reloved Magazine for Father’s Day. However it makes a great project for anyone in the house!
Choosing something for your father or even your children’s father can be difficult, so why not make him something this year that is not only practical but looks great too? This upcycled wheel clock will hang perfectly in his garage or shed, fit seamlessly alongside his tools and bike parts and the best bit is, with this clock he cannot lose track of time! Smaller clocks can be made from kids’ bike wheels – these make great compact versions better suited for kitchens and bedrooms.
Materials Used
-a bike wheel of any size
-a clock kit which can be bought online or from craft shops
-wire
-an Illy coffee jar lid or silver paint tin lid
-1 x AA battery
Equipment Needed
-A cloth and metal cleaner such as Brasso
-two spanners
-a drill
Step 1
Using 2 spanners, one on either side, remove the inner spindle from the bike wheel if there is one, so that the central hub is flat.
Step 2
Clean the bike tyre using soapy water and a cloth, and the spokes with a metal cleaner such as Brasso or Auto Glym.
Top Tip
You may, like me, like a more industrial look therefore you may choose to only lightly dust the wheel.
Step 3
Insert the correct battery inside the back of the clock kit. This then needs to be wired onto the hub, so that it sits centrally.
Top Tip
I used floristry wire as it is strong but also easy to remove. Bear in mind when tying the wire that you will need to undo this to replace the battery in the future
Step 4
Drill a hole in a silver coffee jar lid or paint pot lid, the size of the screw that comes from the battery pack in the clock kit. Place the lid over the pack so that it is hidden from view. An Illy coffee lid works perfectly.
Step 5
Place the hands onto the screw, positioning the small hand first, then the long hand, and then finally the minute hand.
Step 6
Hang the clock by resting the inside of the tyre onto a nail or hook.
This clock would also work perfectly on a BMX wheel for a child’s bedroom.
Next month I will be sharing how to make a wall hanging with vintage doilies!
Kate x
