Attention, adventurers, and survivalists! Imagine having a multi-purpose tool at your fingertips during your outdoor expeditions.
Shotgun shells can offer more than just firepower – they can be transformed into handy gadgets that assist with fire-starting, signaling, and even fishing.
Explore the ingenious ways to repurpose shotgun shells and enhance your outdoor experience.
If you’re an avid camper or an emergency preparedness enthusiast, these clever hacks will certainly inspire you.
20 Cool And Innovative Things to Do with Shotgun Shells
It’s important to note that modifying or repurposing ammunition can be dangerous and should only be done with extreme caution.
Here are a few ideas, keeping in mind that safety should be your top priority:
1. Cufflinks
Shotgun shells can be repurposed into unique and stylish cufflinks. By carefully removing the primer and filling it with resin or another suitable material, you can create a small decorative piece that fits into a cufflink setting.
This creative approach allows you to repurpose shotgun shells into fashionable accessories that can add a touch of personality to your outfit.
2. Toothbrush Holder
Shotgun shells can be transformed into distinctive toothbrush holders. To make one, you would need to clean and empty the shotgun shell, removing any gunpowder or residue.
Then, you can attach multiple shells, either by gluing them or using a suitable adhesive, to create a holder that can accommodate toothbrushes of various sizes.
You can add a unique touch to your bathroom decor with this unconventional toothbrush holder.
3. Flower Vase
Shotgun shells can be used to create a distinctive and rustic flower vase. After removing any hazardous components, such as the primer and gunpowder, you can arrange several shotgun shells in a desired pattern or shape.
You may choose to leave the shells in their original metallic color or paint them to match your aesthetic preferences. By placing water and flowers inside the shells, you can create a charming and unconventional vase that can add a touch of creativity to your home decor.
4. Rings
Shotgun shells can be repurposed into stylish rings. The brass or plastic portion of the shotgun shell can be carefully cut and shaped to fit around your finger. You can polish and modify the shell to create a smooth and comfortable ring, ensuring any sharp edges are removed.
By incorporating various design elements, such as gemstones or engraving, you can personalize the ring and turn a simple shotgun shell into a unique piece of jewelry.
5. Shotgun Shell Magnets
One interesting idea for repurposing shotgun shells is to turn them into magnets. The shell can be removed from its casing by removing the primer and gunpowder. Then, attach a small magnet to the base of the casing using a strong adhesive.
This transforms the shotgun shell into a unique and eye-catching magnet. You can use these magnets to display notes, photos, or any other lightweight items on your refrigerator or any magnetic surface.
6. Boutonnières
A boutonnière is a decorative accessory typically worn by men on special occasions, such as weddings or formal events. You can create a distinctive boutonnière by using shotgun shells as a focal point. The shell’s empty casing should be left after removing the primer and gunpowder.
Then, attach a small artificial flower or other decorative elements of your choice to the top of the casing using floral wire or glue. This creates a stylish and unconventional boutonnière that adds a touch of uniqueness to any formal attire.
7. Make a keychain
Transforming shotgun shells into keychains can be a creative way to repurpose them. Begin by removing the primer and gunpowder from the shell. Next, attach a small eyelet screw or a jump ring to the top of the casing.
A keychain ring will be attached to this point. You can customize the keychain further by adding beads, pendants, or other small trinkets to the keychain ring. This results in a personalized and visually appealing accessory for your keys.
8. Garden Lights
Shotgun shells can be repurposed to create unique garden lights. Start by removing the primer and gunpowder from the shell, leaving the empty casing. Then, carefully drill a small hole in the base of the casing. Insert a small LED light or a string of fairy lights into the hole.
The empty casing will act as a decorative housing for the light, creating an interesting and unconventional garden light. You can arrange several of these shotgun shell lights in your garden or outdoor space to add a charming and distinctive touch to your landscape.
9. Wind Chimes
Shotgun shells can be repurposed to create unique wind chimes. You can collect empty shotgun shells and attach them to a string or wire at different lengths.
Consider adding additional decorative elements like beads, feathers, or small trinkets. Hang the wind chime outdoors, and as the wind blows, the shells will clink together, producing a pleasant sound.
10. Coasters
To create shotgun shell coasters, start by collecting empty shotgun shells. Clean them thoroughly to remove any gunpowder residue. Cut out circular or square shapes from cork or felt that are slightly larger than the shotgun shells.
Glue the shells onto the cork or felt cutouts, ensuring they are securely attached. These unique coasters can add an edgy and rustic touch to your home decor while protecting your surfaces from drink stains.
11. Pen Holder
Transforming shotgun shells into pen holders is a creative and functional idea. Begin by gathering several empty shotgun shells. Remove the plastic or paper from the shells, leaving only the metal casing.
Use a strong adhesive or hot glue to stack and arrange the shells vertically, creating a cylindrical shape. Ensure the shells are firmly attached.
Once dry, you can place pens, pencils, or other office supplies inside the shotgun shell pen holder, adding a touch of rugged charm to your desk.
12. Candles
Shotgun shells can be repurposed to create unique and eye-catching candles. First, clean and empty the shotgun shells of any gunpowder residue.
Melt candle wax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe container, following the instructions on the wax packaging. Once the wax is melted, you can add fragrance oils or colorants if desired.
Carefully pour the melted wax into the empty shotgun shells, ensuring that a wick is placed in the center before the wax solidifies. Allow the wax to cool and harden, creating distinctive shotgun shell candles that can be lit and enjoyed.
13. Christmas Tree Ornaments
Shotgun shells can be repurposed into unique Christmas tree ornaments. You can remove the spent primer from the base of the shell, and clean and decorate the shells with paint, glitter, or other festive embellishments.
Attach a loop or string to the top of the shell to hang it on the Christmas tree. This creative use of shotgun shells can add a rustic and outdoorsy touch to your holiday decorations.
14. Napkin Rings
Shotgun shells can also be transformed into stylish napkin rings. Start by cutting the shell at a desired length, making sure it’s wide enough to hold a napkin. Decorate the shell with paint, ribbon, or any other decorative materials that match your table setting.
You can even personalize each napkin ring by adding initials or unique designs. These shotgun shell napkin rings can be a great addition to outdoor-themed events or rustic table decor.
15. Garden Markers
If you’re an avid gardener, shotgun shells can serve as quirky garden markers. Simply clean and empty the shells, removing the spent primer. Use a permanent marker or paint to write the names of different plants or herbs on the side of each shell.
Place the shells next to the corresponding plants in your garden, making it easier to identify and differentiate between different varieties.
These shotgun shell garden markers can add a touch of creativity to your garden while keeping things organized.
16. Shotgun Shell Light Pulls
Another interesting use for shotgun shells is to create light pulls for ceiling fans or lamps. Start by removing the primer and cleaning the shells thoroughly. Then, attach a small loop or wire to the end of the shell, ensuring it’s secure.
The loop can be used to replace the existing light pull chain or to attach to a decorative string or cord. This unique shotgun shell light pull can be a conversation starter and add a rustic flair to your home decor.
17. Paperweights
Shotgun shells can be repurposed as unique and eye-catching paperweights. By removing the primer and gunpowder from the shell, you can fill it with a heavy material like a lead shot or epoxy resin.
This creates a solid and decorative paperweight that can add a touch of character to your desk or workspace.
18. Zipper Pulls
Shotgun shells can make interesting and distinctive zipper pulls for jackets, bags, or backpacks. To create a zipper pull, you can remove the primer and gunpowder from the shell and attach a small keyring or loop to the open end.
This allows you to easily thread it through the zipper’s pull tab and gives a personalized touch to your clothing or accessories.
19. Bookend
This product can be also transformed into unique bookends that combine functionality with a rustic aesthetic. By removing the primer and gunpowder, you can attach the shells to a sturdy base, such as a wooden block or metal plate.
Shells add an interesting visual element to your bookshelf or desk while helping hold your books upright.
20. Design a stylish and edgy belt buckle
Shotgun shells can be repurposed into a fashionable and unconventional belt buckle. You can remove the primer and gunpowder, then affix the shells to a suitable belt buckle base. This could be a metal frame or a custom-made buckle.
You can make a unique belt buckle by arranging the shells creatively and perhaps adding other decorative elements.
