Bicycle Spoke Keyring- Upcycling

In this upcycling activity, we're going to transform spokes taken from an old bicycle wheel into elegant and durable key chains that carry in their DNA the cyclist's blood that exists in each one of us.

Depending on the length of the bicycle spokes used, you can make up to 2 keyrings per bicycle spoke.

Different shapes of keyrings can be created, here I present the simplest and easiest one to make with two alternative locks for the keyring

With common tools and in a corner of your home, you can explore new possibilities for reusing bicycle parts, transforming them into new products.

Material list:

Bicycle spokes & nipples taken from a discarded wheel

List of tools:

nose pliers

cutting pliers

Linesman’s pliers (common pliers)

First key chain / threaded clasp

1-First choose a size for your keyring, you can use any rectangular object as a reference, or simply mark the fold points with a ruler. always use the threaded portion of the bicycle spoke to the longest length for ease, and start with the creases near that point.

2-Use a Linesman’s pliers for these main bends

3-Keep the bendings all in the same plane

4-Make the last bend so that there is room for the keys to pass between the wires

5-To make the shaft / ring, use needle-nose pliers.

6-Cut the excess with the cutters from the inside of the ring.

7-Close the bend further to adjust the beam ring.

8-Center the ring of the shaft with the other threaded part

9-Now see if the nipple goes through the ring and thread it on the other part

10-Here we have your first keychain ready

Second keyring / hook type clasp

1b-Choose a size for your keychain first, you can use the leftover part of your first keychain for that, any rectangular object as a reference, or simply mark the folding points with a ruler. In this keyring we will use the part of the bicycle spoke that has the hook, using it for the longest length start with the creases close to this point bending perpendicular to the hook fold.

2b-After making the first two bends, make the last so that the bar goes under the hook.

3b-Take the remaining part and turn around the side of the hook for a tight curve.

4b- Cut the excess leftover leaving a small part

5b- Now see how it looks, pushing the part with the hook through the fold made, you can release the keyring to put the keys.