Make Your Own Hot-Glue Mallet! (Rubber Hammer) | DIY Woodworking Tools #4
by Yonatan24 in Workshop > Tools
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Make Your Own Hot-Glue Mallet! (Rubber Hammer) | DIY Woodworking Tools #4
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Why would I buy a Rubber Mallet? Why should I pay almost $10 for a small piece of rubber and a handle?Well, I can make one with several sticks of Hot-Glue!
In my experiments, A Rubber Mallet is even BETTER than a Wooden Mallet for Chisel-work. Keep this in mind, Fellow Woodworkers! ;)
This project was originally inspired by Chitlange Sahas' Rubber Mallet using Hot glue Instructable. His method didn't work very well for me, So I thought of a different method. Also way funner!
It was a super fun project to make, And I'll keep the intro short. Let's not keep you waiting ;)
Let's get started!
What You'll Need
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Hardware & Materials:
4 Sticks of Hot-Glue (The 30cm X 11mm ones)
Some Water
Steel Rod w/ a Threaded Tip (Unused part from an Ikea lamp)
Glass Pill Bottle (The bigger the diameter, The bigger the mallet...)
Soap
2 Plastic Bags
Tools (+Attachments):
Hot-Glue Gun (The big ones that have a high wattage)
10mm Drill-Bit
Utility Knife
Glass Cup
Hammer
Electric/Power Tools:
Microwave
Refrigerator
Drill
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Why: I need a Rubber Mallet!
Safety Gear Needed: Ventilated Area, Leather Gloves, Goggles
Cost (for me): $2.50
Skills: Basic
Approximate Time: 3 Hours (~60% of that was waiting time)
Heat Up a Glass of Water
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It all starts by heating up a glass of water. This is to stop the glass from cracking from the temperature differences, And to help the Hot-Glue cool down slower (Next step)
I put a glass of water for a little over a minute in the microwave, But a kettle would work too.
I slowly submerged the jar into the water, While being careful to not let it crack
Squirt the Hot-Glue Into the Glass Jar
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I started squirting the Hot-Glue into the jar, While making sure that no water would enter through the top.
I find it easier to push the Hot-Glue inside, While holding down the trigger
Let the Hot-Glue Cool Down
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I let the Hot-Glue cool down for an hour outside. In case you're wondering, It was only slightly warm after 60 minutes.
I later put it in the refrigerator, And (kind of) (maybe) forgot about it. It's actually a good idea to forget about it, Because it's better for the Hot-Glue to harden.
Smash the Glass Jar on the Floor!
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I first wrapped the jar in two plastic-bags, And then threw it on the floor. Surprisingly, It took me about 5 times to even get a crack in the glass!
Just make sure to wear safety glasses, You can never be too safe
SAFELY Remove All of the Glass
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I looks easier than it actually is, But Hot-Glue adheres pretty well to glass. I smashed it several times with a hammer, And peeled if of with my hands, Obviously with thick leather gloves
Wash the Hot-Glue Mold
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I wanted to remove all of the excess dirt, And if possible, Also small pieces of glass.
I gave it a quick rinse, Rubbed it with soap, Rinsed it again, Applied more soap, And washed it off. I then dried it off with a towel
Cutting Off the Excess Piece of the Hot-Glue Mold
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There was some extra Hot-Glue from the jar's "neck". I used a utility knife to cut that off. A "Hot-Wire Cutter" would be better for the job, But I still haven't built one...
I also not learned that this was a different type of Hot-Glue compared to what I usually use, It is way tougher. I was at a Home-Center buying several clamps for my workshop, When I spotted the Hot-Glue and remembered that I'm almost running out...
With that said, Don't mix several different types of hot-Glue in the same mold
Drilling a Hole for the Handle, & Screwing It In
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I clamped the Hot-Glue mold in my Homemade Wooden Vise, And used a drill to drill a hole in the middle of the mold, About ¾ of the way in. This will serve as a hole which the Mallet's handle will get inserted into.
I next screwed in the handle. Perfect fit!
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DONE!
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