How to Make Rope From Plastic Bottles

by Von Malegowski

18K13813

Intro: How to Make Rope From Plastic Bottles

I show how to make a simple device that cuts plastic bottles into a thin band/ribbon that can be used as a durable rope. The plastic bottle cutter is very easy to make and perfect for reusing plastic bottles and turning them into useful plastic rope/string. Multiple strands can be woven together to make the rope even stronger. The plastic rope can then be melted down for a permanent hold. The cutter is made by attaching two bolts onto a piece of wood, adding about 6 washers onto each bolt. Then a blade is placed in-between the washers at the height you want the width of the plastic rope to be. The blade and washers are tightened in place with two nuts. To start cutting a bottle the bottom of the bottle is cut off as straight as possible. A part of the bottom is then cut at a slight angle and this piece is placed under the blade secured by the washers. The part under the blade is pulled while pressure is being applied to the top of the bottle. The bottle should start spinning as you pull the thin band of plastic creating the plastic rope. Pressure is applied to the bottle so that it keeps the band a consistent size and prevents it from breaking off. The plastic rope has many practical applications and can be used for anything that would require a durable rope.

STEP 1: Materials

- 12 washers, 2 Nuts, 2 Bolts, 4 Small Washers.

- 2 Drill Bits

- Drill

- Pliers

- Scissors

- Razor/Box Cutter Blade

- Clamps

- Wood Board

STEP 2: Watch the Video


(The video may not show up for mobile viewers)

https://youtu.be/yLt-ebcNUnE

12 Comments

DavidB917 8 years ago

I've also seen this done with a pencil sharpener blade.

ИванИ11 9 years ago

Any ideas on what can be used this band?

DavidB917 8 years ago

you could weave it or twist it and heat it to stiffen it. use it as lacing etc...

Lorddrake 8 years ago

why is it that everyone seems to be making these cutters, but no one is saying what to use the ribbon for once you have it made?

hal456 9 years ago

Very interested in this recycle. I've Watched this three times, trying to read the subtitles, and the video separately. I will re watch this some more, could someone help with an English Dialog with some size dimensions.

4WantofaNail 9 years ago

Neat idea. I can see tons of craft applications.

joen 9 years ago

Most people would define "rope" as in A below. However B is also a good definition.

I would call it "ribbon" but that's just me. I am making one of these too because I like your idea. Thank you.

a : a large stout cord of strands of fibers or wire twisted or braided together

b : a long slender strip of material used as rope <rawhide rope>