Introduction: Lego Tire Valve Caps - REMIX
Instructables.com just created the REMIX CONTEST so I chose imaseahawksfan's Instructable, How to make Lego® valve stem caps.
I have been creating valve caps since I was a BMX riding teenager. I started with dice and gave them to all of my friends. In the last two years I started making them again and have been giving them to my new friends. I then thought "what else could I use for vale caps" and came up with the idea of using Lego 2X2 bricks. Well, the first thing I did (after pulling out my old Lego collection) was to check Instructables. I found an Instructable right away and decided that it had been done, so I won't post my own instructions. I went ahead and made my own Lego Valve Caps anyways. I put a pair on my bike about 4 months ago to test out their durability and my friends loved them, so here I am making more. I went ahead and documented my creation.
You can view my Dice Valve Caps HERE.
To create your own Spinning Lego GIF, check out my Instructable HERE.
Tools Needed:
- Drillpress (optional) and Drill Bit
- Needle Nose Pliers (other option)
- Clamp
- Glue Gun (optional)
- E6000 Glue (other glue option) and Toothpicks
- Spray Paint
- Safety Glasses
Items Needed:
Step 1: Drilling Your Lego 2X2 Brick
I used my drillpress for this process because I planned on making a bunch of caps at once. You can use needle nose pliers for this part, as well.
Drillpress:
- Measure the drill bit for depth.
- Clamp your Lego so it does not slip.
- Put your safety glasses on.
- Turn your drill on.
- Drill your Lego.
Alternatively:
- Pinch the inner ring of your Lego with your pliers and twist the piece out of your brick.
- Clean the inside as necessary
Step 2: Painting Your Lego 2X2 Brick
This step is pretty self-explanatory. I have painted with several colors to include: orange, 18k gold and copper. Lego bricks do come in a variety of colors but I just have the basic colors from my 1970's collection. The gold caps have proved to be rather popular among my peers and strangers. The guys at the bike store loved them as well.
- Choose a well ventilated area.
- Lightly spray (from 8 inches or more) all exposed sides and let dry.
- Add several coats to get a great finish.
- Flip the brick on its top and spray the bottom. I do my best to not get any paint inside of the brick so the glue sticks to the original surface.
Step 3: Gluing Your Lego 2X2 Brick
There are several ways to do this part. The pair on my bike (orange) for four months were glued using a glue gun. They have weathered remarkably well in the Spring/Summer months. E6000 glue can also be used for a stronger hold if you feel it to be necessary.
Gluing:
- Place your Lego brick on its top.
- Squirt a little glue into the brick so you have a complete layer.
- Insert your valve cap and center it.
- Squirt enough glue around each edge until you reach the rim.
If you happen to add too much glue, you can cut off the excess with a blade or knife after it has dried. After a few caps you will learn the right amount to add. When using E6000 or a super glue, you won't really need to fill it to the rim as they are stronger than glue sticks.
Step 4: Other Valve Cap Ideas
I have experimented since I made my Dice Valve Caps and found some great objects to use. This Instructable was created using the Schrader (large) valve caps but you can use Presta caps (10 speed bikes generally) in pretty much all of these steps. The photos attached show different caps available and caps I've made from everyday objects.
Valve Cap Ideas:
- Lego Bricks
- Dice
- Pencil Toppers
- Bullet Shells
- Computer Keys
- Bouncy Balls
- Monopoly Hotels
- Christmas Light Covers (chili shown)
Please let me know what you come up with.
I also have valve caps in my Etsy Store.