Operational Hinges Made from Soda Cans
MRA EditorsDescription
In this video we make operational, precision scale sized hinges out of soda cans for doors and gates. These small hinges have become increasingly useful in these days when animations of gates and doors by servo motors are easily created using Arduino computers and a DCC shield.
In this video, we will make fully operational scale hinges from soda or beer cans. Cut away the top and the bottom part of the can. This can has also been sanded, but I found later that that is not necessary. If so, it's easier to just paint it. Now, use a steel scale and a hobby knife to cut thin strips from the can.
The pin in the hinge is made from a piece of steel wire. This happens to be a guitar string. Fold the metal strip around the steel pin, and then tighten using pliers. Once you have a good fit around the pin, cut away the excess part of the metal strip. Repeat the process for the other half of the hinge.
Fix the pin in warm and using a drop of facet glue, push the hinge together and cut away the excess pin. The two pieces of the metal strip can be glued together to simplify installation. This type of hinge has proven both to have a good strength, precision and allow for a later motorization. It can either be glued on the outside like here, or inserted inside wood or plastic sheets.
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