Saturday, November 15, 2014

Cookie Tin Water Heater

After 2 mornings of frozen water I decided to make a couple of cookie tin heaters. Headed over to the Dollar Store and bought 2x cookie tins, 2x 2 pin extension cords, and some 40w incandescent light bulbs. Then a stop at Home Hardware for a couple of light fixtures. I got round cookie tins because that was all they had. I'm on the lookout now for large square tins. I'm going to see how it works and maybe move up to a 60w bulb when it gets colder.

[Image: waterheater-3.jpg]

The fixtures have a round base, so I used my angle grinder to cut two sides. This was so I can put the lid on the tin.

[Image: waterheater-2.jpg]


[Image: waterheater-4.jpg]

Then I put the fixture in place and marked where the screws go. I used a pocket knife and screw driver to open the holes.

[Image: waterheater-5.jpg]


[Image: waterheater-6.jpg]

Next take the extension cord and cut the end off.

[Image: waterheater-7.jpg]

Strip the end of the wires and put a hole in the tin between the two holes you already made. Push the wires through the hole.

[Image: waterheater-8.jpg]

Attach the wires to the back of the fixture.

[Image: waterheater-1.jpg]

Put in position and tighten screws. I used 2 small nuts/bolts. Don't over tighten because you can bend the tin (especially if it's round) and the lid won't fit.

[Image: waterheater-10.jpg]

Christmas edition DIY cookie tin water heater.

Cookie tin - $2
Light Fixture - $1.69
Extension Cord - $3
Light bulb - .50c

Total: $7.19 plus tax

The turkeys wouldn't go near it for a good 10 minutes. They must find the Christmas design offensive :)