How to Make a Lamp Out of a Vintage Oil Can

How to take a vintage oil can and make a unique desk lamp using an Edison bulb. It’s an easy, inexpensive DIY project, takes no time at all and is a great way to add character to your space.

 

 

I love adding a bit of personality to my spaces with vintage and other unique pieces.  I’m always on the hunt for new things and one day at a thrift store last fall, we spotted three small old oil cans. I thought at the very least they would look cute stacked on some old books. We picked them up for $7 each.

Fast forward to a month later, and we are checking out a new little shop in our area and spotted these adorable little lamps made from what look like replica oil cans. Super cute but they were $55 each. Omigosh,  we can make those! – How many times have I said that?? So we did. 🙂 Here’s how to make a lamp out of a vintage oil can.

What you need:

The parts to make table lamps  or lamp kits are fairly inexpensive and can be found at most home improvement stores or Amazon.

• an old oil can
• de-greaser
• drill
• metal file
• 3 way socket
• metal threaded nipples
• Hex nuts
• Cord set
• Edison bulb

Steps to create a vintage lamp using an Edison bulb:

1. Clean the oil can really well.  On the outside, wipe it down first to remove loose dirt and then wash with soap and water and a cotton rag.  Use and old toothbrush to scrub any stubborn areas. To clean the inside, swish around soap and water to break up any loose pieces. You can also use a de-greaser  and a cotton rag. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining de-greaser as well.
2. Once it is clean and dry, screw the top of the can off.

 

 

3. Remove the nozzle by gently tapping it from the top with a hammer. It should fall right down through the hole.

 

 

 

 

4. Drill a hole in the side of the can near the bottom.

 

 

5. File the hole down so the cord does not rub against it and tear.

 

 

 

6. Thread the one of the longer nipples through the top of the can (this is where the cord will go through). Also thread the hex nut on the bottom part.

 

 

 

7. Attach the 3-way sock to the top of the oil can by screwing it directly on to the nipple.

 

 

 

8. Open up the package with the cord.

 

 

9. Feed the cord through the hole in the back, up through the oil can and through the nipple.

 

 

10. Attach the two prongs of the cord to the top of the 3 way socket by tightening the screws.

 

 

11. Once the wire is securely fastened, push it back down into the oil can and reconnect the top of the socket to the bottom part of it.

 

 

12. Now screw the top of the oil can back onto the oil can.

 

 

See how nicely that fits together? 🙂

 

 

 

13. The final step in this DIY oil can lamp is to screw in the Edison bulb.

 

 

 

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You really can make a lamp out of anything. This small Edison bulb lamp is great lamp for tight spaces or for a night light and adds adds rustic character to your space. It also makes a perfect small table lamp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beauty is these oil cans are pretty inexpensive and usually have a one of a kind patina. I love the rustic, vintage character this easy DIY project adds so I made a few.

 

 

 

 

 

Farmhouse Buffet makeover

 

 

I hope you like this little project. You can check out more thrift store makeovers here.

Happy DIY’ing!

Col

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