From the page: The water jug still holds plenty of life
Idea 8
Reinforced bucket for work sites
On a work site, the bucket is a universal tool: it carries mortar, water, sand and tools. Using a jug as a bucket is an old builder's technique — and it works because the neck and base of the jug are the thickest zones of the plastic, withstanding impact and weight where ordinary buckets fail first.
What you need
- A 10 to 20-liter water jug
- Hacksaw or craft knife
- Marking paint or masking tape and a pen for marking
- Drill or heated nail
- An old broom handle or smooth dowel for the grip
- Bolts with nuts or thick wire
How to make it
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1
Mark the cut on the upper half of the jug, leaving the base as deep as possible — the deeper the bucket, the better it carries mortar without spilling.
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2
Cut along the mark and sand the edge; if you want an extra-resistant rim, make a second cut 3 centimeters below and fold that flap inward, creating a fold that thickens the mouth like a rim.
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3
Make two diametrically opposite holes in the reinforced edge, aligned, because a crooked handle concentrates force on a single point and tears the plastic.
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4
Cut a piece of broom handle to the gap between the holes plus about 5 centimeters of slack on each side.
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5
Fit the ends of the handle into the holes and secure with a bolt and nut or tightly twisted wire — the wooden handle holds far more weight than a plastic-only handle.
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6
Do a test with a real load: fill it with sand and lift it; if the base deforms, glue a strip of rubber (a piece of inner tube) to the bottom as a cushion.
Finishing touches
Poke the bottom with about four small holes if you'll only use it for sand or dry debris, avoiding standing water. With the original cap kept on the neck, you gain an extra nook for small screws and nails.
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