How do I make a bottlecap necklace?

Question

I want to make a beer or cola bottle cap into a necklace. What is the best way to do this? I'm not concerned about string or a chain to attach it to. I just need to know how to bend or cut down the cap to make it smoothe so there's no risk of cutting myself on it, and how to attach it to the string.

Answer 1

Hi. I don't really think that you need to worry about scratching yourself. I don't even really find them sharp enough to really irritate my skin.

The best thing would be to make it big enough so that you could wear a shirt under it.

Even though you said you didn't want suggestions on how to attach I want to put my two cents in anyway.
I'd suggest putting two holes on each side of the rim, of the bottlecap, the holes should be pretty close to directly across from eachother, I'd use an awl. Then thread one jump ring through each of the holes. And then you attach with a jumpring to the jumpring already in another bottlecap. This would also, probably make it much easier to attach a proper clasp at the end, I think I'd probably use a toggle clasp, just to fit the roundness of everything else. but otherwise use whichever kind of clasp that you prefer.

Answer 2

Fold the caps along their middle, around the string.
Pre-fold the caps on the edge of a table or a metal rod, so that the edges of the cap point inwards to each other, place them round your strong string and fold on till they are closed.
The edges touch each other now, over the full length, so the chances of cutting yourself are low.
If you want them even less sharp, bang them on a sturdy table.
Use only a table that can take misuse, and you do not mind damaging, you are sure to scratch the surface and edge.

Alternatively, fold the edges of the caps inwards, and hammer them down. So the caps are completely flat. Now you can drill a small hole or two in each and use them as beads or sequins.

Answer 3

Punch a hole into center of each cap with an awl for the string to go through.
I'd use a wide head hammer to bang the edges over but cover with a heavy cloth before you start.