Pull Tab Picture Hook Project

I love finding ways of replacing one item with another item that was due to be discarded or thrown away. This idea  is so simple but amazingly clever.

Using a soda can pull tab to hang pictures.

Image: Make

All you need to do is remove the tab from a soda can with the rivet-ring intact.

Image: Make

Image: Make

Step 1: Rotate the tab around the rivet until the pull tab is directly over the open mouth of the can.

Image: Make

Image: Make

Step 2: Grasp the short end of the tab with a pair of pliers, as shown.


Bend the tab down into the mouth of the can while pulling up at the same time.


The tab should pop neatly off the rivet with the ring intact.





Step 3: Attaching the pull tab.
Mark a convenient centered location in the upper back surface of the piece to be hung. Set the tab in position with the rivet hole over the mark. Drive a short wood screw through the tab's rivet hole into the marked location. If your piece is softwood, like pine, a pilot hole is probably not necessary. If it's hardwood, you may want to drill a very small pilot hole first.

Image: Make

You may find that the pull ring on the mounted tab does not have sufficient clearance from the wood to go over a nail head. If so, insert a flat-blade screwdriver under the pull ring, as shown, and gently pry it out away from the wood.

Image: Make

Naturally, you should use caution when hanging heavy, valuable or fragile items, but you will probably be surprised at how strong these hangers are.

I've also found a great use for the rest of the can, but that's for another time.

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