As summer approaches, we're dreaming about lazy days out in the yard, and there's nothing quite like having your own swing to entertain the kids. So when we saw this brilliant upcycled 5 gallon bucket turned into a toddler swing, we knew we had to share.
This clever project from EcoProjecteer is one of the cheapest and most useful tutorials we've seen in a while. All you really need are a few tools and one of these buckets; you can cut the holes with a hand saw, a Dremel, or, if you are well-equiped, a jigsaw. The project instructions are thorough and helpful and guide you through the process.
And, just for kicks, you can make your swing cheeky like the folks at EcoProjecteer did, and design your swing so the bucket's "THIS IS NOT A TOY" warning is prominently displayed.
Read More: EcoProjecteer
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(Image: EcoProjecteer; Via Lifehacker)
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This is the stupidest idea ive seen yet. There is a reason why items like this go thrue safety tests. If one of the handles broke off the child would be dangling- probably knocked out because her head hit the ground and of course the childs legs would then be caught. This is exactly why it costs so much to purchase these items at a school- because we expect QUALITY to keep our kids safe- not to mention- if you saw a seat that has undergone safety reviews you would see that it is made w multiple supports so that the child is safe. Lame.
I think it's brilliant. Reminds me of something Dad would have done in my childhood on the farm...
Didn't we perfect this idea years ago by stringing a tire up on a rope as a swing? Lol
I'm actually with jodieann on this one. Not just the safety part, but too, if I have a 5 gallon bucket it's cause I use it. It's not one of those thing I just have lying around to upcycle. So it would be either go to the store and buy a bucket to make my kid swing in or just buy him a swing. Either way I'd be buying something. And most importantly: even if you sanding the jigsawed edges, this thing looks darn uncomfortable!!! Safety, cost, whatever aside, if I could fit I wouldnt want to sit in that thing so why would I make my son as a toy?
There's a "you might be a redneck..." joke in here somewhere... help a brother out AT readers!
Well, the kid looks happy enough but I wouldn't use the words "brilliant" or "upcycled" to describe this.
cut plastic hurts so much when rubbed the wrong way. i too think this is some what trash and want to cover it with some sort of weather proof oil cloth or something.
but look how much fun that little girl is having. and that alone would make me use a scrap bucket before recycling it. i think i would hang this low to the ground though.
Eco-fail.
I agree... If we have 5 gallon buckets laying around, we use them so I'm not sure we would have any available for a project like this.
That being said, I think most toddler swings on the market are tacky looking, so this bucket idea is rather fun with its upcycled look. You could even allow your child to decorate it. I know some people think it looks "trashy" but I think it has a certain handmade charm to it.
As for the safety issue, its not like they made their own carseat out of a bucket. Its a swing. Commercial products are not always safer than homemade... Just because they have to adhere to certain standards doesn't mean that homemade projects are death traps. In addition, commercial products are recalled all the time, so they aren't necessarily safer.
I'll be honest...I only read this post to see what all the "safety police" had to say:) I always get a chuckle over certain high strung readers! Clever idea. Not the nicest looking but I suppose you could paint it.
Ummm, no. Never.
The remnants of the Sharpie-marker leghole markings really make the piece.
I'm all for upcycling, but this is just sad.
Angel_ahart - me too :)
LOL, everything about this is bad. My favorite part is the sharpie marks for sure. I'm all for DIY and upcycling, but store bought swings don't cost that much.
A simple coating of spray paint and maybe some rubber trim around the cut leg holes would have finished and cleaned up this upcycle. I can't imagine putting a kid in that in the hot summer in shorts with bare legs.
@ANGEL_AHART - Totally agree!
My grandparents did this! They were dairy farmers so they also cut a hole in 25-50 gallon drums and hung them from ropes so we could spin in them until we threw up (possibly from the Roundup or lord knows what other chemical residues were originally in the drums!)
Fail on every level.
Poor design aesthetic. Looks uncomfortable. And a bucket is not a not safe "vehicle" for someone you love. They crack all the time.
Show something attractive, well-constructed, and possibly safe please.
I can't imagine sitting on those sawed-up plastic leg-holes in bare legs. Ouch! Here's an eco-tip: buy a used swing and skip this garbage.
Forget for a moment about how uncomfortable those leg holes would be or what it'd be like for a child to sit in that in the sun on a hot day. Take a look at the remaining portion left in the front between the leg holes. That WILL break eventually and it will not take long. It will snap and your child will instantly fall to the ground quite possibly being severely cut by what will be a sharp jagged edge. Do NOT expose your child to this danger.
nice idea but i dont think i would make this..i dont think the 5 gallon buckets are ment to hold that much weight and pressure from being swung..i guess it could last a few weeks or months but keep a close eye on it and check it every now n then to make sure the plastic isnt breaking...i kinda like the idea of making the 5 gallon bucket into a hanging flower pot or small hanging garden better