Recycled Wine Bottle Tiki Torch

Whether it’s product branding, package design or projects for ourselves, we’re pleased when we find a solution that’s very effective and creative, while keeping resources to a minimum. This idea is very inexpensive (around $5-bucks). And it’s a great way to recycle a wine bottle. See how this simple idea inspired this brand and wine bottle design.

It’s been a record year for mosquitoes here in Indianapolis, Indiana and I’d been wanting to add some Tiki-esque torches to the patio to combat the little buggers, and add a little ambiance. After searching the world over to find a torch that was affordable and atypical I came to the conclusion that unless I wanted wicker or bamboo, I needed to be a bit more resourceful. A glance into my recycling bin and a stroll through the local hardware store was the inspiration for this recycled wine bottle tiki torch.

Try it yourself. Here’s what you’ll need.

1. Empty Wine Bottle (Use any bottle as long as it’s glass and the neck is 1” in diameter. Be clever!)
2. Teflon Tape 1/2”
3. Copper Top Plate Connector (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
4. 1” Split Ring Hanger (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
5. 1/2” x 3/8” Copper Coupling
6. 1/2” Copper Cap
7. Two Hex Nuts (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
8. Two #10 x 1” Zinc Plated Wood Screws (if you’re mounting it to wood)
9. 3/8”-16 Zinc Plated Threaded Rod (I bought a 3’ rod and cut it down to 8, 4-1/2” rods with a hacksaw.)
10. Tiki Replacement Wick
11. Torch Fuel (For safety reasons, only use fuel made specifically for outdoor torches. i.e. Tiki brand)

Helpful Tools: Channellocks, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, power screwdriver, and a funnel. For those having trouble locating the top plate connectors they can be found online: Copper, Galvanized, Stainless Steel, Iron
Safety Note: This is for outdoor use only. Tiki brand recommends that the wick never be set higher than 1/4-inch, and I recommend that you exercise the same discretion and common sense that you would with any small open flame. Never leave your torches unattended.

Building Instructions

The Hanger

1. Decide where you want to mount your Recycled Bottle Torch. Position the Top Plate Connector on your mounting surface and mark the holes for where the screws will go. It’s easier to keep it level if you pre-drill your screws first.
2. Once you have your Top Plate Connector mounted you can screw in the 3/8”-16 Rod until it stops. Channellocks are helpful for this part.
3. Thread the two Hex Nuts on to the Rod and tighten one all the way down at the point where the Rod meets the Top Connector Plate. Leave the other Hex Nut at the front end so it can be used to secure the Split Ring Hanger.
4. Thread on the Split Ring Hanger just enough so that the Rod is flush with the inside of the ring. Turn the 2nd Hex Nut counter-clockwise to snug it up against the Split Ring Hanger.

If you’d prefer your hardware to keep its shiny, unweathered look you can always give it several coats of clear polyurethane before you mount it. Personally, I think a weathered patina will add a nice element of character.
The Bottle

1. Carefully and tightly wrap the 1/2-inch end of the Coupling with your Teflon Tape. You want to keep each wrap nice and clean so that it creates a smooth, even surface. Continue building up the tape until it fits very snugly in the opening of your bottle. You obviously do not want it to fall in.
2. Insert the Wick in the Coupling until it sticks out about 1/4-inch or less. The Tiki brand replacement wicks are about 3/8-inch in diameter so they fit really well.
3. Unscrew the Split Ring Hanger on one side and position the bottle neck in the ring.
4. Flip the front half of the ring back into place and tighten down the Hanger evenly on both sides. You may need to loosen the other side to make sure both sides are an even tightness. Do not over tighten the Hanger.
5. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with your favorite torch oil. I use Tiki BiteFighter because it’s clear and seems to do a good job of keeping the mosquitoes away.
6. Insert the Coupling & Wick in the top of the bottle and twist it snugly into place. Give the Wick a few minutes to absorb the oil before you try to light it.
7. I typically just blow my torches out. Use the Copper Cap to keep the Wick dry when you’re not using your torch.

Good Luck!
-Erik