Mason jar light

Question

I am wanting to use mason jars as the light covers for my bathroom light. The problem that I have is the light bulbs I want to use will not fit it thru the top. I am thinking that I could cut the bottom off but I am not sure how to do that. Any suggestion?

Alex · Answer

I know of one way to achieve this that doesn't involve any specialist cutting tools, I haven't tried it myself but I'm told it works very well.
 
Essentially what you're going to do is heat and then rapidly cool the area of the jar where you want to create the break, before using a little force to make the separation between the two parts. You'll need to take great care here as you'll be working with flammable liquids and potentially sharp edges, use appropriate eye protection and thick rubber gloves, and carry out this procedure in the garden or another well ventilated area that doesn't pose a fire hazard.
 
1) Mark a line around the perimeter of the jar where you intend to create the break (towards the bottom I am guessing). Use a wax pencil or crayon that will easily wipe off later.
 
2) Dip a piece of string long enough to be tied around the perimeter of the jar (on top of your wax line) into lighter fluid or another flammable liquid.
 
3) Fill a large plastic container deep enough to immerse the jar and your arm with cold water.
 
4) Carefully light one end of the string that is wrapped around the jar with a match or cigarette lighter. The flame will ignite the whole piece of string very quickly.
 
5) As soon as the flame goes out, dunk the whole jar into the water and use your clenched hand to thump the jar below the line so that it breaks off cleanly.
 
It's as simple as that! Once the jar is dry you can then dress the sharp edges with sand paper, but again be sure to wear thick gloves as you will be working with razor sharp edges.

Hannah V · Answer

I know @Lauren Shaver -Bless'er House did this (http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-4388571) and @LZ @The Summery Umbrella (http://www.hometalk.com/diy/mason-jar-pendant-light-4905147) maybe they could help?

TwilaB · Answer

Instead of getting creative and going thru all the extra work for the jar to fit your bulbs, purchase bulbs that the jar will fit over. Simple fix.

TwilaB · Answer

My father had to pass the Health Inspector inspection. Only thing they saw was the light bulbs were not covered. He used Kerr canning jars. He passed! The bottoms of the jars are NOT cut off.

TwilaB · Answer

Check out 2nd hand stores, ask a neighbor, or someone you work with (if you work outside of the home). Hope the wide mouth fixes the issue!

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