How to Recycle Hard Hats
According to Cooper Safety Supply, hard hats have an effective life of about five years in the field before companies must replace them because of a shock, chemical exposure, or sun damage. However, hard hats which are not safe for their original purpose are functional for creative home decoration and imaginative play.

Things You Will Need
- Multi-tool
- Drill
- Chains
- Eye screws
- Bolts
- Ceiling hook
After giving them a thorough cleaning, you can turn discarded hats into hanging baskets or shelf-mounted organizers.
Hanging Basket
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Use the multi-tool to remove the brim from the hat. You may need to sand the edges smooth or remove any straps still inside the helmet.
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Drill four evenly spaced holes one inch from the base of the hat.
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Turn the hat upside down and thread the eye screws through towards the top of the hat. Secure the screws with the bolts.
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Use pliers to twist open the eyes of the screws and insert the end of one chain into each screw. Twist closed.
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Use pliers to twist open the eyes of the screws and insert the end of one chain into each screw. Twist closed.
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Screw the hook into the ceiling and thread the other end of each chain onto the hook.
Shelf-Mounted Organizer
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Use the multi-tool to remove the brim from the hat. You may need to sand the edges smooth or remove any straps still inside the helmet.
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Drill a hole through the center of the top of the hat. Drill a matching hole in the shelf.
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Thread a two-inch bolt through the bottom of the shelf into the upside-down hat. Add the nut.
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Caulk or pad any exposed metal in the hat to prevent scratching organizer contents.
Tip
You can make a hanging basket with multiple baskets by using longer chains and securing the chain beneath each hat. Consider adding hard hats to your child’s dress-up collection.
Warning
Always wear safety glasses and use caution when using power tools.
Tips
- You can make a hanging basket with multiple baskets by using longer chains and securing the chain beneath each hat.
- Consider adding hard hats to your child's dress-up collection.
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses and use caution when using power tools.
Writer Bio
Rebecca Zadell has tutored writers since 1997, taught elementary school and is both a nanny and a professional crafter. Zadell's work has been published in NOVA's Write On and in the "Christian Observer." Zadell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from George Mason University.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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