As a prepper, I’m always looking for ways to reuse and repurpose items, especially those that might otherwise be thrown away. Spent brass casings are a great example of something that can be put to good use after their time at the range. Instead of letting these little pieces of metal go to waste, why not get creative with them? From practical tools to beautiful art, brass casings can find a second life in surprising ways. Plus, knowing how to repurpose them gives you another skill in your prepping toolbox, helping you stay resourceful no matter the situation. Here are 13 ways you can turn those spent brass casings into something useful or fun.
1. Keychains
Spent brass casings make for rugged and unique keychains. Just clean them up, drill a small hole near the primer, and attach a keyring. The durability of brass means these keychains will last for a long time and can handle being tossed around in your pocket or bag. Plus, they can be a cool conversation starter.
2. Jewelry
If you’re into crafting, brass casings can be transformed into custom jewelry like earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. The golden shine of brass adds a vintage, rustic charm to any accessory. You can leave them in their natural state for a minimalist look or polish them up for something a bit flashier.
3. Pen or Pencil Holders
Brass casings can be great as desk organizers, especially for holding pens or pencils. Larger calibers like .50 BMG or shotgun shells work best. Line them up in a container or glue them onto a base for an industrial, tactical feel. These holders are perfect for a home office or workshop.
4. Wind Chimes
For something a bit more musical, spent brass casings can be used to create wind chimes. The metal makes a gentle, pleasant sound when it clinks together in the breeze. String several casings of different calibers together with fishing line or thin wire, and hang them from a wooden or metal frame.
5. Art and Sculptures
If you’re artistically inclined, brass casings can be used as building blocks for sculptures and other types of artwork. The casings can be welded or glued together to form intricate designs or abstract pieces. Some people even create life-sized figures or intricate models entirely out of repurposed brass.
6. Drawer Pulls
Spent brass casings can add a unique touch to your home décor by transforming them into drawer pulls. This works especially well for rustic or industrial-themed interiors. All you need to do is attach the casing to the drawer with a small screw or bolt. It’s a simple DIY project that can upgrade the look of your furniture.
7. Christmas Ornaments
If you’re looking for a creative way to decorate your Christmas tree, brass casings can be turned into ornaments. You can leave them as they are, or paint them festive colors. Adding a loop of twine or wire to the top makes them easy to hang. It’s a fun way to bring a bit of your hobby into the holiday season.
8. Planter Markers
Gardening and prepping go hand-in-hand, and brass casings can help in the garden, too! Use them as plant markers by hammering the casing into the soil near your plants. You can even label them with a marker or a small engraved tag. This will give your garden a unique, rugged touch.
9. Candle Holders
Spent brass casings, especially from larger calibers, can make excellent candle holders. Clean out the inside of the casing and place a small candle or tea light inside. The brass reflects the flame’s glow, creating a warm, rustic atmosphere perfect for camping trips or home decor.
10. Bullet Bottle Openers
Turning a brass casing into a bottle opener is both practical and fun. By cutting a notch in the side of a spent casing, you can easily create a tool that’s great for opening bottles around the campfire or at your next BBQ. It’s a useful gadget that also looks cool!
11. Fire Starters
Believe it or not, brass casings can be part of a fire-starting kit. Fill the casing with cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly and seal the top. When you need to start a fire, simply ignite the cotton. The brass casing helps keep the fuel contained and protected until you’re ready to use it.
12. Knife Handles
For those skilled in knife-making, brass casings can be used to create custom knife handles. The brass offers both durability and an aesthetically pleasing look, especially for survival or hunting knives. It adds a unique, personal touch to a tool that’s essential for any prepper.
13. Fishing Weights
If you’re into fishing, brass casings can be repurposed as fishing weights. Fill them with lead or small stones, then seal the top. The weight of the brass works well for getting your line deeper in the water, making it a functional tool for any survival situation.
