DIY and Crafts

How to build an industrial cage light

The resident Scotsman from TV3’s The Block NZ demonstrates how to put your own spin on budget-friendly finds. First up, an industrial cage light

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Materials

Candle holder from Kmart
Matte black spray paint
40x20mm vitex wood
Pencil and square
Handsaw
30mm wood screws
Cordless power drill and screwdriver bit/screwdriver
Light fitting (we got ours from  The Warehouse – it’s called a ‘fabric wall plug cable’)
Light bulb

Step 1
Remove glass. Spray metal with paint and let it dry. Apply a second coat and let it dry. Measure the circumference of the light fitting, and drill a hole through the base so the fitting can fit through; our hole was 40mm in diameter.

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The candle holder BEFORE

Step 2
Cut 3 x 350mm lengths of vitex wood. Take 1 length and mitre each end on the same side; this will form the diagonal piece of the bracket. Saw off corners on other 2 lengths (leave one end straight, though) if you wish.

Step 3
Take the 2 non-mitred lengths and screw together at 90 degrees. Leave 30mm of wood at the top so you can fix it to the wall later.

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Step 4
Screw the mitred piece to the other 2 pieces to form a triangle. Leave 30mm of wood at the bottom and 60mm at the top where the hole for the cord will go. Drill 3 holes for the cord as shown in the picture.

Step 5
With the help of an electrician, carefully release the small grub screw that connects the wires to the light fitting. Feed the cord through the holes. Reconnect the wires to the light fitting in exactly the same way as before and replace the grub screw.

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Step 6
Unscrew the ring that holds the bulb in place and fit the fixture through the hole. Screw the ring back on so the wire cage is clamped between the 2 pieces.

Step 7
Screw bracket to the wall at the top and bottom.

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Step 8
Screw in bulb, plug in and enjoy!

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Marty’s Tips

  • Mitred wood is two pieces cut at a 45-degree angle and joined to form a corner. This technique can be tricky. Make sure you square your lines all the way around the timber to ensure your cutting is straight
  • Vitex is a hardwood so remember to pre-drill holes before screwing the frame together
  • Be safe, take your time and plan well to achieve the best result.

Created by: Catherine Wilkinson and Martin Laidlaw. Photos by: Bauer Media Group Studio.

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