How to Make Bullet Shell Pendants - DIY Jewelry Tutorial

[@romansten9]

Lead dangers: Not sure if anyone has commented on this or not, but be careful to wash your hands after handling anything related to ammunition. Not only is there lead residue from the bullet, but anywhere inside the brass case. Drilling through the primer will release powder containing lead because most primers contain it. Lead dust can be nearly invisible and inhaled, and it's especially important to wash your hands before eating because lead will get on your food. Lead will continue to build up in your body and at a certain level the poison will affect health. Lead is safe to handle if precautions are taken.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

romansten9 That is an excellent point, and admittedly not one I had considered! Thanks for the great info - I'll be sure to pass that along!

[@Linda24gojeff]

JewelryTutorialHQ working with emply shells, you should tumble them first or find a way to clean them with some type of solvent to clean them of the residue! you want your brass to be clean and bright.

[@sisteryaya24]

Linda Rudolph Thanks Linda, you just answered the question I just asked.

[@MrDarthRex]

YaYa Spears I used to do this all the the time. Use simple green in a small container as solvent to wash/clean your bullet shells from any residue and then take out to dry for an hour or two.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Yes, @jett! absolutely. They look great on a ball chain (like you'd wear with dog tags) or even leather. They're very versatile for sure!

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Thank you! I just figured out how to etch designs in them too - so much fun!! Maybe another bullet shell video coming soon :)

[@jessw31178]

What a great looking piece of jewelry. Now I just need to ask the hunters in my life for casings.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Hi Marcia! It's a little tricky working with a jeweler's saw at first. It's important not to twist the saw while you work, and it helps to move slowly while you get the hang of it. Something else to consider - putting beeswax on the blade before use helps the blade glide better & reduce friction so the teeth will stay sharper longer, & it seems to help the saw not get caught up so much. If u don't have beeswax, maybe try dragging the blade through a crayon 1 or 2 times before sawing. HTH :)

[@MrLachostar]

Instead of using a .223 you could use a pistol 9mm or .45 you know

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Yes! Thanks so much. I do have that info in the blog post that goes along with this video. The reason I'm using .223s for this is because a friend gave me a BUCKETLOAD and I wanted to use them for something cool :)

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Sure! I do think that size 6 may be a little fine for this project. They might work if you are gentle but will take longer and are probably more likely to break. I think the blades I usually use are size 3/0 but size 1/0 or 2/0 should also be good. It may be a good idea to get a blade sampler if you can find one. The finer blades are better for thinner metal and the thickness of the bullet shell depends on where you are wanting to cut it off! The walls are thicker toward the butt end....

[@mothersfunn6900]

This video is awesome! Thank you!

[@theharryproductionz]

I've been looking for a tutorial because I have some .38 casings and I wanted to make something out of them! Thanks 😄

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

theharryproductionz Awesome! Hope you made something awesome with them. Thanks so much for visiting :)

[@MegaTubefanatic]

Your'e my kind of girl! I like making things with bullet casings too.I like etching desighns into them.fun great vid keep it up.:-)

[@user-ru5tv1zr5e]

Yes! Thank you so much! Your tutorials are awesome!

[@OKANEHOKI]

Thanks for sharing 😘😘😘

[@amadeusjosephiscool]

You may benefit by putting the cassing inside a battery drill, marking the cut and firing the drill up whilst cutting with the hack saw. If you look at the DIY headphone bullet cassing video you'll see what I mean.

[@jasminemims6519]

How do you get the hole in the stone?!

[@tmmc68]

I actually have some spent bullet shells that I wanted to do something with, but I'm having a hard time finding quartz points that already have a hole in them. I've checked Amazon, but they only have white crystals and I wanted to try a different color. Is there any place you'd suggest checking out?

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

...(cont'd) Etsy in general is a great place to shop around. Maybe look around there first and see what you find, and if you don't see something you had in mind, get in touch with me and we'll talk :) Like I said, I don't mind breaking up strands or selling just a few pieces. I do it all the time! Oh - just remembered I have some amethyst ones too!

[@asteroid684]

That's an awesome idea. Thanks!

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Hi there! It is an empty bullet shell. The size I am using is a .223 caliber but you can use any size as long as your bead will fit. You can buy them empty on eBay or Etsy, and lots of places online. Just try searching for 'empty 223 bullet shell' or '223 bullet casings'. International shipping can sometimes take a long time because it may get stuck in customs when they Xray the package :/ Does that help?

[@austinklinefelter8297]

The copper tubing cutter that you can buy at any hardware store would work so much better than the jeweler saw

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Hey Austin! I actually went out and bought a pipe cutter thinking it would work for this but I didn't have any luck. The bullet was too short to be able to get a good grip, even using pliers to try and turn it. Of course, I also squashed the bullet :/ Have you actually had luck cutting a bullet with a tubing cutter? Can you recommend a certain one? Thanks!

[@sisteryaya24]

thanks so much for this clear and easy tutorial. Have you ever soldered a jumpring or bail onto the bullet? I would imagine I would have to be certain there is no residual gun powder on the casing before a put a flame to it, right? Would simple washing and rinsing do the trick?

[@angelaorr892]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Angela Orr My pleasure. Thanks so much for visiting :)

[@godisloveal]

Super cute

[@animealover100]

this is really cool

[@theresaberger3263]

Where can you obtain the crystals?

[@COBBJAMES42]

Awesome

[@jonpeters596]

Tip im a guy so i know alot about fire arms use a 7mm or 9mm or you could even use a .45 apc casing

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Yes, thanks so much Jon! I believe the 9mm shells are about the same diameter as the 223s. I had a friend give me a TON of these bullets though, so I wanted to figure out how to use them. I have seen people ask about how to cut a bullet shell before, so I thought I'd share what I figured out.

[@sandradavis847]

Thanks.

[@ryanosborn8992]

I have made similar items for sometime. Speed up time by buying a small pipe cutter at the hardware store about $10.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Ryan Osborn Thanks for the tip! I have actually tried this before and found it impossible to get a good enough grip to be able to turn the pipe cutter and I ended up crushing part of the bullet! Maybe I need a fancier pipe cutter - the one I tried looks like a small clamp, no handle or anything.

[@ryanosborn8992]

Just put very light pressure on the casing. It is a cutter and a clamp, making it very easy to push the blade into the casing and bending it. I have made this mistake too. If you are doing it right, it should spin easy. and not seeming to be cutting just leaving a slight line, but keep spinning the casing and it will cut through. Sometimes you must tightin the vise just a little bit. Try it out again with the pipe cutter you have I doubht you need a better one. mine was under ten dollars and I have cut over 300 bullets with it.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Ryan Osborn Thank you so much. I will give it another shot (haha). Sounds like I was just clamping it way too tight and giving up too soon. That sure will be easier!

[@ryanosborn8992]

Another thing if you look inside the shell there is a hole. you can pop the primer out by pushing something through it. You will need to use a lot of pressure. I achieve this by taking a socket head that will fit the back of the shell, also make sure the primer will fit through the square hole. Then to push it through, I use a nail that I filled the sharp tip off to give more surface area. I place the nail tip in the inside hole. With a vice clamp it and it should pop right out. Do not use a c-camp it will spin and mess up your project

[@Styleandthensome]

Hi there, could you please suggest the type of blade that is best? I recently purchased 'jewellery piercing saw blades size 6.0) but they have just arrived and look awfully thin! I am waiting for my jewellery saw to arrive, and have 9mm bullet casings to saw. thanks!

[@bretspelts1241]

How can I find/buy a 9mm cool/pretty Purple crystal? Also how can I make that cool necklace out of a real 9mm luger bullet that is a full bullet? Also I wanna get it done for my gf as a gift for her.

[@MrDarthRex]

Just a heads up, DO NOT DO THIS WITH REAL BULLETS! This isn't safe for most people if you buy regular bullets. Go to a gun store and just buy the bullet shell casings (brass) that are empty (as mentioned in the video) and not assembled with the bullet head points. People that are going to surgically remove a live round bullet should not do this at home unless they know what they are doing, which I still wouldn't recommend. I'm telling this as a Navy vet that made bullet necklaces in the armory, so trust me. Also use a vice grip when sawing and drilling through a bullet, it's safer.

[@eclipsegaming5998]

Darth Rex yah totally if you tried to drill a loaded bullet in the primer first you would be scared shitless

[@jenniferhalliwell416]

What exactly would happen? Just curious

[@ShadowHeartsFlight07]

I also recommend getting some light duty work gloves. I took a jewelry making class and while working on sawing into a mini plastic teddy bear the blade broke in half, when I went to retrieve the teddy bear from the blade the free end sprung and dug underneath the skin of my finger (with the teeth going the wrong way so I couldn't pull it out). The University nurse said she wasn't equipped to deal with it and told me to go to the E.R. where they simply pulled it out. Save yourself the embarrassment, and the 7,000 dollar bill.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Oh my!! That's horrible, but a very good suggestion, thanks! Always better to be safe than sorry- I should probably find myself some good gloves that aren't too bulky for working in.

[@ShadowHeartsFlight07]

JewelryTutorialHQ some gardening gloves should do it! and i was lucky that my boyfriend gave me a couple bullet casings exactly the same as those that you are working with. Now i feel completely comfortable that nothing will blow up in my face!

[@malkashayna]

I ordered the saw you suggested, but the blades keep breaking

[@user-ru5tv1zr5e]

Sorry, i'm not english speaker. Can you help me: what do we need (name of this gold thing:)) thank you

[@hollidaeperigan4286]

+jewelry tutorial HQ WHAT SIZE IS THE SHELL?:)

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Hollidae Perigan I used .223 shells but 9mms and .38 specials are the same diameter and you wouldn't have to cut them down. I have more info here with tips about choosing the right size stone for your bullet casings: jewelrytutorialhq.com/how-to-make-bullet-shell-pendants-video/. Thanks for watching!

[@eclipsegaming5998]

i don't have a jewelry saw i don't have the money to buy one either. could i cut my shell with a dremel tool ?

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Eclipse Gaming I don't see why it wouldn't work if you have a bit that will cut through metal! I would suggest using a vise grip or something to grip and hold the bullet firmly while you cut. It will get HOT and plus it can fly around. I'd love to hear how it went if you tried this!

[@boneygrave8014]

I made a necklace out of a 45 mag round and I engraved on the casing but it rust and discolored any tips on how to keep it from discoloration

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Boney Grave Hi there! I think I may have already responded to your question via email, but in case not (or in case others are wondering): The best way to protect brass is to use Renaissance Wax: (amzn.to/1VokME9). Just wipe on with a soft cloth and buff off the extra. You can apply several coats for more protection. Hope that helps! Thanks for visiting :)

[@boneygrave8014]

+JewelryTutorialHQ yes you did but thanks for responding and I went with a clear laqure to dip the casing in.

[@Page1958]

What size crystal point/wand fits in a casing?

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Jenn K That depends on the size casing you're using, but generally a crystal that is about 1-2 mm smaller than the diameter of the bullet will work well for this technique since it allows room for the wire. If you're using a 223 shell like the one I use, you would need a crystal that's about 7-8 mm wide (at the top of the crystal) There's a little bit more info on that here that should help you figure out the size crystal you need for certain size bullet shells: jewelrytutorialhq.com/how-to-make-bullet-shell-pendants-video/

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Hi Bret, Please DO NOT attempt this with a full bullet. Live ammo shouldn't be drilled or cut since the friction might cause the bullet to explode! You may find some real bullet pendants ready made online, but I'm sure those are made using extreme safety measures or w/o gunpowder. Please don't try to DIY anything with a live bullet!! I have some pretty purple crystals that could fit a 9mm empty shell and would be happy to sell one or two. Contact me thru bespangledbeads.etsy.com if interested.

[@andreacareless4141]

Beautiful. But the bullet part is kind of...umm. Are there fake bullet shells? Anyway I'm Canadian. We don't really have guns. 😉

[@hunterc4881]

+Andrea Careless I'm American, so I'm not sure if it would be an issue, but I think it's possible to buy bullet shells off of Etsy.

[@Zinckanator]

I just remembered I cant make this because I live in Canada. in Canada you cant just walk into a store and say "hey I need some bullets" because it is illegal to have a gun here unless you are part of the law enforcement.

[@yazallchavez9876]

How long did you take to drill the hole? It does have the primer.

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Yazall Chavez Maybe 30-45 seconds or so? If you are using an electric drill and having trouble drilling through the metal, make sure the drill is going in the 'forward' direction and not in reverse. Also, if the drill bit has snapped off then it won't work!

[@eclipsegaming5998]

JewelryTutorialHQ you could also punch out the primer the hole would just be bigger

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Hey! I actually just bought some that are really pretty - cobalt blue w/ titanium finish & some royal purple with gold & titanium finish. I also have some of the orange ones I used and the greyish one in the photo. If you're interested I'd be happy to work with you on a mix of colors, or a half strand, etc. I got them to list in my Etsy shop but hadn't got around to it yet :) Message me through BespangledBeads.etsy.com and I'll be happy to send you pics. I got mine @ local bead stores but...

[@stevenkates1276]

IVE SEEN THEM AT 13MM AND 24MM WIDTH

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Steven Kates That sounds a little big for the width - those measurements are more likely the length of the crystal, if I had to guess. You might want to double check before you buy anything! Sizes do vary greatly but generally seem to be in the 5-12mm range, in my experience.

[@stevenkates1276]

OK thank you

[@stevenkates1276]

WHAT SIZE CRYSTALS ARE YOU USING

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Steven Kates Thanks for your question! For .223, 9mm, or .38 special, look for crystals that are about 7-8mm wide to allow space for your wire on both sides of the bead. For larger crystals, you can try .40 bullet shells or .45 bullet shells. The diameters of the openings are 10mm and 11mm respectively, so again, leaving room for the wire on each side of the bead, you’d probably need 9-10mm wide crystals.

[@stevenkates1276]

This is Jenny Kates I was watching the project its great..I have plenty big shells I'm very excited... Thank you

[@stevenkates1276]

Do you think that the Renaissance wax help stop them from tarnishing

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+Steven Kates Hi Jenny :) Yes! Exposure to oxygen and skin oils and things like that is what causes the metal to oxidize or discolor. If you use a couple of coats of Renaissance Wax, you'll create a protective barrier that will help the shine to last a lot longer!

[@mushroombomification]

how did you make the bead have the holes to pull the string through?

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

Hey there! I actually bought them with holes already drilled in them! There are a few colors on Amazon: amzn.to/1trDRf7 and I'm sure you can also find them on Etsy. They are all different sizes though, and not all will fit in a bullet so if you can spring for a whole strand in the size range that you need it's probably best. By the way, if you have some stones that will fit but don't have holes, you can try using E6000 to glue them in place, as long as the fit is nice and snug! I personally prefer using the wire because it's more secure.

[@mushroombomification]

tysm!

[@davep8361]

You talk of safety, then you should have that shell in a vice before drilling. Someone could easily slip and go through their finger.

[@ShotGunShanni]

Bad freaking a$$

[@JewelryTutorialHQ]

+ShotGunShanni Glad you liked it - thanks :)

[@MegaTubefanatic]

Hi Jessica me again....message me and I will send you some pics of my work might give you more ideas to build on:-)