Make Your Own Bag Holder
Insert the aluminum rod into the vinyl tubing. A quick way to do this is with the use of an air compressor. Blow air into the tubing while someone else pushes the rod into the tubing. Don't turn the rod loose though as it will shoot out like an arrow. Press the rod up into the tubing about 1/2 inch so the tubing will overlap the sharp ends of the rod. The tubing gives the clamps grip and makes the holder more comfortable to handle.
Using a vice, bend the rod in the middle. Come down approximately 4 inches and bend to the right and to the left. Then bend down 7 inches from the tips. We shaped it like this so it will fit most any size bag. The handle is necessary as it aids in controlling the opening and closing of the bag. It also serves as a brace which makes the holder strong and durable.
To put the bag on the holder, overlap 3-5 inches of the top of the bag over the rod. Cuff the part of the bag that is not attached to the holder. Clamp the bag to the holder as shown in the picture. You can use the full opening of the bag or make the opening small by gathering the bag at the handle. Wrap the excess around the rod. Using the 4 clamps, clamp at top and at tips of the rod. We don't have any problem with the clamps coming off if they are put on tightly.
To put a small shopping bag on the holder, put the rod down into the bag and stretch the back of the bag over the holder and clamp into place. This works well for picking up a small amount of litter. You can put two bags on the holder by attaching a bag to the back of the holder using the same clamps. When doing my daily walks, I put 2 Wal-mart bags on the holder and put trash in one and recyclables in the other. I always take extras bags with me including a large trash bag just in case I run into a more litter than expected. Then, all I have to do is switch to the large bag.
By Betty from Louisburg, NC
Read feedback for this post below. Click here to post feedback.
By
09/15/2012
The tubing, listed above in materials needed for making this bag holder, is not necessary. The only materials needed for making the bag holder are the aluminum rod and the 4 clamps. It is still strong without the tubing and not having to put the rod in the tubing makes this bag holder really simple to make. This bag holder does not look very impressive but believe me, it is strong and once you get used to using it, you will not want to pick up litter without it.
By
09/15/2012
You can skip the tubing in making this bag holder. The materials needed are just the rod and the clamps. I have been using one that's is made without the tubing and it works just as well and decreases the weight to 4 1/2 ounces.
By
01/31/2012
If you are concerned about the environment and notice that litter is a big problem, an ugly sight, these are some web sites that are inspiring.
www.roadtrashwarriors.org/about.htm
www.citizensagainstlitter.org/
www.litterheroes.co.uk/
By
01/18/2012
I posted feedback on 6-9-08 that in the instructions for making this bag holder for picking up litter, you can leave off the tubing. When I posted that comment, I had only been using the bag holder without the tubing for a short while. I had no proof that it would not bend out of shape after a lot of use.
Just want to post an update to that comment. I am still using the bag holder without the tubing and after 3 1/2 years of a lot of usage, it's still good as new.
My husband still uses the one made with the tubing. He prefers that one but he's one that does not like change. He has been using his bag holder for 8 years and it's still good as new.
By
02/02/2010
I helped my neighbor pick up pine cones in his yard. We made a contest out of it to see who could fill a bag first. Of course, I won as I am an old pro at using this bag holder. He was amazed at how easy it was and how quickly we picked up all those pine cones. "Wow!" he said. After getting started, within just a few minutes we filled 2 large trash bags with cones and had his yard looking good. He gave the cones to a friend to use for a fire starter.
By
10/14/2009
We have pine trees in our yard and picking up the pine cones is so easy with the use of this bag holder. With my reach extender and bag on the bag holder, I can fill a big trash bag with pine cones in just a few minutes. I take them down in the woods and empty the bag and keep it on the holder until the next time I have to pick up pine cones.
This bag holder is so easy to make and so useful.
By Betty (Guest Post)
01/24/2009
I found another use for my bag holder. We just purchased a shredder and I am filling a trash bag with shredded paper. The bag holder is working great for holding the bag open while I dump the container. It's like having an extra couple of hands.
By Betty (Guest Post)
06/15/2008
This bag holder is great for picking up litter while getting your walking exercise.. Weighs only 4 1/2 ounces.
By Betty (Guest Post)
06/09/2008
TUBING IS OPTIONAL
In making this bag holder, you can skip the tubing as I have found it adds cushioning only. I have been testing one made without the tubing and have seen no difference in the strength nor the comfort in handling this device. Leaving off the tubing makes this bag holder very simple to construct and decreases the weight to about 4 1/2 ounces.
Although, it's not been tested for 5 years like the one I've been using that is in the tubing, I do feel it will hold up just as well.
So, all you need to make this bag holder is the aluminum rod, 4 clamps and a vise for bending or a friend that has a vise and can bend it for you. Put a little tape around the ends of the rod to cushion the tips.
Before bending, mark the middle of the rod, 4 inches from the middle and 7 inches from each tip. Using a vise, bend the rod together in the middle. Put 4 inches of the fold into the vise and bend to right and left. Then bend 7 inches from the tips. In just a few moments, you have a bag holder.
You can make it for your own use or make it to sell. To sell, you will need to demonstrate it as folks will not know what in the world it is.
THIS BAG HOLDER IS VERY STRONG and believe me, it works.
By
08/07/2007
Wonderful idea!!1 I have a holder for storing bags which is very simple to make. Take a 22 inch square bandana, fold in half, sew a seam along the edge creating a tube. At either end make a pocket to insert 1/4 inch elastic. Draw the elastic to make a small opening. Attach a fabric loop or a chord to one end for hanging. If you insert grocery bags in the top they will come out the bottom like a dispenser. This thing will hold literally hundreds of bags.
By
08/07/2007
Great ideas! I think I will print them out and give them to the woman who cleans out local park every morning; these ideas are ones she could use.
By
08/07/2007
Thanks so much for posting this. Our Lions club does Adopt a Highway and I am sure the members would LOVE to have these to make that job easier.
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Craft: Plastic Bag Holder