How to Make a Stick in a Can

A stick in a can is a poor man's photography tool. With it, and some clamps, you can use it in a variety of ways with your photography. It is easy to make and even easier to adapt.

Steps

  1. Image titled 01 Gather the supplies that you will need. Step 01
    1
    Gather the supplies that you will need. You will want to have all of the supplies that you need handy. The time to realize you don't have the stick is not when you have mixed the cement.
    • Since cement is so heavy, you will want to take that into account. Two to three liter cans are a good size to start with. Additionally, low, wide cans are better than tall, thin ones because they have a broader base for balance.
  2. Image titled 02 Position the stick into the can. Step 02
    2
    Position the stick into the can. Make it as straight as possible. If you have a right angle, you can be sure that it is completely perpendicular.
  3. Image titled 03 start two holes for the screws in the can. Step 03
    3
    Using the hammer and nails, start two holes for the screws in the can. Screw the stick onto the can. It should be very tight against the side of the can.
  4. Image titled 04 Mix in your cement and pour it into the can Step 04
    4
    Mix in your cement and pour it into the can. Be very careful not to spill it - if you do, be sure to get it right up. Once dried, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get back up.
  5. Image titled 05 wait for the mixture to dry Step 05
    5
    Wait for the mixture to dry completely before using it.

Tips

  • You might consider making one or two at a slight angle. Not too many because they will be more difficult to store.
  • Use these with clamps to provide lighting or a backdrop (assuming you made more than one).

Things You'll Need

  • an appropriate sized can (or cans); at the very least, the size of a vegetable can, but you will probably want some larger also.
  • a sturdy stick that you will be supporting lights and other things on. Check for knots. They would be a point where it could break more easily.
  • cement
  • Two short wood screws to fasten the stick to the can
  • Screwdriver
  • A straight angle to be sure that your stick is perfectly straight (optional)
  • Hammer and nail (to create the holes in the can to start the screws)

Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Photographic DIY