How to Build a Metal Funnel

Metal funnels have a wide array of uses around the garage. They help you avoid getting oil on the head of your vehicle when you change the oil, and they direct coolant into the radiator rather than all over your shop floor. Plastic funnels are available from practically any store, but metal funnels today are harder to come by. Fortunately, making one yourself is quick and easy.

Things You'll Need

  • Tin Snips
  • Sheet metal
  • Riveter with rivets
  • Drill
  • RTV plumbing sealant
  • Cut the metal with the tin snips to create a triangle; then, cut off one of the triangle tips using the same tool.

  • Measure out flanges along the sides of the triangle using the width of your thumb as a guide. Bend these flanges up at a 90-degree angle.

  • Round the metal into a funnel shape, bringing the two flanges to meet one another. Drill holes for the rivets into the flanges.

  • Apply RTV sealant between the flanges so that liquid cannot leak from the funnel when it is used.

  • Rivet the flanges together, using the riveter, before the RTV sealant has dried. Allow the sealant to dry thoroughly before you use the funnel.