How to Make a Funnel

Hands holding a plastic funnel

From filling a gas tank to filling a bird feeder, it’s always good to have a funnel on hand. Making a DIY funnel out of household items is easy. Here are our top tips for how to make a funnel.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To make a small plastic funnel, start by gathering your materials. There are a lot of different things you can repurpose into a DIY funnel. We suggest:

  • A plastic cup
  • A milk carton
  • A plastic bottle
  • A mustard bottle (Plochman’s specifically!)

You’ll also need a knife and some tape. If you are using a milk carton or plastic soda bottle, you’ll also need a small tube or straw.

Take a look around your home. You might be surprised at what objects you can turn into a DIY funnel!

Step 2: Cut a Slit Down One Side of the Object

Whether you’ve decided to use a cup, bottle, or carton, start by cutting a slit down one side of the object. Don’t forget to use your safe knife skills!

Step 3: Cut Off the Bottom of the Object

Once you have cut your slit down the side, cut off the bottom of the object. This will be where you filter your liquid through.

Step 4: Roll the Object into a Funnel Shape

Once you have cut off the bottom and cut a slit in the side, roll your object into a funnel shape and tape it together. You can use any construction-grade tape you might have at home, including duct or electrical tape. Just be sure that it is strong enough to withstand the pressure and moisture of the materials you’ll be funneling through.

If you are using a milk carton or plastic bottle, instead of rolling the object, you’ll do something a bit different. Keep the lid or top on, cut a small hole in it, and insert a straw or small tube. 

If you decide to use a mustard bottle, just pop the top open!

Step 5: Test the Funnel

Once you’ve assembled your small plastic funnel, it’s time to test it out. Try to funnel materials through it to see if it works. If the materials get stuck, you’ll need to cut a bigger hole.

Step 6: Use Your DIY Funnel!

If your funnel passes the testing phase, go ahead and put it to use! Depending on what you’re using your funnel for, you may want to make more than one. The best part about learning how to make a funnel out of household materials is that you can toss it in the trash when you’re done with your project for easy cleanup!

Make Your DIY Funnel Today

Whether you want to funnel paint, chemicals, or solid materials, learning how to make a quick funnel is sure to be a trick that comes in handy for many projects.

While some projects can be tackled in a DIY fashion, sometimes you need to call in the pros. If you have a big project that will require more than a DIY funnel or some help with maintenance issues around the house, find your local handyman to save yourself the headache.

When you work with Mr. Handyman®, you can rest easy knowing that your job will be done right the first time! That’s the Neighborly Done Right Promise™. Save time by handing your home projects over to your local Mr. Handyman experts. Contact us to request service today!