Back when I was a kid, I would ALWAYS cajole my mom into having a garage sale each summer. And like clockwork, and old(er) man would show up before we started and asked, “Do you have any old tools?”. All these decades later, I now understand their affection for those kinds of treasures. And while I may not collect them, I do occasionally upcycle old tools- and I’m by no means the only one who crafts with them, either. Check out these fantastic repurposed projects with hammers, shovels, and so much more.
Plain Planers Get an Upgrade
Image credit: Songbird Blog.
Antique hand planers might not be something you squeal over at an antiques store. But with this clever upcycle idea, they can sure look pretty with plenty of personality.
Garden Tool Trellis
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are probably some old garden tools- spades, rakes, pitchforks, and hoes- leaning up in the corner of your garage or shed right now. But you can piece them together into a decorative and functional garden trellis for plants that like to climb or could use a little help standing up.
Garden Hose Wreath
Image credit: Lora B.
A cold drink of water from the hose on a hot summer day is a childhood memory that is cemented in my mind. Today’s kids might not get it, but you and I sure do. And look how cute a bunch of old garden hoses look as a seasonal wreath. What a great way to repurpose them when they’ve worn out and retired from yard duty.
Old Tools as Garden Decor
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Here’s a fantastic idea for old tools with a broken handle: upcycled garden decor! They fit right in with the outdoor aesthetic, and what a wonderful retirement plan for old garden tools who aren’t quite as functional as they once were.
Decorating with Antique Tools
Image credit: Birdz of a Feather.
I’ve always been a little obsessed with old pulleys- both in how they look and how they function. And while I’ve only tinkered around with little versions, I do love the idea of decorating with their bigger cousins like this.
Rake Head Wreath
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Upcyclers- myself included- love turning unusual things into wreaths and door decor. And an old rake head like this is a curious yet phenomenal idea! There are so many ways to personalize this, too- by taste or by season.
Festive Porch Decor
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Metal snow shovels still give me the “ick”- I remember all too well the sound they made when scraped against concrete sidewalks and blacktop driveways. But…but…I do love the idea of retiring them permanently as Christmas porch decor like this. ESPECIALLY a red one, but let’s face it- your plain grey version can always be painted!
Decorating with Old Lanterns
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
I never thought about this before, but an old lantern can easily become a perfect little display vessel. Once the glass is removed, it can hold all sorts of little bits- such as a Springtime bird’s nest like this.
Metal Bucket Planter
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An old bucket can be rusty, dented, or missing a handle- and it’ll STILL be delightful as a porch planter this summer. Filled with rocks and soil, this one is about as eye-catching as it gets.
Old Tools Combined
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Just like other things, old tools can often be “married” together to create something new. Case in point, this clever display tray with an old handle and a barn sale find!
Coat Hooks
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
I absolutely LOVE old levels- the kind constructed of wood- but I never seem to find them while antiquing. But goodness me…if I ever collected several of them, I’d probably have to copy this DIY coat hooks idea. Isn’t this just the coolest thing ever?
New Life for an Old Ladder
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
An old ladder might become unreliable or unsafe to climb on. But if there’s life left in it yet, it might just be perfect as a decorative plant stand for your yard.
Hanging Porch Planters
Image credit: A Crafty Mix.
A hanging porch planter made of multiple old tools? Yes, you read that right- how cool is this contraption made from two old lanterns and an antique pulley? Such a cool way to enjoy some greenery on your porch or patio.
Spread the Garden Joy
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
This old seed spreader was quite the junky find at a barn sale- I mean, those colors alone make it worth every penny. But when turned into a whimsical planter for the yard and garden? Pure perfection for a funky planter lover like me.
Handle from a Hand Drill
Image credit: Funky Junk Interiors.
DIY tool box decor is one thing. But a DIY tool box with an old hand drill as a handle is an entirely different- and fabulous!- thing. I just LOVE how this project turned out and can imagine all sorts of ways to style it throughout the year.
Old Hammer Doorstop
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Let’s say you inherited some old tools from a family member or other loved one. Wouldn’t this DIY doorstop be a great way to treasure their memory by uniquely upcycling one of the tools?
Fun with Funnels
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
An old, rusty funnel is unexpected in the garden but works brilliantly as a flower pot. Plus, the larger ones can really add height to your junk garden for extra interest and whimsy.
Sunburst Clock
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
Here’s another unique idea for marrying old tools: a DIY sunburst clock with old screwdrivers and a painted saw blade. As pretty as the painting is, it’s the screwdriver handles that I love- they’re all so wonderfully different.
Holiday Decor with Old Tools
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
During the Fall months, a LOT of things can be upcycled into pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. But I’m not sure I’ve ever seen an old rake head become one. Then again, if I found a vintage orange rake, I’d have probably done the same thing! Because he is surprisingly cute and a rake is a perfect nod to autumn chores, after all…
New Ideas for Old Tools
Image credit: My Repurposed Life, Petticoat Junktion, and Sadie Seasongoods.
Whether you find them at an antiques store, an estate sale, or hiding in the shadows of your garage, old tools are full of upcycling potential. From yard decor to seasonal decorations and everything in between, the repurposing sky is truly the limit. I hope this collection of upcycle ideas has given you the creative spark you need for your own crafty endeavors with all those fantastic workshop relics.
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!