How To: Make an Industrial Menorah from Pipe Fittings

created at: 11/29/2010

This year, Chanukah starts on December 1st, this Wednesday night. As for most holidays, we wanted to find appropriate decor to match the ManMade goals – guy-friendly, contemporary, and handmade.

We found it in this industrial menorah, or chanukkiah, which was assembled entirely from pipe fittings easily found at the hardware store.

Here’s how its done:

So, I didn’t actually make the one in the photo above – it’s available from Not Schlock.

But, I have played with pipe fittings enough to recognize all the parts used, so you can make your own.

  • 16x short (1/2 -1″) 1/2″ threaded nipples to connect each piece
  • 9x 3/4″ to 1/2″ reducers, to hold each candle
  • 6x 1/2″ threaded t-joints
  • 2x 1/2″ 90-degree angles
  • 1x 1/2″ four-way cross
  • 1x 3″ 1/2″ nipple, for the shamash (center) holder
  • 1x 5″ 1/2″ nipple, for the base
  • 1x 1/2″ pipe flange

To make one, just print out the photo above and take it with you to the home center. Locate the pieces, and assemble it in the plumbing aisle to make sure everything works. Then, just give all the barcodes and price tags to the sales associate. I’ve done this countless time, and they don’t mind.

Seen any other cool DIYed menorahs? Tell us about them in the comments below.