Introduction: Snow Sled Made From a TV Satellite Dish
I recently got a new roof and that meant we had to remove the old TV satellite dish the previous owners had installed. It dawned on me that this could make a perfect snow sled given that it's entirely made of metal and roughly the shape of a saucer-style sled.
Supplies
You will need:
- Large Satellite Dish
- Adjustable Wrench
- Rope
- Scissors
- Drill
- Pliers and/or vice
- Cleaning supplies
- Heavy Duty Tape (e.g. duct tape)
Step 1: Remove Satellite Dish From Roof
Carefully remove the satellite dish from your roof. I recommend detaching the mounting plate and leaving it in place so you don't cause issues with water leaking through the mounting holes. I removed mine entirely though as I was already in the process of getting a new roof.
Step 2: Remove Dish From Mounting Bracket
Remove the four bolts holding the dish to the mounting bracket using an adjustable crescent wrench.
Step 3: Drill Holes and Add Handle
You may want to flatten the edges (the next step) before you drill holes but I drilled the holes first. Mark your holes about 18 inches apart towards the front of the dish to create enough space for the handle. I mounted the dish in a vice and drilled 3/8-inch holes big enough for rope I had on hand. I then threaded the rope through the holes and tied knots on each end to keep it in place.
Step 4: Flatten Edges
This is probably the hardest step. You'll need to carefully flatten out the edges of the dish to make it a nice clean and flat surface for sledding. I used pliers and a vice and slowly worked my way around the dish, bending the edge so it was was mostly flat. Be careful not to bend the edges too much or the metal may break apart.
Step 5: Clean and Assemble
Clean the dish with a sponge and soapy water and then dry it.
Step 6: Tape Around Edges
The metal edges of the satellite dish are sharp and could be dangerous for sledding so it's a good idea to address this. I wrapped the sled in a thick layer of tape to cover the sharp edges. I used some leather repair tape I had on hand but duct tape or any other of heavy duty tape should work fine.
Step 7: Go Sledding!
Now take it out on the slopes! Check out a video of it in action here. You'll feel like Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. You could even spray some PAM on the bottom for an extra speed boost. Make sure to be careful and steer clear from others when riding. Have fun!
6 Comments
8 days ago
This is really unique!! I love upcycling, sustainability, regenerating & refurbished
items. Like, DIY "artsy, bizarre" (bizartsy! LoL) & eccentric crafts - right "up & down" my alley! This is most def one of the best & most unique uses of an old satellite dish that I've ever seen.
Great job! Now, I'm going to go & stalk through your other inventions! Allon - zy!!
8 days ago
Love it lol. Good idea for reuse satellite dish
8 days ago
I have been holding on to a dish removed in similar circumstances - your excellent idea and Clark Griswold reference have inspired me to attempt this conversion. If I make any modification it may be to use RainX instead of PAM.
If anyone reading this enjoys sledding, consider spending 5 minutes to reach out to your elected representatives and telling them that climate action is a priority to you and that you intend to vote. You don't have to say much beyond this and, provided you are a constituant, is an effective means of communicating to our lawmakers that we would prefer a world in which future generations can possibly sled. This situation isn't headed anywhere good,
Tip 8 days ago
I can think of some other ideas for the edge : If you have some old garden hose that's junk, take enough to go around the disk and and slit it. Slip it over the edge tightly and adjust the length so it just meets. Cover with a layer of tape. Or buy some clear vinyl tubing at the hardware store and do the same thing. Or try the smallest diameter foam pipe insulaton.
8 days ago
This reminds me of a story. We got a new roof about 3 years ago and I asked them to remove and discard the old satellite dish from the previous owners.
They carefully removed the dish, then reinstalled it after putting in the new roof. So now I still can't take it off without leaving holes *facepalm*
8 days ago
Quite clever! Great job.