{"id":24633,"date":"2018-03-09T08:03:14","date_gmt":"2018-03-09T16:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=24633"},"modified":"2023-06-08T14:24:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T21:24:58","slug":"diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers","title":{"rendered":"DIY: Make Your Own Bucket Bike Panniers"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p>The beauty of cycling is its accessibility. A bike, whether it\u2019s old or new, cheap or expensive, is freedom on two wheels. Kitting out your bike doesn\u2019t have to be costly either. Upcycled plastic buckets make sturdy, reliable panniers for urban commuting or weekly visits to the local farmers market. Throw on some stickers and you\u2019re ready to roll.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24635\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/2.jpg?resize=1200%2C800\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Materials:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Two rectangular plastic buckets, such as kitty litter or condiment tubs (these can be purchased empty online or found at restaurants; ask around!)<\/li>\n<li>Four anodized metal hooks with \u00bc&#8221; holes; we used wall hooks from a home goods store<\/li>\n<li>Eight grommets with installation kit, sized to fit your bungee cord<\/li>\n<li>Two 15-inch lengths and two 4.5-inch lengths of 1&#8243; nylon webbing<\/li>\n<li>Four \u00bd&#8221; \u00bc-20 screws<\/li>\n<li>12 \u00bc&#8221; flat washers<\/li>\n<li>Eight \u00bc&#8221; lock nuts<\/li>\n<li>Four \u00be&#8221; \u00bc-20 screws<\/li>\n<li>Two 18-inch lengths of bungee cord; (the length will depend on the size of your bike rack)<\/li>\n<li>Two metal S-hooks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Tools:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Utility knife<\/li>\n<li>Marker<\/li>\n<li>Drill with \u00bc&#8221; and 3\/8&#8243; bits<\/li>\n<li>Screwdriver<\/li>\n<li>Wrench<\/li>\n<li>Pliers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Directions:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>1. Prepare the buckets<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/4.jpg?resize=1200%2C900\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\"><\/p>\n<p>Using a utility knife, carefully remove the extra plastic from one side of both buckets. This will allow the hooks to sit flush against the bucket walls.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Drill hook holes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24637\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/5.jpg?resize=1200%2C900\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\"><\/p>\n<p>Place two hooks on your bike rack about 5-6 inches apart (depending on your rack). Hold a bucket to the hooks with the lid lip just above the rack. Mark where the hook holes hit.<\/p>\n<p>Using the \u00bc&#8221; bit, drill a hole at each mark. Trim away any extra bits of plastic. Repeat with the second bucket.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Install hooks and carry strap<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24638\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/7.jpg?resize=1200%2C900\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\"><\/p>\n<p>Put grommets on both ends of a 15-inch piece of webbing following the instructions on the grommet kit. This will be the pannier carry strap.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/8.jpg?resize=1200%2C800\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/p>\n<p>Place a hook on top of a webbing grommet and align the holes with a drill hole as pictured above. Insert a \u00bc&#8221; \u00bc-20 screw, and thread a \u00bc&#8221; washer and a nut onto the screw inside the bucket.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24642\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/9.jpg?resize=1200%2C800\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/p>\n<p>Tighten the nut with a screwdriver and a wrench. Make sure the hook is straight and can\u2019t rotate or move around. Repeat at the other hole, making a loop with the webbing. Repeat on the second bucket.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Install retainer strap<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24643\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/10.jpg?resize=1200%2C900\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\"><\/p>\n<p>Place a bucket on your rack. Measure 2 inches above the rack\u2019s lower bar, and make two marks about 4 inches apart as shown.<\/p>\n<p>Install grommets on each end of a 4.5-inch piece of webbing.<\/p>\n<p>Align the webbing with the marks, and re-mark at the grommet holes. Use the \u00bc&#8221; bit to drill a hole at each grommet mark.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/12.jpg?resize=1200%2C900\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\"><\/p>\n<p>Place a \u00bc&#8221; washer under a grommet and insert a \u00be&#8221; \u00bc-20 screw into the bucket and tighten a washer and a nut on the inside. Repeat on the other side so the webbing sits evenly between the two holes. Repeat on the other bucket<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Install bungee cord<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mark a spot 1.5 inches below each hook. Switch to the 3\/8&#8243; bit and drill a hole at each new mark.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24646\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/14.jpg?resize=1200%2C800\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\"><\/p>\n<p>Install grommets at each hole to protect the bungee from sharp edges.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24648\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/15.jpg?resize=1200%2C900\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\"><\/p>\n<p>Crimp one S-hook onto a length of bungee cord.<\/p>\n<p>Insert one end of the bungee cord into a grommet and knot on the inside of the bucket to secure. Thread the loop and the S-hook under the retainer strap, with the un-crimped hook facing away from the bucket.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-article_body wp-image-24649\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/17.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-article_body wp-image-24650\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/18.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>6. Bonus step: Add reflectors<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We decided to add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/bike-reflectors\"><u>reflectors<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;to our panniers. On the side of the bucket that faces back when placed on your bike, drill a hole using a 5\/42<sup>nd<\/sup> bit (or whatever size your reflector requires).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-article_body wp-image-24652\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/20.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>7. Install panniers on your bike<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Place the upper hooks over your bike rack.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-article_body wp-image-24653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/22.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\"><\/p>\n<p>Attach the S-hook to the lower part of your rack\u2014adjust the bungee length as needed to create a snug hold.<\/p>\n<p><strong>8. Hit the road<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-article_body wp-image-24654\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/23.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\"><\/p>\n<p>Deck out your panniers with stickers as desired and get cruising. Whether they\u2019re toting groceries or a change of clothes, these durable panniers are the perfect, low-cost kit for a bike friendly life. Throw on some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/diy-bike-fenders\"><u>DIY bike fenders<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;and you\u2019re ready for an urban cycling adventure.<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The beauty of cycling is its accessibility. A bike, whether it\u2019s old or new, cheap or expensive, is freedom on two wheels. Kitting out your bike doesn\u2019t have to be costly either. Upcycled plastic buckets make sturdy, reliable panniers for urban commuting or weekly visits to the local farmers market. Throw on some stickers and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":24634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[25,1127,28,758],"internal-tag":[1675,1680,1442],"class_list":["post-24633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycle","tag-cycle","tag-cycling","tag-diy","tag-how-to","internal-tag-pre-redirect-cycle","internal-tag-pre-redirect-cycling","internal-tag-seo"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"DIY: Make Your Own Bucket Bike Panniers","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/1.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/1.jpg?fit=4407%2C3305"},"articleSection":"Cycle","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joe Santiago"}],"creator":["Joe Santiago"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["cycle","cycling","diy","how to"],"dateCreated":"2018-03-09T16:03:14Z","datePublished":"2018-03-09T16:03:14Z","dateModified":"2023-06-08T21:24:58Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"DIY: Make Your Own Bucket Bike Panniers\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/cycle\\\/diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/cycle\\\/diy-make-your-own-bucket-bike-panniers\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/03\\\/1.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/03\\\/1.jpg?fit=4407%2C3305\"},\"articleSection\":\"Cycle\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Joe Santiago\"}],\"creator\":[\"Joe Santiago\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"cycle\",\"cycling\",\"diy\",\"how to\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2018-03-09T16:03:14Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-03-09T16:03:14Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-06-08T21:24:58Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/1.jpg?fit=4407%2C3305","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24633"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":182455,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24633\/revisions\/182455"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24633"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=24633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}