Retire your board with style: Make a hanging lamp with a skateboard

Whether you're a skateboarding fanatic, or your old board has seen one too many ollies and grinds, this project keeps your retired skateboard in your life. The board doesn't have to be new, but if it's dirty, wipe it down before beginning this craft. Once you complete the project, hang it in a room dedicated to your sport or in a prominent location in a bedroom or living room.

This tutorial uses two power drills: one with a screwdriver tip and the other with a ratchet attachment. Don't worry if you don't have two power drills; just use a hand screwdriver and ratchet to remove the wheels. When installing the mounts, use a hand tool, as the plastic screws may not survive a power tool.

Materials
- Skateboard
- Drill with Phillips-head tip
- Drill with ratchet tip
- Skateboard deck wall mount system
- Hanging lamp light cord and bulb
- 2-hole pipe strap to fit over lamp base
- Marker
- Drill bit slightly smaller than the size of the pipe strap's holes
- 2 hinge plates, 2 inches long
- Pliers

1. Remove the screws holding the wheels in place with the ratchet — for the nuts underneath — and the cordless drill. Set aside the wheels.

2. Turn the board facedown. Place one mount over the rear set of holes where the wheels were attached. Slide the plastic screws in from the front of the board and screw them in place with a hand tool. Repeat with the other mount and front set of holes.

3. Flip over the board so it's faceup. Vertically position the skateboard. Screw the bulb into the light socket.

4. Place the lamp so the tip of the light bulb is at the center of the board, hanging down. Put the pipe strap over the center of the socket. Mark where the strap's holes are.

5. Drill through the two marks to make pilot holes. Screw in the strap over the socket.

6. Run the cord over the top of the board and down the back. Place a hinge plate over the cord 1 1/2 inches down from the top of the board. Mark the holes. Drill pilot holes, then attach the plate with the accompanying screws.

7. Turn over the board so it's facedown. Place a hinge plate over the cord at the center of the board's back. Mark the holes. Drill pilot holes, then attach the plate with the accompanying screws. Use pliers to bend the hinge into a slight upward arch so the cord does not get compressed too tightly.

8. Screw the bulb into the socket. Mount the skateboard where desired.