Turn Plastic Bottles into Rope with the Grim Cordage Maker
Plastic bottles are everywhere — but with the right tool, they’re more than just trash. They’re potential rope. Using Grim Workshop’s Plastic Bottle Cordage Maker, you can transform a single two-liter bottle into up to 50 feet of strong, waterproof cordage.
It’s a clever way to recycle, a useful survival skill, and a surprisingly satisfying project that shows just how versatile our tools (and your imagination) can be. Here's a quick breakdown of the card version of the tool.
Assembling your Cordage Maker Tools
Your cordage maker tool comes packed flat for easy compact storage. A few screws and nuts are all that are required to get yours together properly, but careful placement of the blade is required. If you find your cordage maker just keeps cutting tiny strips of plastic cordage, you might have your blade placed improperly. For proper assembly, watch the video below.
Cordage Maker Micro Tool Assembly and Operation
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Cordage Maker Card Assembly
How to Make Rope from Plastic Bottles
Turning a plastic bottle into rope takes only a few minutes once you’ve got the hang of it. Here’s how it works:
Locate a Suitable Bottle - All kinds of bottles work, but to start, try to use bottles that make the process as simple as possible. Straight walled (not curvy or unusually shaped) 2 liter bottles are the optimal choice.
Prepare the Bottle – Start with a clean, dry plastic bottle, if it's dirty, you'll need to rinse it out and remove any wrappers or glues you can find on the bottle. If your able to, dry the bottle off as well. These steps help ensure the blade stays sharp, and doesn't rust.
Make your First Cut - Cut the bottom off the bottle as evenly as possible, a straight cut here keeps the rope consistent and will make things much easier to get started. Use scissors if possible, but a knife works too!
Feed It Through the Cutter – Insert the bottle into Grim’s cordage maker by pulling the bottle through the gap in the cordage maker so it runs along the freshly cut bottle section. It might start cutting small sections at first this is common, it's creating an even surface to start cutting from. As you continue doing this you'll start to get longer strips once it's all even and there's no substantially uneven sections.
Pull! - Once you get enough cordage to hang on to, you can begin to pull on it! The tool’s precision edge slices the plastic into long, even strands. If your having a tough time, expirment with different holds, and different setups, we'll go over some of those below.
Manage Your Cord - As the strand comes out, wind it around a stick, bottle, or spool to keep it tangle-free.
Use as Is — or Make It Stronger – The plastic cordage you create is already tough, but you can braid or twist multiple strands for extra strength.
In just a few minutes, you’ll have a roll of durable plastic rope ready for your next repair, build, or emergency. For additional assistance, watch the video below where we walk you through step by step how to use our cordage maker.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
Choose the Right Bottles: flat walled PET bottles work best. You can do thick detergent jugs or bottles with heavy ridges, but they will dull the cutter faster and they can jam the cutter.
Stay Consistent: Even, steady pulling gives a cleaner, stronger cord. Jerky motion can snap thin strands. Use a partner if your having trouble
Nail it down - If your having trouble, secure the cordage maker to a flat surface like a table (or even the side of a tree) the goal is to have something flat to help hold the bottle in the upright position.
Store Smart: Roll finished cordage into coils or wind it around flat cards for compact carry in your survival kit.
Recycle the Leftovers: Once the neck and top are gone, you can toss the small remains in your recycling bin, or you can even use the bottle tops and necks for several awesome crafts!
Experiment: Try mixing clear and tinted bottles for unique rope patterns.
What Can You Do with Plastic Bottle Rope?
Plastic bottle rope is incredibly versatile. It’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and surprisingly strong — we’ve even used rope made from just two bottles to tow a 3,000-pound tractor.
Here are a few practical uses:
Survival & Emergency Gear – Secure shelters, make traps, hang gear, or use it as improvised fishing line.
DIY & Craft Projects – Weave baskets, handles, or plant hangers that will last for years.
Gardening & Farming – Tie plants, build trellises, or use it as outdoor tie-down line.
Heavy-Duty Applications – Combine multiple strands to create a shockingly strong rope for towing or hauling.
Why Use a Plastic Bottle Cutter?
This tool isn’t just about recycling — it’s about resourcefulness. Every plastic bottle you turn into cordage is one less in a landfill and one more length of strong, reusable line in your kit. Unlike natural rope, plastic cordage doesn’t rot, stretch, or absorb water. It’s lightweight, long-lasting, and ready whenever you need it.
Whether you’re building an emergency survival kit, prepping for a camping trip, or just love creative upcycling, the Grim Plastic Bottle Cordage Maker earns its place in your everyday gear.
FAQ: Plastic Bottle Rope Cutter
Q: How does it work? A: The tool slices plastic bottles into thin, uniform strips that can be used immediately as cordage or braided into stronger rope.
Q: What bottles work best? A: Most common plastic bottles work fine, but two-liter soda bottles are ideal for long, continuous strands.
Q: How strong is the rope? A: Very strong — we’ve tested it towing a 3,000-lb tractor with just two bottles’ worth of cordage. Braiding several strands multiplies its strength.
Q: How much rope does one bottle make? A: A two-liter bottle yields roughly 40–50 feet of cordage, depending on your chosen strip width.
Q: Does the cutter need sharpening? A: It’s designed to stay sharp through extended use. If it ever dulls, a light honing is all it takes to restore its edge, or replacement blades are available.
Q: Where can I get one? A: You can pick up your Grim Plastic Bottle Cordage Maker right here at www.grimworkshop.com.
About Grim Workshop
Grim Workshop designs ultra-compact, everyday carry tools built for real-world readiness. From fire-starting kits to lockpicks and cordage makers, every piece of Grim gear is engineered to help you stay prepared — without adding bulk.
Our mission is simple: Everyday Readiness, made simple and smart.
