How to Make a Wi Fi Booster Using Only a Beer Can

August 7, 2011

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Not only is this clever use of a beer can an ultra cheap tech hack, it also means less fiddling around with cardboard and aluminum foil as required by other hack methods. This method has been proven to improve Wi-Fi reception from around 2 bars to about 4 on average, varying between 3 and 5. Give it a go – all you’ve got to waste is a beer can!

Edit Steps

Gather the required materials and tools. These are listed below under “Things You’ll Need”.

Gather the required materials and tools.
Clean the beer can. Make sure there is no residue left inside.

Clean the beer can.
Take the ring-pull off the can.

Take the ring-pull off the can.
Cut the end off the beer can where there’s no opening. Do this using the Stanley knife or similar suitable safety knife.

Cut the end off the beer can where there’s no opening.
Cut around the end with the opening almost all the way. Leave a little bit of metal to keep attached the part that will be the base (see the white line in the illustration).

Cut around the end with the opening almost all the way.
Cut along the middle of the can in a straight line, opposite to the piece of metal attaching the base.

Cut along the middle of the can in a straight line, opposite to the piece of metal attaching the base.
Being careful, open up the middle piece of metal by bending it until it vaguely resembles the shape of a radar dish.

Being careful, open up the middle piece of metal by bending it until it vaguely resembles the shape of a radar dish.
Place the completed Wi-Fi booster on your router. Place it so that the antenna pokes through the opening, and stick the base of the can to the router with a small piece of poster tack or other suitable adhesive. It’s time to test how much your Wi-Fi is now boosted!

Place the completed Wi-Fi booster on your router.

Edit Warnings

Be careful of the sharp edges around the can. It’s easy to cut yourself on the sharp metal (and it’s a lot worse than a paper cut!). You can use adhesive tape to cover them and avoid dangers. Use duct tape to cover the cut edges of the can bottom and sides.