How to Make a DIY Floating Shark Tooth Sifter
Updated: Sep 24
If your family loves shark tooth hunting as much as ours does, this DIY floating shark tooth sifter is a fun and inexpensive project. It floats right beside you in the water, making it easy to sift through shells, sand, and gravel while keeping your hands free for the hunt.
We use this DIY shark tooth sifter on beaches all over Florida, especially in areas known for shark tooth hunting. It helps us cover more ground, sift more shells, and makes the hunt even more fun for kids.
Materials
2 pieces of 1/2" PVC pipe (8 feet long)
4 PVC Tee fittings (1/2")
4 PVC 90° elbow fittings (1/2")
2 pool noodles
Metal mesh or screen
Approximately 20 zip ties
Finished Size
Approximately 34" wide × 50" tall
Pool noodle sections approximately 27–28" long (half of a standard pool noodle)
Note: this is the OVERSIZED version, like you see in the pictures. We also have a smaller one- but we're really liking this big one.
Instructions
1. Build the PVC Frame
Using the PVC pipe, 4 Tee fittings, and 4 elbow fittings, assemble a rectangular frame with a handle at the top, as shown in the photos. The finished skimmer should measure approximately 34" wide by 50" tall.
2. Attach the Mesh
Cut the mesh about 2 inches larger than the opening inside the frame. Fold the extra mesh over itself around the edges to remove any sharp points. Secure the mesh tightly to the inside of the frame using zip ties.
3. Prepare the Pool Noodles
Cut both pool noodles in half, creating four equal sections approximately 27–28 inches long.
4. Cover the Mesh Edges
Using a utility knife, carefully cut a slit down the length of each pool noodle section. This will allow the noodles to open up and fit over the PVC frame and mesh edges.
5. Add Flotation
Press the pool noodle sections onto all four sides of the frame. They will help protect the mesh edges and provide enough flotation for the skimmer to float on the water's surface.
6. Secure Everything
Add additional zip ties wherever needed to keep the mesh and noodles firmly in place. Trim off any excess zip tie ends.
Shark Tooth Sifter FAQs
Why use a floating shark tooth sifter?
It floats right beside you in the water, so you can scoop sand and shells into it without holding a heavy screen. Your hands stay free, you can sift a lot more material, and kids can help without getting tired.
How big should I make it?
Ours is the oversized version: about 34" wide by 50" tall. That size is great for a family working together. If you want something lighter for one kid, shorten the PVC pieces and use smaller pool noodle sections.
What kind of mesh works best?
Choose a sturdy metal mesh with openings small enough to catch little teeth but big enough to let sand wash through quickly. Fold the edges over before you zip-tie it so there are no sharp points.
Where can I find shark teeth in Florida?
Venice, Florida is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and it's where we hunt most often. Teeth also turn up on many other Gulf and Atlantic beaches. Check out our YouTube shark tooth hunting guide below for our favorite family-friendly spots.
Can I use it on land too?
Yes! Pair it with a simple stand so you can sift from the shoreline: How to Make a PVC Stand for a Shark Tooth Sifter.
Found a pile of teeth? Turn them into a keepsake with our Beachy Shark Tooth Snow Globe, or build a DIY Aqua Scope to spot teeth underwater before you scoop.
Ready to Explore WITH YOUR DIY shark tooth sifter
Built your sifter? Awesome. Now let us show you where to use it. Check out our full YouTube shark tooth hunting guide for the best family-friendly beaches, beginner tips, and the exact spots where we've found some of our favorite teeth.
Wondering when to go? We put our sifter to work at Blind Pass Beach to find out if the tide really matters. See what happened in We Tested High Tide vs. Low Tide for Shark Teeth on Manasota Key.
About the author. Kate is a Florida-based mom of two and the writer behind SunshineFamGuide. She's been camping in the Keys for over 20 years, moved her family from Denver to Southwest Florida, and personally visits every park, beach, spring, and cruise she writes about...usually with two kids and a bucket of gear in tow.
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