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How to Make a DIY Floating Shark Tooth Sifter

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.



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.



 
 
 
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