10 Best Wind Spinners

Wind spinners are an excellent way to bring a bit of beauty to your yard. They captivate the imagination with their artistic style and geometric shapes. When you throw an outside party, they’ll certainly get people talking. You can put them everywhere in your yard to give your house a unique look.

What is a wind spinner?

Also known as a whirligig, pinwheel, windee, buzzer. A wind-driven whirligig converts wind energy into either a basic release of kinetic energy by rotation or a more complicated conversion of rotational energy to power a basic or complex process that generates repeated movements and/or sounds. The wind actually drives a whirligig and then uses friction to spin one portion of it.

A pinwheel is the easiest and most popular form of wind-driven whirligig. The pinwheel shows the whirligig’s most critical function, the blade surface. Pinwheels have such a wide cupped surface region, which enables them to achieve their terminal speed easily even though the wind speed is poor.

Whirligigs, also known as garden pinwheels, come in a range of forms, colors, sizes, and heights. As a result, deciding on the best wind spinner is crucial.

With thousands of garden spinners on the U.S. market, picking the right model can be challenging.

The following buying guide and comparison table can help to choose the best wind spinners. 

In the Breeze Rainbow Garden Spinner – the best for the style!

This rainbow windee is a vibrant and colorful spinner that will look amazing in your yard. This spinner will be up in no time, as it is made of weather and fade-resistant nylon with a sturdy fiberglass base to maintain its form. The flowers are made of a long-lasting cloth, and the plastic pieces are highly robust.

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It rotates in various circles, creating a beautiful image of motions.

Pros

Pros

• Classic rainbow style;
• Bright colors;
• Two sizes are available;
• Durable;
• Fade and weather-resistant;

Cons

Cons

• Installation can be challenging;
• The cap is not very tight;
• A bit unstable;

This colorful spinner is catchy and entertaining to have in your yard. You can’t really go wrong with these vibrant and colorful roses, which come in both 12-inch and 19-inch sizes and four colors to choose from.

Evergreen Garden Twirler Metal Kinetic Wind Spinner – the best for durability!

For continued outdoor usage, the big Evergreen Garden Wind Spinner is made of powder-coated, weatherproof aluminum. The color of the product may differ. The multi-pronged base may be inserted onto soil or grass directly. The twirler’s bronze leaves capture the sun wonderfully.

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You may be able to build a special focal point or tap into another garden element in your yard. The spinners are usually placed near the wind chimes.

Pros

Pros

• Rust-resistant;
• Easy to assemble and install;
• Low maintenance;
• Sealed parts;
• Sturdy;
• Precise adjustment;

Cons

Cons

• The assembly instructions are not included;
• You have to place the place very straight;
• Non-tilted blades;

When the wind blows, the eye-catching, vivid floral pattern comes to life.

In The Breeze 2837 Wind Spinner – the best for easy assembly!

Seek no further if you want to bring a burst of color and activity to your yard. The wheels blur through a kaleidoscope of color as they rotate. The outer wheels spin in their directions, while the middle wheel spins in the reverse direction. It’s a true eye-catcher of a wind spinner.

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This spinner comes with 3 wheels, a field stake, a two-section fiberglass pole, spacers, and an end cap.

Pros

Pros

• Spins easily;
• Its vibration may scare away moles and mice;
• The sturdy fiberglass pole;
• Shines and glows on a sunny day;

Cons

Cons

• Hard to assemble;
• The blades have to be glued;
• The colors are not very vivid;

This pinwheel would look amazing in every yard or greenhouse. Give it as a present or purchase one for yourself for a vivid and dynamic piece of kinetic yard art.

In the Breeze 2791 Yellow Sunflower Spinner – the best for weather-resistant material!

Every rainy day can be brightened thanks to the In the Breeze 12-inch Sunflower Spinner. The toughest choice would be deciding which of the four colors (Purple, Teal, Red, or Yellow) you like and which one you’ll give as a present.

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The spinner has a 6-petal fiberglass blade. An artificial end cap, accent leaves, and a fiberglass stake are included in this whirligig.

It spins effortlessly in the slightest wind, and it’s simple to put together – simply tie the assembled flower to the stem.

Pros

Pros

• Bright colors;
• Two sizes;
• Not transparent;
• Weather-resistant;

Cons

Cons

• May fade during after a few weeks;
• Strong wind may break it quickly;
• Has flimsy plastic pieces;

This spinner is simple to assemble. Models with a painted “stripe” in the pedals are wide, but smaller variants have vibrant colors.

VP Home Kinetic 3D Helix Metal Wind Spinner – the best for design!

VP Home 3D Helix Metal spinner is a kinetic whirligig that can be perfect for outdoor use in your garden. When it moves in the wind, it produces an entrancing swirling sound. Weather-resistant electroplated steel with a decorative laser cut pattern. It also comes with a metal S-shaped swivel hook for fast hanging.

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The spiral would come out of the spinner if you catch both ends and twist them in different directions.

It’s big enough that you can see it even though you’re not right next to it.

Pros

Pros

• Includes instructions;
• Has an installation swivel hook;
• Works great even in a light breeze;
• Good for scaring birds;

Cons

Cons

• Not very sturdy;
• Installation can be a challenge;
• Sometimes spans too fast;
• A bit heavy for hanging on your patio;

In motion, this spinner seems to be really cool. It comes in a nice box with straightforward English directions.

The Buyer’s Guide

Types of wind spinners:

• Planted spinners. If you have a big greenhouse, the installed wind spinner is the way to go;
• Hanging whirligigs. If you have a small yard or garden, the hanging spinner is the best option;
• Kinetic wind spinners. The position of the spinner sails is referred to while a wind spinner is claimed to have kinetic activity. The sails of a standard wind spinner spin in one direction, while the sails of a kinetic wind spinner rotate in different directions;

Materials

Copper wind spinners are a good choice if you want a high-quality, weather-resistant pinwheel that will last a long time. If you have a tight budget, though, textile spinners can be picked instead of metal whirligigs. 

Height

The height of a successful spinner should be greater than the height of your plants. The wind spinner’s height influences how fast it turns and how often it attracts a breeze.

Taller wind spinners travel more quickly, but they still need the proper assembly to stop crashing.

Uses

Nowadays, the object of a whirligig is almost invariably for amusement or distraction, in some sort or another. A creative whirligig reveals a tale and pays tribute to rural life. A whirligig is also entertaining. The weathervane, which indicates wind speed, is maybe the one whirligig that is distinctly not funny. But, if the manufacturer is able to look beyond the box, those can be pretty cool, too!

Although they do use kinetic or rotational energy, certain whirligigs have unique applications. Any of these bits, for example, are intended to scare away rats and garden pests such as moles. The dynamic garden decor produces noises and movements that are intended to deter burrowing, which could interfere with growing efforts.

Rodents, particularly moles, can’t bear the sound, so you can use a buzzer. 

How to hand a wind spinner?

When placing a spinner, stop using heavy string or twine. For better results, use fishing string. The fishing line’s small and compact profile creates little resistance, enabling the spinner to spin in the lightest of breezes. Test the line’s weight capability to make sure it can support the spinner’s weight. Since the fishing line is made of sturdy plastic, it should be replaced every year.

How to care for wind spinners?

Metal pinwheels are constructed of steel, and they must be kept dry. Manufacturers achieve this by coating their spinners with protective and decorative colors.

The best wind spinner makers have a rust-free guarantee, although you should take extra care to ensure long-term safety.

UV protection should be applied to wind spinners, particularly those made of plastic. UV protectors are available in spray-on shape and are intended to protect skin from sun harm. You won’t be able to say it’s there until it’s been added.

Wind spinners have a swivel axis that can lock up with time. The swivel has most certainly seized up if the device is not turning. To repair this, spray some lubricant on the swivel and gently turn it to free.

Video Tutorial: Kinetic Garden Wind Spinners

FAQ

What are wind spinners for?

Wind spinners are a type of garden ornament that is used to add motion and color to a garden. They can be placed in any part of the garden, but they look especially nice near plants or flowers.

Wind spinners come in many different shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly into your garden. They also come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect one to match your outdoor décor.

Wind spinners are typically made from metal or plastic, and they have a spinning blade at the top that catches the wind. This causes the spinner to rotate around its axis, creating a beautiful display.

Some wind spinners also light up at night, making them a beautiful addition to your garden after dark. [1], [2]

Why does my wind spinner not spin?

There are a few things that could be causing your wind spinner not to spin. The most common reason is that the spinner is not properly aligned with the wind. Try turning it so that the sails catch the wind more directly or relocate the spinner to a more open area.

If it’s still not spinning, check to make sure all of the parts are tightly attached and there is no debris blocking the blades. Finally, if it’s still not working, you may need to oil the bearings. [3]

What are wind spinners made from?

Wind spinners can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common are metal and plastic. Metal wind spinners tend to be more durable and long-lasting, while plastic wind spinners are typically cheaper and less durable.

If your metal spinner doesn’t come with waterproof coating, apply it yourself to protect it from corrosion. Plastic wind spinners resist water well but instead they are vulnerable to UV rays, so they require to be coated in the UV protector.

But keep in mind that some metal wind spinners need to be maintained regularly to prevent rusting. [4]

Where should a wind spinner be placed?

Wind spinners can be placed almost anywhere in the garden. They can be hung from a tree or post, or placed on the ground. However, it is important to place them in an open area so that they can spin freely in the wind.

If you are placing your wind spinner on the ground, make sure that it is stable and will not blow away in high winds. You may need to weigh it down with rocks or something heavy.

Many people like to place their wind spinners near their plants so that they can watch the spinning motion while they work in the garden. Others like to place them at the edge of their property so that they can be seen from a distance. [1], [2], [4]

How do you balance a wind spinner?

Balancing a wind spinner is key to keeping it spinning smoothly. The easiest way to do this is to adjust the pole to a perfect 90 degree angle. If that doesn’t work, you can use a weight on the bottom. This can be a rock, a bag of sand, or even another wind spinner.

To balance the blades, you just need to tighten the nuts until you notice the blades staying absolutely still. [5]

How do you make a metal wind spinner?

Making a metal wind spinner is a relatively simple process.

• First, you will need to find an axis for your spinner. This can be a toy car wheel, a wooden dowel, or something similar.
• Next, cut out your desired shapes from the metal sheet. You can use a variety of tools to do this, including a jigsaw, a drill, and even tin snips. Use the drill to create holes in the metal sheet at evenly spaced intervals. The number and size of the holes will depend on the design of your spinner.
• Finally, use the wire or an epoxy to join the metal pieces together. If you’re not familiar with welding, consult a tutorial or online video for help. [6]

How do you make a wind spinner out of aluminum cans?

Wind spinners can be made out of a variety of materials, including aluminum cans.

Wash the cans and mark vertical lines where you want the cuts to be. Cut along the lines with a can opener, then flatten the cans and twist the spokes. Punch a hole in the cap and bottom of each can and attach them together. Add a tail made out of ribbon or string and hang your creation.

You can before making the cuts to make your DIY spinner look more aesthetically pleasing. [4], [6]

How do you make a wooden wind spinner?

For this project you will need a bunch of wooden boards, a jigsaw, drill, nut and a thread.

• First cut your boards into strips using the jigsaw. You will need six strips, each measuring around 15 inches in length and around two inches in width.
• Next drill a hole into the center of each strip. Make sure the holes are big enough for your thread to fit through.
• Then mark the shape of your wind spinner on the strips and cut out the shapes using the jigsaw.
• Assemble your wind spinner by threading one strip through each of the holes in the other strips. Rotate the strips and tighten the nuts when you get them into a desired position. Glue or screw them together if you want to make it more secure.
• Lastly attach your hook to the end of the thread and hang it up in a place where it can spin in the wind! [7], [8]

Do birds like wind spinners?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as birds can be quite individual in their likes and dislikes. However, loud, flashy wind spinners are likely to scare the birds and draw them away. Although it’s possible for birds to adapt to the sounds your wind spinner is making.

If you want to attract even more birds, consider adding a bird feeder or bird bath to your yard. Both of these items will give the birds somewhere to eat and drink, which will make them happy and likely to stick around for a while. You may also want to consider putting up some nesting boxes; this will provide the birds with a place to nest.

How do you clean metal wind spinners?

Metal wind spinners can be easily cleaned with a few wipes down with a cloth soaked in a soapy water. You just need to take them off their poles first and wipe all the dust before cleaning them with water.

Make sure to dry the metal spinner off completely before putting it away. For extra protection, you can apply a light coat of oil or wax to the metal spinner to keep it looking new.

Residual stains of any kind can be removed with the help of WD-40 spray and wipe the surface with a dry towel. Keep in mind that if your wind spinner has any kind of paint or finish on it, be very careful when cleaning it. Only use a damp cloth and avoid using any kind of chemical cleaners. [9]

How do you make a wind spinner out of a plastic bottle?

Take a plastic bottle and wash it and remove the labels. Then, wrap it in a colorful tape and make vertical cuts in the bottle.

The next step is to push the top of your bottle down, squashing it. Hold it like that for a few minutes. Then, make folds on each of the slips you made before. Finally, drill the hole in the bottle cap, knot a thread and make a loop. Now, put the cap back on your spinner and you’re done! [10]

Final thoughts

If you choose to use a garden wind spinner to decorate your garden or as a scarecrow, it doesn’t matter. Be sure to choose a wind spinner that is constructed of durable material, has a beautiful design, is the right height, and is simple to install. Hopefully, after evaluating the top 5 wind spinners on the U.S. market, you’ve found one that suits both your desires and your budget.

References:

1. https://www.thewowdecor.com/garden-decor-and-ornaments-how-to-use-wind-spinners-to-beautify-your-outdoors/
2. https://www.dresstheyard.com/blogs/news/why-you-need-a-wind-spinner-today
3. https://happygardens.com/blogs/news/why-cant-i-get-my-wind-spinner-to-spin
4. https://yardsurfer.com/wind-spinners/
5. https://happygardens.com/blogs/news/how-to-balance-a-wind-spinner
6. https://www.home-dzine.co.za/craft/craft-recycled-aluminium-wind-chime.html
7. https://suncatcherstudio.com/wood-projects/wind-spinners/
8. https://woodworkingformeremortals.com/easy-to-make-wooden-wind-spinner/
9. https://bestgardenz.com/how-to-clean-metal-wind-spinners/
10. https://craftsbyamanda.com/recycled-plastic-bottle-wind-spinner/