$2.50 iPhone Bumper Case

I just got my iPhone 4.

When I picked it up the first time - I cringed.  It's very pretty - but with a glass screen and a glass back - it seems leaving the house without a case is a recipe for disaster.

Apple is of course sending me a free case - but I won't get it for another 2-4 weeks.

So - I came up with a simple homemade "bumper-style" case design.  

It's not beautiful - but it definitely offers decent protection for cheap!

This project should also offer relief to those affected by the "Antennagate" / "Grip of Death" reception issue.

I made this case for my iPhone 4 - but there's not reason they should work for any iPhone and even other smartphones.

Step 1 What You'll Need

This project requires:

An iPhone (or any other smart phone)

3M Temflex 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape
    -Is a "fusing" tape. It doesn't actually have adhesive - but bonds with itself!
   -Available at Lowes hardware for about $2.50 in the electrical section
   -Other "splicing" or "fusing" tape may also work

Silver Sharpie (optional)

Scissors

Utility Knife

Comments

[Vissy]

3M makes a type we use at work as electricians, it has a fiber inside it, but otherwise the same as what you have. That may resist splitting. Theres also a silicone tape that fuses to itself, but I think it only comes in a light gray color.

The only downside is that it attracts dirt. I wiped a tiny bit of oil on a hammer I wrapped the tape in; its enough to fill in and kill the adhesive properties on the outer exposed layer, but not enough to make it come loose, unravel, or slip out of my hand when using it.

[canida]

Hm, this has me thinking about a recycled bike innertube bumper...

[mr.incredible]

Good idea... Maybe a larger diameter tube like for a small tractor wheel. Cut a closed section the width you want and stretch it around the phone. It would smell like an inner tube though, even a new one.