Altoids MP3 Player Case

HI All!

After being inspired by the other mp3 cases on here I decided to make my own version for smaller mp3 players. My design can be easily adapted to fit other mp3 players with a modification of just one step (see within). My case has been made to fit a 4GB Creative Zen, and works perfectly.

All of the photos are of the finished article (sorry detail fans).

Materials and Tools:

Metal Altoids Mint Box
6 wooden ice lolly sticks
A pair of old socks/other material.
Pliers
Knife
Awl/Screwdrivers
Scissors
Metal File
Superglue
Tape

Step 1: Create the lining

For this step you need -

Scissors
Tape
Superglue
Socks

I would suggest lining the bottom half of the case first.

1) I did this by cutting the rough shape of the case out of the socks (leaving plenty of excess to be folded over).
2) I then placed the fabric into the case and folded the material on to itself to create nice 'soft' edges. Once you are happy with the shape, tape down the material onto inself so it retains it's shape.
3) You should now have a fabric pad that is the shape of the tin. Flip this over so the nasty taped side is face down. Use superglue to glue to fabric into place.

I then did the top half of the case -

NOTES
1) At this stage it is crucial to make sure that you can still place the mp3 player in the box and it will still shut. This is why my lining layer in the top half of the box is not folded back on itself and is only one layer thick.
2) Make sure you dont put the fabric so it reaches the edge of the lid - the case will not close properly - this is especially important at the edge where the hinges are.

Comments

[samuraiclinton]

Sounds so simple to pull off.

Try harder on themes for MP3 player cases.  Because I like to see one with more functionality.

[pancho del rancho]

i didn't have sticks so i stuffed it with soccer socks i cut them out and im to poor to afford super glue so i used double sided tape and yay i finished but always make sure the lid is closed cause if u put the hole to high it wont close YAY I FINISH WOA

[jaymanbadazz5]

this is pretty kool

[sparky23]

ummmy i love altoids! what that havta do with the instructable thingy????? no idea! good job though

[Elipsis]

I would recommend pushing the mp3 player up to the top of the box, then drilling a hole so only the metal tip of the jack has to fit in the box. I made an Altoids case for my sansa a while back and did this, it works great.

[schmidtty]

hey i have a sansa fuze and im gonna make this case 4 it today.

[Sadam and Osama]

can someone Pm me the dimentions for an altoids tin? we dont see them a lot here in canada, and im not going to the mall anytime soon, and people will think im loopy if i go to the cashier, pick up a tin of altoids, measure it, then leave. I wwnat to know if this'll fit a Zune thanks in advance! :D

[jwater7]

3.75x2.375 in (thats about 9.5x6 cm) Be aware they also have a small curve on the sides too.

[Chavez]

(removed by author or community request)

[technosapien]

Well, so much for Instructables' "be nice" policy. Don't let the detractors get to you, it's a neat idea. And if you're worried about wanting to change volume, song, pause/play, get an in-line remote, which will come in very useful even without an altoids-tin case.

[hack124x768]

They work great, are cheaper than radioshack boxes, and come with free mints!

[!Andrew_Modder!]

ehyeahh...

[jarv34]

http://www.instructables.com/id/E5NTB0FF2AX8PRW/
although this one has a use for lolly sticks that i've never considered.

[Weissensteinburg]

Similar projects done different ways are always welcome.

[bringafajita]

Agreed! As a person addicted to those silly little mints, new suggestions for recycling the tins are are always appreciated.