DIY Pocket Protector

Maybe I've spent too much time at Instructables World Headquarters, but I woke up this morning with a sudden urge to make myself a pocket protector.

Upon seeing how cool my pocket protector was, everyone else at Instructables requested that I make some for them.

In short, making your own pocket protector will turn you into a very popular person.

Disclaimer: Melting vinyl or plastic may be toxic and should be done in a well-ventilated area. Do this at your own risk.

Step 1: Go get stuff

You will need...

Materials:
- a 3-ring binder with a vinyl cover (as pictured)
- or a vinyl term paper cover

Tools:
- a plastic bag sealer
- or a soldering iron and some wax paper

Optional:
- a laser cutter
- or ink jet printer

Comments

[Jessie Marie]

This is awesome.

[BobsDogHouse]

Aww... you didn't make it out of duct tape?

[randofo]

Duct tape is soooo over. Besides, gaffers tape is better for making stuff out of.

[ElvenChild]

huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? How dare you say that about duct tape oh wait that means more for me. My precious

[bruce.cao]

hahaha I love this, thanks randofo!! I got me thinkin of making just a faux pocket protector and wear it as an ID Badge holder (around the neck style like my company likes) I'm sure I can find a way to get a clear side in the front somehow (clear vinyl binder + iron to melt it all into 1 piece?? idk) we'll have to see but thanks for the great idea!!

[randofo]

Just be careful when ironing it, heating vinyl can produce chlorine gas which can be lethal.

[zieak]

Oh how i wish i had seen this before the "nerd rodeo" party i went to a few months back. Sigh. I had all the accessories except a pocket protector. If you think about it a nerd rodeo is about the best themed party that anyone ever thought of. I knew you'd agree.

[randofo]

Nerd rodeo. That sounds pretty awesome. I wish I got invited to nerd rodeos. Was there a mechanical bull?

[zieak]

Sadly, no. But they had a corn-on-the-cob eating contest.

[Supercoke]

how do you use it in the printer?

[randofo]

I would guess to print on it, you can cut it to an 8.5" x 11" sheet (the size of normal paper) and then play with your printer material settings and just try to send it through and see what happens.

[ninja slacker]

pocket protectors are super hypo nerd.why would you not want one

[randofo]

because they're awesome.

[shammallamaman]

he said why would you NOT want one, so he was complimenting it, not insulting the project

[johnpojman]

Great to see someone who values pocket protectors -- "the fasion accessory of the new millenium".
Check out the world's largest webseum of pocket protectors
http://pocketprotectors.info/

[trebuchet03]

I'm totally gonna pimp out my pocket protector.... At least some sort of blinky light :D

[Punkguyta]

how bout a tiny lcd and a embedded xp machine :P

[zachninme]

No! Embedded linux! XP doesn't work so great on embedded platforms... and I think it no longer makes it "embedded", as it can then do anything...

[adamthiede]

pocket protectors are super hypo nerdo. whyd you want one?

[adamthiede]

pocket protectors are hypo-nerdo. why would you want one?

[Austinbwood]

Yeah.....Go gaffiers tape!!! Sweet Pocket proctector too!

[canida]

When do we get our pocket protectors?
I can't wait- it will make me look totally cool.

[randofo]

Very shortly... In a whole rainbow of colors!

[T3h_Muffinator]

Can I get one when I come over?!

[randofo]

I'll be long gone by then. Send me your middle initial and I'll work something out for you when I make everyone elses.

[T3h_Muffinator]

Awesome! It's "M", for Michael... actually, no, it stands for Muffin!

[canida]

Awesome. Now I just need a slide rule holster to be the ultimate in retro nerdiness.