Introduction: Drawer Panel Secret Compartment

This instructable will show you how to make a secret compartment in the front panel of your draw. The size of this compartment can hold a USB, Money, a key and much more. It is completely undetectable to anyone if it is done right. This slot in the wood in hidden by a fake sticker held on with a metal strip and magnets. Many people may not have stickers on their desk and draws so you can also use this method but with the vinyl already covering the chipboard.

What you will need:
--Materials--
-Draw
-2 Magnets
-Thin metal
-Super Glue
-Paper

--Tools--
-Drill with drill bits
-Hack or Tenon Saw
-Sandpaper
-Screwdriver

Step 1: Take Apart and Trace

First you need to take off the front panel seperating the sides and base. These draws have a second layer on the front so it makes it easier to make the slot. I have traced the second layer so I know the space I have to work with before I pry up the second layer, draw up the slot you will cut considering what you want to hide.

Step 2: Cutting the Hole

Once you have traced the slot, drill 3 or more holes side by side in the corner and connect them dragging the drill to the other holes. This should now fit the blade of a hack saw, take off the blade and reconnect through the hole. You can now cut the wood and repeat for the other sides. This would be much easier if you had acsess to a jig saw. If the edges are still rough you can wrap sandpaper around a chisel or similar object and sand the edges flat.

Step 3: Making the Cover

Next I made the cover that hides the slot. First I have glued the sticker to some paper so the back would not be sticky and for stiffness. Trim off the excess paper and then you will need a thin piece of metal. I have cut this piece of metal from a mint tin, you can sand the metal to smooth the edges and rough the flat side to glue to the paper better.

Step 4: Attaching the Cover

The sticker covering the slot is attached with glue on one side and magnets and the metal strip. Find a drill bit slightly smaller than your magnets and drill the holes to the depth of your magnets. I have taken my magnets from a phone case, the magnets should firmly fit into the holes and could be glued in if necessary. You can then sand the wood around them to make them flush. Shown in the third image you can glue the selected area to the opposite side of slot.

It is now done but if you can think of any improvements or if you have done something similar please comment below.

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Secret Doors and Compartments Contest

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