Tough PVC Cases For Anything

Ever need a case for something that you didn't want broken? Like making things that are simple, yet indestructible?

It is very simple to make a very tough case out of some PVC or ABS pipe.
I made a gift for my  friend, but it was pretty delicate, so I needed a case to put it in. Looking at the junk lying around my work table, I devised this and built in in about an hour.

Step 1 Materials and Tools

Tools:

• Saw, either a hack saw, hand saw, or reciprocating saw.
• Ruler and marker to make straight lines.
• Drill
• Rivet gun
• Hot glue
• Knife

Materials:

• PVC or ABS pipe, mine was 2-inch diameter, but whatever works
• Tough foam, or two end caps to fit the pipe
• Cloth-optional
• Short screws or rivets
• two small hinges

Comments

[bobzjr]

Another idea to tweak the design - solid endcaps attached to one side of clamshell. Instead of two half moons, a full circle attached to one side.

[ilpug]

That would also work well. I used foam because I had limited time and materials. If I make another I will use wood. You could also use PVC end caps to make the ends, then cut them too. I really like your sketches, they get the ideas across very clearly.

[bobzjr]

Nice instructable! Thanks for posting. Have you considered using an integrated velcro strap for the "latch" mechanism? I'm wanting to use what you've shared and use this type mechansim...

[ilpug]

I considered that, and it is totally a viable system to use. I just chose the clip system because it was simple and matched the native material.

Go ahead! If you make some, post the pictures, I would love to see.

[wiley coyote]

Excellent idea! I'm may try to make one using a living hinge.... see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_hinge... for a more streamlined effect and possible added stability without alignment issues, etc... with hinges and hardware.

[bobzjr]

How would you make a living hinge? Would you use the interior vinyl lining as the hinge material? I can't think of anyway to use only the PVC material itself for the hinge...

[ilpug]

Sounds awesome! Do it!

[Pfarmkid]

two things

1. +

2. 1

Equals +1

[ilpug]

Thanks :P

[Junophor]

You are right!!

A very good idea instead of using an oakley case;-))))) for your instructables

Cheers Aeon Junophor

[Santawon]

Very cool idea. I have a hundred ideas I could do with these. Going to make some as soon as possible. Thanks for the awesome instructions.....

[Rane]

I have made something similar to this once for a geocaching container. Good instructable.

[jpwwalker]

Such a great way of putting small items in my tool box such as drill bits! I might even make another one to put a pair of safety glasses in to stop them getting scratched in my box!!

[ilpug]

This makes a great glasses case, except for the fact that it is really bulky.

[abstracted]

great idea for my camera lenz`s

[paqrat]

Great idea and great instructable. I may have to try this. If one were to use clear plastic as one end one could possibly see what is inside.

[ilpug]

Yeah, that would definitely be possible. You can actually get clear PVC pipe, so I suppose you could use that for the full effect.

[quantumz]

This is a great idea that yields a handsome case.

One possible addition would be to use expanding foam insulation to make a custom shaped insert inside the tube, so the object isn't rattling around inside the case.
Like in this project for making custom tool drawers: 
http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=4770.0

[criggie]

Stunning idea - I've got a socket set which had a thin plastic liner. It broke so I tried making something with polystychrene, which worked but is messy.
That's on the plan for tomorrow.

[apburner]

That is a great idea also. Fantastic tool storage idea. And the PVC carrier is brilliant.

[ilpug]

I never thought of that! Great idea!

[tinker234]

could i possibly add lead to the case for radioactive materials

[ilpug]

Umm,If you choose to, I can't guarantee the safety. Just out of curiosity, what are you putting in it that is radioactive?

[tinker234]

forgot to add im not allowed to disclose my ressearch by boss

[ilpug]

Okay, just be safe. This case isn't really designed for that, so do it at your own risk.

[tinker234]

i think that this a great projects thanks

[Ed-win]

If you will drill the hole for the hinges before you cut the pipe into it is eaiser. Neat idea.

[ilpug]

True. It doesn't really matter what order you do it in

[lukeD]

You are such a genius!!
this is so simple!

I have a little problem, I like to go fishing in my free time.
and I use very fragile fishing floats. They break very fast, so if I make a case for the floats with pvc of 0.6 inch. that would be very great! I'll try it for sure.

what I will add to your design are holes, around 10 I think, So the I can put the floats in the case when they are still wet, and thanks to the holes the floats can dry. the foam to close the sides will stay, so I can put thee hook of the fishing tackle into that foam,
then i can wrap the rest of the fishing line around the pvc pipe.

there will be space for one fishing float in one sase.

A perfect design for most fishers I think.

great ible

rated *5

[ilpug]

Wow! I never even thought of fishing stuff. Good application! And thanks!

[ehudwill]

I made a case like this out of bamboo, but had trouble with the latch. I like your latch idea. Great job.

[prestux]

Great Idea! Thanks.

[tinker234]

could i possibly put the hinges inside and cover them

[n0ukf]

putting the hinges on the inside, you'd have to bevel the outside of the hinged joint so that it will open.

My thought instead was to put the pins inward instead of outward (notch out the joint for them).

[tinker234]

wow thank you

[wiley coyote]

Try it by making one of these down one side, rather than cut through. The exterior, and interior, should be smooth.

Living hinge.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_hinge

[tinker234]

thanks

[MorNiLachnan]

You sir, are a god. :-)
Going to make a few of these to hold some of our camping gear.

[gtoal]

I made a hard case for my one-piece pool cue out of this piping once, all it took was a couple of end-caps and a carrying handle. Fast & cheap!

[ilpug]

Nice!