Introduction: Altoids Tin Earbud Case!
I've always had trouble with what to do with my earbuds. I've tried holding them, bunching them up and stuffing them in my pocket (which my friend still does), and recently I've used the over-under method. That works okay, but if you have other stuff in your pocket, like I do on a regular basis, they tend to still get tangled up. So I thought, then looked at the Altoids gum tin sitting in the corner waiting for a project. That was enough for me.
This is a really simple project that only uses a few components and tools, but is very rewarding in the end when you can rest easy knowing that your earbuds will feel no more pain from getting poked by screws and other useless junk in you pocket. Have fun!
Step 1: Parts and Stuff
As for parts, the only things you'll need are an Altoids gum tin and little "L" brackets. I got mine from OSH. They're about 3/4" long and tall, and about 1/2" wide.
The tools are pretty easily obtainable, too. You'll need a hot glue gun with glue sticks, a vice, a flat head screwdriver, and a wrench. The last few tools can be substituted for similar items. They are all for bending the "L" brackets, so use whatever works.
Step 2: The Brackets
You will need to bend the "L" brackets enough so that when they are in the tin, the lid won't contact them when it closes. This should be close to 90 degrees.
To bend the brackets, first put one in the vice. Then slide the end of the screw driver under it and lift up. This should keep the entire "arm" straight as you bend it. You may also need a wrench for the last bit. Once the first one is done, duplicate the method for the second bracket.
Step 3: Gluing the Parts Together
Before you glue the brackets into place in the Altoids tin, mark the center line of the tin with a Sharpie and ruler. Now you can put the brackets into place. Get your hot glue gun actually hot so the glue takes a while to cool down. Then put some glue in then tin. Too much will add to the height of the "L" brackets and cause them to hit the lid. Too little will make them break off. Do one bracket at a time and position them so they point outwards. After both are glued in, wait a while, then try it out. Start with the plug on the side where the lid is attached and begin wrapping. Because of the angle of the brackets, the cord actually slides down and positions itself perfectly in line with the other wraps. At the end of the process, put the actual earbuds themselves in the center of the wrappings and close the lid. Horray! You've succeeded at winning the mission! Also, just a little pointer to those of you who like soldering and music. Soldering irons do not like earbud cords.
27 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
I've done this with a "mini" altoids tin without any modification. Just wind up the earbuds, place in tin, close. Neat and tidy!!
10 years ago on Step 3
Why not glue the brackets to the underside of the lid? ... easier to wind and unwind , and it should still close up fine.
13 years ago on Introduction
Any idea where to get them in Australia, my friend recently came back with a tin but he would not let me purchase it.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Here's a place you can purchase unpainted tins online.
http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/SearchIndexMetal.html
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
This ships worldwide :D
cgi.ebay.com/3-TINS-ALTOIDS-CHEWING-GUM-CINNAMON-60-PIECES-/400117446730
Around $8 US for 3 of 'em, gum included!
13 years ago on Introduction
what is the put in this?
13 years ago on Introduction
Altoids have so many uses, but they dont sell them where i live. I had a Altoid tin sence i was little, so im looking for the best use for it.
14 years ago on Introduction
where did you get altoids gum from?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Starbucks
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
could you send me some
great ible by the way 5*
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I found one at Rite-aid in their candy aisle. It works great!
14 years ago on Introduction
Wwwow. Putting earbuds on brackets in a metal case. What a great idea. 5*
14 years ago on Introduction
I found the small altoid tins are too small. After using them for about a month, I am finding it hard to get the earbuds in and out. Now to find an gum tin.
14 years ago on Introduction
This is a great idea!!!! I couldn't find a gum tin so I used a small Altoids tin (1 inch by 1 1/2 inch and 1/2 tall). I couldn't find angle brackets small enough, so I used 2 "Binding Post with Screws". I used JB Weld to glue the posts down. It holds iPhone earbuds with little room to spare.
14 years ago on Introduction
great idea! i would glue the brackets to the top lid of the tin. or maybe a plastic-bottle-cap split in two...
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Oh this idea is even better! I am hoping to make it so that I can store my shuffle too.
14 years ago on Step 3
that is so cool
14 years ago on Introduction
Good idea. I actually came up with this idea before I even discovered Insctructables.com, I built a case for my Ipod Nano. It fit nicely, put some protective coverings in the inside walls, and drilled a hole in the bottom for the headphones to go through. It worked out very nicely, and protected my Ipod from breaking multiple times. Also awards mega geek points.
14 years ago on Step 3
This is something I might try. I'm tired of air buds getting destroyed by being stepped on or whatever. A good Christmas break project for my kids.
14 years ago on Introduction
At first I saw the title and was thinking this would be rubbish but the addition of a bracket instead of telling people to blindly stuff them in to an altoids tin makes this pretty nice... I personally give up and just learn to enjoy the untangling of headphones, or leave them on me so I just plug them back in to my phone and ears... I'm tempted to mod a retractable USB cable in to a headphone line but that plan's not without its issues.