DVD Stash Box!

Intro: DVD Stash Box!

Take a broken DVD drive or CD drive and turn it into a secret stash box.

STEP 1: What You Need

1. A dead DVD or CD drive. Dead meaning the drawer still operates but it does not read or write discs.
2. A 3v button cell battery and holder
3. A magnetic switch from an old alarm system or magnetic reed switch.
4. A strong neodymium magnet
5. Small wire
6. Hot glue or other glue.

STEP 2: Prepare the Drive

1. Remove all of the screws from the top and bottom covers of the drive. Save the screws. Sticking them to a magnet is an easy way to make sure they don't 'wander' off.

2. Remove the circuit board at the back of the drive by snapping it out and unplugging the ribbon cables. Hang on to the board as it will be going back in at the end.

3. Remove the carriage assembly. There are usually a few small screws and then rubber grommets that hold it in place.

4. The drawer should slide back and forth. If not, inspect the drive to see if there are any other pieces that need to be removed.

STEP 3: Wire the Circuit

1. Locate the motor contacts on the front circuit board of the drive. They should be marked.

2. Solder two wires to the motor. Since we want the drive to open when the switch is activated, reverse the contacts. You can test yours with the 3V button cell or two AA batteries.

3. Solder one wire to the 3V battery holder and the other wire directly to the magnetic switch contact. You wan to use the Normally Open (N.O.) connection on the switch if it has one. Solder another wire from the other contact on the switch to the other connection on the battery holder.

STEP 4: Complete Assembly

1. Add the 3v battery to the holder and test the circuit by using the magnet to close the contacts on the switch. If you have it wired correctly, the drawer should slide open.

2. Hot glue the switch to the bottom cover of the case. Reattach the circuit board you removed earlier. This will give the drive a finished look in the back of the drive.

3. Re-assemble the top and bottom covers of the drive.

STEP 5: Your Stash Drive Is Done!

To use the Stash Drive, close the drawer manually. Use the magnet to 'activate' the switch and the drawer will open. Add your items and then manually close the drawer. I cut out a small piece of poster board as a 'floor' to the drive. Note: Since the carriage and inside pieces have been removed the drive cannot be opened by using a paper clip in the 'emergency' hole in the front.

Have fun!

Comments

[PogueMahone1775]

Man, I thought there would be more of these here! I'd like to do this to my truck CD player (it's been dead for years). It would be nice to store my pistol in when I go into a school or other "NO FIREARMS" building. I hate stuffing it into my glove box, center console, or under the seat.

[thepaul93]

Great Instructable. I think i just might make this one.

[thepaul93]

[thepaul93]

I used a 9V battery because i found a 3V was not powerful enough. I wired the motor to 2 pins of the IDE connector. I use a coin to short it, to open the drive.

[becker990]

great Idea, thanks!!

[becker990]

amaaaaazing ideia, im going to hide a lot of spices there

[PyroMonger]

Here it is!!   Sorry, I'm having trouble with video but it will be up soon

[Rambo32]

i have a very similar one how did you get it to open without force

if i don't close mine all the way it is fine but when fully closed it wont open

[PyroMonger]

I had the same issue unfortunately. Its been a while since i did this roject but actually still have it lying around somewhere. i will try to figure out a solution and get back to you

[PyroMonger]

I made this about a month ago but then the battery in it died so i didnt use it for a while then I resurrected it today, removed the battery and made it plug into a wall wart and also made it remote controlled. ( no view of wall wart in video though, sorry)

[DWordDtour]

When i hook my 3v button cell to wires connected to the positive and negative points nothing happens. Am I doing something wrong? (The battery does have power in it.

[shanertheman13]

I'm a little late here but flip the battery around

[mischka]

What herbs do you hide in your box?

[bird123457]

Its Catnip!

[retrotimelord]

ya that look sooooo much like cat nip

[nickodemus]

Great idea with the magnet, I'll have to give this a try sometime.

[bobhill125]

I put weed in mine :) the cops will never know now

[DataSoong]

they will now! ;)

[worleyll]

I made one too! i drilled holes and put a rubber band to use as a money clip. i hooked a 9 volt battery up through the original push button to open it.

[Jimpiedepimpie]

Looks easy. I might try that. But i think im just gonna use a switch and hide it somewhere.