Introduction: Lock an Altiods Container
There are thousands of uses for Altiods aside from eating them. However if they can open unintentionally it can make them far less effective. Outlined in this intractable is how to build a free easy lock for an Altoids case.
Step 1: Gather Materials
For this project you will need a set of needle nosed pilars, wirecutters, a paper clip, a thumbtack, and an Altoids container.
Step 2: Straighten and Cut Paperclip
Using the needle nose pilars striagten the paper clip. (It doesn't have to be perfect) then cut a small piece of the paperclip with wirecutters.(see image two for approx. size)
Step 3: Punch a Hole
Use the Thumb Tack to punch a hole through both parts of the Altoids tin. This is easier said then done you may have to do one section.
Step 4: Bend the Paper Clip
For the first bend make a 90 degree bend about twice the size of the hole down the piece of paper clip. For the second bend stick the 1st bend into the hle and mark where the clip reaches the top. Then bend again at 90 degrees to create a 'c' shape.
Step 5: Volia!
You Should have something that looks like this. To lock the case slide the smallest end in the hole, lift the long end up and then slide down.
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34 Comments
13 years ago on Introduction
its called tape. use it.
Reply 6 years ago
tape is hard to take off.
Reply 6 years ago
tape is hard to take off.
Reply 6 years ago
tape is hard to take off.
13 years ago on Introduction
simple, safe (exluding thumbtak), and easy...5 stars
13 years ago on Introduction
i like to make another ben in the unbent end of the paperclip and put it in a second hole in the lid so it doesn't swivel around
13 years ago on Introduction
Awesome i used it on my mini notebook and mini pen holder but wen i waz making the hole i slipped and shoved the thumb tack in my thumb :(
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
thats why its called a THUMB tack. Its just a nicer term for the midevil torture item Thumb Screws.
15 years ago on Introduction
Perfect !!!. i use altoids for keeping gunpowder (ect.) in and it opens unintentionaly sometimes. GREAT instructable. 13.5/10
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Wow you keep gunpowder in a METAL tin. Very unsafe. What if there happen to be a static spark while the gunpowder was in there. That would end badly. Not recomended
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Gunpowder comes in a metal tin. lol.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
go down to a gun shop they sell it in a metal container
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Plus he could easily spray some anti static in it.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Or put it in a anti-static bag. (Or better, melt one over it, although take the gunpower out first.)
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
13.5/10??? Just wondering
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
13.5 out of 10
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
ok thanks
14 years ago on Introduction
To punch a hole use a fully metal thumbtack (the old-fashioned ones) and hammer it through with a hammer.
14 years ago on Introduction
I'd make a hooked end that rotates(just through the bottom, then use an L-shaped pieceto lock it.
14 years ago on Introduction
From what I can tell this looks like a simple lock if anyone is curious how it works I would say you pierce both the lid and the tin and the paper clip keeps them from opening. The hook only keeps the clip from sliding out which would be possible if it were in an L instead of a J shape. Its clever, its simple and I shall start using this instead of a strap/rubber band.