Introduction: Smartphone Protector Using Pipe Insulation (includes Drop Test Video)

About: Occupation: tech support

Simple, inexpensive and effective smartphone case that does not transmit vibrations to the phone like many of the protectors that are for sale commercially.

Parts:
1. Duct tape
2. 1/2 inch foam self-sealing pipe insulation (Home Depot has them in 4 foot lengths for about $2.50 each
3. Scissors or utility knife
4. Smartphone (in this case a Samsung VS980 4G)

To build:
1. Cut the pipe insulation into lengths that are slightly longer than the smartphone
2. Remove the plastic on the self-sealing portion of the pipe insulation and attach to the phone edges
3. Use duct tape on the back to reinforce the attachment of the pipe insulation to the back of the smartphone. Be sure not to cover the screen.

Notes:
1. Pipe insulators also double as hand-holds when using texting, apps and Internet functions.
2. Be sure to cut the pipe insulators clean and straight; that way the phone can be stood on its end to take pictures and movies.
3. The pipe insulators make the phone bulky and ugly, making it difficult to steal.
4. Video (below) is of a drop test on a marble counter from about 2 feet (thank you to Pete at Big Al's Pizza in NYC)
5. If your smartphone has ports or buttons on the side (this Samsung does not), attach the pipe insulators and then cutout the portions that are covering the buttons/port.

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