Plastic enclosures / project boxes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 07:16:31 pm
content: I seem to be having trouble finding plastic enclosures that are less expensive than the projects I want to put inside them.Any suggestions? I'm hoping to get it from some place a little faster than what I could do on Aliexpress.I can't justify paying $5 to $7 to house an adjustable 555 oscillator built on strip board.I tend to frequent dollar stores to look for reusable items but really all they have are thin food containers.I'm looking for stuff in the range of 3"x5"x1" or 5"x7"x1"Altoids containers seem to be either not wide enough or thick enough. I miss the old metal bandaid containers from the 80s and earlier.I don't mind if these containers were previously some other kind of housing as long as there's not a big open end on them.

author: JohnnyGringo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 07:30:26 pm
content: How about spice tins/jars:http://www.specialtybottle.com/tinsquaredeepcontainer8ozwcleartopcover.aspxTins are less than $1 USD. I've never ordered from these folks nor do I endorse their products. Like that would really matter anyway...EDIT: They also have plastic containers for $0.86http://www.specialtybottle.com/amberheavywallpetplasticjarsmi.aspx

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 07:32:05 pm
content: Something likethis?

author: Len
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 07:58:24 pm
content: Sparkfun has a small project box for $3.95:https://www.sparkfun.com/products/138But they'll probably ship it in one of their nice red cardboard boxes which you can also use as a project box. Two for the price of one!

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 08:08:10 pm
content: That last one got me thinking of other places to look for "reusable" boxes. Maybe something jewelry related. (gears are turning in my brain)

author: minime72706
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 08:33:40 pm
content: See if anything at pactec suits your budget and needs:http://www.pactecenclosures.com/product-detail.php?productid=106&seriesid=57&classid=27That's just an example - I personally don't find $5 - $7 unreasonable if the project was worth building in the first place. --- If the project is worth keeping safe and functional, it's worth a $5 enclosure in my book.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 09:53:51 pm
content: Quote from: JohnnyGringo on October 30, 2013, 07:30:26 pmI might try some of those tin enclosures.. for one-offs and small projects/prototypes... thanks for the link.They even have a windowed one with a hinged top

author: JohnnyGringo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 10:15:52 pm
content: Please, if you do order a few, let us all know how they worked out for you.

author: Whuffo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 02:21:00 pm
content: Quote from: minime72706 on October 30, 2013, 08:33:40 pmI've used PacTec enclosures and they're very nice - highly recommended for smaller projects.

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 03:21:29 pm
content: 1.- Radio Shack has clearances from time to time2.- Dumpster diving3.- Junk yard in your town4.- Thrift stores5.- Hobby Stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc) (Hobby Town, etc)6.- Hardware store (Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, True Value)6.- Local electronic stores (Fry's electronics, etc)7.- Surplus stores8.- Garage sales9.- Look in your garage, I'm sure you have a pile of electronics that don't work anymore and they're waiting to be taken apart10.- Candy Store (buy those chocolates in a nice plastic box)

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 04:00:15 pm
content: I feel like the time I take to put a project together (especially if I solder it) will end up making a several dollar box worth it.You might also want to check out an old wall wart or power supply, once the cables are removed they make a formidable box in which you can cut your own holes and stuff.Like rectangular power bricks that are broke.

author: minime72706
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 04:57:38 pm
content: Quote from: SArepairman on October 31, 2013, 04:00:15 pm+1One tip I have is that Weatherproof PVC Electrical Outlet Boxes are pretty cost-effective weather-resistance enclosures - Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 07:30:14 pm
content: Quote from: casinada on October 31, 2013, 03:21:29 pmI have no garageJust a small apartment.But I'm getting a lot of good ideas from this thread.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 08:05:07 pm
content: If you are just going for protection and not looking great, there are a ton of little boxes that cheap tools come in from Harbor Freight. The up side is that you not only get a project box, but you get some great cheap chinese tools. All for under 5 buckshttp://www.harborfreight.com/electronic-repair-kit-67062.html

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 09:27:00 pm
content: Quote from: casinada on October 31, 2013, 03:21:29 pmI'm ok with this. Jim Williams used a cookie tin once (maybe more than once!) for a shielded enclosure.I have a round cookie tin waiting to be similarly used once the contents are deliciously consumed...mmm Royal Dansk

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 09:30:06 pm
content: Quote from: codeboy2k on October 31, 2013, 09:27:00 pmMetal 1gallon paint cans work well for this too.

author: minime72706
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 10:22:32 pm
content: Quote from: codeboy2k on October 31, 2013, 09:27:00 pmI just picked up a tin of these less than a couple of hours ago!

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2013, 07:21:37 am
content: Quote from: Smokey on October 31, 2013, 09:30:06 pmhttp://www.diyphysics.com/2013/01/12/a-low-cost-super-sensitive-paint-can-scintillation-probe-for-the-prutchi-cdv700-pro/

author: lapm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2013, 05:58:48 pm
content: For some small projects i have used kitchen containers.. Yes not pro looking but gets the job done. Cheap too from local supermarket. Also different size plastic storage containers for bigger stuff.Definitely not high-tech and not for sensitive stuff.Other then that old medicine pill bottles, etc... have usually found new use after some time.