Easy way to make lid to enclosure more secure?

[antinous]

So my gf got me this 'crystal clear plastic' shoe box to use as a possible display enclosure. Only thing is, the lid comes off very easily. Does anyone know of any easy way to make the lid more secure? I'd really like to try to make it into something I could use as it was pretty cheap and it would make a great display enclosure after some small adjustments.

Also, do you think it would hold up to having holes drilled into it? I know acrylic can be drilled into, but can plastic as well?

 

[Hardus nameous]

I used to drill plastic everyday, but it was relatively soft poly ethylene, and there are many different types of plastic so.......
It depends on the type of plastic. You might be able to glue or weld a hasp and hinge to it. To do either it would be best to know the type of plastic as not all types bond together or are compatible with the same glues.

As for drilling, you can try, but I think those boxes are usually pretty thin and brittle. You might be better off trying to melt holes in it.

 

[antinous]

I used to drill plastic everyday, but it was relatively soft poly ethylene, and there are many different types of plastic so.......
It depends on the type of plastic. You might be able to glue or weld a hasp and hinge to it. To do either it would be best to know the type of plastic as not all types bond together or are compatible with the same glues.

As for drilling, you can try, but I think those boxes are usually pretty thin and brittle. You might be better off trying to melt holes in it.

It's supposed to be made from the same plastic as the AMAC boxes now that I've read into it abit so I think I'll give it a shot. Even thought it wouldn't be as pleasing to the eye, would be putting Velcro on the sides be a possible solution to this?

 

[Hardus nameous]

It's supposed to be made from the same plastic as the AMAC boxes now that I've read into it abit so I think I'll give it a shot. Even thought it wouldn't be as pleasing to the eye, would be putting Velcro on the sides be a possible solution to this?

I looked up the AMAC boxes and it said they were made from polystyrene. So I guess you could glue some pieces of velcro to the sides. The only thing is the glue must be compatible with polystyrene, and most of those glues I've found so far are geared towards the expanded foam version. I THINK they would work fine on the non-expanded rigid plastic, but I can't say for sure. All my experience is with polyethylenes and Nylon.

 

[antinous]

I looked up the AMAC boxes and it said they were made from polystyrene. So I guess you could glue some pieces of velcro to the sides. The only thing is the glue must be compatible with polystyrene, and most of those glues I've found so far are geared towards the expanded foam version. I THINK they would work fine on the non-expanded rigid plastic, but I can't say for sure. All my experience is with polyethylenes and Nylon.

Would industrial strength Velcro tape be okay you think? I think that might be my only low cost option..

 

[Hardus nameous]

Would industrial strength Velcro tape be okay you think? I think that might be my only low cost option..

I don't see why not.

 

[antinous]

I don't see why not.

Actually would drilling a hole through the lip of the lid and the enclosure and then sticking a blunt nail through like a lock pin work?

 

[Minty]

So my gf got me this 'crystal clear plastic' shoe box to use as a possible display enclosure. Only thing is, the lid comes off very easily. Does anyone know of any easy way to make the lid more secure? I'd really like to try to make it into something I could use as it was pretty cheap and it would make a great display enclosure after some small adjustments.

Also, do you think it would hold up to having holes drilled into it? I know acrylic can be drilled into, but can plastic as well?

I have an OBT in this exact enclosure. It’s fine for drilling holes and the extra ventilation is necessary, IME.

I just use tape and a paper weight, for the lid. No issues.

 

[antinous]

I have an OBT in this exact enclosure. It’s fine for drilling holes and the extra ventilation is necessary, IME.

I just use tape and a paper weight, for the lid. No issues.

Sweet, that’s great to hear!

I’m actually trying to make this a centerpiece for my ‘office’, but I’ll try a lock pin system and if that doesn’t work for some reason I’ll just use tape or put some Velcro on it

Thanks!

 

[Thekla]

Would industrial strength Velcro tape be okay you think? I think that might be my only low cost option..

I use Velcro for several enclosures. It doesn't look too pretty, but it works like a charm.

 

[BoyFromLA]

I recently fell in love with clear shoe display boxes, and in my opinion, it’s way better, useful, cheaper, and easy to come by than most of the high priced enclosures out there.

 

[antinous]

I recently fell in love with clear shoe display boxes, and in my opinion, it’s way better, useful, cheaper, and easy to come by than most of the high priced enclosures out there.

View attachment 294926

Which one from those are the one I posted? Also it seems like you put a hinge on some of them, how exactly did it work with the lid or did you have to do some cutting?

 

[BoyFromLA]

Which one from those are the one I posted? Also it seems like you put a hinge on some of them, how exactly did it work with the lid or did you have to do some cutting?

There is a few types of clear shoe display boxes out there, and mine comes with a hinge already so it can easily be opened wide.

 

[antinous]

There is a few types of clear shoe display boxes out there, and mine comes with a hinge already so it can easily be opened wide.

View attachment 294933

Do you mind if I ask for a link? Coming with a hinge would be a huge help haha.

 

[BoyFromLA]

Do you mind if I ask for a link? Coming with a hinge would be a huge help haha.

I sent you the link in PM.

 

[antinous]

I used to drill plastic everyday, but it was relatively soft poly ethylene, and there are many different types of plastic so.......
It depends on the type of plastic. You might be able to glue or weld a hasp and hinge to it. To do either it would be best to know the type of plastic as not all types bond together or are compatible with the same glues.

As for drilling, you can try, but I think those boxes are usually pretty thin and brittle. You might be better off trying to melt holes in it.

Question, if I do want to add hinges to it, does it matter what size the hinges are? I found some ones that are around 1.5” but was wondering if I’d need more than two since the enclosure is a bit big

 

[Hardus nameous]

Question, if I do want to add hinges to it, does it matter what size the hinges are? I found some ones that are around 1.5” but was wondering if I’d need more than two since the enclosure is a bit big

I would guess two would be ok. I don't know how strong the hinges are but I can't see the lid having too much weight.

 

[Glorious Baboon]

Acrylic hinges with weld on 16 should hold them on there, I’ve also used jewelry box hinges and drilled pilot holes for the screws cut them a hair under flush with the plastic then put epoxy in the hole to fill the rest in for a smooth finish

 

[David McCreary]

So my gf got me this 'crystal clear plastic' shoe box to use as a possible display enclosure. Only thing is, the lid comes off very easily. Does anyone know of any easy way to make the lid more secure? I'd really like to try to make it into something I could use as it was pretty cheap and it would make a great display enclosure after some small adjustments.

Also, do you think it would hold up to having holes drilled into it? I know acrylic can be drilled into, but can plastic as well?

I have drilled many holes in many types of plastic. It is best done with a sharp forstner bit (flat on the end instead of pointed). Place the plastic to be drilled on a sturdy piece of wood like a 2x4 and keep pressure on the drill. The wood keeps the exit of the hole stable so it doesn't tear.

 

[David McCreary]

So my gf got me this 'crystal clear plastic' shoe box to use as a possible display enclosure. Only thing is, the lid comes off very easily. Does anyone know of any easy way to make the lid more secure? I'd really like to try to make it into something I could use as it was pretty cheap and it would make a great display enclosure after some small adjustments.

Also, do you think it would hold up to having holes drilled into it? I know acrylic can be drilled into, but can plastic as well?

As far as security goes, if the top overlaps the sides at all, drill holes on all four sides through the overlapping top then mark the side and drill into the side to match locations. Make the hole the size that a sheet rock screw fits snug. Much better than any glued on hasp arrangement and there is nothing that will fit inside the enclosure that has a snowballs chance of getting out.