How to cut and prepare foam in a Pelican Case \\ Innovative Defensive Solutions, llc

[@nathanp6502]

A decade later, you saved the day! Thanks for the video!

[@donyoung1162]

Why so many haters with the responses? This video is exactly what folks need to cut the foam in a cheap and simple manner. Thanks very much Evan. The video is very helpful.

[@CARSON67]

+dry 220 idk....smh, thanks for the positive feedback.

[@jdb3160]

Because every gun nut is a know it all. They will pick everything someone does apart.

[@stylin60es]

Agree! Haters gonna hate

[@1999colebug]

He starts cutting at 11:45

[@recless8667]

The real hero, right there.

[@patchescra7951]

First let's open the case , I was like really

[@TheActiveAssault]

Thank you good sir.

[@supermanofkrypton7524]

Actually, at 12.52

[@pollywiggl]

Thank you ! So helpful. I had no clue how to do this until I watched your video.

[@joemack4004]

Always looking for solid tips on doing everything. Saving the inserts so those can go back in and act as a bottom layer for other gun options is a perfect example of this video. Appreciate the help.

[@moparman0314]

Take the foam and sandwich it between two sheets of thin wood. I use MDF Panel on Common: 5/8 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. Cut the wood to the same size as your foam. Use clamps to compress the foam in between the wood panels. Trace your layout onto the wood and cut it with a fine tooth jig saw blade. Remove the wood panels and you have perfect cutouts. Its work perfectly for me.

[@343Glitcher]

If you're trying to save space I recommend cutting slits for the mags and placing them in the case skinny side up. This way you can have more mags and more room. Obviously, make sure the foam in your case is deep enough to give the case room to close.

[@samcraven4843]

Great video. I really appreciate your suggestions/recommendations. The flipping of the foam, saving the inserts, the 2nd foam sheet for a 2nd load out, all helpful suggestions. Good job.

[@KSTrekker]

Great tip about keeping the foam cutouts and flipping the foam over to hide the lines. I’m thinking that I may want to lay out my rifle in reverse of how I want it in the case so when I flip it, it comes out correct..

[@GreenHandMovies]

lil time code for anyone who already knows the first couple steps: 11:00

[@simoncpu_was_here]

I just searched for videos on how to create a DIY case for Starlink and now I'm watching videos on how to transport firearms. Thanks, KZbin Algorithm! :)

[@matthall472]

In case anyone wants to save 18 precious minutes I’ll spoil the info: trace with a sharpie, remove marked layer and set case aside, cut marked layer with electric knife used for carving turkey. ($10@walmart)

[@Boogieplex]

Wow, exactly what i needed to know. I almost bought an electric “hot” knife! Saved the day!

[@fights4users]

Great tutorial Evan. Thanks for taking the time to record and share.

[@skyym3629]

Awesome video. Thank you for this information and demonstration because it really helps quite a bit for someone setting up one of these cases. One suggestion that has helped me in the past is a collapsible forward grip. It allows more foam protection around each rifle which is always a good thing. Thanks again for this vid. Cheers

[@purplehaze1213]

Very helpful! Thanks for taking the time to post this

[@davidswann8436]

awesome video. never even crossed my mind two do two st ups with the foam. but one thing I did to save space and was able to add more pmags was put them on their side.

[@CARSON67]

David Swann yep, definitely an option, thanks for watching

[@lizzyrose2691]

Totally not using this for guns but this really helped me work out how to cut some foam!

[@CARSON67]

Lizzy Rose glad you liked it, what are you cutting foam for?

[@kennydaddy100]

We know it's guns Lizzy. You're on the list!

[@jdknotts1]

Looks good. I gotta do this in the next week or so. Flying to Florida for a 3-gun shoot in Feb. Good idea on the electric knife.

[@BillBrownIV]

Thanks for your tips. Nice work with the camera and timing as well.

[@arnellespassion6206]

I appreciate you making this post...!

[@ex0stasis72]

Super helpful video even for using a Pelican case not for guns but for ebike batteries. I'm planning a DIY project to stick my two Lextric brand ebike batteries in a Pelican case, drilling a hole in the end of it to install an XT60 connector port to the outside, using a waterproof glue to get a good seal, and cutting out foam pieces inside the Pelican case to make sure that the two batteries don't rub up against each other. The problem is, I want to keep the batteries at the bottom of the case and cut out holes from the foam piece above it. It's going to be tricky marking that while lining it up just right at the bottom of the case. And then I've got to run some tests to make sure that the batteries aren't overheating next to all that foam. They don't get but slightly warm to the touch, but mostly when charging, not discharging. I plan on taking the top foam out before charging anyway.

[@DarkSolidity]

Yes you can travel on an airplane with this and any other gun lock box, its just like any other checked luggage. The requirements are the gun or guns must have a lockable case and you will need some padlocks. Inform the worker at the baggage check counter that you are traveling with firearms she will get a police officer to check the weapons and make sure they are clear of ammunition. you give the cop your pad locks and he locks the case down and hands it to the baggage check clerk and your done. it will be processed as luggage and will be waiting at your destination. also this is in no way similar to carry on luggage, if you try to get passed TSA with a firearm you will be immediately detained and charged. also make sure that you know the gun laws of the place you are flying to. It would suck to go through all of this just to have your guns seized upon landing! If your flying to New York State, kiss your guns good bye.

[@Sveinn1984]

I should have finished watching the video before I started. Great tutorial!

[@trailguy]

Good job. I just got a case for all my knife sharpening supplies and I’m going to make it all tidy.

[@Nowhere101]

I see you drilled holes in your Gladiator bench. I just mounted an RCBS to mine this morning. When I asked them about mounting anything to their product, they told me it would void the warranty. I told them I don't have garage furniture and drilled away ;) Great video, thank you.

[@CORZER0]

So trace with a permanent marker and cut out with an electric turkey carving knife.. got it! Thanks!

[@shepss217]

That’s awesome, i think you just made my mind up about which bow case to get

[@uscgalpha91]

I just pulled out the center removable foam and put my guns inside in their soft cases in the Pelican case. When I get to the other end I can still use my soft cases. The pelican case is like hauling around a boat anchor. Great for airline transport but heavy

[@WeAreNotAlone69]

+uscgalpha91 A variation would be going to the Dollar Store this summer when they have "POOL NOODLES" @ $1 a piece and grabbing a couple of them and positioning them to help cushion things.

[@uscgalpha91]

Fab idea. Foam is foam. I bought a Colt AR barrel and it came in a foam pipe sleeve.

[@davidlazarof5717]

Nice work, what kind of chicken slicer knife thingy was that, it worked perfectly. Thumbs up.

[@Uisci81]

NO, they don't! if you actually had a clue, you would have done your homework, as I have done. And contacted the TSA and the Airline I am flying on. All the require it so notify them in advance that you will be flying with a firearm (checked baggage). arrive earlier then you normally would, let the airline counter attendant know and have them notify the TSA that you are here to check in your firearm, they open, inspect and you lock it with YOUR own lock, not TSA lock and keep key on your body

[@8BitCR]

great video although i am using this on camera gear but it was just as useful thanks!!

[@Lalfy]

Still a shooting sport

[@8BitCR]

hahahah so true xDD endocondor

[@THCcoatings]

Time well spent. Good video

[@BigTex65]

Very good and informational video! Thank you.

[@spaz907]

Make sure you cut the rifles to lay bolt and dust cover up so TSA can easily inspect the bolt to make sure it is an clear. Otherwise they will hold your case until you can come by and show them they are unloaded as they are not allowed to handle the firearm to clear. Pistols should also be stored with the slide removed and separated/ stored in a different part of the foam/case. I always break my lower and upper apart for flight travel that way it is clear for TSA to see in an X-Ray scan that they cannot possibly be loaded. So they have no reason to need to open the case.

[@WeAreNotAlone69]

+Thomas "SPAZ" Hill II I don't plan on going by air, but those are some good tips! PS: I'm needing a source for .250 /2.75 "Hollow-Core" /aka Low force o-ring material on the spool so I can make my own o-rings for a StarLight case which the female channel the o-ring lays in and the "male" part of the case sealing surface is identical in design to the Pelicans. Any idea on where to get a 75-100ft roll /spool of "Hollow-Core, Aka Low force .250/.275 Neoprene /EPDM ? .

[@CARSON67]

Thomas "SPAZ" Hill II good tips if you are going to fly, although, every time I have flown no one has checked the chamber. SMH

[@Shutterspeedstudios]

you should add another cut for a screwdriver or tools to put on grips scopes etc.

[@CARSON67]

+Shutterspeedstudiosdotcom I later added more cutouts for other items....thanks for the feedback

[@CaptnCoz]

Getting to cut to fit a couple shotguns for a fall Pheasant hunt. I might try leaving cutouts in place to add stability but otherwise will follow exactly. Thanks

[@DieselRamcharger]

Build yourself a hot wire cutter. It'll come out much nicer. Takes little more than a piece of nichrome wire {guitar string, etc} couple sticks and a 9volt battery or any dc power source. The foam airplane guys are a good resource for info on this,

[@jasonkaestner1476]

Thanks for the tutorial! Getting ready to cut foam for my cameras and lenses!

[@OB1974]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for explaining the process.

[@tamarinpakshong205]

Ahaha. This was helpful for a stationary set i have to make for a uni assignment. Very different equipment, very similar task.

[@uscknockout]

Thanks for the demonstration. Appreciated.

[@whyisnothingavalible]

Very nice sir! Is the foam thick enough you can stack 2 Pmags in one cut out?

[@CARSON67]

You could yes...

[@kregchapman3133]

Good Job! thanks for posting the video

[@mitchellbrinkerdp]

Thanks. Getting one to fit my Sekonic and Alan Gordon Viewfinder in.

[@hatethevandals]

Great video, thanks for taking the time and effort!

[@rhelinux]

Turn the mags vertical the short way, more will fit in less of a footprint.

[@navyreaperseal]

Great video I was trying to figure that out with my ak variant not a pelican case mind you but a great video thanks.

[@Sig716]

there is about 1' on each side of the case that don't need to be in the camera's view, so that the objects of interest would appear larger and can be viewed better. Fully utilizing the field of view for object of interest.

[@bukwheat359]

Good informative video

[@usriflecal30m1garand]

Great vid I plan on doing this for my AR build.

[@Paul_Wright]

Evan great videos dude liked and subbed

[@Serenityindailylife]

a few holes in your using the case for multiple configs idea, the bottom foam must go on bottom because its contoured for the wheels, at least on mine it is.

[@chiefdarklord69]

what happened to the second pmag you had in there? good vid though, ima have to try that electric knife thing

[@Amaranth81]

Just my opinion but when cutting foam, you should trace and cut from underneath for clean cuts. Every one of your cut outs is not straight with imperfections. Also, it is critical to place the electric cutter blade up against an edge of a table to ensure the blade is straight up instead of an angle.

[@CARSON67]

Good idea, noted.

[@Nowhere101]

When you say, " cut from underneath for clean cuts." Please explain.

[@CIA_Alien]

All I can think of, after watching this video is a scene from the Jim Carrey movie "The Grinch" when he shaves his beard as a child and the kid says, "Look at that hack job!" 😆

[@crankp9284]

Hey man gr8 job now I know how to due it. Thanks 4 everything

[@jggj9656]

Stack magazines side by side to conserve space

[@RY4NP]

that's cool man, nice job

[@fredluhn7132]

Nice job!

[@paulgoodier3777]

using an extension lead is ok as long as you unreel all of the lead from its case. the lead will generate heat if coiled and dragging excessive current. however I agree he seems a bit dangerous and slap dash. to cut out the blanks I would have used a hot wire personally

[@RingwelskiJacek]

Any reason you didn't put the pmag horizontally on edge? That would give you enough room to fit another one in there.

[@DarkSolidity]

I pretty much cut my pmag slot exactly the same way and I can fit 2 mags one on top the other

[@jsoo12]

good work, thank you

[@softailjeff]

Thank you for the video!

[@axxiom20001]

Can one use a utility knife with snap-off blades and would that work just as well as the turkey knife?

[@aliveandwell2078]

Great job. Very good information. Thank you!!

[@guns4usa1]

Great job. Thanks for making it easy.

[@johncotturone2500]

Great idea and good job, Thanks for sharing.

[@resipsaloquitur_esq]

If you have something that is below the top foam level, would it be possible to shave a 1/4 or 1/2 of the piece that was cutout and put it back in, so it would be easier to get the item out? If so, how would you go about shaving the cutout piece to an appropriate thickness?

[@banacek60chord43]

This is all very James Bond but anyone who travels a lot will tell you that this will lead to wear of the finish on your prized possessions, blueing /varnish even plastic. The foam with 'egg box' surface, in both top and base, is best as it stops most movement far better and less work but less James Bond, of course.

[@michaelnelson3469]

Here is a Pelican 1750 getting cut out. Amazon has the electric carving knife (Black & Decker) for about ten bucks. My cutting will be a LOT simpler than this, easier to do.

[@LavenderSystem69]

Umm... my foam shrank roughly half an inch in each dimension after I cut the holes in it. Is that supposed to happen?

[@FanofLocke627]

You should maybe think about gluing the two halves together

[@briggs8310]

Can i make this work for my 15 & 10 combined in one case?

[@squeakychairproductions6813]

Very helpful thanks

[@michaelglaviano3403]

Great Ideas Thanks

[@DaxDirty]

Great video, I only laughed when you talked about the electric knife and said "I got it at wallmart for about $10, so it's very cheap expensive" great vid tho

[@nifepartie]

He said cheap inexpensive. It was clear as day.

[@Hondurez7]

What would be the best way to cut out a universal Rifle silhouette that will fit a full M16 and full AK74.

[@pofrani]

That's cool! Can I just ask - can you really travel with those on the plane?

[@UmmNotQuiteSureToPut]

Firearms have to be checked at check in and declared safe. They have to be in a locked hard sided case too. They cannot be taken as carry on.

[@BigGunner81TV]

Good point on collapsing the stock, I left mine out when I cut my first layout, I did that so I could fit one that might not be collapsible in the same spot in the future. But hindsight I would have done it differently, best part is I'd just have to buy new foam. Also good point on the saving the cut outs.. here is my 1720 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6CVf6B6ppmBnMk & my 1490 Setup for an AR Pistol kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqO2YpWgqKaXZrs

[@andrelopeznoble7907]

sweet, thanks

[@Nordic_Goon]

Why not stand the magazines on their sides?

[@CARSON67]

+Jordan Mason You certainly could, I just opted not to.

[@Nordic_Goon]

+Evan Carson I suppose for display purposes they look more flashing laid flat, but for allotting more room in the case, standing upward would be ideal.

[@Nowhere101]

@@Nordic_Goon Thanks, when I cut my foam I'm going to do that!

[@bsodmike]

What is the folding blade you used to make the first incision?

[@CARSON67]

Blackhawk Crucible

[@bsodmike]

Evan Carson Thanks mate!! Super neat work.

[@iPhanman]

Would you recommend this type of foam or pick n' pluck foam?

[@WeAreNotAlone69]

+PhanaticFilms You don't want "open-cell", OR Pick and Pluck foam.. you want Closed-cell 2.2lb mil-spec high density polyethylene foam. (Mil-spec- very dense and oil resistant) Open cell holds MOISTURE (Will cause things to RUST) Open cell will degrade via contact with oil. Open cell won't hold heavy items in place very well /will allow movement. Pick and foam stuff, ditto and it will fall apart even faster. In short anything other than 2.2lb or higher mil-spec high density polyethylene foam is crap. Tell Brack Wilson @ Patriot cases the guy with StarLight case that needed advice on a warranty issue and a place to buy o-ring material for same on a spool so I could make my own case o-rings sent you. PS: You want 2.2 closed cell foam (Mil-spec- very dense and oil resistant), not the open cell foam, or pick and pluck foam..)

[@iPhanman]

WeAreNotAlone69 Thanks for the advice! But looking for something to hold my expensive camera equipment, not firearms :P

[@WeAreNotAlone69]

+PhanaticFilms You did not mention cameras going in case, nor if items are only going to be transported, vs stored in case. Open-cell/ Pick and Pluck foam is for light weight items, and it absorbs moisture. Closed cell foam IMO would be a better choice. This said it comes in various densities so you should pick density to match weigh of equipment, keeping in mind as density goes up shock absorption goes down. One more tip, regardless of foam used put in a good quantity of desiccant.

[@CARSON67]

PhanaticFilms this or something denser

[@iLln1n0gaming]

What is the model of your case and where can it be purchased?

[@CARSON67]

Pelican 1750 Case, google it and you will find thousands of retailers.

[@TheSeancassady]

I just bought a pelican that has no foam inside, do you know where I can get the type of foam that is in these cases normally? Also, do you advise spraying "plasti dip" over it once you've made all your cuts?

[@charles8817]

I bought some more from Amazon

[@WeAreNotAlone69]

+Annony Mouse Tell Brack Wilson @ Patriot cases the guy with StarLight case that needed advice on a warranty issue and a place to buy o-ring material for same on a spool so I could make my own case o-rings sent you. PS: You want 2.2 closed cell foam (Mil-spec- very dense and oil resistant), not the open cell foam, or pick and pluck foam..)

[@Dave-Ras90]

+Annony Mouse, here's the Pelican link; but I'm also going to look into the foam from Patriot Cases. www.pelican.com/us/en/accessory/cases/3-pc--replacement-foam-set/1751

[@Ghostginthree]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@archangel20031]

You should have stacked the pistol mags 90 Degrees as they are so small.

[@exoexe1555]

he put them on top of each other reeeeee tawd

[@nate4036]

Wonder if you could just use a jigsaw

[@mylesjenkins9877]

Why do people put their weapons in the case as to when it's closed if the case is dropped it is landing glass first?

[@davidmacgregor3328]

Got to add - Video was brilliant, If not a little long-winded

[@stevenhatcherdds]

Thank you!!

[@23petals]

This is the Pelican 1750 and I really like how it opens all the way to lay flat. Can anyone verify if the pelican 1700 does the same?

[@kdchmln]

a fairly "tug" fit? you mean "snug" fit?

[@MrGemni69]

or tight fit....think he was thinking tight and snug at same time....like many men at night...LOL

[@CARSON67]

+kdchmln Whoopsie....yeah not a on camera pro, nice catch, but you know what I meant

[@thepatriotsrock2]

Use a Multi Tool ?

[@oducks5820]

That hand grip just seems like it is useless. It takes up 5 inches of width to make it harder spacing out the guns. And it's so far forward that it would be uncomfortable to shoot. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@larrynolte9611]

No finger grooves to get out the mags,pistol,forward grip, or rifles

[@bjbinette4393]

it took you 12minutes to show us what to cut the foam with. LOL thanks for the idea ;-)

[@Mr.tdiv14]

What brand and model of AR15 's?

[@CARSON67]

Thant Cin Thein One is a stag arms (but has been ripped apart with lots of aftermarket adds and edits) the other is a Wilson Combat UT15.

[@procase2557]

Nice video, you guy's you can also check out Elephant hard cases they are selling from eBay or amazon they makes high quality waterproof cases at a very good price.