Repurpose Plastic/Molded Tool Cases

I decided to see if I could make use of some old plastic cordless drill cases I haven't been using. While these things seem to collect a lot of dust, it turns out they are not good substitutes for a good quality shop 'dust collector'.
Find out how to make use of these tool boxes, tips in modifying them, what mistakes to avoid, and how to fix mistakes (...at least those I made). If you melt plastic, always work in a well ventilated area and have a fan blowing any fumes (the fumes are toxic).
This video is intended for entertainment purposes. Always use caution and appropriate safety equipment. If you do anything discussed or seen in this video you do so at your own risk.
Music: Rockabilly Rumble. It was not attributable to any particular artist and was simply included in Adobe Premiere Elements 13 (yep, I'm still using version 13)

[@foxcanfarms]

I thought it might be helpful to pin a comment regarding the wide tipped soldering gun/iron: - We didn't make it (although one of my kids has an idea for making one 😀) - The manual calls it a "Flat Iron Tip" - The only places I can seem to find the Flat Iron Tip is in the "vintage" soldering gun kits - - Examples include the WEN 199K, 250, and the 450 (I have these); and the Craftsman #5380 (I can't speak for this one). - You can find some of the tips for the above models on eBay, but otherwise I haven't seen any new soldering kits with this attachment - If you want one, you may have to go to eBay, garage sales, or estate sales How these are supposed to be used: Technically made for smoothing and removing dents from wood (must use with a damp cloth), removing scratches from wood (use a wax filler), and for sealing wax paper packages and plastic bags! I imagine that in our throw away culture the need for this has significantly decreased (and there are now much better tools for those who still do this on fine or antique furniture). Regarding Vintage Soldering gun kits: - I like both vintage and 'modern' tools, but I haven't had good luck with 'new' soldering gun kits. They took too long to heat up and just didn't work well (maybe I was too cheap and didn't spend enough money). - I bought a "vintage" soldering gun for less than a new/modern one at an estate sale I was hooked! So much so that I decided some time ago I might make sure that each of my kids has a good "vintage" soldering gun. - I have accumulated quite a few of these vintage kits. Maybe someday I'll make a video about that and which of the vintage ones I don't care for (btw the ones I mentioned above work well)! The other tip I use for plastic is called a plastic cutting or smoothing tip (mine is currently broke). It's easier to blend/push the new plastic into the old with these, but the "Flat Iron Tip" wide tip works better for smoothing and getting a nicer finish (even though it wasn't technically meant for that type of work). I hope that helps, and I really appreciate all the comments, ideas, etc. !!

[@therealjammit]

It would be easy enough to get copper wire for the "wires" and braze it to a shaped copper plate. Edit: The Weller soldering guns are pretty good. They do have a "cheapo" version that uses multiple wire turns for the secondary so stay away from it. They also switched from using copper for the secondary winding to using aluminum. The aluminum is ok but wears out when you replace the tip often, plus when aluminum oxidizes it makes a really hard (aluminum oxide is used to grind steel) coating that's an insulator. Difficult to clean off to get good electrical connection to the tip. Mine broke and I made a new one out of the thickest copper wire I could find. Attaching tips to the new copper wire secondary is tricky. They stopped using Bakelite for the case and are using modern plastics, so melting is an issue if you're not careful. Again my case melted and broke and I Frankenstein-ed a new case with two part epoxy and plenty of grinding, cutting, and sanding.

[@fantasticsound2085]

I found one, similar tip from Weller that fits at least two of their soldering guns. From the Amazon listing; Weller 6160 Smoothing Tip for 8200 Universal Gun and D550 Professional Soldering Gun

[@foxcanfarms]

@@therealjammit making one is a good idea, and sounds like a good project to do with one of my kids. Thank you for the information about the Weller soldering guns. I probably have the cheapo version.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@fantasticsound2085 assuming I haven't misunderstood or did an incorrect search, the smoothing tips are the one's I normally use to blend the new plastic into the old plastic (mine is broke), but they are about 1/8 to 1/4 of the size of the Flat Iron tips. Thank you for mentioning these as I had forgotten what they were called (I tend to call them a plastic tip, but as you noted they are called smoothing tips).

[@ShanLiB]

If you live in an area like Seattle (or Portland, or Chicago, etc.) these are great, with foam inserts, for carrying your pistols to the range. It keeps your "Karen" neighbors from calling 911 to report you for doing something that is lawful. Works great.

[@foxcanfarms]

I am so very fortunate that my neighbors would not care, but it certainly would be a discrete and durable case. Thanks for watching!

[@normnelson]

Except that in any one of those places, I wouldn't want any tool case in sight within the vehicle or under a canopy on a pickup... that's a great way to get your vehicle broken into... which is precisely why I used to leave these plastic cases unused and move my tools into non-descript cloth bags.

[@bevdeville]

So sorry, we don't have to hide our guns in Texas.

[@ShanLiB]

@@normnelson Not sure why you made this comment under my thread. I did not make any mention of leaving anything in a vehicle, which would be a stupid thing to do even if it was an actual tool and not a firearm (double stupid).

[@ShanLiB]

@@bevdeville I know, I'm from Texas. But, its getting there. Unless you can reverse Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. Only a matter of time. Or you can just ignore it and then act surprised when Texas turns blue.

[@lesizbollzacke7127]

I have seen literally hundreds of these blow moulded cases thrown away over the years - it's great to see them re-used. What I dont understand is most power tools COULD be sold in EURO containers with removable inserts. So once the tool was kaputt you could still utilise the case. They stack great too.

[@foxcanfarms]

Good point! Thanks for watching!!

[@troyqueen9503]

Festool Systainers

[@lesizbollzacke7127]

@@troyqueen9503 Yes, they're great! They could all do this.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@troyqueen9503 I just looked at those, they sure look good. Thanks for watching!

[@foxcanfarms]

@@troyqueen9503 I just looked at those, they sure look good. Thanks for watching!

[@corey6393]

I have done this to a few blow mold cases over the years. Sometimes it works to leave part of the mold in place. I have a small Rigid router that I left the part of the mold in place that actually holds the router and wrenches, but I removed a large area so that I didn't have to coil the cord so tightly to fit the case. Now everything fits better and stays secure.

[@foxcanfarms]

Always seems like a pain to get the cord in the case - that's a great idea!

[@dpnerill4644]

Just today I saw a great idea for plastic repair like you were doing. What they used was a piece of metal screen melted into the repair area (a little larger than the area to be repaired) to act like tiny rebar. After melting the screen into the plastic, another piece of plastic, cut from a piece you are throwing away (or from a hidden spot) is then melted on top of the screen making it a strong seal.

[@foxcanfarms]

That is a really good idea!! Thanks for mentioning it and thanks for watching!

[@colindgrant]

That is a great idea. And I bet that screen will resist shrinkage some. When I recently did a repair on a HDPE lawn mower gas tank, shrinkage was the biggest issue.

[@dpnerill4644]

@@colindgrant Hadn't really thought about shrinkage. I used it for strength. But, keeping something from shrinking would be a great benefit and contribute to strength.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

You can use a small 40-watt soldering stick and zip ties like a TIG welder to repair hard plastics. One of the issues with thermoplastics is they don't respond well to excessive heat (they break down), so use just enough heat to get the plastic to flow without discoloring it. If it starts to turn black, it's getting burnt and that makes it extremely brittle.

[@foxcanfarms]

Ah, that makes sense. Thank you for the tips, those are all very helpful! Thanks for watching!!

[@paddrivers]

I like it. I've seen these thrown in the dumpster from time to time... and now I'll grab them !

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad you liked it and I hope you can put some to good use soon! I found some smaller ones and I put a heat gun in one and a couple siphons in another one.

[@brucelee-tn2mg]

jes im

[@gromeca1]

Great video. My tools are so old the cases are metal. The good’ol days

[@foxcanfarms]

😀 I have some of those too. I put a metric socket set inside one of them, and painted the bottom with plasti dip so it wouldn't slide around in back of my van. Thanks for watching!

[@fantasticsound2085]

I've been doing this for about 25 years. I began with a medical device case I purchased for $5 at an estate sale. It's held an EV RE20 mic for over 20 years. I custom cut open cell foam to fit. Same for a Nikon SLR I've had for 15 years. It was a repurposed, DeWalt quarter sheet sander case. The foam has spaces for the camera with lens, another lens of identical size, the battery charger, a monopod adapter base and several other accessories. My favorite case is an old Black & Decker cordless drill case that has a bit/fastener storage on the outside. I have used that case for tools for years, but 20 years ago it accompanied me in a PA road rack, half way across the world for an Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Middle East. I ended up with a slew of free cases when the scene shop o worked decided to get rid of the original cases for most is their tools as the tools either lived in the shop or in larger, workboxes for site builds. When you need a water resistant case for a particular item that has none, many of these often free cases will fit the bill with just a little modification. Great video. Like I said, I've been doing this for over two decades, but it is certainly something that many people have never thought of but could find extremely useful and cost-effective for a wide variety of storage needs. Your Makita case was a lot simpler than most. All the DeWalt and other cases with similar blow molded inserts I've altered were plastic welded to the outer shell. Yours just popped out of one side.

[@foxcanfarms]

@fantasticsound very cool you were involved with an Armed Forces Entertainment tour. Yep, I realized when I worked on the Milwaukee case that I was a little spoiled with the Makita case, and I looked one of my DeWalt cases and they have a lot welded to the outer shell. I haven't carved the others yet since I'm in the middle of re-organizing and I may leave some of the molded parts in the case. I'm just catching up to you, and others who've made comments, who have been doing this for so long. That's a good point that it wouldn't take much to make some of these water resistant. Thank you for your kind comments about the video. I really didn't expect to have this many views or comments. Thanks for watching!

[@fantasticsound2085]

@@foxcanfarms To be clear, I didn't make them water resistant. The plastic case plus the molded lip that holds the sides in proper alignment resist dust, dirt and moisture from entering the closed case. They're certainly not water-proof. 🙂 I'll see about making a short video to share my reuse of such cases and post a link here. Thanks for responding.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@fantasticsound2085 thank you for clarifying regarding water resistance. A video sounds great. If you do that, I wonder if it wouldn't be good to add a new comment (vs. a reply to a reply) so others can easily see it in the list vs. buried under the replies (I think it will let you post two comments), and hmm, maybe put something like '@Foxcan Farms I made a video showing how I've repurposed my cases: [insert link]' so it catches people's attention.

[@kellylinder896]

I used a Dremel tool with a plastic cutting disk. The edges were smooth and there was less chance of cutting through the case. It was probably slower though. I put two carriage bolts through each side of the case. I keep my table saw dado set in it. I use a wing nut on each bolt to hold them in place.

[@foxcanfarms]

That's a great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@thomaslthomas1506]

I’ve done this for several things. My day job is a professional musician. I find these work well as a pedalboard fly rig.

[@foxcanfarms]

Now that's a great idea!

[@MZ8UEZ]

Yep

[@bradfaubion3699]

I love this, thank you. I hate throwing these useful cases away, now I can too reuse them!

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!

[@louiechidwick6034]

Hi mate, greetings from the UK, I've done something similar to this with slim cases that housed socket sets, screwdrivers, drill bits, etc. I cut the inserts out and placed them in the draws of my metal tool cabinet, then I put the tools back in their original places, all stored neatly away and ready for use.

[@foxcanfarms]

Greetings! Very cool to know you're in the UK and watching! This is a great idea and the bonus is when my kids don't put the tools back in the right place at least I'll know which item is missing😀! Thanks for the idea and for watching!!

[@shaneridge9557]

That's genius I have a few of these that I want to modify now. Combine this case with a 3d printer and you could make some pretty awesome tool holders

[@foxcanfarms]

Now you're talking! My kids make all kinds of things with a 3D printer. I'm not sure, but they seem interested when I come up with another idea on something they can design and print. Thanks for the idea and for watching!!

[@w.h.p.3430]

I have a couple of the cases, and picked it up a dozen times to toss it out. Now I know what to do , thank you for sharing your idea!

[@foxcanfarms]

😃 Hehe, same here and when I looked at it and saw what a good case it was I just didn't have the heart to throw it out..even the one for which I don't have the drill anymore 😮 - talk about a pack rat (I think that's not as bad than a hoarder, right). Thanks for your comment and for watching!!

[@Bootstrahps]

Hell yeah man, I am embarrassed at the amount of Milwaukee hard cases I have in my basement. A decent alternative to packing them full with stuff is getting some of the thick black foam and digging out the foam to form fit certain tools! I did that for my impact socket set. Thanks for the video! I hit the like and subscribe button

[@foxcanfarms]

O yeah, adding foam makes a great addition to it! Thanks for watching, subscribing, and liking!!!

[@hvymax]

Those oscillating tools are amazing!!!

[@foxcanfarms]

You got that right! It's one of those tools that sits in my tool cabinet and I sometimes I have to remember how handy those things are. I've used it for so many different hard to cut items. I just bought one at an estate sale for $10 - looked like it was brand new, maybe used once...one of my kids will be thrilled to have it as a gift (it's nice they don't have any issues with gifts that are not brand new). Thanks for watching!

[@BrassLock]

Your demonstration of plastic remodelling/repair welding using a soldering iron with an iron-shaped foot was really interesting, thanks 😊

[@foxcanfarms]

It was my pleasure, thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@rickbumeter6946]

I too used a large multi tool case for all my trailer straps and it works fantastic. Just recently grabbed a Dewalt case and stored a log chain in it for easy tote and storage. What a difference carrying a case with a large chain inside versus by itself. Just thought I would share. Thanks for the ideas.

[@foxcanfarms]

Chains are a royal pain to store and move. That's a great solution - thanks for mentioning it!! Thanks for watching!

[@hotdogsarepropaganda]

absolutely a gem of an idea

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you and Thanks for watching!

[@biz6110]

I got a set of clamps in a small-ish HDPE case that might just fit my meager tap and die collection. Also perfect first use of an oscilation tool for me, great idea, thank you.

[@foxcanfarms]

@Biz Nice use of the case (although I might be biased😊)! Of course there's nothing wrong with a meager tap and die collection as long as it gets the job done! On the other hand, I seem to have a problem...it's almost guaranteed that then when I work on another project or repair, I end up having to buy more tools 😊. All the more reason for me to keep going to estate sales I guess. I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@swnorcraft7971]

Cut around the bonded spot with a small hole saw. Then smooth what's left with the flat iron. I have repurposed a few of these myself. Where I work, the community tools get the most abuse. I have taken hole saw kit boxes and removed the innards. As they are smaller than the suitcase type, they can be used to make a smaller kit. Good stuff! Thanks for sharing. Use the small bit tray for a drill press accessory pocket. Figure a way to fasten it on or near your drill press................

[@foxcanfarms]

I like that idea. Yes, I can see how the smaller cases would be really handy to have. Thanks for watching and for the idea!

[@lukewise777]

I've never use a iron. Been wanting to get one. Watching you work it showed me some good tips. You're like a surgeon!

[@foxcanfarms]

Now that's a great compliment 😊. It's sort of like finishing concrete with an awkward trowel. I'm not a professional cement finisher, but my dad was (wait, I think that makes me a son of a finisher? 😃) and I simply applied some of what he taught me to 'finishing the plastic. Thanks for watching!

[@lukewise777]

@@foxcanfarms "son of a finisher" lol. Taking tips learned in 1 area & applying it in another. THAT'S LIFE!

[@timdobinger6200]

Ivory purposed about a half dozen boxes myself some of them I had the tool kits that fit right in the boxes the kids came with the bag I prefer the boxes and then I did like you did with the oscillating tool and of course the Milwaukee boxes you have to cut that little square out around the round support pig so luckily I never burn a hole through but that's a good idea for a repair thanks for your video You're the only other person I know that's did what I've done.

[@foxcanfarms]

@Tim Dobinger : Very cool! I haven't seen anyone else do that either. It just seemed like a good work around given the situation. Great minds think alike!! Yeah, I was rushing, didn't have the right angle and cut through it a little. I almost didn't bother fixing it since it didn't matter for my use. And then I realized it might be good to show people it could be fixed and it wasn't a complete loss Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@RG-ce5hj]

I have a 12 volt compressor and tire repair stuff that just bounces around behind the seat of the truck.....this is a great solution to keeping it all together! Thanks for the video! 👍

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad it helped you! Thanks for watching!

[@mu0chn]

Well, that has saved me some work. I have a few boxes like that, and I had been wondering if I could reuse them. You have answered my question.

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!!

[@ronpage101]

Great ideas. I have many of the same. Will use these ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching!

[@slink1957]

Enjoyed your video and the catchy music! Hope to see more vids from you!

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad you liked it and I really appreciate your feedback!

[@davidav8orpflanz561]

I've done this to about 4 old tool cases, and used some plastic foam pieces to form tool holders on the inside... I use a Drummel reciprocating (vibrating) saw/tool to cut the inside-molded part out. Especially to get to the plastic welds.

[@foxcanfarms]

great ideas! Thanks for watching!

[@commandoconstruction2720]

Thanks for vid! Definitely subscribing! I have also done this to those cases with wasted spaces. After trimming, you can cut up all the waste, then bake in an oven to create colorful plastic blanks that can be used used for all sorts of projects. I saw another video where the maker made very slick damascus-looking colored plastic for tool handles and such.

[@foxcanfarms]

Damascus looking blanks would be really cool. I bet with enough scrap you could even make a Damascus looking cutting board. I will need to find an oven at an estate sale because I'm pretty sure plastic in the kitchen oven won't go over well at my house 😄. Thank you for watching and for Subscribing!!

[@kencorsell8087]

Back in the day tools used to come in metal boxes, repurposing those was a bit of work, but they lasted forever and were extremely useful and secure, even for firearm storage, today you can’t even find one to buy. Sears used to sell metal Craftsman tool boxes alone but they are probably cost prohibitive today. The old metal Hilti boxes are like vaults, you can drive over them with a truck!

[@foxcanfarms]

😀 I have some metal ones too. I put a metric socket set inside one of them (had to expand the metric options beyond my old made in USA craftsman set), and then I painted the bottom with plasti dip so it wouldn't slide around in back of my van. Thanks for watching!

[@foxcanfarms]

Sometimes ya really have to wonder about how things get priced! Thanks for watching!

[@tsmith578]

That is always a great idea with those old tool cases,. I like the idea with your ratchet straps those things always seem to end up unrolled and everywhere. Some cases that I have found especially useful are old skill saw cases, I bolted one onto my Atv as a storage box and installed a power outlet with a USB port inside of it, it works great for having some extra work lights on charging my phone when I am plowing snow or trail riding.

[@foxcanfarms]

Bolted on, power outlet, in fact all items you mentioned are great ideas! Thanks for watching!

[@tsmith578]

@@foxcanfarms . Yes it is a automotive power supply strip that has it's own built-in 5amp fuse,. It has two 12 volt power outlets and two USB ports. I just drilled a 1/4" hole in the side of the saw case for the wires, The saw case is a DeWalt model that I found out on the curb on trash pickup day.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@tsmith578 that is really cool!

[@luckynyaa2826]

Nice!!! Have some, now will use like that!

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@richcxx]

Great idea, now I am depressed over all the cases I have tossed over the years!

[@foxcanfarms]

🙁 Sorry to hear, but at least you had more space for other things than I did😃, and you can keep an eye out for someone trying to get rid of theirs! Someone else left a comment that they had done this with the cases for cheaper tools and the case ended up being flimsy so make sure the case look sturdy. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@TroyCraft]

Just stumbled onto this channel. Love it!

[@foxcanfarms]

Really glad you stumbled across the channel and that you like it! Thanks for watching!

[@monadking2761]

Great way of repurpacing. If you still need to use the inner sub sections use velcro or bead lock and re attached if needed. This is a great way to store ratchet straps and other things with cords. You could line the boxes with foam rubber and cut out the shape of your tools.

[@foxcanfarms]

great ideas. Thanks for watching!

[@tubergonz]

Years ago I cut up a Makita case like the one you did. I put foam sheets in it and use it to store one of those Chinese butane stoves and an extra bottle. Perfect for camping where it might otherwise get banged up. (The original case was flimsy and brittle.)

[@foxcanfarms]

I have a running list of the suggestions and things you and others have done, and I'm starting to think I need to do a follow up video showing those things put into action with my remaining cases. Thanks for watching!!

[@racer72]

Use to do this all the time when I worked at Boeing. The tool room would always have a bunch of these cases, we would cut out the inside and set them up for specific jobs. I have some that came home with me and I use them for storage for tools that I don't use that much.

[@foxcanfarms]

Very cool. Thanks for watching!

[@christopher8963]

I've done this . Used it for all my drill bit sets and another one for ratchet straps, jumper cables , and small tool kit. Thought I was the only one who did this.

[@foxcanfarms]

Great minds think alike; although it took me a while to make a video about it 😀! Thanks for watching!

[@LarryKapp1]

good idea - I could see having one of those in the car trunk for the stuff I want to keep in there.

[@foxcanfarms]

absolutely. Thanks for watching!

[@hvymax]

Perfect discrete gun cases with a little bit of foam.

[@foxcanfarms]

That's an excellent idea. Yes, add in some foam to the top an bottom of the case. You probably know this, but for others: It can be hard to get foam to be the exact size of the box, just glue it in to keep it from moving around. - be sure to rough up the plastic so the glue can adhere to it - test your glue on a piece of scrap foam and scrap plastic you cut out to make sure the foam doesn't react with the glue/adhesive. I keep the foam from computers and other things, and once in a while I'm working at a place and of course they're just throwing the foam away. Thanks for watching!

[@TejasToolMan]

Ive converted some of the old dewalt cases with metal clasps to useful carry cases hobby store foam cut to fit ( pistols, sockets, fiber video cables, circular saw blade case for taking old blades for resharpening, tap & die, micrometers)

[@foxcanfarms]

Great ideas! Thanks for watching!!

[@jasonbabila6006]

That’s an outstanding idea.

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@jasonbabila6006]

@@foxcanfarms I’m now subscribed to your channel.

[@foxcanfarms]

Thanks so much for subscribing!!

[@roberthardy2013]

The first one I made was for my new oscillating saw that I used to cut out the inside bits. A wooden holder and one to wind the cable round - done!

[@trevorcmorris]

........justified....

[@foxcanfarms]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@MiguelMartinez-hm1hg]

Great idea and video thank for sharing 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@FirstIrishKing]

That's a very goof idea. I'm gonna try it.

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@johnstephen7557]

I bought s new house recently and the previous owner (a friend of mine) left about 10 such cases in the garage. I threw them all away as I couldn't think of what to do with them!! Wish I'd seen your video first!! Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@foxcanfarms]

Oh, that's bummer 🙁!! Well, maybe you will find some cheap or perhaps someone who is done using theirs as dust collectors. Thanks for watching!

[@ajt51508]

Good to see Steve Bushemi working again

[@foxcanfarms]

I'm really not sure what that means, but thanks for watching!

[@coburnlowman]

I Usta go down to Savannah Ga and do some Shimping and Crab trapping when I'd visit daughters , ex father in law. Would hang out in his garage and work on his neighbors outboard motors , other small engines. One evening i fixed a red gas can with a soldering iron while a couple of old men were watching. The next day it was like I was the Pide Piper of gas can fixing. My ex Daddy In-law's garage was like the courthouse of Grumpy Old Men.

[@foxcanfarms]

'courthouse of Grumpy Old Men', I'm laughing so hard at that. It really is amazing how a much one can do with a soldering iron. Thanks again for watching!!

[@toyota218921]

Great idea👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you. Thanks for watching!!

[@DrewJacobson61]

Thanks man! Good ideas.

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you for your feedback and for watching!

[@alseidel5622]

Great idea. Maybe some magnetic strips to hold wrenches or other tools. I give one of mine a try.

[@foxcanfarms]

Give it a try! Someone else mentioned using Velcro as well. Thanks for watching!

[@brenttamatea7578]

great idea recycling love it

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@loosewheel]

Ideas for the small box at the end.....1) clean edges and velcro to inside of the larger box for small items like extra valve stem covers or couple of those emergency glow sticks. 2) you could use it to wrangle a couple cords (aux, usb, etc) or charging adapters.

[@foxcanfarms]

Fantastic ideas! Added to my list of things to do. Thanks for watching!!

[@carolinehawkins1105]

Maybe use hot glue (the sort used with a hotglue-gun for crafts) to attach it? It might also be useful for filling in the holes.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@carolinehawkins1105 that might work. May need to rough up surface, maybe need to use the hot temp setting on the glue gun (mine has two settings). Thanks for watching!

[@t23001]

I used an oscillating tool to cut out the recharger tabs/extrusions in the case for my Dewalt cordless drill. This made room for two drill bit cases. It only took a few minutes.

[@foxcanfarms]

That would be very helpful. I have a cordless Sawzall, but I also kept my corded one and I should do that to have more space for the blades inside it. Thanks for watching!!

[@974leoTHElion]

For ratchet straps 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻awesome idea.

[@foxcanfarms]

Storing those is always such a pain. I even wrap them with velcro straps to try and keep the rolled up, but they still catch on things so the box seems to be a big improvement. Glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@juhs]

Not sure how I've never thought of this but I've got a stack of these things and going to start cutting. Grab some foam from hobby lobby or a craft store and use as a gun case also

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad to hear it! It's also nice to read your comments and others and see I'm not the only one that didn't have the heart to throw these out. If you have a hook blade for your oscillating tool, a few people are saying it works really well for this (on my list to try it) Thank you for watching!

[@tomhale5956]

Great idea!

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@vaughnwesterby5162]

Good idea! 👍🏻

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

New subscriber here, I’ve been meaning to do this for a long time and then this video just hopped up on my feed. Looking forward to a lot more of your videos.

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you Luke, I sure appreciate it!! God Bless

[@BacktotheBasics101]

@@foxcanfarms Keep in touch and keep up the great videos.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@BacktotheBasics101 will do, you as well. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement!

[@BacktotheBasics101]

@@foxcanfarms 👍🏽

[@jayinmass]

Great ideas thanks for sharing, just subscribed 👍

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you for watching and for subscribing!!

[@johnnym.rodriguezr3562]

I do ac work and I took one of my cases and redone it inserting foam cutting out forms for my AC adapters, glass etc.

[@foxcanfarms]

That's a great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@AlbiesProductsOnline]

The inserts could make a good separated parts tray for when your pulling things apart and need to keep certain fasteners separated from each other

[@foxcanfarms]

Good idea! Thanks for watching!

[@ehRalph]

Plastic-aid is a powder and liquid product that I’ve used a few times, worked great when I repaired plastic scissors handles after they broke

[@foxcanfarms]

Plast-aid. Thank you for mentioning that - I'm adding that to a list of things to look at! Thanks for watching!!

[@ehRalph]

It has good mechanical strength when cured (10-20 min ?), useful repairing broken plastic parts like knobs, gears, etc. Kind of a niche product. Check the reviews, not sure what types of plastic it’s best adapted to, but in a pinch, it’s the right thing to have.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@ehRalph I am very intrigued by this and will also mention it to two of my kids who are in college for mechanical engineering...we're always making things and I can see how this will be great to have around here. Thanks again!

[@johnswolter]

I've got a half dozen empty cases. You don't have to cut the entire interior. I'm imagining expanding the power tool space for a cordless hammer drill I got as a manager's markdown at Harbor Freight. It didn't have a case but was $18. Have seen cases at estate sales. I can imagine being used for custom electronics, the small Raspberry PI computer expanded with a ODB-II & CAN buss USB connects. The LCD & battery in the other half of the case.

[@foxcanfarms]

Good point. You can just cut out what's needed to fit in your new drill, etc. More good ideas on what to put in these, thanks! Thanks for Watching!

[@Habibulla.M]

I have some of these boxes. Always wondered if I can do like this. But not sure of the strength once it's removed. May be I will try cutting one now and see myself it's strength...

[@foxcanfarms]

Sounds like a great plan, especially if its just collecting dust😀. However, based upon someone else who said they removed the lip and it was not sturdy anymore, I would recommend you leave the lip like I did in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@patrickbodine1300]

Excellent!😉👍

[@foxcanfarms]

Thanks for watching!

[@SleepFaster18]

I have done this a couple of times with variable success depending on the case. They can still be in the way if they aren't a convenient shape or they don't fit into your workflow

[@foxcanfarms]

That is so true! Thanks for watching!

[@alans1816]

This is the best kind of idea: useful and so simple it’s hard to see now why I didn’t do this before. Would a heat gun be able to soften the inner structure enough to squish it down without cutting it out or deforming the outside too much? If so, would it be easier than cutting it out? It should keep the case stronger, if that matters. We’ll see.

[@foxcanfarms]

Others in the comments have said a heat gun would work, one said it is time consuming. I have not tried it. I do wonder how smooth it would be since there's more material than what would be there if it were flat, and whether the time to do it would be worth the results. My cases are pretty sturdy after I cut them, and the cutting was easy and fast so I'm less likely to try and melt it...although maybe I should make a video trying it. Also, some say cutting with an oscillating tool with a hook blade (either an attachment you buy or putting a regular utility knife hook blade into it) works well. Thanks for watching!

[@joselofarias2088]

Want to see more of these

[@foxcanfarms]

I really appreciate your comment! I have a couple of ideas in the hopper and just need to make time to work on them. There will be a little delay since I just started a new job that will require some extra time commitment. Thanks for watching and I hope you subscribe and hit that bell to get alerts!

[@danwheeler5130]

great idea

[@foxcanfarms]

Thank you and Thanks for watching!

[@MrAlansage]

A couple months ago I did this to an old Craftsman Brad nailer case for my Ryobi batteries

[@foxcanfarms]

great ideas for everyone to add to the list! Thanks for watching!

[@ShillDozer]

Sir, I really enjoyed watching you oscillate.

[@foxcanfarms]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

Personally I cut the inner shell and then place it in my tool box. I used mix of grinder, sawzall, soldering iron to get a clean cut. Now I have a place for the tool in my box nice and secure and a junk tool box

[@foxcanfarms]

Putting the inner shell in your tool box is a great idea. Plus my kids would put it back in the right place! Thanks for watching!

[@krazytroutcatcher]

One thing I have learned with plastic moulded boxes, is to take a photo of the tool and parts in the box when I first open from new. For the moment, two have a printout of the layout taped to the inside of the box. I can never get them back in the box the same🥴

[@foxcanfarms]

You got that right! 🤔 Without a picture it's anyone's guess as to how to get everything back in some of those cases. Some people left a comment saying the left molded parts for the tools in place and then cut out some of the plastic to make it easier to get everything back in or have a place for accessories. Thanks for watching!!

[@derkarhu5079]

That's one of the first good uses for those reciprocatin' tools...they mostly seem kind of half-baked for cutting anything tough.

[@foxcanfarms]

They really are an odd job type of tool that I have to remember to use. I've used them for notching things out in tight places, in wood studs, and quite a bit working on our chicken coops. Thanks for watching!

[@derkarhu5079]

@@foxcanfarms Thanks... I've avoided buying them, I guess, because is have a LOT of tools, and I use my Dremel with some special cutters for some of those tasks.... they have some disks that are specifically for the kind of plastic and light wood cutting., If I could get an adapter for a tool like that to work on a variable speed angle grinder...anyway, indeed, good idea to repurpose these cases... I have a couple about, and, If I need one, our local 'dump' often has thrown-out drills and stuff, chucked out, rather than going to Amazon, or Ebay, for a replacement battery... I picked up a 'defective' 800 W UPS from there, took it home, even just for its 'Master Switch' ability, but it just needed a €25 battery, to 'fix' a €300 UPS !!

[@foxcanfarms]

@@derkarhu5079 Thank you. Well, I too seem to have a lot of tools. You can do a lot with a Dremel tool, I have one of those and I have a metal saw attachment that would probably work well on the boxes. The oscillating tool was given to me as a gift, and I have to remind myself that its handy for certain jobs, otherwise I forget about it. Way to go on reviving the UPS!! One of ours had some sort of code saying something was no longer working and it had reached its end life or something (it wasn't the batteries need to be replaced code). I swapped out the batteries with those from one of our other ones to test it, it worked, and the code never came back! I imagine people look up the code and since it's not the battery replacement code they toss it and just buy a new one. Take care!

[@charliebecker2216]

I pick a dealt box up from work 20 years ago and used it for pistols

[@foxcanfarms]

This seems to be a recurring theme and it's a great idea. Thanks for the idea and for watching!!

[@user-kr3tn1tc4j]

Hi Foxcan, loved your video today. Great idea for inexpensive tool or ? boxes. Impressed with the solder gun wide foot you have. Did you make it or was it purchased ? If you made it there's another video idea. Keep up the videos. Irish Mike

[@foxcanfarms]

Hi Irish Mike. Glad you liked the video & thanks for watching! Regarding your question: Someone else asked about what I found out the manual calls a "Flat Iron Tip". We didn't make it, although one of my kids has an idea for making one. It looks like new soldering guns don't provide this attachment anymore and I think you might have to go to eBay, garage sales, or estate sales to find one. The only place I can seem to find the Flat Iron Tip is in the "vintage" soldering gun kits; examples include the WEN 199K, 250, and the 450 (I have these); and I see the Craftsman #5380 also has one (I can't speak for this one). If you have the WEN 250 (the one I used with the flat iron tip in the video), I see someone is selling just the Flat Iron Tip on eBay right now (search on flat iron soldering gun tip - but it's a little pricey). Otherwise I see some of the vintage kits I noted are also on eBay right now. The other tip I use for plastic (the one I mentioned that was broken) is called a plastic cutting tip (also called smoothing tip). It's easier to blend/push the new plastic into the old with these, but the "Flat Iron Tip" wide tip works better for smoothing. A little background: Technically, the Flat Iron Tips are made for smoothing and removing dents from wood (must use with a damp cloth), removing scratches from wood (use a wax filler), and for sealing wax paper packages and plastic bags! On another note: I like both old and new tools, but I haven't had good luck with new soldering gun kits (maybe I was too cheap and didn't spend enough money). The new one's I've tried took too long to heat up and just didn't work well. I tried a "vintage" soldering gun I found cheap at an estate sale I was hooked! So much so that I decided some time ago I might make sure that each of my kids has a good "vintage" soldering gun...and in answering your question I realized I have accumulated quite a few of these things. Maybe I'll make a video about that and which of the vintage ones I don't care for (btw the ones I mentioned above work well)! I hope that helps!

[@JohnColgan.]

Wonder of aa hot air blower might soften the plastic sufficiently to press the blown shape flat so you have a double wall case, no edges to lose bits.

[@foxcanfarms]

hmm, it seems like it might not work since when there are spots lower and higher you have more plastic than if it was all flat so you might have a mess, but that sure would be a curious experiment wouldn't it 🤔. On the other hand, at least in both of my cases, I can't really lose the bits because there aren't any small, hidden, or unreachable areas. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@leemiller9486]

I've been doing this to my drill cases for years. Leave enough to keep the drill in place. All the hollow underneath bit storage.

[@foxcanfarms]

Well I didn't cut up the case for the drill I'm using yet, but that sounds like a great idea for that one. Plus I can use the bit holder I cut out of the older one...could even melt it into the case. Thanks for watching!!

[@leemiller9486]

@@foxcanfarmsbiggest flaw of form fit case... no storage... I can't believe manufacturers don't do this. I keep bits and drivers in a zipper bag, have 5 feet of extensions,12" pilot bit , extra battery, you can pack it. 🤠👍

[@foxcanfarms]

@@leemiller9486 it would be a selling point, but sometimes I do wonder if it's a cost issue or if it's a designer who doesn't actually use (or seldom uses) the tools that are stored therein. 😄 5' of extensions...can never have enough extensions!

[@JoeZelensky]

When you have corded tools and you put them back in the case they never go back in correctly. I propose just cutting one side (the top) and leaving the other intact. Then glue some foam into the cut side so that way when you put the corded tool away it wont have to be perfect and it will fit great and not flop around inside the case.

[@foxcanfarms]

Great idea! That is so true with corded tools and if you do get them back in it takes forever to make it perfect (and then just hope you can close the cover fast enough before the cord, etc. moves😀. Thanks for watching!

[@richardefriend]

Where can one buy the soldering gun flat tip you brought out at 8:31?

[@foxcanfarms]

Now that's a great Question!! I have three soldering guns that mention this tip in the manual, and it is referred to as a "Flat Iron Tip". I didn't realize it until you asked the question and I looked into it. I think you might have to go to eBay, garage sales, or estate sales (I am personally addicted to these). Why? Well, the only place I can seem to find the Flat Iron Tip is in the "vintage" soldering gun kits, examples include the WEN 199K, 250, and the 450 (I have these); and I see the Craftsman #5380 also has one (I can't speak for this one). If you have the WEN 250 (the one I used with the flat iron tip in the video), I see someone is selling just the Flat Iron Tip on eBay right now (search on flat iron soldering gun tip). Otherwise I see some of the kits I noted are for sale on eBay right now. On the other hand, the other tip I use for plastic (the one I mentioned that was broken) is called a plastic cutting tip (also called smoothing tip). I have had good luck with those as well, and in fact its easier to blend/push the new plastic into the old (the wide tip works well for smoothing). Technically, the Flat Iron Tips are made for smoothing and removing dents from wood (must use with a damp cloth), removing scratches from wood (use a wax filler), and for sealing wax paper packages and plastic bags! I like both old and new tools, but I haven't had good luck with new soldering gun kits (maybe I was too cheap and didn't spend enough money). The new one's I've tried took too long to heat up and just didn't work well. I tried a "vintage" soldering gun I found cheap at an estate sale I was hooked! So much so that I decided some time ago I might make sure that each of my kids has a good "vintage" soldering gun...and in answering your question I realized I have accumulated quite a few of these things. Maybe I'll make a video about that and which of the vintage ones I don't care for (btw the ones I mentioned above work well)! I hope that helps!

[@richardefriend]

@@foxcanfarms I appreciate your response. However, I've got a whole bunch of soldering irons and tips, for both my Weller 'gun" (2 prong--like yours), and my other pencil types (single leg), including a smaller flat triangular one that came with one of my plastic welders. I saw your large flat one and thought it'd be perfect for the Weller. But (since I couldn't find it either), it's no longer available absent endlessly searching estate sales, for which I have zero patience.

[@foxcanfarms]

@Richard Friend Fair enough regarding estate sales! If it wasn't for estatesales.net where you can view pictures of what they have before going, I don't think I'd go to estate sales that often. In case it helps, I did see a buy it now auction on eBay, NOS identical to mine for about 13.50 after shipping.

[@hardrock1826]

Richard Friend I bought a plastic welding kit off of Amazon. It was about thirty bucks and you got the iron, tips and some plastic pieces for welding jobs.

[@brianveitenheimer4492]

If you found 2 big matching ones you could make nice hard bags for a dualsport motorcycle

[@foxcanfarms]

O, now that's a really good idea! Thanks for watching!

[@ptonpc]

Those are handy :)

[@foxcanfarms]

Totally agree. Thanks for watching!

[@terrencezellers9105]

I've tried cutting the molding in old cases a couple times. Every time the resulting case was too flimsy to use for anything worthwhile. Most of the time the molded plastic is integral to the strength of the case. Most of what I tried this on was cheaper tools so *possibly* the name brand tools use heavier plastics that might work.... but throwing together a wooden box with left overs from projects is so quick and easy (if you're not aiming at absolute perfection at least) that I kind of wonder if salvaging plastic cases for general storage is worth the trouble. (I do spend a couple dollars on a wooden rough case for hinges and hasps if I don't have some salvaged ones laying around, but I do value my time at least somewhat.

[@foxcanfarms]

So far the ones I've cut out have been quite sturdy and well worth the time, but then again these are older cases and I've only cut Makita and Milwaukee cases (and the DeWalt I have also looks sturdy). The time to rip it out went pretty quickly. But I can totally see how a wood box would be more sturdy, and I do know what you mean about some cases being flimsy. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Depending on its use. Gotta consider the weight of the wood. Better than the plastic going to a landfill.

[@georgelemoine7402]

Thank you

[@foxcanfarms]

My pleasure and Thanks for watching!!

[@Bobcat1950]

This has been done for years. The companies could have easily designed removable inserts so the cases could be repurposed. They saw a new marketing ploy. It’s called pack out. Add some wheels and offer a few different sizes that connect, and you can separate the consumers of hundreds of more dollars. You can make partitions to help separate items. Enjoyed the video.

[@foxcanfarms]

Hehe, I hear you! Glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate you watching!!

[@hodaka1000]

Good video These cases should all come with removable linings

[@foxcanfarms]

That would be cool. Thanks for watching!

[@hodaka1000]

@@foxcanfarms I was living in the bush one time and had a problem with my car and needed parts so I had to hitchhike with tools to get to where the parts were, if I ever had to hitchhike anywhere I would be looking for and usually find a plastic oil bottle on the side of the road and use it as my "gimmick" for getting a quick lift, so on this occasion I got an oil bottle and sliced the top of it along its seem and putting the tools I required in the bottle I hitched like the wind again 🦘

[@foxcanfarms]

@@hodaka1000 that sounds like a great way to let the driver know why you need a lift!

[@hodaka1000]

@@foxcanfarms They would always ask if you were out of fuel and when you explained they never had a problem with my technique One time just at the right time and place I found a couple of fellas broken down on the side of the road with their hood up looking at their engine and so had paused to speak to them when a car has approached, so I asked if they would make themselves inconspicuous for a moment because I could get a lift out of this situation they obligingly ducted behind their car and I got a lift out of it, the driver asked if I'd broken down and I explained it wasn't my car I was just using it as a gimmick to get a ride no problem

[@foxcanfarms]

@@hodaka1000 That's quite the story, and it has to be real, I mean, as saying goes, 'I couldn't make that up if I tried'! 😀

[@chrisharrell2449]

try the hook blade in the multi tool they are great

[@foxcanfarms]

Thanks for the good idea and for watching!

[@mikemarriam]

I tried this too but I messed up and didn't leave the flange around the rim so the case was too flimsy and wouldn't stay latched.

[@foxcanfarms]

Bummer, but I'm glad you made this comment because I was thinking about doing what you did on the next one - I won't be doing that. I hope you have some more laying around that you can use. Thanks for watching!

[@roberthardy2013]

Put a net in the blue box lid for cloths, gloves, wipes etc.

[@foxcanfarms]

I like it - Added to my task list!

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Great video,Thank you . A Drill with a small 'drill chuck type 'stone grinder wheel'_ is quick and effective on getting those Burr's off the edges, (just not spinning to fast' or it'll start melting into the stone) Tho it works quick and very affective, No sharp edges. also, 'not to quip' The music is a little 'jarring' for such a skill thought provoking video, maybe its just me? anyway, Thanks Again.😶👍

[@foxcanfarms]

Ah yes, that would work! Could also use a rotary tool ('Dremel' tool if you will) with a stone wheel as its smaller size might make it easier to use in the corners. Thank you for your feedback regarding the music. I just found the cutting so slow and boring that I bumped the speed to 500% and added in some fast music, but I do see your point. Thank you for watching!!

[@patrickbodine1300]

The music is what makes it come together. 😉👍

[@foxcanfarms]

@@patrickbodine1300 I just found the above comment and yours the other day because for some reason KZbin held the above comment (and by default your response to it) for review and I didn't notice it. Anyway, I wanted to specifically say thank you for your feedback regarding the music and thanks for watching!

[@lugnutzz75]

add a latch and set of hinges to the other side and double the storage.

[@foxcanfarms]

Cool idea. Thanks for watching!

[@lucasbos3428]

Those peanut butter filled pretzel bites are the shit

[@foxcanfarms]

Fair enough. Thanks for watching!

[@thearthound]

I'm curious what you mean by "hook knife". It looked like a regular utility knife.

[@foxcanfarms]

Good question. A hook knife, or blade, goes into a utility knife, but it has a hook on the end that is a knife. These are commonly used by roofers to cut shingles and carpet installers to cut carpet, and others like myself use them for any number of other convenient uses. I can't put a picture in the comment, but if go to Amazon or any hardware store website and search on 'utility hook blade' (sorry for calling it a hook knife) you should be able to see whay it looks like. I used to have one knife with a regular utility knife blade and another with a utity hook blade. Now I have a utility knife that has two blades and I just put one in each 'slot'. And since I have a hard time getting rid of things, I still have the one with only a hook blade 😀. I hope that helps explain it. Thanks for watching!

[@thearthound]

@@foxcanfarms That's what I thought you were talking about. I've just always heard it called a carpet knife. That is assuming it's shaped like a utility blade, but with a hook on either end. They work really well in an oscillating tool also. Thanks for the response! Loving the videos!

[@foxcanfarms]

Yep that's it, sorry for my odd description, I guess I make up my own slang sometimes 😀. I knew they made a hook blade for and oscillating tool, but someone else also mentioned that you can put a regular hook blade into one. I have that on my personal list of things to do. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@thearthound]

@@foxcanfarms Thanks! Your description was fine. I only knew about putting it in the oscillating because I saw a KZbin video on it. I don't have one yet.

[@squigtonianmayhem4602]

If ya take a heat gun to it, you can reform the insides to fit something else. It's time consuming, but, there is a way.

[@jameskennedy673]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@foxcanfarms]

Thanks for watching!!

[@fasfgasdfagadsf]

I use mine as fill for the land.

[@foxcanfarms]

maybe with all the people watching you can sell any new ones you get to them😁. Thanks for watching!

[@fasfgasdfagadsf]

@@foxcanfarms not a bad idea at all

[@STB-jh7od]

Could make a good tool battery case, keep batteries protected when not in tool, better than cloth tool bag.

[@foxcanfarms]

Absolutely. And way better than when I put them in a 5 gal pail. Maybe even put dividers about the width of the batteries to reduce the amount they move around or add foam as others have mentioned. Thanks for watching!!

[@STB-jh7od]

The bright red case would make a good car emergency kit for trunk of car, tire iron, tools, flares, 1st aid kit etc, color would make it easy to see, esp if trunk light doesn't work cause of electrical issues.

[@foxcanfarms]

@@STB-jh7od no doubt it would work well!

[@richarddietz6145]

Old dewalt cases are good for this. Make good cases for grinders an trim guns

[@foxcanfarms]

I will make a note of that - I haven't used my dewalt case yet. Thanks for watching!

[@richarddietz6145]

@@foxcanfarms also some of them are easier to cut.

[@foxcanfarms]

For sure! I was so spoiled with the older Makita case. Hmm, maybe I just created estate sale and garage sale competition and I should have left it out of the video 😀. If i see one of those without the indented parts that's cheap at a sale I'm going to grab it fast.