REVIEW: Harbor Freight Ammo Cans! Any Good?

[@fasteddie4107]

I love buying and using surplus Ammo cans. To ensure a tight seal, I take an empty Ammo can and light a candle inside, lock it down and let it burn the air out. When you go to open it, if the can is hard to open and sucks air in on opening - indicating an airtight seal - it’s a keeper.

[@Johndoe-qk6fi]

Ha no shit ...thats genius i never thought of that ! Im glad i checked out the comments. Thank you

[@LeonSteelpaw]

Pretty sure you can get replacement seals though

[@garofalo1707]

Genius 🙂

[@newguy2794]

Awesome idea. Thank you.

[@Plasmastorm73_n5evv]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@stevebaum]

Sorry, but this is how my mind works; Wouldn’t the 2 heavy ammo cans on top of the lid actually improve the tension on the seal, possibly giving you a false positive? I think the test could be slightly improved by placing the can sideways and the heavy cans as weight also on the side. Thanks, keep up the good work. Lately I’ve been pretty impressed w/ Harbor Freight.

[@waynecampeau4566]

Many years ago I worked at a company where one of the things we made were defibrillators. One in particular was meant for EMTs and we decided to pattern it after the 50 Cal ammo can. It was the right size, fit neatly in the trucks, lots of EMT were ex VietNam medics at the time so were of course familiar with the design. We used a VERY high strength plastic instead of steel. It was lighter and stronger believe it or not. Our immersion test was to put it in a 55 gal drum full of water, weight it down with cinder-blocks, and wait 1 week. No leaks! For impact, we took it up to the third floor roof and threw it as high in the air as possible (about another 30 feet) and let crash onto concrete. Repeat 10 times (We figured a use case would be a fireman throwing it up to a third floor window where it was supposed to be caught, but missed and it would fall to the ground). Minor dents in the corners, no crack, breaks, or warping. Opened, closed, and worked just fine. The actual .50 cans we used as controls actually bent and warped. This is one time plastic was superior to steel. We only made that model for a couple of years, but I bet there are still some in service. They would not win any beauty contests, and they were heavy, (batteries have gotten much better since then). They were pure functional kind like the A-10 warthog. If you ever see a gray plastic ammo can on an EMT vehicle, it is probably one of our defibs.

[@kengray5793]

I lugged one of those car batteries around for many years until we got lighter weight defibs. They served very well and even FF’s couldn’t destroy them. And we can tear up an anvil with a rubber mallet. Still have one in our historical display case.

[@waynecampeau4566]

@@kengray5793 Glad to hear it! We wanted a tank that you could depend on, and maybe use as a wheel chock for an engine if necessary. :) Sales hated that they were so ugly, but those of us in engineering thought you guys would rather have something that could be dropped down a flight of stairs and still depend on over something pretty. Sorry that they were so heavy, but the batteries of the day were still lead-acid and just didn't have the power density that came when laptops were around for a few years. The modern lithium polymer batteries of today have on the order of 40 times the energy density, and charge 100 times faster.

[@woodsman2270]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKPSl4J7jseWj7c

[@suntzuwu]

Easier way to test water tightness would be to fill the can 3/4 full of water. Seal it, dry it and turn it upside down on a table top for a while, see if it leaks. The 1/4 of air you leave in keeps it from being vacuum locked. If there is a gap, it will show.

[@brianunderwood7437]

A good silicone lubricant will protect the seals on the ammo cans.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

They are excellent quality. I also got the same cans at Atwood's for $2 cheaper than the Harbor Freight ones. Both were made in Vietnam and have the year they were made on the front. I think they are exactly the same as Army surplus ones. I can't tell any difference in the quality and I would rather have brand new ones, although I have some that my dad had from the Korean war and they are still air and water tight.

[@kennethhamby9811]

I have ww2 cans that are still good.

[@sjl9942]

Plastic cans are good for medical supplies and cleaning kits I would recommend metal for ammo and important documents like birth certificates and passports and maybe maps

[@clintlewis1715]

If you get the military surplus cans online, such as from a bulk ammo site, some like SGAmmo replace the gaskets with new gaskets. You can also get new gaskets and replace them yourself (there are youtube "how to" videos). The problem I have with Harbor Freight and stores like ACE/Atwoods is the ammo cans may look like authentic ammo cans, but are actually made in China knock-offs. That doesn't mean they don't work, it's just a personal preference. I would rather pay less for fair to good condition made in USA military surplus cans.

[@bg4097]

What dry lube spray do you use for the seals in Surplus cans? Thanks

[@randomteacher]

This was much more fun than just laying a few paper towels inside...love these cans and thanks for the extra effort.

[@edsmith2650]

I like the test and the fact that you put the camera inside...you earned a new sub

[@superseamstersewingshow514]

Yes! I subscribed as well. Very well-done video!

[@ian5780]

They are still water tight, but they got cheaper in the last few months.

[@goodfriend7609]

I just bought one from Harbor Freight earlier today, had no intentions of it getting wet but it's good to know it can handle it.

[@ruthscott5166]

Hi, I'm not a gun person so had not thought of ammo cans until I watched your uses for ammo cans and now this HF ammo can review - so will be adding some to my emergency kits. Thanks

[@marineassassin9213]

The ammo cans at wally world and Harbor Freight are fine, BUT be SURE to check the mating of the can to the rubber seal on the lid. Sometimes they do not align at all, but most do. Do that simple check and look at the indentation on the rubber from the main can, and if it wanders off which would leak air and humidity, put that one back and check the next one. I always seal ammo meant for storage in kitchen vacuum seal bags first THEN plop into a GI can.

[@abcertweld]

Funny how everyone cracks on Harbor Freight. Funny I work on Big Trucks and actually build trucks like Garbage trucks, Dump Trucks, Roll-off trucks and many others, yet my Harbour Freight Tools work just great. I see the other guys always on the Snap-on, MAC, and Matco trucks getting their tools fixed or replaced. Mine just keep on working and I've had mine for over 10 years. Say what you want but mine have always worked just fine and still do.

[@JDGrayman]

Harbor Freight stuff can definitely be hit or miss. I have a low profile pump jack for cars that is absolutely great! Gets the vehicle up in the air in 3-4 pumps. There is a belt sander/disc sander combo I really want to try out.

[@abcertweld]

JD Grayman make sure you check the fluid in it. My Dad has one and forgot and now it doesn't work. They forgot to fill it up. Just a suggestion.

[@JDGrayman]

Thanks buddy. Good tip.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Their hand tools are great for around the house and they seem to improve (based off of YT reviews) to be producing better power tools. My heavy duty disposable chem gloves hold up well. However, I'm not trusting my life to HF electrical testing equipment... Kline gear for this guy!

[@erlycuyler]

@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 fluke man here.

[@matthewwynne939]

I remember back in the late 90's surplus ammo cans were cheap. Then when the endless wars started in the early 00's, surplus cans that used to be $5-10 were being sold for $30. It took a while for the big box stores to cash in on the demand, but soon everywhere from Home Depot to Costco to Harbor Freight began stocking new manufactured ones that seem to be every bit as good as the surplus cans.

[@JoeUglyFatMama]

$2.50 .30 & $3 .50s. Fat 50s were $4-5.

[@IamDoogy]

I had already bought a couple of those Harbor Freight ammo cans and filled them with ammo. I just assumed they were airtight so when I saw your video I was a little anxious! Glad to see I didn't waste my money. I've been very impressed with the quality of things at Harbor Freight.

[@ironrion]

They’re great. Price went up $3 😢.

[@aldo-228]

Still would check on them to be sure..it is rather hit and miss sometimes.

[@joshuabruce9920]

I got plastic because I was thinking to myself that the inside of the metal one could sweat but that was before I realized they make those moisture absorbing bead containers specifically for safes and ammo cans. I've learned a lot in the 6-8 months I've been into guns. My next can will be a steel one and I'll be replacing my current plastic one with a steel one. I will say the plastic one having the little storage on top on the lid is kind of handy.

[@jacobgentile3351]

Turn that plastic one in a medical kit or a range smith kit, no need for it to go to waste

[@FukTheATF]

The metal could sweat? Lol

[@northidahoguy5549]

I have been buying these for the last few years, with no issues at all. A few times a year you can get a coupon for $9.99 each.

[@longphan2117]

It is now $10.99 www.harborfreight.com/50-Cal-Metal-Ammo-Can-63181.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNDAxMjg0MjgiLCJza3UiOiI2MzE4MSIsImlzIjoiMTAuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0AIjoiMTE4MzQifQ%3D%3D%0D%0A&cid=newgetcpns050120

[@northidahoguy5549]

Long Phan Thanks for the heads up. I’m in need of a few more.

[@remgu2000]

@@longphan2117 $16.99 now :(

[@justbeer1650]

17.99 now

[@tm71100]

I BOUGHT 11.....4 LEAK AND THE ONES THAT DID LOOK AT THE PLACEMENT OF THE WELDED HINGE, IF THERE IS A GAP THEN LOOK AT THE SEAL. IT WILL HAVE NO LINE IMPRINT AND MISSING THE SEAL CONTACT TO THE BOTTOM CAN ALL TOGETHER. ALSO IF IT IS EASY TO LATCH THEN CHECK THE SEAL IMPRINT .

[@DEUS_VULT_INFIDEL]

I actually got an ammo can as a fancy box to hold a coworker's presents for Secret Santa. Was hell to wrap with the handles and corners and everything, but it was worth the little laugh I got when everyone thought I just got her a box of ammo. Actual gift was some shotgun shell shaped lip balm, some comfy sock/slipper things, a beanie with tassels, and a buck knife. Nowhere near as good as my friend getting our Asian store manager a bag of rice and Sun Tzu's The Art of War, though. Fucking legend.

[@douglashewitt5064]

I think a small dessicant in a corner of bottom corner might help to remove humidity in captured air inside. Crispy clean and dry

[@rootssixtysix]

Even the smaller, plastic ammo cans have a rubber gasket. They are great for storing things like tie down straps, batteries, small parts, etc.

[@jonjacobjingleheimerschmid3798]

First aid/trama kits Inverter case..battery jumper case...solder kit... Bulk sockets wrenches.....boat tool box ..ECT It's just endless what these can be used for!

[@fusilier352]

I just bought one and am very happy wit it.

[@MRIMan]

Wow that looks legit. I didnt even bother looking at these when I went to harbor freights haha. HF tools are good for DIY. Ive changed brakes,oil and removed tires with harbor freight tools for years never had a problem

[@johns9652]

Just don't get their jackstands, they've had problems. Not something you wanna try when your life is on the line.

[@superseamstersewingshow514]

@@johns9652 Yes Many of their tools are usable. some of their welding equip is OK, but for machines, I find the established brands like Hobart, Lincoln, and Miller are wiser choices, but I also believe that HF is improving and in the future, they may be a force to be reckoned with. Their torches and hoses and accessories are pretty good. their Welding Gloves are sewn terrible. I have had to open them up and resew certain places.

[@billk5296]

A new mechanic was droning on about his wonderful Snapon tools and how great they looked. A crusty old timer just looked at him and said “hey, kid, do carpenters polish their hammers?” We lost it 🤣🤣

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Great that they did well as my brother purchased 4 of them on sale. He's not going to submerge them or anything, but it's good to know they can keep the inside contents dry.

[@johnfowler6189]

The one issue I had with a HF can was a bad spot weld on latch attached to the can. HF exchanged it with no problem. Just check it before you leave the store

[@LaLaLucky7777]

Harbor freight is great for stuff like this!!! Wrenches hammers gloves ect.... I got a angle electric drill that works great!!!!

[@dogsnpoker]

I would have liked to see you weigh the HF can against the GI can. Also, maybe a comparison of the build quality versus a GI can

[@robertbyrnes7075]

Try the same test with the can upside down rather that the seal sitting g right at the water line. There was no atmospheric pressure on that seal.

[@IndependentArmz]

I noticed the same thing so I bought a couple .30 cal cans too. Glad to see they are good.

[@aspiceronni4462]

I will buy a couple and line them with Spanish cedar to store my cigars in. Thanks for the video.

[@royparker9509]

Generally have good luck with items I buy from Harbor Freight.

[@ryanirving3388]

Just dont buy important stuff from Harbor Freight, like jack stands.

[@bigdoggstatus99]

I hope noone was crushed, I saw they recalled those jack stands.

[@cccalifornia7206]

Roy Parker, everything Harbor Frieght sells is total garbage from CHINA 🇨🇳 🤮

[@rediculouspeople2310]

Ive been using the H/F plastic ammo cans for years. I love them !

[@walterminer4990]

@rediclous people. I bought two of these. My problem is the smell of them when I opened really stinks! Did yours smell bad? Thanks in advance! Best to ya',,,,!

[@ronc4146]

As prices on actual original military surplus ammo cans has shot up, I waited and found the HFT cans on sale going for $11.99 ($5 off) for the .50 cal size over the past Labor Day Weekend sale. I purchased a few, and this is what I have found. First, check the latches at the store before you check-out. About 2/3 of the ones I checked did not have solid, positive-lock latching, instead feeling "mushy", without that solid "snap" one should feel when the latch fully shuts. Of course, I was checking what was on the shelf on the last day of a 4 day sale, so perhaps I should have expected this. What I didn't expect was when I inquired about whether they had any inventory "in the back" of the store, they pulled out two, unopened cardboard boxes of 6 each of more cans. One whole box of 6 had b/o latches, all of the other 6 cans in the second box were just fine. The sales lady said she has seen where it often comes down to how they were stored/stacked when shipped (bottom of the pallet?). Be aware of this, and check before you purchase.... Second, about 1 in 8-10 cans or so will not stack properly. There is an indent stamped into the bottom of each can that is supposed to sit over the handle of the can below it while stacked. There are also four "nubs" on each corner of each can lid on which the can above is supposed to rest. The bottom stamped indents in these cans are not nearly as deep as those on my mil-spec cans. Perhaps it is the shallower indent in the bottom of the can, or perhaps it is a too-proud (high) handle on the can underneath, or too-short nubs on the can lids, but be aware of this and double check the stacking issue with the cans in the store before you purchase. I ended up with one that rocks severely, and after checking both the upper and lower can with different HFT cans, I have come to the conclusion it was the shallow indentation stamped into the upper can that was the issue, not a higher-than-usual "proud" handle. Third, is the !%*)#)! huge stupid sticker/label on the side. It is not meant to come off. No amount of slow peeling, scraping, etc will work to get it off without leaving a gooey, sticky mess of label adhesive and shreds of paper label. Who does this in this day and age? The only solution is to use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat up the label at one corner, and slooowwwlllly heat the label as you go and peel it off, hopefully in one piece. Then use paint stripper (mostly mineral spirits), alcohol (high-proof, like 99% Isopryl, or denatured alcohol), etc, to saturate and wipe off the sticky residue with blue shop towels or a cloth. Lastly, realize these are "copies", and are not quite made to to the same exact specs or quality of the originals. The metal gauge is a bit thinner, the metal bends a bit more, and the latch pieces may not quite latch or wear right. That is what you get for the lower price than typical mil-spec surplus. Hope this helps. P.S. For your needs, you may also want to check out the "Fat" .50 cal ammo cans, both mil-spec surplus and newly mfg imports. They are a bit bigger, but if (for example) you order say 4 or more of the imports from some websites, you can get them down to about $15-16/ea with shipping. They also hold a noticeable amount more. Of course, some may find hauling very heavy .50 cal or larger cans to be very impracticle, opting instead to go with .30 cal cans for ease of moving and transport. A .50 cal can with 1k of loose, unboxed ammo is a bear to move if you are older or have compromised hand or arm strength. The HFT cans are spec'd to #35 lbs each. That is quite a bit if you are trying to maneuver in a small space, say like a small closet, narrow storage area, hard to reach corners of a vehicle. That is why the plastic MTM "ammo crate" options and others like it are so popular. Figure out how you will use it and what you need in advance and avoid getting stuck with storage solutions that are not sized for your unique needs and physical capabilities.

[@S.P.B.222]

Wow, excellent write up, thanks for the info!

[@tomn5880]

I buy my 50 cal. ammo cans at Walmart for $9.87 on special. I have about 48 of them and not one problem. Been using USGI ammo cans for over 45 years.

[@68gt500man]

I have had the spot welds on the Chinese knock offs come apart. I rewelded the hing back to the box but still prefer the USA surplus cans.

[@tonygotts199]

I like to put a little Vaseline or petroleum jelly are the gasket. you ask why one Vaseline prevents rubber from rotting to it makes it pliable and a better seal preventing any kind of water

[@g.p.v._s.p.o.t5416]

I have the plastic $5.99 & the metal $15.99 and both work great.

[@DwayneShaw1]

I've had zero problems with Harbor Freight hand tools, air tools, tool boxes, flashlights, gloves, shop aprons, etc. I bought an electric angle grinder that was complete junk and drill bits that were worthless after a couple uses. But if you stay away from power tools and bits - and do a good inspection of other stuff before you buy it - there are some great deals to be had.

[@hardcore4476]

Actually their hurcules professional line power tools are better then Dewalt. KZbin videos convinced me to purchase one and that thing rocks!!

[@ajw6715]

I use them for tool boxes.

[@hhhservicesllc3163]

Great vid Sir! I have several of the harbor freight cans and all of them seal like the old G.I. cans when I was active duty. Thanks!

[@tonyhennes498]

When I worked at the ammo supply point at out national guard base, the state putout a contract to buy the used ones. The guy usually got it for like a $1 a can.

[@Pyridox]

Thanks for the review on these. Good to know they are water resistant. I got one a few months ago to pt some basic tools in, to keep in the back of my car in case I need some tools while on the road.

[@bobhodson7640]

JD Did you know you can buy the ammo cans from Walmart , Same or better Quality for less money. Just thought I would let you know., Great video.

[@JDGrayman]

I have seen them. I don't know if it was just the batch at my local Walmart, but every single one of them had a really weak latch. I could easily flip them all with my pinkie, and none of them made that distinct "thunk" sound when closing. Again, could have just been that batch at my local Walmart which was defective, bit they seemed lesser quality to me than Harbor Freight. Never thought I would ever say that. LoL

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Never thought I'd ever see somone say such a thing!

[@damiion666]

Beware the walmart 50cals are slightly shirter than a standard surplus. I found that out when I bought a few walmarts and stacked them with my surplus cans. At least harbor freight is exactly same dimensions as a surplus, maybe $2 or $3 more. My ocd got the best of me and I got rid of the walmarts

[@mathew5629]

I got my metal ammo boxes with gasket at Walmart for $12-$14 they are the 50.cal ones they are perfect even did a water test and the ammo was dry also use silica gel packs to keep moister out

[@DavidJSamko]

Use them for ammo, photos, tools, records, and slightly modified as faraday cages for electronic storage. HF I believe simply buys these from a government contractor so they are made to mil spec but not certified as such, that’s why they are cheaper.

[@Sku11Leader]

Your test was flawed. By putting weight on top you may have compressed the gasket causing it to seal. A better test would have been to put the weight in the can and then submerge it.

[@brownro214]

If he put enough weight inside he might not have had room for the camera and flashlight. I doubt it made a significant difference. When you snap down the latch to close the lid, it is very tight.

[@xxIONBOMBxx]

I see what you mean. Pressure inside the can could hypothetically break the seal if there wasnt weight forcing the lid to stay shut. Thats an interesting point of view and I also had the same thought

[@TheLegend-gj6bw]

Agreed

[@brownro214]

Army Surplus World has two (maybe three) in this size for $13.99 and $14.99 plus shipping. Harbor Freight cans are regularly priced at $14.99, but as others have said, they occasionally go on sale or you can use a Harbor Freight coupon. I bought one recently on sale for $11.99. I find them to be a good value. Walmart also sells a "brand name" .50 Cal can for $22 and an unbranded can for $12.74. Shop around.

[@89fakename]

Do an initial peel or scrape of the label then spray it with goof-off. Let it sit for a few minutes then go back and you should be able to get all the residue.

[@ian5780]

They recently changed the design on these and you really have to go through them to find one that: 1 Clasps securely 2 Hinges are crimped or fitted well and isn't loose 3 corners by hinge aren't already effed up due to the hinges falling apart. The lid binds and the metal bends and pint cracks off. I had to squeeze the female end of the hinge tighter to keep the lid from falling off when I opened it.

[@charlesterwilliams1736]

Excellent review. Based on your efforts I am on my way today to buy 2 Harber Freight ammo cans

[@mwilson70201]

I like the plastic ammo cans they carry. They hold 1000 rounds of 5.56 with room to spare and are tough, low price and much lighter than steel and they stack well.

[@Urbicide]

Have you ever accidentally dropped a fully loaded plastic ammo can? If you haven't, it is not pretty/

[@scotthensley8083]

If you will put it in hot water the expanding air will bubble out if there is a leak.

[@skuttsupreme8351]

The thing about harbor freight is they are dismissed by snobby people but it’s actually a great store. It fills a need. Not to mention, if you know what to buy, you’ll save hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, Harbor Freight car jacks are absolutely as good or better than Snap on. Their Apache cases are practically as good as pelican. These ammo cans work excellent. If you know what they make well, you can save a fortune. I also have had excellent luck with their foldable trailers. I opted for one over a Lowes trailer of the same size. Saved 800 bucks and this trailer from Harbor freight is actually better for what I needed in the end. Just know what they make well and you’re good.

[@richardcard9328]

Great video, i’ve been using the harbor freight ammo cans for about eight years and have never had a problem👍

[@mibe1606]

All it means is that one can was watertight. I purchased 20, tested 5, none leaked. I am happily storing ammo in those cans inside a sealed shipping container. No problems in several years. I also store reloading components. Again, no problems. Thanks.

[@XFyrmn]

I watched your video and then decided I was gonna go get some. They're on sale for inside track club members today. I don't know when the sale's over though. The current batch says they're made in Vietnam. So that's better than made in china in my book.

[@tomn5880]

Metal doesn't flex with when picked up and full of ammo. With plastic cans the lid bends, letting air exchange. Air is two parts hydrogen to one part oxygen. Oxygen is a corrosive. I have ammo I stored 40 years ago in 50 cal ammo cans with desiccant for moisture and an oxygen absorber. Still looks and shoots like new.

[@JDGrayman]

It is a lot like plastic water bottles. They resist the internal pressure from the water itself, and are pretty solid. The more you drink, the more you can feel just how flimsy they are. As you said, full cans don't flex. 👍

[@AmishSpecialForces]

And the handles won't come off of the metal ones when loaded. Fill up one of those plastic ammo cans from Wal Mart and pick one up in a hurry, that handle will pop right off. They're no good for ammo.

[@AmishSpecialForces]

@Clifton Terrell, I don't give a fuck about what the heirs of Wal Mart want.

[@partnersingrimepressurewas5199]

Should have put the can in upside down. Water pressure will be what breaks the seal and the is directly related to depth. Pressure = (fluid density)*(acceleration due to gravity)*(depth of submersion) Great Video either way!

[@krod2162]

Yeah it works when it's brand new but that gasket might dry out really quick if it was made in China might want to put some 303 protectant on it just to keep it supple

[@Tom-qx5nl]

They are great cans at a very good price when on sale. I use a bunch of them. Buy with confidence.

[@diyboomboxesintexas2805]

I get original ones from army surplus stores, and Academy Sports and Outdoors has some real nice ones, and you can get the original ones with the stencil on the back from Amazon as well

[@nicholashodges201]

Or you can just by your ammo in bulk. You'll save $50-75 (5.56/7.62 nato) AND you get a free ammo can.

[@diyboomboxesintexas2805]

How many are you talking in bulk?

[@lewis9888]

I haven't had any trouble with steel ammo cans from Harbor Freight except the price. The tan colored cans from Rural King will not stack well because the depression on the bottom of the cans are not deep enough and RK prices are higher than what I am willing to pay nowadays.

[@scottdeems851]

They're not all water tight. My basement flooded and water came in the ammo can thru the seams and not the gasket.

[@roncharbonneau4601]

If you fill the can with water and it doesn’t leak out, it’s the same test and you save a lot of water😉

[@adamlynch9153]

Why would you want to store water in one of those?

[@dennislloyd494]

@@adamlynch9153 you're joking, I hope.

[@lindah6954]

It's un-drinkable L.A. water. lol

[@bigdoggstatus99]

Here's your sign!

[@bryanr9082]

Pressure...

[@hotrodpegleg]

my uncle is a electrician and store almost all his tools in them that he keeps in the back of his truck and his tools look like new in them

[@rgraz4929]

Thanks for the video. I just picked one up at Harbor Freight. They must have had an old stock because it took me literally 2 hours to remove the label in pieces no bigger than a 1/4" and had to rub it several times with 91% alcohol. What a hassle... Did the dunk test for 7-8 minutes. Dry as a bone.

[@Orcinus24x5]

I fucking hate the labels the local surplus store slaps on their ammo cans. Friggen HUGE and they use an adhesive that not even goo-gone will take off without eating the paint. >:E

[@tomn5880]

Excellent demonstration. There is another demonstration where military style ammo can is submerged 2 feet under water in a pool, for 20 minutes, and the contents remained dry. A plastic ammo can will not stay sealed.

[@lorenzomedina6220]

Informative video. I keep my Muzzle loader pistol and most accesories in a 50 cal ammo box !

[@erwin643]

Box or can?

[@outlawgt3045]

I just get the ones grom Walmart.. They are like $9.99 and flawless.. They are and look new and never onced used.. Ive seen the surplus ones and the Eagle brand ammo cans.. They cost more and look used.. The Walmart ones come straight from the factory new and on to shelves.. Metal.. Rubber gasket.. Tight seal.. I can pick mine up full of ammo by the latch and it wont open.. Its a strong latch.. Its a pain in the ass latch its so good

[@thestig007]

Thanks for this video, I saw these at Harbor Freight but thought they'd be a bad design. Now I'm gonna go pick some up.

[@superseamstersewingshow514]

Wow! Thanks for the informative video. I just bought an Ammo can from HF. I got it for some coins. I didn't even know it had a gasket. Also, the surplus stores here in Bako (Bakersfield) are charging more than $16+. You made a great video. I would have never thought about submerging the Ammo can. Now, I will have to look and make sure I have that gasket. I think I do because there is a bounce up when the can is opened. I may have to get one more. It depends on how many coins I have. Thanks for your video. I learned a lot! Also, I agree, many things HF sells are not the greatest, but other factors like price and that they can accomplish the task makes them sometimes worthwhile for the investment. I haven't got all my coins into the can, but they are really nice looking in the can, but the most important benefit will be ease in portability. Thanks again. I'm out!

[@darrenerickson1288]

So I realize this was just a basic test and you proved your purpose... The test I’d like to do would be to find out what the Milspec tests would be for them and then test a surplus can sample and a Harbor Freight set. If the HF set passes the milspec then you’d know it is equal (enough) quality. But again, not saying your test wasn’t valuable and it was interesting to watch. Thanks!

[@rickperry185]

WHAT ABOUT STOREING AMMO IN THESE AMMO CAN,S IN A OUTSIDE METAL BUILDING THAT IS OUT IN THE WEATHER NO CLIMATE CONTROL IN ALL SORT,S OF WEATHER WILL THESE HARBOR FREIGHT AMMO STORAGE BOX,S KEEP MY AMMO DRY AND GOOD IN THIS TYPE OF CONDITIONS

[@Espi68One]

I just purchased 4 of these cans at $11.99 each. I am using them for the reloading bullets that I normally buy at Cabela’s. I was leaving them in the boxes they would get shipped in, until I had a box break on me and almost have the box of 500 bullets hit my foot, the handle makes it easier to move.

[@woodsman2270]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKPSl4J7jseWj7c

[@johnc6738]

Just to give the Harbor Freight cans a bit more insurance put another coat of good paint on them. That will help insure water will not get to the metal and start rusting through.

[@vinces6724]

You can also use the Bluguard VCI ammo bag inside the ammo can for extra protection.

[@lorneholtzclaw4505]

I bought US military surplus for $6 a piece for 50BMG cans. Bought 6 plan on going back and buying 10 more.

[@DMAneoth]

The gaskets on the army issue cans can be replaced. But for $12 I will be on the lookout for some harbor freight cans.

[@stevenshelley9345]

Good to know ,in the past I order cans on line from EBay, there's a harbor freight 20mins from my house will go there for my next ammo can thanks for sharing 😉👍

[@tedr.richardson4655]

Gov Planet has them on Auction, the amount lids and boxes was correct when I got the Pallet home. Clean them up, ,great deal buying volume. If you can find a state close to you, you need a P.U. to bring them back. Don't even think about having them shipped, unless your RICH.

[@nxstng7325]

They make great humidors. Just line with Spanish cedar

[@brianunderwood7437]

I bought a dozen of the 50 caliber ammo cans from Clean Ammo Cans a few years ago. They are the genuine US military ammo cans. I don’t think they sell them by the dozen anymore. Every time I check their website, they are low on stock.

[@skuttsupreme8351]

After the early 2,000’s and all of the wars, they’re getting harder to get. Nowadays the military usually just sends them for scrap metal. That’s why these companies are now selling them. Times change.

[@HrdRockFan]

Our local Costco is currently selling a 50 & 30 cal ammo can bundled for $20.

[@lukaszimmermann2215]

I have a lot of old ammo cans, but i dont trust the rubber. I use a vaccum device and it works perfect.

[@backwoodshomestead482]

Lukas Zimmermann Here's a smart guy...vacuum seal ammo or whatever else you put in the cans, whoever and wherever it was made. It's called insurance!

[@allansolano9]

people can bag on harbor freight but they got some things worth the money or cost to replace. i buy their socket set because i got tired of replacing my stolen craftsmen sockets cheaper to replace, lifetime warranty and definetely not as good as the craftsmen if you were using something better same probably still applies.

[@tsparky9196]

At $17, that's an OK price. Available online for 20, and at Walmart for $13 (shipped free if over 35).

[@davidnichols1568]

I wonder if thay have the smaller ones?.......thanks for sharing this.

[@lindah6954]

Thanks for the test and review. I just ordered 10 of them.

[@NC-xk1eg]

Good demo. Been sold on these a long time, even the plastic ones. On the plastic ones there is frequently a burr/sharp edge that MAY keep the gasket from sealing but it's easily & quickly fixed with a small file.

[@gunwright3481]

I hate to have to ask this, Why didn't you put a 20 or a couple of 20LB barbells or a kettlebelll inside the can to weigh it down? Even putting a few 10 LB plates would have been enough weight.

[@bobthompson4918]

FYI Walmart sells exactly the same cans for about 4 bucks less. Found them in Walmart in Scottsdale !😎👍

[@brianunderwood7437]

Bought a dozen USGI ammo cans from Clean Ammo Cans. They are almost like brand new. Don’t remember how much I paid for them, but I think it was around $10 or $12 bucks apiece. I would rather have the USGI cans than the junk from China.

[@nicholashodges201]

Most gi style ammo cans sold at places like Wal-Mart & harbor freight are actually mil spec and often unaccepted surpluses. And most of those, unfortunately, actually come from the PRC. A frightening amount of our military's gear is either made in China or made with parts made in China

[@notyoung]

Their plastic "ammo cans" work nicely for small solar power projects. Battery inside the box, solar charge controller on the outside. I have one that powers the lights in the shed out back that the lawn equipment is stored in. If it ever needs maintenance, I disconnect a few wires and take all the short-lived pieces to the workbench.

[@josemoreno3334]

I have two. Nothing wrong with them.

[@michaelpowers7744]

Anyone else notice harbor freight cans don’t stack straight up but instead stack about an inch backwards. Meaning if you go more than about 3 cans high they might want to fall backwards

[@timhallas4275]

The cheap plastic ones are also air tight and they will never rust if you bury them in the ground.

[@lopaka76]

Harbor Freight has some decent stuff. You just need to pay attention to what is being bought. Is everything crap? No, but not everything at Home Depot, Ace and Lowe's is not great.

[@ajameslee]

Just like the G.I. ones! They’re the same ones made in the same factories just haven’t been marked. Good thing to stress about though

[@yourstruly5457]

Probly newer aswell

[@1MRSTOMP3R3]

Your supposed to fill the can then submerge it in water. The ammo cans on top are helping to make the seal