How To Make A $5 Rigid Box And 10 Awesome Uses

How To Make A $5 Rigid Box And 10 Awesome Uses

What are rigid boxes? Well, a rigid box is simply an empty container with two sides that meet at the top and bottom and have only wooden trim on one side. It's perfect for organizing things like paint supplies or tools because it keeps everything within its space until you need them again! 

If you've ever been to a garage sale or thrift store, then chances are you've seen some rigid boxes. They're just as common in homes as they are at garage sales. But what exactly is a rigid box? It is a container that is ideal to use for shipping and storing.

Before You Start with Rigid Boxes - Remember!

Before you start, there are things to know. First and foremost, ensure that you have your materials together before starting. You'll want to be able to measure accurately and not worry about losing any important scraps or pieces along the way.

Next up: tools! Make sure you have everything at hand before making a rigid box such as: 

  • A knife for cutting wood
  • An adjustable wrench for tightening bolts
  • Pliers for bending wires into shape
  • Sandpaper (or something else sharp)
  • A glue gun (or something else sticky)

Rigid Boxes Plans

You can make a rigid box from just about anything. A cardboard box, an empty plastic bottle, or even a cloth grocery bag will work!

If you want to make your rigid box for less than $5, all it takes is some tape and scissors. If you want to spend more money on the materials, here are some options: 

  • A roll of duct tape costs about $3 at Walmart (and it comes in different colours!). You could also buy some masking tape if that's what's available where you live.
  • It doesn't have to be duct tape—you could use any strong adhesive bandage tape instead!

Build the Sides of the Box

The next step is to cut the pieces for the sides. You'll need two 1x4s and one 1x2, which you will use to create a box with an opening in the middle for your rigid box.

To do this, you'll need a mitre saw and a jigsaw (or handsaw), but if you don't have either of these tools on hand, then don't worry—we've got you covered.

All you have to do is measure out 45 degrees from each end of each piece so they fit together perfectly with their respective sides. Then just cut them at that angle; it's that easy!

Next up: cutting down that bottom piece! This one's tricky because there are no instructions on how exactly we should do this part of our project. But luckily enough, there are plenty of online resources where people have already shared their methods with us, so check those out too.

Build the Top and Bottom of the Box

The top and bottom of your box are the two sides that meet at right angles. They're made out of the same material as your sides, so you don't need to worry about it breaking if you drop it or anything like that. 

The only thing different about these parts is that they have hinges on them so that you can open them up like a door!

Add the Lid and Trim Up the Exterior

  • Cut the lid. Use a jigsaw to cut out a piece of the cover smaller than your box, then attach it with glue and screws.
     
  • Trim up the exterior. If you want to make sure there are no sharp edges anywhere on your rigidity box, use a router or table saw to make an inside-outside border line around each side of your rigidity box that's about 1/4" wide (the width of two standard pencils).

Add the Divider

The divider is the second piece of plastic you'll need to make your custom packaging. You can make it out of cardboard, wood, or other material that won't break apart when putting it in the box later.

The divider doesn't have to be uniform; it's just as effective if there's a bit of variation in thickness and size among compartments. 

If you want one large room for all your tools and supplies, use a thicker piece of plastic (like an Altoids tin). But if you wish for smaller compartments that are easier to store away when not used, go with something thinner like an empty tissue box lid or CD sleeve.

If creating your dividers isn't something that interests or excites you (or even makes sense), don't worry. Plenty of options are available online where people sell pre-made kits by weight or volume—make sure they fit inside each compartment before purchasing!

Sand and Finish

Once you've sanded the box, it's time to finish it. You can use several different products for this step.

First, use a rag or paper towel and wipe away any excess paint that has gotten into your box while applying it. This will help prevent a lot of drips later on when you're using your rigid box as an art project!

Next up: apply another coat of paint by painting over all surfaces in one go (except where there are cracks). Let dry overnight before moving on to step three below!

10 Awesome Uses For Your New Rigid Box

1 - Use custom rigid boxes to organize tools and supplies. You can use your new box as a toolbox or fill it with all the things you need to keep at hand. 

2 - Use it as a florist's box. This will help keep flowers fresh by preventing them from getting crushed during transit.

3- Protect your products from theft. You can use luxury rigid boxes to save up your jewellery or luxury items.

4- Use it as a coffee table when you don't want to eat off the floor.

5- Organize clutter in your closet with ease.

6- Keep outdoor tools safe from rain and snow. Cardboard boxes keep tools dry, clean and organized so you can get back to work without worrying.

7- Store books, papers, and other items in one spot and out of sight.

8- Use custom-printed boxes as storage containers. They're durable, sturdy, and reliable—perfect for anything from storing paintbrushes to storing your favourite books.

9- Make them into planters! A rigid box with soil and plants is a great way to create a garden in a small space.

10- A Rigid Box can be used as a stool or chair in an emergency.

Final Words

We hope you've enjoyed this project and found it useful. Rigid boxes are simply exceptional, and the best thing is that you can create them on your own and less than $5.

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