Sealing Altoids Containers

[Hogosha]

It seems that many people are fond of Altoids Tins for small caches. I believe the "weather resistance" of the cache could be enhanced by placing a piece of cut down bicycle tube around the container, helping keep out the elements. The tin should be sanded, primed, then sprayed with rustoleum, then hit with a few coats of wax.

[+sbell111]

I think it would be folly to try to seal one. A better plan would be to use a small ziploc to place the log book into.

[Hogosha]

I agree you should definitely put the log book in a small bag. Let's face it, you ainn't never going to make these things watertight. That being said, I still think you could improve it with a seal. I'm going to test it out and see how it goes.

[ATMouse]

I have made an altoids tin so water resistant that it floated. I used epoxy and cut to fit bits of those little grippy thingies you get at home shows and such.

 

Still, I put a baggie in it after sanding it down and painting it, too.

[+DocDiTTo]

Why not just use something other than an altoids tin that's already waterproof? I never could figure out the geocachers fascination with altoids tins. They rust, they leak... what's the attraction?

 

And sure, you can try to waterproof them (good luck!), but why waste the time where there are lots of little plastic containers with rubber seals readily available?

[+ChileHead]

Small lock'n'locks. I've used them (about twice as thick as altoids), and are very weather proof.

[4wheelin_fool]

I believe the "weather resistance" of the cache could be enhanced by placing a piece of cut down bicycle tube around the container, helping keep out the elements.

That is an interesting thought, worth experimenting with. I recently replaced a cache and used 2 altoids tins; placing the narrower chewing gum tin inside the larger mint tin. The log book used was a regular notepad cut down with a jigsaw to match the size of the inner tin. I cammoed the outside with clear GOOP type glue and small sticks. It is experimental, and I am curious to see how well it works. Tiny trade items in caches like this usually are the type not to be affected by water anyway (such as coins)and Im just hoping the logbook stays dry. Id rather not use a bag, as they dont seem to work. Havent been able to find any tiny lock'n'locks, or I would use them instead.

[+Confucius' Cat]

Don't waste time trying to waterproof an inherently non- waterproof container. Either get an already waterproof container or use the altoids tin (or any other tin) in locations that are not subject to rain. They are fine in those condx.

[+KoosKoos]

Tiny trade items in caches like this usually are the type not to be affected by water anyway (such as coins)

Having cleaned out several waterlogged caches, it's no fun trying to clean mildew, rust, and general "gunk" off of coins.

 

I agree with the previous posters...save the altoids tin for only those places that won't be exposed to weather!

[+JohnnyVegas]

Like DocDitto said, why put all the effort into trying to waterproof a peice of junk container. Jus tfind some other type if container. THere are small waterproof containers that you can get at sports shops that are used by swimmers, surfers and divers, but you will have to pay for them.

[gridlox]

I never could figure out the geocachers fascination with altoids tins.

There cheap & small. Simple as that!

 

Not to mention, a great product!

[Hogosha]

I've been playing with Altoids tins for years making small hiking survival kits. That being said, I think they are FAR from ideal to be used as a a geocache container, but then again, I also think 35mm film cannisters are also a poor choice.

 

Part of the fun I think is seeing if it CAN be done. As I said, I'm going to make a test cache, and see how it holds up. I'm always on the lookout for small containers of this type. I think the Altoid Tin caches will be around for a while.

[+rowanf]

Having put out my first altoids (the jumbo size not one the bitty ones) today, I can say that I know it won't be waterproof and that that will be a problem. OTOH, the waterproof otter box I originally stocked the cache with lasted three weeks. I wanted to test the waters with a cheaper solution before investing in another otter box. Not that it turned out to be that *cheap* since I found some bark at a cache I was doing and got all inspired and bought $5 worth of glue. But the cheapness was the original attraction.

[+Pablo Mac]

A better plan would be to use a small ziploc to place the log book into.

When it comes to geocache containers, the only good ZipLock bag is a new one. After a couple or three cacher visits, ZipLocks tend to get banged up pretty badly.

[+DocDiTTo]

I never could figure out the geocachers fascination with altoids tins.

There cheap & small. Simple as that!

So a CHEAP, BAD container is better than a GOOD container that costs a couple bucks? I guess if you approach caching from a purely selfish viewpoint, you're right. I'm sure the future finders of your rusty, stinky, mildewy, dripping wet cache will understand completely. Carry on.

[+Doc-Dean]

Just put the whole altoids container in the zip lock.

 

In Florida, a zip lock will last 6 months before exposure ruins it. I would hope most people can find the time to maintain their caches at least twice a year.

[+Thrak]

Remember - there are good ziplocks and then there are cheap ziplocks. Heavier bags tend to work better.

[+DocDiTTo]

Remember - there are good ziplocks and then there are cheap ziplocks. Heavier bags tend to work better.

There are only 2 kinds of ziplock bags - those that have torn, and those that will. Being "heavy duty" is helpful if it's sitting in your freezer, but that doesn't make much of a difference sitting out in the woods under a rock. Putting a poor cache container in a ziplock only delays the inevitable - it will still end up wet.

[+kingsting]

I'm all for going with a small lock n lock. I've found plenty of crusty Altoids tins already. I do have an Altoids tin hide out there but it's in a sheltered location and doesn't get rained on. It's holding up pretty well. Altoids tins and moisture are a bad combination...

[+Harry Dolphin]

Welding torches are good for sealing Altoids containers...

[+GEO.JOE]

Plano makes waterproof boxes the same size as an Altoids tin.

Plano 1061

For some reason the advertisement gives the measurement of all three stacked together. Our local hunting and fishing story as these for $3.00 for 3.