Turning a BIC mechanical pencil into a cache - any ideas?

[kazwaztaken]

I have this broken BIC mechanical pencil that I turned into a cache, I'm looking for any ideas for it before and/or after I place it.
I'll use this image for reference as to what parts I'm talking about. (I also have the image attached as well, and below this text:)

1. I took the shaft of the mechanical pencil out, and cut off/removed the dispenser ring, dispenser and the spring, then cut the shaft almost halfway
2. I then took a paperclip, bent it into a straight rod, and glued it inside the cutoff end of the shaft where it wouldn't hit the bottom nor would it come out the top of the shaft (if you wanna reproduce these steps, I suggest cutting the paperclip to size where needed)
3. Then, I used cyanoacrylate (A.K.A super glue) to glue the paperclip rod into the shaft, waited until it dried (I used more glue just in case)
4. I then got a piece of paper from some memo pad, and I cut it to size, and I glued it on with cyanoacrylate glue (I also wrapped the paper around the metal paperclip rod once so that it was glued around most of the bar), I waited for it to dry (it doesn't take that long, cyanoacrylate dries like crazy.)

Once assembled, you can then curl the paper up and put it in the sleeve.

Alternate ideas I thought of:

• I tried putting the log on the same paperclip rod, I rolled it up, and this time I tried putting it in the shaft. Did not work out so well because I couldn't get it to fit most of the time and/or all the way into the shaft without it getting lodged in. And when I did cut it so it worked, it didn't have a decent logbook size.
• I tried putting the log around the shaft without cutting, and this had the same issues as putting it into the shaft. I couldn't get it to fit most of the time and/or all the way into the sleeve without it getting lodged in. And when I did cut it so it worked, it didn't have a decent logbook size.

The method I have done now is easy, because all you have to do is pull out the shaft, and out comes the logbook. It also has more space for more paper in the sleeve.

Using a different mechanical pencil from the one I used may result in a different experience and result.
The reference image below is NOT the exact mechanical pencil I used, it's only used as a general reference in this post.
If you wanna see an actual guide for what I did, I can post one, but right now I'm looking for improvements on my existing design.

Exact mechanical pencil(s) I used for this are most similar to these mechanical pencils however the transparent version of these would probably look really cool. (And ironically, you have to BYOP for this one)

Any ideas?

I also have some questions about how I would go about sealing the cache (more worried about the eraser/hopper end of the shaft/sleeve of the pencil).

[+Jayeffel]

Does not seem to be room for much of a log. And it would probably be damaged when found, the log might  be pulled off from the clip or torn in trying to work with it. Might be a bit too gimmicky. Probably be able to hide well though.

[+Max and 99]

Don't count on people taking the time to put it back right!

[+lee737]

Someone hid something similar around here last month, it was broken after a handful of finds...

[+kunarion]

18 hours ago, kazwaztaken said:

Any ideas?

 

You could mark the outside of the pencil with a clue, use it as a stage in a Multi, then have a waterproof container at the end with a bigger log.  Seal up the pencil so it can't easily be taken apart, because it's just a prop.  But what are your plans for the actual hide?

 

The only two pen caches I've seen, didn't last long.  They each had a teeny soaking wet log rolled up inside the pen.  One was hanging on a string from a fence.  The other was placed on a lawn (and then destroyed by a lawnmower).  Neither was hidden in a way that you'd expect to find a pen.  Shouldn't it be in a pencil holder, or on a desk instead?  Something that fits the theme?

 

You could attach a Nano as a kind of big pencil eraser (maybe attached with magnets).  Cachers are more familiar with how a Nano works, it has its own log style.  Nanos aren't perfect, but they're an option.

 

As you said, you'd have the new challenge of ensuring that Geocachers don't grab that pen/pencil because they forgot to bring one to sign cache logs.

 

Edited September 14 by kunarion

[+Mudfrog]

11 hours ago, Max and 99 said:

Don't count on people taking the time to put it back right!

Yep! Some people will care enough to be careful with a cache but there'll be some who come along and mess things up. Unfortunately, a cache like this will most likely require a lot of maintenance to keep it going.  

[+cerberus1]

We've seen a few of this type, each thought it was a new idea.  

Some were swiped while folks were looking for the cache.  "Hey. I found a pen!  Cool!  We must be close...".

Others taken while CITOing the area, I personally ruined an entire series of squashed water bottles the same way. They weren't a good idea either...

But if maintenance isn't an issue, go for it !