Containers And Ideas

January 26, 2004

Just need a dew quick ideas on containers pros and cons.

So far I am going to be using:

new Folders container

50 and 30 round ammo can

1 gal thermas

2ft dia to 1/2 ft diameter pvc pipe enclosed with cap and removable top

Hide a key- magnetic

Thats it so far anything else?

4.2k · January 26, 2004

Just be careful and make sure that the PVC pipe doesn't look like anything suspicious :-)

Not that we don't all look that way sometimes .

3.1k · January 26, 2004

Don't forget a retired versateller, it's part of my automated cache machine cache.

January 26, 2004

Folgers container: bad (flimsy snap-on lid)

Ammo can: good (of course)

1-gallon thermos: unconventional (but could work)

Pvc pipe: unopenable (caps get stuck)

Hide-a-key: lee-key (usually not water tight)

Edited January 26, 2004 by ghOzt

January 26, 2004

Yes agree that a PVC pipe could look suspicious, but These will be atleast I think a foot to 3 foot in diamiter and Probably painted for either easy to find or hard to find locations, but will not look like something bad.

The caps do stick I will take that into consideration.

38.2k · January 26, 2004

Ditch the Folgers containers. Not very good, unless you're putting it someplace where it won't be exposed to weather or animals. Ammo boxes are nearly perfect. Thermos bottles are OK, but the downside is that there isn't a lot of usable storage space compared to the size of the container. Also, be very careful where you put the PVC pipe caches. Don't place them where they will accidently be found. No matter how nicely you paint them and label them, they will scream pipe bomb to the uninitiated. Also add decon boxes to your list and Bison cylinders. They both make good cache containers. The Bison cylinders are good for log only micros and also make good containers for the interim legs of a multi cache.

Decon Box:

Bison Cylinder:

Edited January 26, 2004 by briansnat

January 26, 2004

Briansnat, Thanks I like your sugestions.

I keep thinking that People will see the PVC for just a pipe not pie bomb, you have to understand a 2 to 3 foot diamiter pipe is the size of a sewage pipe to your toilet.

I also could use different connections to give them shape and size.

I was thinking of making one look like a duck and paint it then place it with a permanent ancor and chain so you had to go find the ugly duckling, cute huh?

I have many more but that was one of them.

I was also thinking of useing Regular metal for a parking garage but tosed that idea when my wife said "don't you think people will think your placeing a bomb?"

1.2k · January 26, 2004

I like these Lock N Lock containers. secure lid, varius size, freeze well and can be easily painted.

3.5k · January 26, 2004

I keep thinking that People will see the PVC for just a pipe not pie bomb, you have to understand a 2 to 3 foot diamiter pipe is the size of a sewage pipe to your toilet.
I also could use different connections to give them shape and size.

My thought is that people see what they want to see. You could paint it Barbie pink and write "Not a Bomb!" on it in big letters and someone would still think it's a bomb.

A few guys have used Thermos jugs around here--the kind with the drinking spout on them. The one thing you have to be aware of with them is that sooner or later the spout starts to leak. I think it would be a good idea to fill the spout with silicone caulk first.

Bret

January 26, 2004

My .02 on containers:

-Plastic containers or lids always suck. I've seen way too may that leak.

-Ammo cans are fantastic. Some sites just aren't suited for them.

-I have a thermos waiting in the wings. It should be good.

-Pipe can be very good. I have a cache out made of 4" ABS (sewer) pipe. One

end glued shut, the other with a removable plug. Works great.

Regarding the "pipe bomb" worry, its important that caches are painted and labeled correctly. There's bound to be an entire topic on poorly labled caches. Examples: a 20mm ammo can in a city park with marker labeling. The word AMMUNITION is clearly visible. Or a plastic tupperware with "geocache" written in marker thats fading. Nothing says official like a paint job and a Geocaching decal. If its worth hiding, its worth a good preparation.

5.9k · January 26, 2004

Someday.....

Army portable field toilets are heavy duty olive drab color buckets with carrying handle complete with removable lid with rubber lip that seals top when you are through. Complete with removable seat that sits down over bucket for comfort. Made of metal and is an excellent multi-purpose bucket.

Portable Field Toilet $17.95

January 26, 2004

A product called "ViewTainer". They come in many sizes and are very inexpensive ($2-$4 depending on size). Find them at hardware or feed stores. Buy two and pry the bottom off of one to use as a top for the other. this one is 2" x 5". They are see through, the label only covers one side. Contents are viewable and they fit nicely into hollow logs and limbs.

Edited January 26, 2004 by Tiwica

2k · January 26, 2004

I made this container for under $0.35 US. I used thin wall brass tubing from a hobby store. The only tools needed were a soldering iron, tubing cutter and a small file. I burnished it up with a little 400 grit sandpaper.

The log is a strip of paper 8 1/5" by 7/8" it has the standard geocache note on one side and room for 30 initial/date entries. In my climate the container should be moisture proof enough for a sheltered location. I am going to try for somthing closer to the bison tube in size next time.

I like the idea of building my own containers. It adds another dimension to the sport, plus people get a kick out of finding them.

January 26, 2004

I made this container for under $0.35 US. I used thin wall brass tubing from a hobby store. The only tools needed were a soldering iron, tubing cutter and a small file. I burnished it up with a little 400 grit sandpaper.

The log is a strip of paper 8 1/5" by 7/8" it has the standard geocache note on one side and room for 30 initial/date entries. In my climate the container should be moisture proof enough for a sheltered location. I am going to try for somthing closer to the bison tube in size next time.

I like the idea of building my own containers. It adds another dimension to the sport, plus people get a kick out of finding them.

Now this is a good idea, mind if I make some of these? Only problem is that it looks a little like a round of ammo. You and I can see that it's not, but someone that's not overly familiar could make the mistake.

Now the ends, is there a plug soldered in there? how does it seal up?

F_M

2k · January 26, 2004

I made this container for under $0.35 US. I used thin wall brass tubing from a hobby store. The only tools needed were a soldering iron, tubing cutter and a small file. I burnished it up with a little 400 grit sandpaper.

The log is a strip of paper 8 1/5" by 7/8" it has the standard geocache note on one side and room for 30 initial/date entries. In my climate the container should be moisture proof enough for a sheltered location. I am going to try for somthing closer to the bison tube in size next time.

I like the idea of building my own containers. It adds another dimension to the sport, plus people get a kick out of finding them.

Now this is a good idea, mind if I make some of these? Only problem is that it looks a little like a round of ammo. You and I can see that it's not, but someone that's not overly familiar could make the mistake.

Now the ends, is there a plug soldered in there? how does it seal up?

F_M

Heck no I don't mind, send me a pic if you build some.

The tubing is 1/4" inside dia a piec of 9/32" id. I used a peice of brass shim stock to close the ends. Just soldered in on, I left the crimp from the tubing cutter so there would be a filet. I trimmed the shim stock close with scissors then used a flat file to clean the edge up.

I had a thought at lunch today, maybe add a magnet inside.

EDIT: I don't see a problem with it looking like a round, heck I'm going to hide it anyway.

Edited January 26, 2004 by rusty_tlc

3.5k · January 26, 2004

I had a thought at lunch today, maybe add a magnet inside.

Eh, why bother. Just magnetize the brass.

Bret

2k · January 26, 2004

I had a thought at lunch today, maybe add a magnet inside.

Eh, why bother. Just magnetize the brass.

Bret

Brass is non-ferrous as well as I can remember. They use it to make non-magnetic tools because it can't be magnetized.

3.5k · January 26, 2004

Brass is non-ferrous as well as I can remember. They use it to make non-magnetic tools because it can't be magnetized.

Congrats, Rusty. You get the "Paying Attention" award!

Just checking to see who's awake out there. lol

Bret

2k · January 26, 2004

Brass is non-ferrous as well as I can remember. They use it to make non-magnetic tools because it can't be magnetized.

Congrats, Rusty. You get the "Paying Attention" award!

Just checking to see who's awake out there. lol

Bret

Now I regret not making that wisecrack reply that first came to mind.

January 27, 2004

the best container i have found comes with a special twist.

robertson's sells real beef jerky by mail order in strong clear tubes perfect for that hollow log etc.

robertsons:

seminole, ok 74868

1-800-346-1408

order a dozen tubes of jerkey and you'll be a happy cacher.

January 27, 2004

35 mm film cantainer work good..

January 27, 2004

I'm getting a series going in the Orlando area called Terra caches - they are eppendorf tubes.

2.3k · January 27, 2004

Someone mentioned bottle preforms before too. I have a couple that may make it out into the field one day. Wish I could get a few more. For those who don't know- they are what plastic pop/soda bottles are made from, they look like a test tube with a screw on top.

January 27, 2004

lazyboy where did you come up with one of those?

1.4k · January 27, 2004

I like these Lock N Lock containers. secure lid, varius size, freeze well and can be easily painted.

Man, I'm blind. Didn't see this thread. I'm looking for clear container ideas. I have a lock & lock cache ready to go actually.

Lock & Lock

Got mine from Target on clearance for $2.

1.8k · January 27, 2004

Yes agree that a PVC pipe could look suspicious, but These will be atleast I think a foot to 3 foot in diamiter and Probably painted for either easy to find or hard to find locations, but will not look like something bad.
The caps do stick I will take that into consideration.

Yeah...you could paint bark on it....put it in a stand of trees....

Just use some good silicon or teflon grease on the threaded caps...make them easy to spin off and seal.

Good luck,

JayBee

5.9k · January 27, 2004

Someone mentioned bottle preforms before too. I have a couple that may make it out into the field one day. Wish I could get a few more. For those who don't know- they are what plastic pop/soda bottles are made from, they look like a test tube with a screw on top.

I'd comment on this but I promised Hydee I'd be good.

2.3k · January 27, 2004

Someone mentioned bottle preforms before too. I have a couple that may make it out into the field one day. Wish I could get a few more. For those who don't know- they are what plastic pop/soda bottles are made from, they look like a test tube with a screw on top.

I'd comment on this but I promised Hydee I'd be good.

HMMMM....25 minutes, I was wondering after I posted how long it would take for someone to comment on the picture. Still, 25 minutes, I don't know whether to be impressed or disappointed.

1.4k · January 27, 2004

I'm not saying it.

But I found this:

http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Merch...ategory_Code=23

I thought the trays that go in the ammo cans were kind of cool. Would make a neat setup for a pin trading cache or something like that.

24.7k · January 27, 2004

Reminds me of a joke about an adult store and a thermos.

3.5k · January 27, 2004

I'm *very* surprised someone mentioned Robertson's beef jerkey containers! I have a couple of those in the wild - doing fine and staying dry.

Paintball tubes can be found at many sporting goods stores and have proven to be waterproof. I have placed three caches with this container. Paintballs have a gelatin shell, so they must be kept dry! I can buy a two pack of them for $4 at my local Mega-lo-mart.

Prime Suspect recently posted these military fuse containers to our Texas forum. They sound great!

Edit - changed url

Edited January 27, 2004 by 9Key

January 27, 2004

All very great Ideas tommarow I go out to shop.

I will if no one else does, start a tread on making different kinds of containers, material instructions may be a drawing or two.

This should be so much fun .

January 27, 2004

Megamog:

If you do start another thread then please ask people to post where they are from. Beef jerky containers and paintball tubes may do quite well in Texas however I suspect that they would not do so well in the snowy northeast after being buried in snow for a couple of months. Ditto with M&M containers and anything that requires someone to screw down a lid or snap multiple parts together.

Location, location, location!

6.5k · January 27, 2004

Reminds me of a joke about an adult store and a thermos.

Thermos? I thought it was the fire extinguisher?

January 27, 2004

Beef jerky containers and paintball tubes may do quite well in Texas however I suspect that they would not do so well in the snowy northeast after being buried in snow for a couple of months. Ditto with M&M containers and anything that requires someone to screw down a lid or snap multiple parts together

I think this would definatly bee a spicific in reagon.

I think everyone should give resons for making them when this new post gets going and also give reagons and climats probably best used for.

I go shoping a bit later today, looking forward to it.

January 27, 2004

My $.02, pipe style containers always look suspicious. Every hazardous devices training class uses various pvc/metal pipe type containers as examples of suspicious devices. I'm not sure you want to foot the bill for an EOD response to your cache.

20.7k · January 27, 2004

My $.02, pipe style containers always look suspicious. ...

Again, location is the key. A PVC pipe in the middle of the woods does not look like a bomb. Especially when it is covered in bark and hidden with three other logs.

January 27, 2004

I once made a bomb with a pop bottle ice and water is that suspicios?

Really I get it, all efforts will be takin to NOT make a 4 foot diamiter pipe look like a bomb, even if I have to attach fuzzy bunny slippers to it and a pink ballon.

But seriously I have come up with some ideas for stuff that will not look too suspicious.

And yes I can really make a bomb out of ice and water.

Edited January 27, 2004 by Megamog

January 27, 2004

I've used PVC pipe with screw on ends for caches. They're designed to be water-tight, so they can be very hard to open. What I did to combat this was to sand down the treads of the cap and pipe. Then I add a dab of lithium grease (only a little, as not to get on the hands of a cacher) to make it more smooth.

Then I glue one end shut, and put arrows on the outside instructing the finder to open this end. I also mark it with geocaching.com to make it look less bomb-like.

January 27, 2004

I'm hot on pill bottles right now, the come in several usable sizes, paint well and are waterproof.

But ammo cans are, well, the bomb!

38.2k · January 28, 2004

ut seriously I have come up with some ideas for stuff that will not look too suspicious.

It's not a bad idea to use the PVC pipes for a cache container. Just don't place them near playgrounds, or areas that get heavy traffic. 3 miles into the woods in the middle a nowhere is fine. In a park, next to a bridge, nah.

One thing though, I went to Home Depot and looked at PVC pipe. Turned out that it would have cost me about $15 - $20 to make a container for a cache out of PVC parts. Am I missing something? Why would someone spend so much, when an ammo box is under $4?

1.6k · January 28, 2004

Somebody mentioned pop bottle preforms. You can buy them in bulk packages of thirty here.

1.7k · January 28, 2004

I'm hot on pill bottles right now, the come in several usable sizes, paint well and are waterproof.

But ammo cans are, well, the bomb!

I've found 2 pill bottle caches.

Both had wet logs.

It may depend on the cap type, but the "normal" caps (push down to open) are not water tight.

2k · January 28, 2004

...
One thing though, I went to Home Depot and looked at PVC pipe. Turned out that it would have cost me about $15 - $20 to make a container for a cache out of PVC parts. Am I missing something? Why would someone spend so much, when an ammo box is under $4?

Using test plugs and salvaged pipe reduces the cost

Test plug $1.95 to $3.95 depending on size, slip plug $0.25 $0.75. You can usually pick up large diameter PVC cut off's in the trash around landscape projects, ask permission first. Still not much cheaper than an ammo can I agree but a PVC cache might "fit" the hide better than an ammo can.

Test Plug:

These will not sieze.

January 28, 2004

Slightly off topic I found a cache in North Carolina(MT Airy Area) that was a "coffee can" inside of a slightly larger container (maybe a 3 gallon container of sheet rock joint compound". The tricky part was that the exterior of the larger container was covered in self expanding foam ("Great Stuff") and shaped and painted to look like a tree stump. A Container in a container may solve the pipe bomb issue.

2.3k · January 28, 2004

Somebody mentioned pop bottle preforms. You can buy them in bulk packages of thirty here.

Thanks for the info!

January 28, 2004

Don't know why you guys are getting riped off but the pvc pipe equipment I lookled at will cost about $20 and would probably make atleast 7-10 caches if I went with just a regular pipe type deal.

I am actually making some shapes with them will post a pic soon

January 29, 2004

Used a welding rod container to hide my cache. Measures 3" x 14", threaded cap with an airtight o-ring seal, and about $6 bucks each. Last ones I bought even had a hook to carry them on your belt. Covered mine with camo tape or you could paint it.

January 30, 2004

That camo tape is real cool, but I have one of these welding rod cases and while they are great for keeping moister out they are in no way water proof. Becarful of where you place this one and probably should check on it.

3.9k · January 30, 2004

ut seriously I have come up with some ideas for stuff that will not look too suspicious.

It's not a bad idea to use the PVC pipes for a cache container. Just don't place them near playgrounds, or areas that get heavy traffic. 3 miles into the woods in the middle a nowhere is fine. In a park, next to a bridge, nah.

One thing though, I went to Home Depot and looked at PVC pipe. Turned out that it would have cost me about $15 - $20 to make a container for a cache out of PVC parts. Am I missing something? Why would someone spend so much, when an ammo box is under $4?

I have an urban type cache that i made look like a plumbing vent. Hasn't fooled anyone though.

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