This modification replaced the three door hinges with a piano hinge and the three hasps with fold over the edge hasps. (Side note: These hasps were difficult to find and were much more expensive than regular hasps.) The back piano hinge was secured to the inside of the chest so no screw fastners are exposed. The fold over hasps also cover the fastener hardware giving the storage chest a more professional look while making it more secure. Increased security made it worth the extra time and monies required to find and purchase these hasps.
Prior to this modification, the screw fastners could be removed from the three hinges or the three hasps allowing easy access to the contents in the box. But after this modification there are no exposed screws, making it harder to get into the box.
The storage chest was constructed from left over parts therefore costs for this project were minuminal and came mainly from the hardware items.
Materials List
Framing Materials
2 - 1"x1"x36".
2 - 1"x1"x33-3/4".
2 - 1"x1"x12".
2 - 1"x1"x10-1/2".
2 - 1"x1"x11".
Compartment Divider Materials
2 - 1x10's cut to 12" long. (Note: actual size is 7/8"x9-5/8")
2 - 1/2"x1/2"x5-1/4". Used to keep one of the second section tops in place.
2 - 1/2"x1/2"x6-5/8". Used to keep the other second section top in place.
1 - 7/16"x1"x10". Used to keep the first section top in place.
2 - 1/2"x1/2"x8-5/8". Used to keep the first section top in place.
Plywood Materials
1 - 3/8"x12-5/8"x36" 3 ply. Lid or Top.
2 - 1/4"x12"x36" 3 ply. Front and Back.
2 - 1/4"x12"x12" 3 ply. Sides.
1 - 1/4"x12"x36" 3 ply. Bottom.
1 - 1/4"x5-1/4"x12" 3 ply. Inner top to second storage section.
1 - 1/4"x6-5/8"x12" 3 ply. Inner top to second storage section.
1 - 1/4"x4"x12" 3 ply. Inner top to first storage section.
Hardware Materials
3 - Corner Hasps and fasteners.
1 - 2"x36" Piano Hinge and fasteners.
2 - Handles and fasteners.
After cutting the 1"x1" pieces, assemble the frame by gluing pieces together and allow to dry. This is the framework for the 12"x12"x36" storage chest. Cut the front and back pieces from the 1/4" plywood, then nail and glue to the framework. Cut the sides from the same plywood, then nail and glue the pieces to the framework. Do the same for the bottom piece. This forms the shell for the storage chest.
Glue the dividers in place along with the 2 pieces used to support the inner top first section top. Cut the inner top plywood pieces from 1/4" plywood. Cut the guides for the inner tops and attach with brads.
Cut the storage chest lid from the 3/8" plywood. Attach the 36" piano hinge inside the lid and the back framework. The storage chest was finished with white paint in the inside and redwood stain on the outside. Attach the hasps and the handles.
This project is quite useful. It provides much needed organized storage space and doubles as a transportation container for our rocketry equipment and supplies. It sure is nice to have site storage too and the rocket storage chest serves that purpose also.
