Improve Hinges on Plastic Toolboxes
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Improve Hinges on Plastic Toolboxes
Molded plastic toolcases and toolboxes are handy, but their snap together hinges sometimes come unhinged. I have one such toolbox that would unhinge each time I opened the lid. See the second photo. Getting the hinge parts back together usually requires two hands and is an annoyance. This Instructable shows my solution to the problem.
Drill Holes in the Case
Drill a small diameter hole above and below each hinge nearest to the outside edge of the toolcase or toolbox. Some plastic toolboxes have more than two hinges, but if this modification is made to those hinges nearest to the hinges farthest left and farthest right, that will be sufficient.
On many toolboxes and toolcases there is room between the hinge and part of the box to pass a wire. This makes for a tighter reinforcement of the hinge and means only one hole must be drilled. See step 7.
Tools
On many toolboxes and toolcases there is room between the hinge and part of the box to pass a wire. This makes for a tighter reinforcement of the hinge and means only one hole must be drilled. See step 7.
Tools
- Needlenose pliers and wire cutter
- Drill and small bit
- Thin steel wire about 22 gauge
Push Wire Through the First Hole
Open the case and push the wire through one of the holes from the inside.
Push the Wire Through the Other Hole
Make a "C" bend in the wire and push the end through the other hole. Do this for both hinges.
Cut the Wire
Leave the wire ends a little long. Cut the wire.
Begin to Twist the Wire
Make a twist in the two wire ends, but leave the twist away from the hinge. Open and close the case to make certain the lid moves freely without the wire binding or becoming tight. Move the twist if necessary.
Finish Twisting
Finish twisting the wire ends together. Bend the twisted ends over to keep them out of the way as much as possible. Try to make the ends so they will not scratch hands or stab fingers.
When finished, the wire loops should be tight enough that the hinges cannot unhinge, but loose enough that the lid of the toolcase or toolbox has free movement. These wire loops will make your toolcases and toolboxes much easier and less frustrating to use.
When finished, the wire loops should be tight enough that the hinges cannot unhinge, but loose enough that the lid of the toolcase or toolbox has free movement. These wire loops will make your toolcases and toolboxes much easier and less frustrating to use.
One Hole, Tighter Wrap
If there is space between the hinge frame and one half of the toolbox, drilling one hole only and wrapping the wire more tightly around the hinge and its pin is ideal. This is another toolbox than the one shown in the introduction. It was very bad about unhinging every time I opened it. There was space to wrap the wire more tightly around the hinge. Now the hinges work just fine.