Leather Case for Altoid Tin Kits

Need a belt case for your favorite Altoid kit? Maybe it is a survival kit, first aid kit, a box of mints, or my own Gamer Altioid Kit. Always keep it handy with this belt pouch.

This is a basic level project using common household tools and tools an entry level hobbyist should have or reasonably get.

Tools: as pictured, top to bottom, left to right

Hammer

Hammering board (to protect table tops)

Cardboard or cutting board (to protect table tops)

Scissors

Hole punch (wheel version optional, but it is easier)

Black fine point Sharpie

Several small binder clips

Snap setter

Single hole punch

Rivet anvil

Rivet setter

Sharp knife

Nipping pliers (to remove rivets that do not set properly)

Ruler

Leather, 4 oz. any color. (Not pictured) Large enough to cut out a 7 x 9 inch main block and a 2 x 3.5 inch belt loop.

9 Small Steel Double Cap Rivets (I used black but there are other options) plus spares.

One snap. (I used a Line 24 Nickel Free snap, but a size smaller may be a better option)

Download the attached Altoid Tin Case.PDF

Print.

Cut out.

Cut out main block. Two methods:

1. Trace the pattern on the leather and cut it out with scissors.

2. Place the pattern on the leather and *carefully* use a ruler and knife to cut the leather.

Once the main block is cut, use the binder clips to attach the pattern to the leather. Use the circles on the pattern to punch out the holes accurately. The wheel punch is easiest for the holes it will reach. The single hole punch is easier for the interior holes. Use the wood board to protect work surfaces when using the single hole punch.

Repeat procedure for the belt loop section.

Use 3 rivets to attach the belt loop to the main block. The two halves of the rivets will "snap" together and hold everything in place.

Note that the piece of leather used for the belt loop appears to be too long. This is on purpose. There will be some tightening when the case is folded later while still leaving room for a belt to pass through.

Place the rivet anvil on top of the wood board. Place the assembly on the board as well, with one rivet on the anvil.

Use the rivet setter and hammer to set the rivet.

Move anvil to other 2 rivets in turn and set them as well.

Put the pieces of the snap in the correct holes. Make sure they are facing the correct direction in the correct hole. The bottom of the snap should be at the widest end of the block, facing up. The top of the snap should be at the narrower end of the block, facing down.

Use the snap setter and hammer to set these.

Wrap the leather around an Altoid tin to get an idea what the finished product looks like. Decide how the rivets attaching the side to the back should be placed. The side pieces can be fastened to the back behind the back of the case, or inside the case. There is a cosmetic difference when the pouch is complete, but there should not be a functional difference. (I put the side rivet holes inside the case, but that is just my preference.)

One side of the case at a time, set 3 rivets in the the 3 side holes and the corresponding holes in the back. (Sorry, I should have taken more pictures here.) "Snap" the two halves together. They will stay in place and help form the pouch. Set the anvil inside the case under each rivet, one at a time, and set the rivet with the rivet setter and hammer.

Do the same thing to the other side.

Put the Altoid tin inside and snap it shut. You are now ready to go anywhere with your kit.

There are several modifications possible to this design. Personalize yours as desired.