Postbox From an Ammunition Container

Stephen Taylor
by Stephen Taylor
2 Hours
Easy
I am currently away at sea, so my opportunities to make stuff are limited.
However we're not going to let a little thing like no access to shops etc stop us are we?
So using stuff I found onboard I have constructed a post box, fortunately I have a fully equipped machine shop on the Sleek Grey Car Ferry of Death, so that helps
Materials


An Ammunition Box (we have lots of these hanging around but they can be bought from Army Surplus Stores)
Grinder with cutting wheel
Drill and bits
File
2 x M12 bolts 50mm long
3 x M12 nuts
2 x Large washers
Small padlock
Construction
First I got my ammunition box and using a grinder and cutting wheel cut a slot as shown.
The original idea was to cut this shape and bend up the "flap" as a letterbox hole, but quite frankly it looked a bit crap so...............................
I ended up cutting out a complete triangle instead (see finished item)
Securing the lid
I drilled a hole both short sides through the centre slot of the closing handles
On the side I want to open I fitted an M12 bolt which I had filed flats on the thread and drilled a hole for the padlock
On the non opening side I bolted an M12 straight through to secure the lid, the pivot action of the closing handle allows this to move to open the box, I used a washer inside the box and one under the handle to spread load


Finishing
It just needs a bit of paint (if I can liberate some from one of the armoured vehicles down stairs!) a mounting pole from the diy shop and a padlock and it's done!
And when I get home I can install it (probably much to my wife's disgust!!!!!)
So that's it - a nice easy job for your local gun nut
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3 of 8 comments
  • Stephen Taylor Stephen Taylor on Aug 11, 2017

    Thanks (I think!) :-)


  • Barbara Knott Speidel Barbara Knott Speidel on Aug 11, 2017

    What a wonderful project! So creative of you to look at the ammo box and realize you can make it into a secure mailbox. I have spent hours this week trying to find a new mailbox. You have a wonderful gift......you can "think outside the box" and envision what it will become. Your new mailbox is super! Kudos!


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