Adapt and Improvise; Shotgun Shell matchbox

These matchboxes are really simple to make and are great for keeping small items safe and if you can get a tight enough fit between the lid and the container they are waterproof too.

First select some cartridges which have a high brass base, these make better lids. You will need to heat them until you can pull the base off. Make sure you don't allow the plastic case to actually begin to melt away or burn as that will make the next step harder. 

Now pull the base off, use pliers so you don't burn your fingers you need to aim for a result like the one on the right in the picture below.

If there is plastic left in the brass base it wont fit tightly as the lid of the matchbox and it will be very tricky to remove the remaining plastic. 

Next select a cartridge that will form the body of the matchbox, it's not as important that the brass base is as high on this part of the matchbox. Cut the crimped portion from the top of the cartridge so that the lid you have just made will fit tightly. 

 

The last thing you need to do is fill it with matches, fish hooks, potassium permangenate or whatever other survival gizmo you want to keep safe and dry.

Geoff